Palo Alto Festival of the Arts Approaching

Where the emphasis is on original fine art and fine crafts, the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce will host this year’s thirty-third annual Palo Alto Festival of the Arts. This festival will showcase the work of 300 artisans, many who will travel from around the country. This unique display of talent and creativity will fill University Avenue, August 23 & 24 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

This venue of original works of art offers a variety of displays from abstract paintings to those of extreme realism; from elegant sculptures in bronze to up-cycled whimsical metal creations; one-of-a-kind functional and decorative ceramic pieces, unique mixed-media wall hangings, macro photographic images and a stunning array of exceptional jewelry hand-crafted by extraordinary artists.

A “must see” this year will be the works of first-time exhibitor, Fredrick Prescott. His animal menagerie of bigger-than-life stainless steel kinetic works of art can be seen at Sculpture Plaza, corner of University and Cowper.

Returning for its’ twelfth year and always a crowd-pleaser, the Italian Street Painting Expo, located on Tasso Street and presented by the Palo Alto Weekly will feature over 60 visual artists creating their temporary chalk masterpieces on asphalt canvases ranging in sizes up to twelve-foot squares. Come both days to enjoy the magic of these paintings coming to life before being washed away after the festival closes Sunday night.

And for kids, Palo Alto’s Youth Community Service, the beneficiary of the Italian Street Painting Expo, will offer budding young artists a chance to create their own chalk paintings in two-foot squares. Also plan to stop by the ever-popular Kids’ Art Studio on Kipling. Palo Alto Parents & Professionals for Art will offer free art activities and provide experienced art instructors to teach young artists how to create treasured works of art of their own.

And no “day at the festival” is complete without sampling a variety of gourmet food paired with refreshing fine wines or microbrews while listening to toe-tappin’ acoustical music at the Webster Stage or enjoying the original tunes being played on the Waverley Stage.

Come and enjoy the Palo Alto Festival of the Arts, sponsored by the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce, University Ave., August 23 & 24, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission and parking are free. For public transit information: www.511.org.

Call (650) 324-3121 or visit www.mlaproductions.com for more information.