Miami, Florida, United States - 01-25-2023 (PR Distribution™) -

Since 1963, This Festival Has Made an Impact on Artists, Patrons, and Collectors Alike

As one of the Top Five Outdoor Art Festivals in the nation, it’s no wonder that The Coconut Grove Arts Festival (CGAF) keeps getting better with each passing year. For the 59th installment, the board has pledged to stay true to its heritage while embracing the new, asking fans to consider a different kind of hue, the motif in focus for 2023.  Featuring 285 world-class artists of diverse categories, the impact this festival has had on patrons and artists alike with the addition of two new cooperative efforts will give momentum to emerging artists and young collectors toward a path of forward-looking progress.

Close to 1,000 artists covering 12 different mediums applied to partake in the 2023 show. A jury comprised of five artists, and industry veterans spent several weeks “blind” judging each category. They weren’t aware of the location, ethnicity, or race of any artist who applied. In the end, 285 provided prodigious pieces of merit to either come back or showcase for the first time at the festival. “This is a highly curated show. The reach, talent, and expression of this show go far beyond the surface. A lot of these artists express messages through their pieces, and it makes us proud to know that long after the festival has ended, their works of art continue to speak volumes,” said Camille Marchese, Executive Director for the CGAF. 

That was the case with wildlife artist Anne E. London, who ten years ago presented her paintings and caught the eye of Ron Magill from Zoo Miami. Since then, she has presented her work at zoo fundraisers, opened a 501C3, and helped 20,000 kids in eight countries. “That one exhibit had a ripple effect, in a good way for the environment and global education,” added Marchese who says that A.E. London will be back this year with her eye-catching drawings and graphics. The same could be said for last year’s Best of Show Winner, international humanitarian photographer and fine artist, Lisa Kristine. She caught everyone’s eye with her pictures of Africa, and in the 2023 show, she will honor us once again. Sir Richard Branson once said that her “images takes us behind the veil to respect human dignity for those from every walk of life, upholding the precepts of equality, belonging, and purpose.”

To maximize their ability and make an impact on the younger generation, CGAF will add two very exciting features to the festival. Their Emerging Artist Program has been revamped and modeled after the most successful programs in the country. This program will ask artists to serve as mentors during the three-day festival, thereby giving up-and-coming artists the ability to see how they work and ultimately prove that they can make a living selling art. The Young Collector’s Club will encourage children to catch the art fever, cultivating a new generation of art buyers. Children 12 and under will be able to purchase a piece of original art for $5 or $10. This area will be off limits to parents allowing children to truly collect something that speaks to them without any outside influence. “Being able to purchase your first piece of original art is a special experience. We want to encourage lifelong collecting.  Hopefully, some of those kids will come to the 70th festival to buy pieces for their homes,” said Monty Trainer, CGAF president, and CEO. 

Due to last year’s success, the following festival activations will be making a comeback:

• The Stacks – A giant pyramid of six shipping containers that will be painted live throughout the weekend by some of South Florida’s top muralists and artists, while DJs perform live.
• Kitchen Combat – Top chefs battle it out with each other for the Best of Competition.
• The Inner Artist – It’s where people of all ages can create their own art and encounter unique and immersive mediums that guests can take home for FREE.
• VIP Collectors’ Club –The oasis within festival grounds offering complimentary cocktails and bites, an art concierge, and private restrooms - all nestled in air-conditioned comfort.

Tickets are currently on sale at www.CGAF.com and start at $20.  Special offers on tickets are periodically posted via Instagram @coconutgroveartsfestival. 

WHEN:                             

Saturday, February 18: 10 AM – 6 PM

Sunday, February 19: 10 AM – 6 PM

Monday, February 20: 10 AM – 5 PM 

WHERE:                   

2700 S. Bayshore Drive, Miami, FL 33133 

ABOUT CGAF:

The Coconut Grove Arts Festival is not just about art; it’s also the social event of the year. Over 80,000 attendees from across the region pass through the gates of The Coconut Grove Arts Festival to experience one of the nation’s top outdoor, fine-arts festivals that dates to 1963. This iconic South Florida event presents 285 internationally recognized artists who were selected during a blind-jury process based solely on artistic merit. The jury panel is comprised of collectors, influencers, and educators in the local arts community. Original pieces are displayed in the following categories: mixed media, painting, photography, digital art, printmaking & drawing, watercolor, ceramics, glass, fiber, jewelry & metalwork, sculpture, and wood. It offers culinary experiences and has featured celebrity chefs including Giorgio Rapicavoli, Ralph Pagano, and Allen Susser. The festival has been honored to have some of the world’s premier artists officially create the commemorative poster, including Romero Britto, Guy Harvey, Clyde Butcher, Maria Reyes Jones, Jacqueline Roch, Xavier Cortada, Rick Garcia, Lisa Remeny, and Alexander Mijares to name a few. The festival is operated by the 501(c)(3) Coconut Grove Arts & Historical Association and produced by EngageLive, LLC. Proceeds go towards funding year-round arts programs and scholarships benefitting 20 graduating seniors from local public magnet arts high schools each year. The association also maintains the Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery and presents special exhibitions throughout the year at Mayfair in the Grove.

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