There’s always something going on in and around Houston, but for those who have an appreciation and love of art, you can officially begin getting excited for the annual Bayou City Art Festival, which is returning in March.
The event, which is produced by Art Colony Association Inc., will have plenty for guests to enjoy, all while benefitting six local nonprofit partners.
Visitors can meander through the outdoor gallery that will take over Sam Houston Park along Allen Parkway. Along the way, they can meet with artists, view original works and purchase one-of-a-kind art, world-class paintings, prints, functional art, sculptures and more.
This year’s featured artist is Karina Llergo, a mixed media artist from Chicago.
Llergo, who was born and raised in Mexico City, said she strives to capture the dynamic energy of the human body and its soulful essence.
“My art is a concise yet rich exploration of the magic within motion and the transformative power of existence,” she said. “I transform figures into fluid entities, incorporating dance, air and water to create an otherworldly likeness. Upon closer inspection, I hope viewers are inspired to generate positive forces in their own lives.”
Guests can view featured one-of-a-kind artwork from Houston-area college art students as part of the Collegiate Art Collective. Those who are featured in the festival are students from participating schools who received the highest scores from an independent panel of jurors.
There will also be an exhibition of student artwork composed of the top 30 finalists from the Middle School Art Competition.
There will be so much to enjoy in addition to the sea of beautiful art. Throughout the grounds will be live entertainment stages, a food truck park, a craft beer and wine garden, beverage stations, an Active Imagination Zone and a Chef’s Culinary Arts stage with tasting experiences that feature local chefs.
All of this is put on yet another year to spread the love of art and to give back to the community. Since the festival’s inception, nearly $4 million raised has gone to local nonprofit programs.
“Giving back to the Houston community is at the core of our mission, while producing Houston’s largest art festival to showcase and enhance the experience of art for all Houstonians,” said Kelly Batterson, executive director of Art Colony Association. “I hope everyone will join us again in downtown Houston as we welcome artists from all over the country.”
The six nonprofits that will benefit from a portion of the festival’s proceeds are:
The event will be held March 23 and 24 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Early bird tickets are available now for $18 for adults. Adult tickets purchased after March 15 will be $20.
All children under the age of 12 are free as part of the Kids Free Program, sponsored by Champion Energy Services. Click or tap here to purchase now.
The ultimate art lover will have the option to purchase a VIP ticket for $75. It includes complimentary light bites, beer, wine and other refreshments, while they enjoy a space under a canopy of trees that will feature roaming musicians, artistic décor, a phone charging station and more. VIPs will receive access to the VIP area from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., as well as VIP parking.
Keep up with the most recent updates by following Bayou City Arts Festival social media: Facebook | Instagram.
For more information, click or tap here.