Festival of the Masters underway at Downtown Disney

The lakeside setting of Downtown Disney is the backdrop for more than 150 artisans displaying original creations during the 33rd annual Festival of the Masters today through Sunday (Nov. 7 to 9, 2008). Festival of the Masters is a nationally recognized art show which is ranked among the country’s best outdoor art festivals each year.

To qualify for Festival of the Masters, artists must have earned a primary award in a juried art festival within the last three years. Prospective exhibitors submit award verification and samples of their art to a jury of art experts who select the participants. This process ensures that visitors to the festival will be treated to one of the finest collections of art in the nation.

Sculpture, jewelry, painting, photography, glass, and digital art are just some of the art genres showcased at this year’s event. Street painters from the Florida Chalk Artists Association will decorate some 6,000 square feet of sidewalk with unique drawings. Youngsters can take in the fun with live music, face painting and interactive kid’s zones.

House of Blues will celebrate the creative spirit of folk art during the 10th annual “Where the Art Meets the Soul” Folk Art Festival at Downtown Disney West Side.

To add an international flair to the festival, Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant will host the works of three artists associated with the Cherrylane Fine Arts Gallery in Delgany, County Wicklow, Ireland.

Festival hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day. Admission is complimentary.