This week marks the opening of Artomatic 2012, the Washington area’s biggest free creative arts event. Artomatic will feature work by more than 1300 artists, performers, musicians, filmmakers, fashion designers, and creatives of all kinds. Doors open to the public on Friday, May 18 at 6 p.m. at 1851 South Bell Street in Crystal City, Va., one block from the Crystal City Metro Station. The festival runs through Saturday, June 23.
 
“We are so excited to kick off this year’s festival. Artomatic 2012 will feature an amazing line-up of artists, performers and work by the area’s most eclectic creatives,” said Barry Schmetter, Artomatic’s Event Director. “Every day will feature something new, exciting and different. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy and truly celebrate the dynamic arts community we live in.”
 
Artomatic is well known for transforming empty spaces into vibrant arts communities that celebrate creativity and create a unique and exciting event for tens of thousands of visitors - all free to the public. During the day, adults and children alike can participate in dozens of workshops and events. And at night, thousands of people descend on Artomatic to discover art, listen to music, and meet new people.
 
This year’s venue spans more than 380,000 square feet of event space – the biggest ever Artomatic. The event will feature a café, food and drink stations, and an artist marketplace where visitors can purchase select works by artists participating in the event.
 
“We are thrilled to welcome Artomatic back to Crystal City,” said Angela Fox, Crystal City BID President/CEO. “So much has happened since they were here five years ago.  We know that the artists and the audiences will have their biggest and best Artomatic experience ever.  A huge thank you to Vornado/Charles E. Smith for making the space available and to all of our local businesses for their contributions and services. This will be an amazing event.”
 
Artomatic will be open:

• Wednesdays and Thursdays: noon – 10 p.m.
• Fridays and Saturdays: noon – 1 am (Opening night is Friday, May 18 at 6 p.m.)
• Sundays: noon – 5 p.m.
• Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

For the latest information about Artomatic events, workshops and happenings, subscribe to Artomatic by email or Facebook, or visit the Artomatic website. New events will be posted weekly.
 
**Media Availability
Grand Opening Media Event:
Artomatic will host an opening reception, discussion and tours for media on Friday, May 18 from 4 – 6 p.m. To register, email rsvp@artomatic.org
 
Preview walk-through tours for media will also be scheduled on Wednesday, May 16^th from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
To schedule an interview with Artomatic leadership or artists, or to arrange an advance walk-through or photo opportunity, contact Lissette Capati at (202) 431-4116 or Lissette@artomatic.org.

About the Crystal City Business Improvement District
The Crystal City Business Improvement District is a public-private partnership established in April 2006 to promote the vibrant Crystal City business, retail, restaurant and residential community. The BID is committed to showcasing the area as a world-class destination for visitors, employees and residents. Crystal City is ACTIVE, ARTFUL, ACCESSIBLE, and GREEN. For more information, visit www.crystalcity.org.
 
About Artomatic
Artomatic creates community, builds audience and expands economic development by transforming available space into a playground for artistic expression. Open-entry events showcase creative work including visual art, music, film, performance, poetry and fashion. Artomatic is a non-profit organization headed by a volunteer Board of Directors and funded in part by the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, an agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. Other sponsors this year include the Washington City Paper and Ogilvy. For more information, visit www.artomatic.org.