Every January, more than 50,000 arts lovers from all walks of life gather in beautiful New Smyrna Beach in celebration and support of IMAGES: A Festival of the Arts hosted by the Atlantic Center for the Arts.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla., Jan. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Now in its 47th year, this beloved family-friendly event being held January 27 – 29 invites residents and visitors to enjoy the work of artists in all mediums, including photography, ceramics, metalwork, visual art and more. Located along Riverside Drive, historic Canal Street and picturesque Riverside Park, festival goers can also dive into an immersive program featuring live demonstrations, musical acts, children's art activities and a host of food and beverage offerings.
At the heart of the festival are the 225 jurored artists and a diverse representation of expression that have long cultivated widespread interest in the arts community of the area. From intricate jewelry and woodcarvings to larger-than-life paintings and funky ceramics, festival goers who return year after year are inspired and awed by the creations of the talented artists behind their works. In addition to displaying their work and interacting with attendees, the artists are part of a competition for distinguished awards from IMAGES organizers and judges.
There are also contributions from local student communities, with art exhibits and student bands showcasing the next generation of NSB artists. For those planning to bring the little ones along, Atlantic Center for the Arts hosts a Creative Education Tent with fun art activities for children and parents, including face painting, sparkly temporary tattoos and hands-on projects. The demonstration theme this year educates young artists about Florida's endangered species; projects include sea turtle and manatee puppets and block printing.
Guests can meander through the artist booths around Riverside and Canal before heading to the IMAGES Live! main stage where musical artists keep the entertainment going with diverse styles and genres including folk, jazz, pop, surf rock, brass band and steel drums. For the over-21 crowd, the festival has created an immersive Spirit Garden, where the arts and nature meet creative libations. Round it out by pairing drinks with food from a diverse selection of local vendors at the festival food court.
New Smyrna Beach has long supported and welcomed interest in its ever-growing arts scene, earning the rank among the "100 Best Small Arts Towns in America" for good reason. IMAGES was first hosted in 1977 as a way to catalyze support for the arts in the area, and its mission as a registered charity continues to give back to the creative community today.
Travelers can plan a visit to this signature event by checking out some of NSB's accommodations close to all the action, including B&Bs like Black Dolphin Inn and Victoria 1883 or the oceanfront Salty Mermaid. Also available are plenty of family-friendly condos and hotels, like SpringHill Suites, located beachside right on Flagler Avenue. For more information about planning a trip to this year's IMAGES: A Festival of the Arts, please visit http://www.visitnsbfl.com.
About the New Smyrna Beach Area
The New Smyrna Beach area includes the communities of New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, Oak Hill, Osteen and Port Orange in east Central Florida. New Smyrna Beach is an eclectic mix of old and new; of subtle sophistication and bohemian soul that is as "real" as Florida gets. It occupies a notable place in history as the second oldest city in Florida, site of the largest single attempt at British colonization in the new world. The city's barrier island is recognized worldwide for its incredible surf with Surfer magazine recently touting it one of the "Best Surf Towns in America" and National Geographic magazine including it in its "World's Top 20 Surf Towns."
Accommodations range from charming bed and breakfast inns to family-size condominium units and oceanfront hotels. Natural attractions include 17 miles of sandy beaches from Ponce de Leon Inlet to Canaveral National Seashore and North America's most diverse estuary – the Indian River Lagoon.
Two distinct downtowns along Flagler Avenue and Canal Street and connected via the Waterfront Loop welcome visitors with independent restaurants, unique shops, artisanal coffee shops and art galleries.
For more information, please visit http://www.VisitNSBfl.com or call 386-428-1600. Follow @NewSmyrnaBeach1 on Twitter, Facebook.com/VisitNewSmyrnaBeach or @visitnewsmyrnabeach on Instagram for the latest news. Download the free New Smyrna Beach Mobile App for iPhone and Android to receive this information on-the-go.
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Angela Southard Winther, Pineapple Public Relations, 6786133800, [email protected]
SOURCE IMAGES: A Festival of the Arts
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