ARToberFEST 2015
Event Coordinator: Sara Piel, 409. 770.5066;
email: spiel@thegrand.com
Press Contact: Robyn Bushong 409.744.7848;
email: rbush1147@aol.com
18th Annual ARToberFEST Scheduled for October 17-18
In Galveston’s Historic Downtown Cultural Arts District
GALVESTON ISLAND, TEXAS (28 August 2015.) The 18th Annual ARToberFEST brings
historic downtown Galveston alive - in vivid color - the weekend of October 17-18. Considered
the Island’s premier art event, ARToberFEST is held in the heart of Galveston’s Downtown
Cultural Arts District - on Postoffice Street between 21st and 23rd Streets, on Saturday, October
17th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, October 18th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Presented by The Grand 1894 Opera House, ARToberFEST is a juried Fine Arts Festival
showcasing work from over 125 artists from throughout the United States. Jurors for the festival
were represented by several local artists, art festival organizers and The Galveston Arts Center.
The jury process proved to be challenging again this year with a record number of applicants
vying for the limited spaces in the festival.
This year artwork will be presented in thirteen media styles including clay, glass, jewelry,
painting, acrylic, oil, watercolor, pen and ink, photography, digital media, textiles, wood and
metal. All works will be presented in a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by a variety of antique
shops, boutiques, art galleries and restaurants located around the ARToberFEST venue.
New this year is ARToberFEST's collaboration with Clay Cup Studios with organizers creating
a free fun, family outdoor craft area where children can make - and then take home - the items
they "create." This special outdoor craft area will be located at the corner of 22nd and Market
Street - in front of Clay Cup Studios.
The Grand is also pleased to announce their partnership again this year with Clean Galveston’s
Walk-About. Attendees who show their Walk-About tags will each receive one free admission to
the festival.(This offer is valid for Saturday admission only.)
ARToberFEST admission is $5 per person, free for children 12 and under. A portion of
admissions will benefit the Educational Programs of The Grand 1894 Opera House.
ARToberFEST also provides free booth space to local high school and college art classes,
offering students the opportunity to obtain valuable experience in creating, marketing, and
selling their artwork.
For additional information about ARToberFEST, contact festival coordinator Sarah Piel at
409.770.5066, 800.821.1894 or via email at spiel@thegrand.com.
This year's festival coincides with The Grand's season opener - Michael Feinstein Sinatra
Centennial Celebration at 8pm, Saturday evening, October 17th.
For ticket information about performances at The Grand 1894 Opera House and event
information, contact the box office at 409.765.1894, 800.821.1894, or visit The Grand's website
at www.thegrand.com. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Grand 1894
Opera House is located at 2020 Postoffice Street in historic downtown Galveston and recognized
as "The Official Opera House of the State of Texas." All major credit cards accepted.
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Photo Cutline: Historic downtown Galveston comes alive in vivid color when the 18th Annual
ARToberFEST is held in downtown Galveston's Cultural Arts District on Saturday and Sunday,
October 17-18. Festival hours are 10-6, Saturday; 10-5pm, Sunday. This juried arts festival,
sponsored by The Grand 1894 Opera House, features over 125 artists from throughout the United
States. Tickets are $5 per person; free for children 12 and under. For information and to
purchase tickets, contact The Grand's website at www.thegrand.com, or call 409.765.1894 or
800.821.1894. (Photo by Robyn Bushong.)