Panoply looking for 2013 artists | Community Spirit

Huntsville, AL - The Arts Council is looking for new talent to showcase at the 2013 Panoply Arts Festival.

The festival takes place in Big Spring Park and will be held April 26-28, 2013.

Featuring four main stages and two smaller performance venues, the festival boasts over 60 performing slots to be filled by local talent. The performer application has moved to an online process this year, and is available on The Arts Council website. Performers must describe their act and include staging information where applicable. The performer guidelines are also available on the website, and should be read thoroughly before applying. The deadline for applications is Thursday, January 31, 2013.

"Panoply is a celebration of the arts, whether it's a painting or a choreographed dance," says Vinny Paragone, Festival Co-Chair. "We have so many venues within the festival to showcase the best in local and regional performing arts and can't wait to see the talent that applies to be  a part of Huntsville's largest community event."

While the stages are a popular part of the festival, Panoply is also known regionally for its Art Marketplace and is now seeking applicants for the 2013 show. Usually accepting up to 65 fine artists, the Marketplace is a juried show featuring art in many mediums. To apply, artists may visit The Arts Council's website. Applicants are required to upload images of their work, along with a $40 jury fee. The deadline for application for the Art Marketplace is Thursday, January 31, 2013.

"One of my favorite parts of Panoply is the Art Marketplace. The opportunity to stroll over the Monroe Street bridge and shop the fantastic art sets the festival apart from other events," says Yvonda Best, Festival Co-Chair. "It has such a nice flow, giving adults something to enjoy at Panoply apart from the kid's activities and stages."

The Arts Council has presented the Panoply Arts Festival annually since 1982; 75,000 people attended the event last year. Plans for this year's event are well underway and include fresh children's arts and crafts and other new elements. For more information on the performer or artist applications for Panoply, contact The Arts Council at 256-519-ARTS(2787).