ArteBA Paints Beautiful Picture of Buenos Aires

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (MainStreet) -- As one of Latin America's premiere art events, as well as one of the preeminent fairs in the contemporary art world, ArteBA has grown in its 21st year to expect more than 120,0000 visitors for the five-day event starting Friday. Much like New York's Armory or Art Basel, the event features a series of gallery shows and parties in a whirlwind week of art festivities and fair that's almost entirely open to the public.

There are more than 68 art galleries participating in the event as well as exhibitors from neighboring countries such as Chile and Uruguay. This year will feature an extensive auditorium series offering daily Q&A sessions with the industry elite, from curators to critics, including lively art debates and educational exchanges. ArteBA 2012 is to again feature Barrio Joven-Chandon, a festival program that showcases emerging Latin and Argentine talent in a stand-alone exhibition.

ArteBA is a preeminent art event that has grown to envelope the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires every year in May.

Key to the event, running from 1 to 9 p.m. daily, is Buenos Aires' La Rural, a nearly 30-acre complex near the city center that offers top eateries and such tourist destinations as the city zoo and botanical gardens. Those looking for the most convenient hotel address during the fair should opt for one in the trendy Palermo neighborhoods such as Palermo Soho, where they'll discover an array of boutique hotels such as Jardin Escondido --- the home turned micro-hotel of Hollywood director Francis Ford Coppola.