(Press Release)

Organizers of the hottest art show of the year just kicked it up a notch with participation by Texas Commission on the Arts' Texas Originals artisans and the Texas State Artists. This includes some of the greatest painters, sculptors, musicians, and poet laureates from around the state. Art fans that have been traveling to the banks of Salado Creek for the past 42 years are in for a real treat this year. The quality and variety of artistic expression has never been greater.

The Salado Chamber of Commerce will host over 100 Texas artists and artisans at the 42nd Annual Art Fair August 2nd and 3rd at Pace Park and the new 'Best of the Best' Texas Fine Art Sale & Reception at Celebration Center on August 2nd.

"This is a very exciting year for both Art Fair fans and serious art collectors," stated Larry Prellop, President of the Salado Chamber of Commerce. "Never before has there been such an extraordinary level of artistic talent... from top Texas artists that have rarely, if ever, exhibited together," added Prellop.

Texas Original artisans working in a wide variety of media including clay, glass, fiber, wood, metal, stone, and more will be exhibiting along with Art Fair favorites at Pace Park on Saturday, August 2nd from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and again on Sunday, August 3rd from 8:00 a.m. to 4: p.m.

Texas State Artists will be honored at the inaugural "Best of the Best" Texas Fine Art Sale & Reception on Saturday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Celebration Center. This one-evening event offers art enthusiasts a unique opportunity to meet and mingle with some of their favorite Texas artists and poet laureates. Participating artists include: Dalhart Windberg, Roy Lee Ward, George Boutwell, Lee Herring, Ed Hayes, Kathy Vargas, Ralph White, David Keens, Jack Terry, B. Herd, Raul Gutierrez, Alan Birkelbach, and the 2008 Texas State Musician of the Year, Shelley King.

"The Texas Originals and Texas State Artists are two programs that we are very proud of, "stated Gaye Greever McElwain, Director of Marketing and Development for the Texas Commission on the Arts. "These artists represent the depth of the state's artistic talent and its rich cultural diversity," added McElwain. "Many of these artists began their careers at the Salado Art Fair," noted McElwain. "I can't imagine a better venue to showcase these two state programs," concluded McElwain.

For ticket information, contact the Salado Chamber of Commerce at 254-947-5040 or visit them online at www.salado.com.