NEW YORK.- The International Artexpo is now open at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, until March 1, 2004. The event, organized by the huge fair production company Avanstar Communication, is marketing itself under the slogan of "Defining Popular Art" and boasts special exhibits of robotic art from ArtBots, graffiti demonstrations by Tats Cru, a new "Solo Artists Pavilion" and "Artexpo University," a complementary seminar program on collecting and more. International Artexpo is an art show like no other. It offers unmatched opportunities to network, discover new talent and close deals. Whether you’re an art dealer or retail gallery owner interested in new editions, an art publisher looking to discover new artists or an architect, corporate art buyer or interior designer, International Artexpo promises to deliver unsurpassed opportunities to buy and sell art. Consumers are welcome to explore and buy artwork on the final three days of the show. International Artexpo New York 2004 will bring exhibitors and attendees together under the theme, “Art is Everywhere.” The show will celebrate both the obvious and the understated ways art weaves its way through our lives. Art can be seen in nature, architecture and design, food, sports, writing, music and more, and its diversity ensures lasting influence. The show will highlight artistry in electronics with robotic art, artistry in the human form through sculpture, artistry in sports and Hollywood with a celebrity art benefit, and artistry creating comfort in the home with interior design.

International Artexpo is the country’s largest and most comprehensive fine arts show, bringing together an important number of artists, gallery owners, publishers and art enthusiasts. It will feature exciting new events and programs, including informative seminars by leading art authorities, special exhibitions, artist demonstrations and a charity art sale. In addition, SOLO, the new Independent Artists Pavilion makes its debut at this year’s show. This is an effort to provide independent artists with a cost-effective venue to exhibit their original artwork among their peers. This exclusive gallery-like space showcases the works of rising artists, exhibiting one-of-a-kind artwork ranging from original paintings and sculpture to photography and objects. It will not only provide a fresh perspective to International Artexpo’s 2004 collection of work, but also will expose independent artists to a wide variety of galleries and publishers seeking new talent.

The show will demonstrate the diversity of art and its influence on our lives. From artistry in electronics to interior design, the show’s special events highlight art from different perspectives while bringing together artists and professionals from around the world in one comprehensive show. “International Artexpo 2004 will celebrate both the obvious and obscure ways that art impacts our lives through everything we see and do,” says Joyce Jamison, show director, Artexpo. “This year, we’re bringing together independent artists, exhibitors, dealers and the general public to help us celebrate the influence of art in everything from nature, design, food, sports, music and more. We have brought back some popular exhibits and seminars that were part of past years’ shows and incorporated new special events that explore art forms inherent in our daily lives. There’s something for everyone at this year’s show.”

Artexpo University 2004 will feature an informative seminar program hosted by preeminent experts speaking about topics new to the show, including: expanding your business on the Internet, maintaining strong artist-dealer relationships, how to decorate with art, and much more.

International Artexpo is an annual event that features a wide variety of paintings, prints, posters, sculpture, photography, animation and decorative arts. The show, held each year at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City, attracts more than 500 exhibitors and 42,000 attendees. International Artexpo 2004 will be open to the trade on Thursday, February 26 and Friday, February 27, 2004 and to the general public from Saturday, February 28 to Monday, March 1, 2004.