Alpharetta Arts Streetfest Brings Artists to Downtown

In just a few more weeks, artists will converge on downtown Alpharetta for the upcoming Arts Streetfest. The two-day festival will take place form 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, April 16-17, on Milton in the Alpharetta Historic District.

 The roadway paintings, mixed media, photography, pottery and jewelry, as well as textiles, glass, wood, metal and paper art.

 The 87 artists to be featured in the seventh annual Alpharetta Arts Streetfest were selected by a jury comprised of local art professionals, according to Kim Dodson, Alpharetta's Special Events manager.  Artists will be coming from New Jersey, Ohio and Texas, and local artists in Georgia, Florida and the Carolinas will be in attendance as well. Visitors to Alpharetta's downtown can stroll the outdoor galleries, meet the artists and take home a piece of original art.

“I am proud to say that the show has become one of the most anticipated yearly events in Alpharetta,” said Mayor Arthur Letchas.  “Our community welcomes the artists and we look forward to celebrating their unique talents and creative work."

The Art in Action Area, sponsored by the city in partnership with “Out of the Box Art Studio,” will offer a free creative outlet for young artists of all ages. Budding artists can create their own artistic creations by getting hands in the mud with a clay tile sculpture with colorful glazes.

The children’s area will feature Going Green crafts and activities. Alpharetta's environmental coordinator will show the young at heart how to make a variety of environmental crafts. More opportunities for creative exploration include balloon art, ceramic art, face painting and wacky hair designs.

While the weekend focuses on the visual arts, organizers haven't forgotten your ears. Arts Streetfest will include live jazz, Americana, folk and classic rock. In addition, the main stage will feature cultural dancing, including salsa and Irish dancing.

There's no need to leave the event to find lunch or dinner. Festival cuisine will include barbecue from Smokejack: A Southern Grill, The Coffee Pot, Italian favorites from Carmine’s Restaurant & Pizzeria, Element Coffee, Jilly’s Cupcakery, Repicci’s Italian Ice & Gelato, Community Coffee, and additional street fare such as fresh squeezed lemonade and roasted almonds.

Parking is available at City Hall, Milton Center (the old Milton High School) and the city's downtown parking lots. Downtown shops and restaurants will offer specials and extended business hours during the festival.

For more event information or to catch a visual preview of the 2011 Alpharetta Arts Streetfest artists, visit www.alpharetta.ga.us. Admission and parking are free to the public.