Art Colony Association Announces Houston's Tony Paraná as Bayou City Art Festival Downtown 2017 Featured Artist
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The Art Colony Association, Inc. (ACA) has announced Bayou City Art Festival Downtown 2017 featured artist is Tony Paraná, a local self-taught mixed media artist originally from Brazil. Paraná along with over 300 artists from around the country and 19 different disciples will showcase their art at Bayou City Art Festival Downtown on Saturday – Sunday, October 14 – 15, 2017.
“We are thrilled to have Tony Paraná as our featured artist and can’t wait to highlight his diverse artwork throughout the city and at Bayou City Art Festival this fall,” said Bridget Anderson, Executive Director of Art Colony Association. “With the help from our amazing sponsors, patrons and supporters, we look forward to having the best outdoor art festival under the Houston skyline.”
"Recycling"
The featured artist for the 2017 Downton festival is inspired by Brazil’s northeastern region known for its rich colors, flavorful foods, beautiful landscapes, electric music and unique Afro-Brazilian traditions. Paraná’s captures his hometown’s community life, architecture, warmth and vibrant atmosphere in his art. He works primarily in oil paintings, mixed media, sculptures and mosaics. In 2007, Paraná arrived to Houston and immediately became involved in the local arts community. He has curated art events featuring spoken word poets, artist talks, live music performances and critique sessions.
Exclusively for Bayou City Art Festival, Paraná unveiled a new piece inspired by Houston that will be the featured artwork for the 2017 Downtown festival. The background consists of the Houston’s iconic buildings blended in with a favela, which Paraná incorporates in his work. He was moved by the blooming landscape, water fountains and children playing at Discovery Green. Inspired by the city and incorporating color, Capoeira and a kite, Paraná is able to combine his signature style and the City of Houston to capture a memorable piece.
"2017 Bayou City Art Festival Downtown Featured Art"
This fall Bayou City Art Festival, a sophisticated gallery, will transform the streets of Downtown into artistic avenues bursting with colors and culture. As one of the top outdoor fine art festivals in the U.S., the weekend festival will provide guests with the opportunity to see and purchase unique, custom art under the iconic Houston skyline. Bayou City Art Festival Downtown will benefit local non-profits and feature music, food trucks, beverages, entertainment, a Children’s Creative Zone and much more.
Celebrating 46 years since the founding of the Westheimer Art Festival, now known as 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.
“Kite”
Online tickets go on sale Wednesday,
June 21, 2017 at www.artcolonyassociation.org.
Tickets online are $12 for adults and $5 for children 6 – 12; children five and under are free. Tickets at the gate are $15 for adults. Also available online are two-day passes for $20 and family passes (two adults, two children tickets) for $30. Discounted tickets for Veterans and Seniors will be available at the gate.
For updates on social media, follow the official event hashtags #HouArtFest and #BCAF, like the Facebook page, or follow on Twitter and Instagram.
About Bayou City Art Festival:
Now entering its 46th year, the Art Colony Association has raised $3.5 million for local non-profit programs through the festivals. A percentage of the proceeds support local art organizations and nonprofits. The Festivals are funded in part by grants from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance, corporate sponsorships, private contributions, in-kind support and volunteer assistance. Volunteer and sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, please visit www.artcolonyassociation.org.