What: Celebrating its 46th anniversary in 2009, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival® presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, is one of the nation’s premier outdoor fine Arts Festivals. The Festival attracts more than 150,000 people annually to view the works of over 330 of the finest artists and craftsmen in the world. A signature event of the South Florida cultural calendar, the Arts Festival offers visitors the opportunity to meet with exhibiting artists, sample fine cuisine, enjoy live entertainment and take a walk through history. And for the kids, they too can create their own works of art in our Coconut Grove Bank Kids Creative Corner. Last year approximately 4 million dollars of artwork was sold in three days at the show.

When: The 46th annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida will be held February 14, 15, 16, 2009.

Where: The Festival is held annually in the streets of Coconut Grove, Florida, a charming village within the city of Miami. The Festival is located just south of downtown Miami, adjacent to beautiful Biscayne Bay. It runs along the streets of McFarlane Road, South Bayshore Drive and Pan American Drive.

Festival Hours: The Festival will be held February 14, 15, 16, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

How is the Festival Funded? The Coconut Grove Arts Festiva®l is produced by the Coconut Grove Arts & Historical Association, Inc., a non-profit organization that receives no commission for the sale of artwork. A portion of the proceeds from Festival admissions benefits the Coconut Grove Arts and Historical Association’s Building Fund.

Admission: $7 per person per day. Children 12 and under, Metrorail Golden Passport and Patriot Passport holders are free.

Discount Tickets: 3-day passes are available for $17. Residents of Coconut Grove in the 33133 zip code can enjoy the Festival all three days for only $7 with a 33133 pass (proof of residency required).

COCONUT GROVE ARTS FESTIVAL® PRESENTED BY
BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF FLORIDA
RETURNS FEBRUARY 14-16

A South Florida tradition continues on Presidents’ Day weekend as the Coconut Grove Arts Festival presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida will again transform the streets of Coconut Grove into an artists’ gallery. This year’s 46th annual event will showcase the works of 336 artists from 36 states and 3 countries, February 14-16.

This year’s selection of artists were chosen from more than 1,200 who submitted samples in mixed media, painting, photography, digital art, printmaking & drawing, watercolor, claywork, glass, fiber, jewelry & metalwork, sculpture and wood.

“The Grove has long been an artist’s playground,” said Monty Trainer, president of the Arts Festival, “and each year the Arts Festival brings fresh talent to enjoy its splendor.”

The Art Festival continues to expand its Culinary Pavilion luring visitors to presentations by award-winning chefs who share their knowledge and creativity in the culinary arts. As food continues to evolve into a specialized art form, the festival strives to make a home for South Florida’s award-winning chefs.

While art enthusiasts, collectors and casual observers explore the exhibits, youngsters have the opportunity to create their own works of art at Coconut Grove Bank Kids Creative Corner.

The Arts Festival was recently recognized as the “Top Fine Art Event” in the country by Sunshine Artist Magazine and received five awards from the International Festivals and Events Association.

Each year, the Arts Festival commissions an artist to create an official poster that typically becomes a collector’s item. This year’s poster was produced by South Florida pastel artist, Jacqueline Roch.

The 46th annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival® presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida will be held Presidents’ Day Weekend, February 14-16. Festival hours will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Admission to the Arts Festival is $7 per person, per day. Children 12 and under are free. The Festival is also offering a 3-day pass for $17. Residents of Coconut Grove in the 33133 zip code can enjoy the Festival all three days for only $7 with a specially priced 33133 pass (proof of residency required).

For more information on the Arts Festival, visit www.coconutgroveartsfestival.org. The Festival is produced by the Coconut Grove Art and Historical Association, Inc., a non-profit community organization under the direction of a board of directors and full-time staff. Proceeds from the annual event help to fund year-round arts programs and benefit the Coconut Grove Art and Historical Association, Inc. Building Fund which will be used to create and operate a permanent home in Coconut Grove for the Arts Festival.