MIAMI, FL.- Entering its 22nd year, the highly anticipated St. Stephen’s Art Show (SSAS) will be celebrating its three-day long festival from Saturday, February 13th through Monday, February 15th, 2010. The show is presented by St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, a 100 year resident in Coconut Grove, which is celebrating its Centennial in 2010. The show, known as one of South Florida’s most popular outdoor arts festivals, will take place on the grounds of St. Stephens Episcopal Church (2750 McFarlane Road) in the heart of Coconut Grove, Florida.

The St. Stephen’s Art Show started out as a simple hot dog stand during the Coconut Grove Arts Festival and has grown into a nationally important industry event that stands alone. Ranked top in the country by Artist Magazine and Sunshine Artist Magazine, the St. Stephen’s Art Show is a not-for-profit event that helps raise funds for outreach programs in the Coconut Grove and Miami area. The show’s proceeds allow St. Stephens to offer a range of cultural, spiritual and entertainment activities to the community, as part of its vision to be “The Heart of the Grove, and Reaching Beyond”.

“The St. Stephens Church went from just a hot dog stand to a top ranked Fine Art show yet never changed where the money goes,” said Daisy Lewis, Show Director. “Multiple parish programs and ministries, collaborative partner charities and at least a dozen free programs are supported by the dollars raised in this one weekend of beautiful art,” adds Lewis.

This year’s Centennial celebration at the show will feature local and accomplished artists from across the nation that have been accepted into the show for ten years or more as well as a purposeful sampling of brand new artists never seen at the show before. The art diaspora is meant to represent the St. Stephens Centennial slogan of “The Heart of the Grove for 100 years & beyond”. The highlighted Centennial artists include one of Florida’s original “Highwaymen” painters and nationally renowned artist, James Gibson who has presented at St. Stephens for over 10 of the 22 years; sculpture artist and 2009 SSAS award winner, Estella Fransbergen; and highlighted new artists are Arizona native and ceramics award winner, Richard Kausalik; and handcrafted jeweler, Joyce Nelson, who is also a Coconut Grove resident.

“Personally, it’s a good show and you get to meet other accomplished artists and the atmosphere is real great. At St. Stephens Art Show you get a chance to learn about other people around the world,” said artist James Gibson. “I think it’s really special when they come around and bless your art. It’s the number one show I go to,” adds Gibson.

The art show will be open all three days from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and will feature long standing artists and award winners, as well as a published book about the history of the church to commemorate its Centennial. For a $1 entry fee, visitors can enjoy artwork from more than 160 renowned artists, an international food court, children’s activity area, an authentic English tea room and musical entertainment, all on the shady campus of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and School.

The St. Stephen’s Art Show is an event not to be missed.