The Mad Hatter Arts Festival returns for an 8^th season at The Barnacle and along the sidewalks of Main Highway. This juried event features artists of all types of media.

Chalk It Up! the street painting component returns. Street painting dates to 16^th century Italy where artists travelled from town to town, religious festival to religious festival, transforming streets in to temporary art galleries. This truly ephemeral art form is experiencing a 21^st century renaissance. The theme is Through the Looking Glass.

Additionally, Watch Art Happen will be ongoing throughout the weekend. Artists are invited to participate in this new element of the Festival, joining fellow artists painting en plein air on the streets of historic Coconut Grove. Designated areas are located around the Grove. 
 
As always, music is a highlight of the Mad Hatter, plus there is a participatory drum circle, various hat contests to enter, and activities for kids of all ages. Food will be available for purchase from The Barnacle Society's concession stand or grab a map and venture out on Beyond the Looking Glass Grove Adventure for drinks and treats at participating restaurants and eateries. Return with a picnic to The Barnacle on Saturday evening when the gates open at 6pm for a showing of the classic, Alice in Wonderland. Movie begins at 7pm with no entry after 7:15. Movie tickets are $5 per person for ages 6 and over; $3 for ages 2-5; and free for ages under 2.

For a sneak peak, The Barnacle Society has arranged a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party as the opening reception on Friday, November 16 from 6-9pm on the front lawn of The Barnacle. This quirky lawn party celebrates the opening of the Mad Hatter Arts Festival. Guests are advised to bring their own teacup and follow the white rabbit through the looking glass and down the rabbit hole to The Barnacle at 3485 Main Highway to a Wonderland where Tea Party Fare will be served and there will be a cash bar. Wonderland-themed costumes are encouraged. Reservations are required with a fee of $25 per person for members of The Barnacle Society; $35 per person for non-members; and $40 for all after the Rsvp deadline of November 12. Reservations and payment for the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party may be made at http://www.thebarnacle.org/madhatterteaparty.asp Proceeds from the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party will be used for the care and maintenance of The Barnacle.

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