The West Palm Beach Art Fair: An Enriching Experience

This week my husband and I ventured out to the West Palm Beach Art Fair which was held at the popular downtown marketplace called "City Place". The art fair is fairly new to the city and it displays art designs ranging from sculptures and photography to glass art, jewelry, clothing and music. The mediterranean architecture of the location gives you the feeling that you are in another country.

As you stroll down the passageway, the booths offer a variety of interesting wares and artistic creations. We saw some really unique sculptures that would easily add a point of interest to any home. The fine quality of merchandise is unbelievable, and there is something for everyone to enjoy

We decided that on this trip we would keep a look out for artwork depicting a floridian or topical scene. As we went through the art displays, it became clear that it would not be an easy task to decide on which piece to purchase. The choices ranged widely in color, size, and theme, making our decision difficult. Another factor affecting our choice was the type of frame to choose. Would it be wood framed? Frameless? Glass? The selections were vast and seemingly endless. In the end, we could not decide and went home empty handed.

We enjoyed watching people haggle over prices, and it is a true art to watch. We heard one vendor annouce to a customer that they were fortunate to come that day because the price had just droppped to 1,500. Can you imagine buying two at that price? Yes, for this couple, it was the deal of the day.

We saw beautiful sculptures and loved the different designs that reflected the artist's creativity. It was almost like being at a museum! Many of the sculptures are quite large and it makes you wonder how they manage to transport the pieces without breaking them.

The Art Fair patrons browse the venue while listening to classical music that enhances the experience. There are many outdoor cafes that offer gourmet cuisine as well as the standard offerings such as pizza. People love to sit at the fountains under the shade, which allows them to relax while sipping on tea or a cup of coffee. The area is frequented by those who enjoy a leisurely stroll while walking their dog.

The sculptures vary and are just as diverse as the artisans who have formed them. The Spanish influence in the area is seen in many of the sculptures. They often portray the Cuban, Aztec or Mayan views of religious belief and culture. It is interesting to see how the colors vibrantly depict animals common to the area as mystical creatures.

If one is in the area, The City Place, West Palm Beach Art Fair is an event well worth the visit. The weather during March is perfect for the open air venue. And the mediterranean market place shops and cafes that border the fair cater to patrons who wish to stop in to browse or shop. It is a an event that offers high-end quality art, but also provides a cultural experience through music, foods and interaction with other patrons.