WEST PALM BEACH, FLA.- Billed as the nation’s largest outdoor museum show, CANVAS is more of an “art movement,” says event founder and West Palm Beach-based gallerist, Nicole Henry. The two-week experience will run Nov. 8 to 22, and add 20 dramatic, inspiring murals to selected buildings and infrastructure throughout the downtown district. Augmented by a calendar of receptions on yachts, an early launch party on Oct. 10 plus a sensational New York City-style fashion show in the “graffiti garden” behind Henry’s gallery on Fern St., CANVAS is expected to draw more than 50,000 visitors over its two-week run.

“This is so much more than a 14-day art experience,” says Henry, who has owned art galleries for more than a decade and has represented some of the most exciting contemporary artists of our time, including Vik Muniz, José Bedia, Edouard Duval Carrié, and a list of Cuban artists now showing in her newly opened Fern St. gallery.

“The idea behind CANVAS is to captivate the imagination and ignite both ideas and inspiration by bringing public art to the forefront of our collective consciousness here in West Palm Beach,” said Henry. “This amazing city has not yet fully realized its tremendous potential to become an arts and cultural hub. Our CANVAS team is very excited to advance that destiny and see the eye-opening effects of our installations.”

World-renowned artists planning to participate in CANVAS include 2Alas; Bik-Ismo; Cheryl Maeder; David Walker; Eduardo Kobra; Faith47; Jean-Luc Moerman; Jeremy Penn; José Bedia; Kai; Katja Loher; Lonac; Michael Dweck; Registered Artist; ROA; Ron English; Sean Yoro (aka Hula); Zeus. Building-sized murals will be applied to the sides of condominium towers, a hotel, a city-owned garage, and the elegant Royal Park Bridge that leads to Palm Beach.

Additionally, unique sculptures and 3D installations will be showcased in a warehouse with its own edgy, urban vibe on Fern St. In total, the CANVAS artwork will transform more than 20 locations within the downtown district.

A spectacular event best described as a fusion of fashion and art called “Your Body is a Canvas” will take place on November 20 in the Graffiti Garden at 501 Fern St. behind Nicole Henry Fine Art. The show will be directed by Kerry Bannigan, Co-Founder & CEO of New York-based event company, Nolcha Events, and will roll out on an elevated, indoor/outdoor runway.

“CANVAS is exactly the kind of event that will help our Arts & Entertainment District truly blossom,” said West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio. “We’re expanding our museums, theaters, galleries, free musical performances, and more because we are a city that wants to showcase its love and support of arts and culture. CANVAS is an experience that no one will miss by virtue of the scale and scope. It’s fresh, exciting and very much anticipated.”

The schedule of events currently includes:

• CANVAS Kickoff and Art Auction: October 10 at a location to be announced.

• Artists begin working: November 8

• VIP Grand Opening Event: Vernissage in VIP Lounge: Nov. 18 at Nicole Henry Fine Art

• CANVAS Kid’s Day (date to be determined)

• “Your Body is a Canvas” Fashion Show: November 20 at the Graffiti Garden on Fern St.

• CANVAS ON BOARD Yacht Party: Nov 21 at the Palm Harbor Marina.

Raphael Clemente, Executive Director of the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA), says that CANVAS delivers huge dividends to all aspects of downtown life, and makes good on the DDA’s brand promise to ensure that the downtown district is “Always Original.”

“This event will give our visitors another reason to talk about and return to our shops, restaurants and cultural attractions, while it adds a powerful new dimension to our A&E District. CANVAS is going to be a smash hit.”