The American Fine Arts Festival is a unique and gregarious event that takes place every September in downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma. This festival’s origins lie in the city’s local art scene.
The American Fine Arts Festival (AFAF) is one of the largest outdoor art festivals held annually in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It features more than 200 artists from all over the United States exhibiting their art in various mediums such as painting, photography, sculpture, and other visual arts.
Besides featuring hundreds of visual artists annually, AFAR has numerous attractions to keep visitors entertained throughout the weekend. There are live music performances throughout the festival grounds, classic car shows with activities for kids and adults alike, hands-on, creative workshops for visitors of all ages, and many other activities that make this event stand out from other art festivals.
History of the American Fine Art Festival
The first American Fine Arts Festival was held in the year 2000. During that decade, the local art scene in Tulsa, Oklahoma, grew considerably and became accessible to the general public. This event was conceived as a way to bring together the city’s artists and art lovers and share the art scene with the general public.
The festival has become a very popular event in Tulsa, attracting thousands of visitors and people of all ages. More than 200 artists participate in the event and display their artwork in various mediums such as painting, photography, pottery, jewelry, and sculpture. Besides featuring many local artists, this festival also includes internationally renowned artists such as Andy Warhol and the Brandywine School.
Ticket and Location Information
The American Fine Arts Festival is free to attend. The event takes place at Expo Square, a public art venue in downtown Tulsa. There are parking spaces available in the surrounding areas for a small fee. The venue is easily accessible by foot, car, and public transportation. The venue’s location is as follows: Expo Square, 111 W. Commerce Street, Tulsa, OK 74103.
Please note that the event hours vary yearly depending on the weather conditions. Generally, the event opens at 10:00 am on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and closes an hour before sundown. During certain hours of the festival, there are scheduled live music performances on the main stage at the center of the event grounds.
There are no entrance fees to attend the festival. However, visitors can donate at the festival’s entrance and purchase art from the artists. As a gift to its visitors during the festival, the organizers made all art pieces under $100.
Activities and Attractions at AFAF
Many activities can be enjoyed at the festival every year.
The highlights are listed below:
Art Gallery: The art gallery at the festival showcases the work of a number of renowned and emerging artists. The selection of art pieces is diverse and features paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photographs, and many other visual art forms. Visitors can meet and interact with the artists inside the gallery.
Live Music: The festival features live performances by local and regional musicians. The genres played at the festival include country and folk, rock, jazz, and blues. There are events for all age groups and tastes. There are activities for kids too, like the magician and bubble show.
Food and Drinks: Visitors can enjoy the food truck festival and beverage garden the festival organizers organize.
Art Workshops: The festival also hosts hands-on creativity workshops for children and adults.
Tips for Visiting AFAF
The American Fine Arts Festival is a very family-friendly and social event. It is highly recommended that you bring your whole family. Here are a few tips that might come in handy during your visit.
– Wear Comfortable Shoes: You will walk a lot during the festival, so it is better to wear comfortable shoes. This will allow you to enjoy the festival more and spend less time worrying about your footwear.
– Bring Sunscreen and a Hat: The festival takes place during the fall season. Besides being tinged with beautiful colors, fall is also known for its unpredictable weather. Make sure you bring sunscreen and a hat to shield you from the sun and any unexpected weather conditions.
– Bring Your Friends and Family: The American Fine Arts Festival is a social event bringing together people from all walks of life. Make sure you bring your friends and family members along with you. This will allow you to enjoy the event and make new friends.
– Don’t Forget your Camera: The art festival is a perfect opportunity to hone your photography skills or to learn them if you’re a beginner. The event features many exciting pieces of art that are worth photographing. Be sure to bring your camera with you to the event.
Final Words
The American Fine Arts Festival is one of the unique art festivals in the United States. If you are a fan of visual arts and want to attend an event that is not like any other, the American Fine Arts Festival is the one for you. The festival is held annually in the fall and can be easily accessed by car or public transportation.
It features a rich selection of renowned and emerging artists’ art pieces, live music performances, unique activities for all age groups, and hands-on workshops for adults and children. With all these attractions, the American Fine Arts Festival is a one-of-a-kind event that can’t be missed.
