The Art Colony Association, Inc. (ACA) will celebrate 45 years of fine art as it spotlights more than 300 artists at the annual Bayou City Art Festival in Downtown Houston, Saturday and Sunday, October 8 – 9, 2016, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. As one of the top ten outdoor fine art festivals in the U.S., the weekend celebration will provide guests with the opportunity to see and purchase unique, custom art under the Downtown Houston skyline. The festival will benefit up to 10 local nonprofits and will feature music, food trucks, beverages, entertainment and a Children’s Creative Zone.

 

“This event has such a deep-rooted legacy in Houston and it’s an honor to once again share this weekend celebration with thousands of supporters, hundreds of artists and local nonprofit partners,” said Bridget Anderson, Executive Director of Art Colony Association. “Thank you to the City of Houston for supporting the downtown festival, which showcases the diversity and spirit of Houston.”

 

Celebrating 45 years since the founding of the Westheimer Art Festival, now known as the Bayou City Art Festival, ACA has provided a venue for over 20,000 artists to showcase their work to thousands of art lovers from all over the world. Every year, a new jury selects participating artists, some new and some returning. This helps create a fresh and different festival year after year. A percentage of proceeds from the event benefits local arts and nonprofit organizations. Sponsors for the 45th Annual Bayou City Art Festival Downtown include Artshound, the City of Houston, Houston Arts Alliance and Stella Artois.

 

“Our longevity is due to the support of our dedicated patrons, sponsors and our juried panel of experts,” said Anderson. “Patron support allows us to give back to nonprofits benefiting the Houston Community. The fine art chosen by the jurors is the main contributing factor for our high attendance during the last 45 years.”

 

This year’s featured artist, Dania Olivares, represents the diverse, eclectic community of all participating artists. Ranging from 3-D art to acrylic on canvas, Olivares’ style is unique and colorful. Olivares is a self-taught mixed-media artist, born in McAllen, Texas and raised in the small town of Diaz Ordaz, Mexico. After earning her Bachelor's Degree in Economics from El Tec de Monterrey, Olivares worked as an economist for eight years. Like many artists, Olivares began her career using recycled materials