Visitors to the annual ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival have come to expect the unexpected. From emerging artists to new mediums to innovative art-themed features, ArtiGras has earned its reputation as one of the top fine arts festivals in the nation.
This year’s festival will once again break new ground with the first Haitian-American artist chosen as the event’s poster artist. West Palm Beach resident Tracy Guiteau brings her Haitian heritage into her art, filled with vibrant colors and female imagery. “Strong women are the anchor in Haitian culture,” she says. “I’m happy to be the face for Haitian culture. We don’t have much representation.”
Look closely at Guiteau’s work and you’ll notice something else woven into her art: words. “I started hiding words in the pieces,” explains Guiteau, adding that she doesn’t know what the words will be until she begins creating the art. Even without words, her art always conveys a message. The piece she created for this year’s event poster, for example, reminds people to be more selective in their thinking and turn to the positive despite challenging times.
In 2019, the innovative artist was handpicked by pro tennis player Naomi Osaka and basketball star LeBron James’ digital media company for an art collaboration during Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. And her work has been shown at prestigious events like Art Basel Miami. Despite her success, Guiteau remains humble. “I just want to lay a blueprint for anyone who wants to create art on their own,” she says. “Focus on your passion, be consistent, and good things will come.”
This year’s ArtiGras also brings a new genre of art to the festival: The Culinary Arts Studio will feature the art of food and celebrate creativity in the kitchen. There will be a full kitchen on site, where event-goers can enjoy live cooking demonstrations and taste signature dishes from local chefs, including Chef Boris Seymore of BDS Catering and Productions. “I studied the art of food, became knowledgeable of food pairings, flavors, and seasonings, and found an appreciation for a diverse palate of cuisine,” says Seymore. Known for his creative and delicious menus, he cooks with a flair for flavor—and a generous helping of humor.
In addition to new artists and the new Culinary Arts Studio, ArtiGras will showcase a juried exhibition of gallery-quality art from 300 artists, a Youth Art Competition, an ArtiKids Zone, and live entertainment. The festival celebrates its thirty-seventh year and its second at the new location, Gardens North County District Park in Palm Beach Gardens. The two-day event will take place February 19-20 starting at 10 a.m. For tickets ($11/one-day pass) and more info, click here.
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