DECATUR, GA -- The Decatur Arts Alliance invites you to be a part of the 20th annual Decatur Arts Festival set for Memorial Day weekend, May 24 – 25, 2008. Join us in celebrating 20 years of the arts in Decatur. A number of festival events will take place throughout the month of May leading up to the final weekend. This interactive, inclusive arts extravaganza includes art and artists from all disciplines and features hands-on participatory art as well as demonstrating and performing arts. Stop by Several Dancers Core on the Square during the month of May to view the window display featuring a History of the Decatur Arts Festival.

Scheduled Festival venues include:

Poster Unveiling – Thursday, May 1, 5-7pm – Free and open to the public, the Poster Unveiling is the official beginning of the Decatur Arts Festival. This year’s poster was painted by Decatur artist Corey Barksdale. Attendees are the first to view the festival poster, meet Mr. Barksdale, have a poster signed and receive complimentary beverages and food. This year’s event will feature a display of all previous festival posters, and many of the past poster artists will also be present.

ArtWalk – Held on the evening of Friday, May 23, 5-10pm, before the weekend festival, the Decatur ArtWalk gives local businesses and galleries an opportunity to get involved. Attendees visit the local businesses that have invited an artist or have displayed a collection of art. With the addition of new galleries in the city, the tour expands every year. A DJ is hired to play music at the Community Bandstand on the Square to give the evening a festive note. The FurBus provides shuttles for visitors throughout the city. Free.

Doors of Decatur: Saturday May 17 – Saturday May 24: Stop by the Old Courthouse Square to view the community art project! Community members, artists, and school groups paint “recycled” doors which are displayed at the Community Bandstand on the Square. Doors are auctioned in a live auction on Saturday, May 24 at 5pm. Proceeds benefit the Decatur Arts Alliance, which produces the festival free to the community.

Outdoor Artists Market – Saturday, May 24, 10am-6pm, Sunday, May 25, 11am-6pm – Over 140 artists set up tents to display and sell their works on the Square in downtown Decatur. This highly competitive, juried show offers the best talent from all over the nation.

Performing Arts Stage – Saturday, May 24, noon- 4pm, Sunday, May 25, 11:30am-4pm – Continuous performing arts every hour from the community bandstand on the square. This year’s schedule includes performances by Gwen Hughes & Band, Mieka Pauley, Emily Kate Boyd & Band, Morgan Rowe Band, Golden, Lindsay Rakers Band, The Brilliant Inventions, Bonaventure Quartet, Larry Griffith Band and Kriston Markiton. A special Concert on the Square at 7pm features Baatin & Top Secret.

Fine Arts Exhibition – The 20th annual juried Fine Arts Exhibition will open on May 20 and runs through June 1. The exhibition features works from over 30 artists and is held at Agnes Scott College’s Dalton Gallery within walking distance from the weekend festival.

Children’s Arts Festival – Saturday, May 26 ONLY, 9:30am-2:30pm – Plenty of fun for kids of all ages with lots of hand-on art projects, performers, and ponies! The day’s activities begin with a Children’s Parade led by the city fire department. Come join in the parade!

Literary Arts Festival – A celebration of literary arts that includes poetry, storytelling, author readings and more. Events are held throughout the week in conjunction with the Georgia Center for the Book and include appearances by Barbara Walters on May 19, Mike Farrell on May 21, Elise Blackwell on May 22 and Sanjay Gupta on May 24. The “Speak…Easy!” kicks off the weekend events on Friday evening at the Old Courthouse on the Square in downtown Decatur. Featured guests for the evening include Kodac Harrison, Audrey Galex, Lady VeeDaPoet as well as an Open Mic. The Literary Arts Tent on the Courthouse Lawn will be open all day Saturday and Sunday.

Film Festival - A Festival of Shorts, Thursday, May 22 & Saturday, May 24, Holiday Inn Decatur – Featuring short films from local, national and foreign film makers, the Film Festival is scheduled for Thursday, May 22 and Saturday, May 24.

New Dance – The Beacon Dance Company and Several Dancers Core will present two shows at the Beacon Hill Arts Center, 430 West Trinity Place on Friday, May 23 and Saturday, May 24 at 8pm. These performances feature the newest works of some of the area’s best choreographers and the performances will give the audiences an opportunity to see the artists at their most creative. A reception will follow each performance. A detailed festival program will be available throughout the month of May in Decatur businesses and at the information booth on the square during Memorial Day weekend. Festival hours vary, all events are free. Call 404-371- 9583 for more information or visit www.decaturartsalliance.org.