Downtown Festival and Art Show
Celebrating its 29th anniversary in 2010, the Downtown Festival & Art Show is one of the nation’s premier outdoor fine arts festivals. The streets of historic downtown Gainesville, from City Hall to the Hippodrome State Theatre, will be transformed into a celebration of art and creativity on Saturday, November 6 and Sunday, November 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. An outdoor “street festival,” the art show attracts more than 100,000 attendees annually to view the works of over 250 of the nation’s most talented artists as they display their original oils and acrylics, vibrant watercolors, unique sculptures, dazzling jewelry, decorative ceramics and stunning photography. Artisans will compete for more than $18,000 in cash prizes and purchase awards. The Downtown Festival & Art Show is Gainesville’s most beloved tradition and a nationally recognized event. Since 1996, it has ranked among the top festivals in the nation. Sunshine Artist magazine ranked the Downtown Festival & Art Show no. 27 among the best 200 fine art shows in 2009, and Greg Lawler’s Art Fair SourceBook included the show in its list of the nation’s top 100 fine art festivals. The Festival was also chosen as one of the American Bus Association’s “2009 Top 100 Events in North America“ for group travel. A signature event on the North Florida events calendar, the Arts Festival offers visitors the opportunity to meet the exhibiting artists, enjoy three stages of continuous live music and performances, create art with the kids at the "Imagination Station,” feast on foods from around the world and get a head start on your holiday shopping. The Downtown Festival and Art Show is proudly produced by the City of Gainesville's Division of Cultural Affairs. More information...
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Downtown Countdown New Year's Eve Celebration
The City of Gainesville’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs will host Downtown Countdown, a New Year’s Eve celebration concert at the Bo Diddley Community Plaza. More information. . . |
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The Hoggetowne Medieval Faire
H ave you ever wondered what it was like in Medieval days when knights rode to defend the honor of their King and Queen and villagers filled the streets of bustling medieval marketplaces as they went about their day? The Hoggetowne Medieval Faire is your chance to find out! Whether you’re a returning visitor or discovering the magic of Hoggetowne for the first time, you’re guaranteed to enjoy yourself at this celebration of Medieval times. The entertainment never ceases as jugglers, magicians and a colorful cast of characters fill visitors with laughter and amazement. Watch as royal knights joust on horseback and human chess pieces battle for a win on the Living Chessboard. Indulge your appetite with delicacies fit for a King at the Food Court, and enjoy your day wandering through the marketplace filled with the wares of 150 skilled artisans selling and demonstrating their time-honored arts and crafts of the Middle Ages. Continually recognized as one of North Central Florida’s most anticipated festivals, the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire has attracted thousands of fairgoers for over 20 years. This year, experience the Middle Ages, and find out what all the excitement is about.
More information...
Photos by Nancy Bogen
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Let's Go Downtown “Free Fridays” Plaza Series
From May to October, the Downtown Community Plaza comes alive every Friday night from 8-10 pm as our local and regional bands and performing artsare showcased under the stars. Hundreds come out to enjoy the free live concerts and shows in a family friendly environment. The Plaza is located on the corner of SE 1st St.and E. University Ave. in historic downtown. So grab your blanket and lawn chair and plan to be downtown this Friday night! Plaza Series Schedule |
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Salvador Dali, "Hatikvah" ("Hope"), 1967,
lithograph 237/250, loaned from
the Hirsch Collection.
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Thomas Center Galleries
On behalf of the City of Gainesville Department of Parks, Recreation
and Cultural Affairs, we would like to thank the Alachua County
citizens for supporting the Wild Spaces Public Places ballot initiative.
The historic Thomas Center for the Arts has received a new functional
roof, paint makeover and flooring replacement. The building’s
renovations have preserved the community’s unique cultural landmark
so that visitors may enjoy the facility’s rich history, diverse art, serene
gardens, theatre performances and special events.
During these challenging economic times, funding resources have
diminished for the arts at all levels. Our collaborative relationships with
schools, organizations, businesses, collectors, patrons and artists enable us
to stretch our limited resources in order to provide quality programming.
As 2010 marks the Thomas Center’s 100th anniversary, we are pleased to
introduce a dynamic 2009-2010 exhibition and event schedule.
As always, we look forward to seeing new faces and returning friends.
Erin Friedberg,
Visual Arts Coordinator
2009-2010 Exhibition Schedule |
The Thomas Center Galleries are free and open to the public. We are located at 302 NE 6th Ave. in the historical Duckpond neighborhood of Gainesville. Gallery hours are Monday, Wednesday-Friday from 8 AM - 5 PM, Tuesday from 8 AM - 7 PM and Saturday from 1 - 4 PM. We are closed Sundays and for observed holidays.
For further information, please call (352) 393-8532.
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Heart of Florida Asian Festival
A Celebration of
Asian Cultural Arts including Music, Thai Elvis,Japanese Shamisen and Taiko Drumming, Dance,Acrobatics, Martial Arts, Kimono Fashion Show, Asian Cuisine and More. More information... |
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