ArtExplosion

“Oz Under the Starz” opens the festival on Friday, February 8th at Hagen Park, 2020 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. This free outdoor screening of the movie classic Wizard of Oz is co-sponsored by the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival and the City of Wilton Manors. Organizers have included a sing-a-long to make the event more fun for children young and old. Gates open at 6:00 PM, and the film starts at 7:00 PM.

February 8 through 23, Broward County will be host to two weeks of art, theater, literature, film, cabaret and comedy by local and national gay and lesbian artists and talent. The festival features 28 different art and culture events presented by 15 arts organizations and businesses, held in 14 venues; there is something for everyone. Organizers expect an attendance of over 4000 people during the two week festival.

The centerpiece of the festival is one of the largest gay and lesbian group visual art exhibits in the country at the JM Family Enterprises Gallery at ArtServe from February 11 through 29, 2008. The gallery located at 1350 East Sunrise Blvd in Fort Lauderdale will host the Artists’ Reception from 6 to 9 PM on Saturday, February 16th. Guests at the reception will be treated to a short film series, vocalists, musicians, cabaret and authors in addition to the fine art on display. Refreshments will be served courtesy of Stork’s Bakery in Wilton Manors and Georgie’s Alibi.

The festival ends Saturday, February 23rd with a night of sketch comedy in the grand tradition of Saturday Night Live, featuring The Gay Mafia, hosted by magician Cashetta and with musical guest Lisp and Havana, at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets for the ArtExplosion Finale featuring The Gay Mafia are $30 or $45 and available online at www.browardcenter.org or by calling 954-462-0222. Visit www.artexplosiononline.org for a complete calendar of events, locations, and ticket information.

ArtExplosion 2008 is made possible through the generous support of Tylenol PM, Comcast, AutoNation, Pride of Greater Fort Lauderdale, BankAtlantic Foundation, Createabilities and Pride South Florida. Funding is also provided in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council. The Express newspaper and 411 magazine are the exclusive media sponsors and The Atlantic Resort & Spa is the official hotel of ArtExplosion 2008.