Attracting thousands of high-end art collectors, tourists, area residents and families for the past 20 years, the popular southern open air event—Telfair Art Fair—will be held Nov. 15 and 16 in the heart of historic downtown Savannah. Arty Party, the special preview event on Nov. 14, will give members and ticket holders an exclusive opportunity to mingle with the artists and a first chance to purchase their featured art.  

Hosted by Telfair Museums, Telfair Art Fair is free and open to the public on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday, Nov. 16 from noon to 4 pm. The Fair is set up around Telfair Square and features a wide variety of original art for sale in a broad range of prices and media from 80 different artists.

A bustling children’s activity area and performances by local musicians add to the day.

“The Art Fair is the biggest public event that Telfair Museums hosts all year. We appreciate Savannahians’ strong support of the arts, and the Art Fair gives Telfair the opportunity to bring the community together with first-rate local and regional artists,” said Lisa Pinyan, Chair of the Art Fair. “It’s fun to meet the artists, bring a special piece of artwork home, and enjoy all the activities in beautiful downtown Savannah. Proceeds from the Telfair Art Fair go directly to the Museums’ educational programs, exhibitions and acquisitions and allow Telfair to continue its long tradition of making art accessible to everyone.”

New and returning artists display and sell original works in various artistic disciplines and in a range of prices. Their work features painting, printmaking, drawing/pastel, digital media, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics/pottery, photography, furniture, glass, textiles/fiber, and mixed media. 

Free hands-on activities will be available to children on Saturday from 10 to 2 p.m. The Children’s Area in the Square introduces children to Telfair Museums while providing a fun and educational outlet for creating new types of art. This year’s activities are centered around Telfair Museums’ featured exhibition, Port City: The Savannah Riverfront through Artists’ Eyes. Different activities and projects will be available during the day including Rain Gutter Regatta, Savannah Riverfront Mural, Senses of the Port, Make a Maritime Flag, and Sketchbooks. Blick Art Materials and Utrecht Art Supplies is presenting the Children’s Area.

Arty Party, the opening night preview event, held on Friday, Nov. 14, from 7 to 9 p.m., gives patrons, museum members and ticket holders a first chance to view and purchase the artists’ work while enjoying music, food and cocktails in Telfair Square. Arty Party has a nautical theme also centered around Telfair Museums’ featured exhibition, Port City: The Savannah Riverfront through Artists’ Eyes. Arty Party tickets are $85 per person for Telfair members or $130 for non-members and can be purchased online at telfair.org or through Marcya Burton at 912.790.8866.

Savannah Food and Wine Festival’s Taste of Savannah ticket holders have the exclusive opportunity to sip delicious mimosas and savor pastries free of charge while strolling through the artist’s booths at the Telfair Art Fair. “Mimosas, Muffins, and Masterpieces” is on Saturday November 15 from 10 am to noon.

Art Fair guests also are encouraged to take part in the Savannah Children’s Book Festival, which is taking place at Forsyth Park on Saturday, from 10 am to 4 pm.

The participating artists are eligible for $12,000 in prizes, which Telfair will announce at noon on Saturday. Only original works are eligible for judging and awards. The prizes are:

• The Carolyn Luck McElveen Gold Award, $5,000
• Silver Award winners, $2,500
• Bronze Award winners, $1,000
• The Lowcountry Award, $1,000, recognizes a top regional artist
• Five $500 Honorable Mention Awards

Visiting art fair judge René Paul Barilleaux, Chief Curator/Curator of Art created after 1945 at the McNay Art Museum, will choose the winning recipients. The top award is named in honor of Carolyn Luck McElveen, who is the founder of Telfair Art Fair and continues to be its presenting sponsor.