Nationally Ranked Las Olas Art Fair Kicks Off 2012 Art Festival Season In South Florida

Online, December 27, 2011 (Newswire.com) - What: 24th Annual Las Olas Art Fair Part I

When: January 7 & 8, Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Where: Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, between SE 6th Avenue and SE 11th Avenue - Navigational address: 600 East Las Olas Boulevard, Ft. Lauderdale, Fl 33301

Why: To Support the Arts and the Las Olas Association and the Local Community

Admission: Free and open to the public

Website: www.artfestival.com

Contact Information: [email protected] or 561-746-6615

Facebook: Howard Alan Events

Twitter: @ArtFestivals

This highly anticipated South Florida tradition regarded as one of the top events in America is the first show of 2012 and kicks off the season with new and familiar faces. Festivalgoers will have the opportunity to explore the work of favorite artists and discover new and emerging talent among the 300 exhibitors scheduled to participate during this two-day event. Partial proceeds from the festival benefit the Las Olas Association. Admission is free and open to the public.

A vast array of original handmade art, priced to suit all budgets, will be on display and for sale during this two-day art extravaganza. The artistic media represented include paintings, life size sculptures, photography, glass, wood, jewelry, collage and ceramics with prices ranging from $25 hand-designed earrings to $30,000 metal sculptures. Art enthusiasts will be engaged and intrigued by the eclectic mix of art that will transform Las Olas Boulevard into an outdoor gallery.

"Our festivals on Las Olas are among the most popular outdoor art events in South Florida," says festival promoter Howard Alan. "The Las Olas Art Fairs bring together the leading artists in the country with their finest work and practically every medium is represented making for a truly diverse exhibit which is ideal for collectors and art enthusiasts."

Among the artists debuting new work at the festival this year is abstract artist Scott Menaul from Clearwater, Florida. His unique creative process allows him to customize artwork, changing colors, dimensions and composition. "The most exciting artwork, in my opinion, is artwork that compels the viewer to participate in it; that is why I love abstract art," says the artist. Influenced by his interests in math and science Menaul's work combines color, patterns and forms for unique images that never fail to impact the viewer. His new line, the Sail Away Collection, will be on display and available for purchase. To view his online gallery and to learn more about this versatile artist go to www.menaul-art.com.
The artists, juried by an independent panel of expert judges and hand-selected from hundreds of applicants based on quality and diversity, will be on-site during the two-day event available to discuss their art and inspiration. All of their artwork is original and handmade in America.

Part II of this high caliber annual event returns the first weekend in March as part of an exciting Howard Alan Events Spring line up.