First-ever Artexpo Atlanta

Art Business News, August, 2004

ATLANTA--When it comes to the arts, Atlanta is to the Southeast what New York is to the Northeast: the center of it all. So, it comes as no surprise that the annual Artexpo, held each February in New York at the Jacob Javits Center, will also be held in Atlanta September 10-12 at the Georgia World Congress Center.

"The market for fine art in Atlanta, and the Southeast in general, represents a natural complement to the Northeast market currently served by Artexpo New York," says Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin in a letter to Artexpo.

Adding its endorsement is the Georgia World Congress Center, with General Manager John Smith stating, "We're honored and excited to host Artexpo Atlanta in September. We are confident that Artexpo will be a success this fall."

The city is actively supporting the debut of Artexpo Atlanta with street banners, marketing support and logistical assistance, as well as the level of hospitality one might associate with The South.

Artexpo Atlanta, whose theme is "Art For All" will run concurrently with DECOR Expo, and will provide a unique opportunity for art dealers, gallery owners, interior designers and consumers to view and purchase works from an impressive group of artists and publishers in an upscale gallery-like setting. Attendees will also experience Solo[TM], a special section of the show that features original works by emerging artists.

"We consider Artexpo to be a prestigious event that draws closely with key business markets, such as Atlanta's enormous interior design community," says Bill Howard, vice president of marketing, communications and tourism, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Adding to the prestige, a special opening-night gala event to benefit a local charity (to be named later) will be held Sept. 9, from 6 p.m.-9 p.m., providing a special opportunity for gallery owners to not only socialize with suppliers, artists and peers, but to also rub elbows with Atlanta's movers and shakers, including business leaders and local politicians.

Visitors to Atlanta will find it to be a pleasant and exciting travel destination, with the Atlanta Hartsfield Airport offering easy access from major U.S. and international cities and hotel rooms starting at $89.

Dynamic Destination

As our nation's 8th largest city, Atlanta's population of 4.3 million continues to grow in number and affluence, with annual retail sales totaling $65 billion; $3.5 billion represented by sales of furniture, home furnishing, electronics and appliance sales.

Just as Atlanta's population is thriving, so is its arts scene, says the Georgia World Congress Center's John Smith.

"Atlanta has a rich flair for arts and culture," says Smith, "and it shows with its nationally ranked museums and galleries'

Throughout the Atlanta area there are many cultural pockets with much to offer visitors:

* In midtown Atlanta, many outstanding contemporary works and a unique "Art of the South" collection can be found at the High Museum.

* Downtown Atlanta is the location for the Apex African History Museum and the Rialto Center, which hosts many classical performances. Both are located near Georgia State University.

* The Virginia-Highlands neighborhood of Atlanta is an area where many of the city's local artists live and sell their work.

* Near Atlanta's Emory University, visitors will find the Michael C. Carlos Museum, which offers exhibits and readings, and the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, a multicultural arts center with plenty of year-round activities for the public.

The above represents just a sampling of what makes Atlanta an exciting venue for this year's Artexpo.

So mark your calendars now and make plans to exhibit and/or attend Artexpo 2004. For exhibitor and attendee information, please visit www.artexpos.com

Once registered for the 2004 event, mark your 2005 calendars and plan on attending Artexpo 2005, when it returns to New York's Javits Center, March 3-6.

For more information on Artexpo Atlanta, see the "Preview" supplement in this issue.