The juried festival kicks off this Friday evening with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. at 516 Magnífico Artspace. The exhibit will include one piece of art from every participating artist. It's a good way to browse through the possibilities in preparation for the main event on Saturday and Sunday.
What is the main event exactly? Well, along Central Avenue from Second Street to Sixth Street, dozens and dozens of smokin' Albuquerque artists will be selling some bloody fabulous contemporary art. Collages, photographs, paintings, jewelry, ceramics, sculpture, furniture and lots more will be on sale. Several Downtown artists will be opening up their studios as well. As an added bonus, festival regulations require that kitschy boutique fare in the form of greeting cards, calendars and other mechanically reproduced materials must be limited to a maximum of 20 percent of an artist's booth at any one time.
Go! is about more than just art, though. Live bands will be playing on the Fourth Street Mall, and flamenco and other performers will be strutting their stuff throughout the festival. Beer and wine tasting will also be presented at various businesses and galleries throughout the weekend.
The main draw, of course, will be the fantastic work by some of our best local artists. Stop by 516 Magnífico Artspace and other venues Downtown to pick up a guide, then start filling up the bare walls of your cave with art.
Go! Downtown Albuquerque Arts Festival 2003 kicks off with a gala preview reception on Friday, Sept. 26, from 6 to 9 p.m. at 516 Magnífico Artspace. The main event occurs Saturday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 28, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. along Central from Second through Sixth Streets. 242-8244.
