November 19th, 2009 | 
Author: Tempe Festival of the Arts Continues Holiday Shopping Tradition
Shop for holiday gifts and fine art in Tempe (http://www.tempecvb.com), December 4-6, 2009.
Tempe, AZ (Vocus) November 19, 2009 -– November 19, 2009 – More than 250,000 art aficionados are expected at the 41st Annual Fall Tempe Festival of the Arts (http://www.tempefestivalofthearts.com), December 4-6, 2009, in the Mill Avenue District in Tempe, Arizona.
This fall, festival organizers are looking to continue the success of the most recent spring Tempe Festival of the Arts, which garnered the most art sales in event history. In spite of economic conditions, surveys from artists and patrons conducted on-site at the 2009 spring festival, March 27-29, 2009, showed that the event held steady attendance with nearly 250,000 attendees and resulted in the highest-grossing art sales in the history of the event, selling nearly $2.3 million in art. That represents a 26% increase in sales over the previous highest-selling festival.
The Tempe Festival of the Arts (http://www.tempecvb.com/events/2838/) is the largest event of its kind in Arizona. It attracts 38% of its visitors from outside of the Phoenix area. Of the total visitors at the 2009 spring event, 59% have attended previously, 41% attended the festival for the first time, and 91% indicated that they would visit the festival again.
Over the three day weekend, patrons can browse and purchase original art work from more than 400 fine artists and crafts persons at this Tempe street fair. Art ranges from jewelry to sculpture to photography to woodworking. There are collection-worthy masterpieces as well as arts and crafts for art lovers with a limited budget. Adding to the experience, all artists are on-site to greet festival attendees.
This free festival provides a street fair atmosphere with street performers, live music and hands-on activities for children. Food and wine enthusiasts are sure to find new favorites at the Arizona Wine Festival, featuring wines from Arizona vintners, and a cottage edibles and crafts section, with tasty treats and homemade goods. There are also a variety of restaurants and cafes in the Mill Avenue District, perfect for refueling after a long day of shopping for treasures.
Self-taught painter Jarrod Eastman, winner of the painting category at the 2008 Fall Tempe Festival of the Arts, was chosen as the Featured Artist for this fall festival. Currently residing in Bozeman, Montana, Jarrod grew up in Arizona where he was influenced by skateboarding, rock bands, and pop culture art. His “surrealist” images are provocative, colorful and a perfect fit for the festival’s promotional materials.
Less than ten minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Tempe (http://www.tempecvb.com) offers more than 5,000 guestrooms ranging from budget to upscale accommodations. Visitors to the Tempe Festival of the Arts can also enjoy the APS Fantasy of Lights holiday light displays throughout the Mill Avenue District, ZooLights at The Phoenix Zoo and outdoor recreation at Tempe Town Lake.
For more information on Tempe or the Tempe Festival of the Arts call 800-283-6734 or visit www.tempecvb.com.
About Tempe Convention and Visitors Bureau
The Tempe Convention and Visitors Bureau is a non-profit organization devoted to marketing Tempe, Arizona as a desirable visitor and group destination site. The Tempe Convention and Visitors Bureau’s mission is to also provide visitors, media professionals and meeting planners with information on Tempe hotels, Tempe restaurants, Tempe entertainment and local points of interest. To learn more about Tempe, Arizona please call 480-894-8158 or 800-283-6734 or visit us at http://www.tempecvb.com.
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