Release Date: Mar 21, 2017

Artomatic Set to Open in Crystal City Friday, March 24

For Immediate Release: March 21, 2017
Crystal City BID Contact:
Artomatic Contact: Veronica Szalus, veronica.szalus@artomatic.org, 703-371-8475

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Artomatic Set to Open in Crystal City Friday, March 24

CRYSTAL CITY, VA — ARTOMATIC, DC’s free one-of-a-kind art extravaganza, returns with more than 600 visual artists, musicians, filmmakers and performers beginning this Friday, March 24 in the heart of Crystal City. Doors open to the public on Friday, March 24 at 12 p.m. at 1800 South Bell Street, Arlington, VA. The event runs through Saturday, May 6.

This year’s six week line-up at Vornado/Charles E. Smith's property, features 100,000 square feet of visual artworks, film, performance artists, music on three stages and free art workshops including live model drawing and demonstrations. Fire performances will light up the night and a literary program will happen throughout the event. Plus, this year will host the first Artomatic wedding!

“Artomatic is a celebration for artists and art lovers throughout the greater DC metro-area,” Jennifer Williamson, Artomatic President, shared, “ This marks our 11th Artomatic and with each event, the art and the celebration with community members grows. Artomatic is a place to take in exciting artwork, hear music, meet friends, grab a drink and celebrate how the arts enhance our lives. It’s a party for art and easily a full evening or day of entertainment.”

The opening night party, March 24 starting at 7pm, will be a high-energy event with many of the artists in attendance to discuss their work and is free and open to the public. Visitors have easy access to the event via the adjacent Crystal City metro stop and parking is accessible under the building.

Artomatic joins the already flourishing art scene in Crystal City that includes, Synetic Theater, the 1200-foot long FotoWalk Underground, ArtJamz Underground, the Gallery Underground, and TechShop.

"Nearly ten years ago, the newly formed Crystal City BID set out to make a statement about a new era of transformation in Crystal City." said Angela Fox, President/CEO of the Crystal City BID. "We are thrilled to continue this tradition of creative partnership with the third return of Artomatic and showcase the creative talent, entrepreneurs, and start-ups that have shaped Crystal City into an artistic laboratory of innovation.”

Artomatic runs Friday March 24-Saturday May 6 and will be open:

Wednesdays:	Noon – 10 pm
Thursdays:	Noon – 10 pm
Fridays:	Noon – Midnight
Saturdays:	Noon – Midnight
Sundays:	Noon – Midnight

(Closed Monday and Tuesday)

For the latest information about Artomatic events, workshops and happenings, follow Artomatic at Facebook.com/Artomatic, or visit www.artomatic.org. New events will be posted weekly.

*** Media Availability
Grand Opening Media Event:
Artomatic and the Crystal City BID will host an opening reception, discussion and tours for media on Friday March 24 from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
To register, email news@artomatic.org

Preview walk-through tours for media will also be scheduled upon request, contact Veronica@artomatic.org.

What:	Artomatic 2017 Opening Night
When:	Friday, March 24, 2017 7 pm to midnight
Where:	1800 S. Bell Street Arlington, VA 22202 METRO: Blue and Yellow lines to Crystal City Crystal Drive between 18th and 20th Streets. Parking: Free parking on weekends and after 4 pm on weekdays
Who:	Art and Music Lovers, Hipsters and Curiosity Seekers. This event is free to visit.
Website:	Artomatic.org
Social Media:	Facebook: Facebook.com/Artomatic Twitter: @ARTOMATIC
Media Questions:	Members of the media who have questions should contact Veronica Szalus of Artomatic at veronica@artomatic.org, 703-371-8475;

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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. For more information, visit www.artomatic.org.