Dust off your bike and ride on down to the 24^th Annual Decatur Arts Festival, Memorial Day weekend, May 26-27, 2012. The Bike Valets will park your bike and keep it safe while you stroll the Festival. Decatur, Georgia’s most walkable city, is the perfect venue to see art come to life. Over 160 artists from around the nation will be selling paintings, jewelry and more. Come and experience cutting-edge dance; storytellers and improvisational comedy; a parade and balloon art for kids – these are just a few of the activities at this year’s Decatur Arts Festival.

Poster Unveiling – Thursday, May 3, 5-7pm – Free and open to the public, the Poster Unveiling is the official beginning of the Decatur Arts Festival. This year’s poster was created by Lonnie Selph, a 24 year old graphic design and illustration student at the Art Institute of Atlanta in downtown Decatur. Not only is Lonnie a talented artist, but he also proudly serves in the U.S. Marines, spent two years in Iraq, and is now in the Reserves. Come meet Lonnie Selph, be among the first to view the festival poster, have a poster signed by Lonnie and enjoy complimentary beverages and food.

ArtWalk – Held on the evening of Friday, May 25, 5-10pm, the night before the opening of the festival, the Decatur ArtWalk gives local businesses and galleries an opportunity to get involved and be a part of the Festival. Attendees visit the local businesses that have invited an artist or have displayed a collection of art. Many offer complimentary food and beverages. Tunes will be playing from the Community Bandstand on the Square to give the evening a festive note.

Artists Market – Saturday, May 26, 10am-6pm, Sunday, May 27, 11am-6pm – Over 160 artists set up tents to display and sell their works on the Square in downtown Decatur. This highly competitive, juried show offers the best talent from all over the nation. Spend the day strolling the downtown area along Ponce de Leon and Clairemont where the artists will set up booths. Be sure to visit the Silent Auction tent on the Marta Plaza where you can bid on original art donated by the Festival’s artists. Proceeds benefit the many programs of the Decatur Arts Alliance.

Performing Arts Stage – Saturday, May 26, 11am-5pm, Sunday, May 27, noon-5pm Continuous performing arts every hour from the community bandstand on the Square. This year’s line-up includes performances by ConunDrums, The Lindsay Rakers Band, The Bitteroots, Coy Bowles and the Fellowship, The Shadowboxers, Sewhee Village Percussion, and the Larry Griffith Band.

Acoustic Palette Stage – Saturday, May 26, 11am-5pm, Sunday, May 27, noon-5pm New this year is the Acoustic Palette Stage which features up and coming singer/songwriters. Spend some time listening to the music of these soon to be famous performers. Someday, you will be able to say that you “knew them when…”.

Fine Arts Exhibition – The annual juried Fine Arts Exhibition will open on May 22 and runs through June 3. The exhibition features works from more than 60 artists and is held at Agnes Scott College’s Dalton Gallery within walking distance from the weekend festival.

Kids and Teen’s Arts Festival – Saturday, May 26 ONLY, 9:45am-2:00pm – Plenty of fun for toddlers, elementary-aged kids and teens with lots of hands-on art projects, performers, balloon artists and a rock climbing wall. Located on the lawn of Decatur First Baptist Church, the Kids and Teen’s Festival kicks off with the Children’s Parade led by the city fire department. Come join in the parade.

Literary Arts Festival – May 26–May 27 – A celebration of theater and literary arts that includes short plays, improvisational comedy, poetry, storytelling, author readings and more. Events are held throughout the week in conjunction with the Georgia Center for the Book. The Theater and Literary Arts Tent on the Old Courthouse lawn will be open all day Saturday and Sunday with a full line-up of performers for both adults and children. Family events are on Sunday. The Decatur LOL stage will be located on the MARTA Plaza and will feature local comedians and open mic opportunities for the public.

The “Speak…Easy!” – Friday, May 25, 7-9 pm – This evening of storytelling and music for your soul and spirit, at the Old Courthouse on the Square, kicks off the theater and literary arts festival for the weekend.

New Dance Festival – The Beacon Dance Company will present three shows at the Beacon Hill Arts Center, 410 West Trinity Place on May 25, 26 and 27 at 8pm. These performances feature the newest works by local and national choreographers. With a roster of cutting-edge artists, Breaking New Ground promises a rich evening of thought- provoking entertainment and excitement. A reception will follow each performance. Seating is limited and reservations are strongly encouraged.

A detailed festival program guide will be available throughout the month of May at Decatur businesses and at the information tents on the square during Memorial Day weekend. The program guide is also available on line at the website. All events are free. For more information, visit www.decaturartsfestival.com or call 404.371.9583.