Countdown begins for the 3rd Annual Overtown Rhythm and Arts Festival

MIAMI. – As the countdown begins for the 3rd Annual Overtown Rhythm and Arts Festival, less than a month away, the Festival’s Official Painting was revealed to VIPs, members of the community and the press during the Festival Launch Party on May 22, 2013.

The painting features the talented jazz vocalist, Nicole Henry, singing in the main street of Overtown, depicting exactly what will happen during the 3rd Annual Overtown Rhythm and Arts Festival, coming up on Saturday, June 22, 2013.

The painting was created by local artist Katey Penner, who participated as an exhibitor at the 2012 Overtown Rhythm and Arts Festival and has always been interested in depicting scenes of music, Miami and Overtown.

“Growing up in South Florida has influenced my artistic style. The exciting collision of culture, color, and customs has converged in my art to create canvases which express these diverse elements. Using a palette knife and a wide array of acrylic paint colors, I create pieces that resonate with passion and life. It is my desire to bring a unique sense of color, imagination, and perspective to each waiting canvas,” she says.

During the Festival Launch Party at Blackbird Ordinary, saxophone player Earnest Walker Jr. gave a preview of his performance at the upcoming festival.

For two years, Overtown has welcomed over 1,000 people during the festival to come experience its cultural roots. Plans for the 3rd annual festival have initiated and it will again be set along Northwest 3rd Avenue between 9th and 11th Streets. Admission is free.

This year’s festival will feature vocalist Nicole Henry, Earnest Walker Jr. and his band IGBO, the Booker T. Washington Band, Jody Hill of Deep Fried Funk, and Jimmy Jenkins and the Connections, among others.

Families can bring their little ones for a day of face painting and children’s activities and treat themselves to succulent slabs of authentic BBQ, southern cooking and mouthwatering Caribbean flavors. Art will also be on display showcasing the work of local talent.

This year’s Festival is a true public-private partnership, and has the support of the SEOPW Miami Community Redevelopment Agency and the Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust, as well as support from the Knight Foundation, Mr. 305 Productions, the University of Miami and the Miami Dolphins Foundation. The Media sponsor for the event is Influence Communications.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Learn more about the festival and sponsorships at www.overtownfestival.com. Follow us on Twitter and Like us on Facebook.

Overtown Rhythm and Arts Festival Board Member Martha Wells, artist Katey Penner, Pam King of the Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust and Jonelle Adderley from the office of City of Miami Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones unveil the official 2013 painting of the Festival.

Earnest Walker Jr. gives a preview during the VIP Launch Party of his upcoming performance in the Overtown Rhythm and Arts Festival.

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Join us for the Overtown Rhythm & Arts Festival Launch Party May 22nd!

Call for Artists!

Call for Artists!

3rd Annual Rhythm and Arts Festival Poster

A $500 cash prize is being awarded to the artist selected to create the 3rd Annual Overtown Rhythm and Arts Festival poster. The contest is open to all artists from Miami-Dade County. In addition to cash prizes, finalists will benefit from exposure through the event media partners. The 2013 poster artist will be recognized at the festival and during all media press releases leading up to the event.

In its third year, the Overtown Rhythm and Arts Festival aims to celebrate the rich musical history of Overtown, and promote the music, arts and businesses of today’s community.

Concept Drawings Specifications

Artists are to submit, five (5) images from their portfolio and a concept drawing of the proposed poster.

• The concept drawing should be no less than 3”X4” and no more than 8”X10” (please keep in mind that actual poster size is 18”X24”).

• The concept drawing should include a musician in the foreground, and an Overtown inspired motif.

• An area should be allocated for either the artist or the event promoter to inscribe “3rd Annual Overtown Rhythm and Arts Festival.”

• The year (2013) should be incorporated into the concept drawing.

Please enclose with or attach to the artwork a blank, sealed envelope containing the artist’s contact information, including e-mail address and telephone number, along with a bio.

Deadline:

Friday April 26, 2013

The artwork must be delivered to the Futurama Building, 1637 Calle Ocho, Suite 200, by April 27 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. The three (3) finalists will be announced on May 1st.

Finalists

Three (3) finalists will be selected by a panel. The panel is comprised of three (3) members; one (1) festival board member, one (1) community member, one (1) Miami area gallerist/curator.

If selected as a finalist, you will be required to paint or draw your poster design on a 3′X4′ canvas. The canvas will be provided to the artist. A deadline for the finished canvas will be provided once you have been selected as a finalist.

Poster Announcement:

On May 23, 2013, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will be awarded at a VIP cocktail reception.

Cash Prizes

1st Prize: $500.00

2nd Prize: $250.00

3rd Prize: $100.00

The Overtown Rhythm and Arts Festival Organization will own all rights for future use of all artwork concept drawings and finished works. Posters for this year’s festival will be used to promote the festival and will be available for sale during the festival, scheduled for June 22, 2013. For more information please contact: Bill Fuller at bill@barlingtongroup.com

For more information about the Festival, please visit www.overtownfestival.com.