ART FEST DRAWS THOUSANDS ABOUT 60,000 PEOPLE CAME TO BOCA RATON THIS WEEKEND TO MARVEL AT, OR PURCHASE, WORK FROM MORE THAN 200 ARTISTS
Stella M. Chavez
Nov 13, 2000
“More than 200 artists from around the country showcased their paintings, sculptures, photos and musical talents Sunday in downtown Boca Raton.
Between 60,000 and 65,000 visitors took advantage of the sunny, breezy weekend to admire the various works on display at the 13th annual Downtown Boca Festival of Arts.
Dozens of people gathered in awe to watch Michael Israel paint musician Carlos Santana’s image on a 7-foot canvas. In the background, Santana’s album Supernatural played.
Using brushes and sometimes his hands, Israel took about 10 minutes to finish the acrylic piece.
“It was exciting,” said Sue Artz of Boca Raton. “I like how he did it. It was great.”
Artz liked the painting so much that she and her husband, Hal, bid $500 to take it home.
Israel, who has been painting for 27 years, said he does everything from stars’ faces to water scenes and animals. Lately, he has been wowing audiences of all ages with large-canvas paintings. He said the music inspires him to paint.
“To me this is the most awesome kind of art,” Israel said. “When the music is right, everybody is as much a part of the art.”
Not every artist has Israel’s experience, but their work amazed spectators just the same.”
