4th edition of Art Expo Algarve gathers artists from Portugal and abroad in Silves this November

The Expo will feature more than 60 artists, and will invite visitors to take part in interactive activities for extra fun

The 4th edition of Art Expo Algarve, one of the biggest art exhibitions in southern Portugal, is approaching soon, taking place from November 14-16 (Friday to Sunday) at the FISSUL Pavilion in Silves, sponsored by Art Lovers Algarve.

Featuring over 60 talented artists, the exhibition will showcase a variety of art styles, promoting local artists and international works as well.

Now under the new direction of Canadian entrepreneur Shelley Foley, the exhibition will present a more curated selection, featuring everything from acrylic and oil paintings to photography, sculpture, and even jewellery.

Promising to be more interactive than ever, there will be a scavenger hunt, challenging visitors to find a ladybug in one of the artworks, along with live music, a graffiti wall, a fashion show, and a charity auction in support of the local firefighters. Visitors can also browse an artist’s ‘cash and carry’ store, offering affordable prints, cards, and small works.

“We really want people to engage with the art and the artists, instead of just walking around with their hands in their pockets,” Shelley Foley shared.

After moving to the Algarve in 2017, Shelley became involved in the local community, exploring her lifelong passion for art. Having run her own companies before, she decided to help artists with marketing their work – an idea that developed into Art Lovers Algarve, an online platform launched in 2024 and dedicated to promoting local artists. It has since blossomed into a thriving community of over 60 creatives from across the region.

“A lot of artists aren’t businesspeople,” she explains. “So, I try to help them with promotion. I don’t need to make money; I have my pension. This is a labour of love, it really is.”

Shelley was invited earlier this year by John Ganhão, organiser of the Art Expo Algarve, to take over the event. After four years running the show, Ganhão wanted to retire from it to focus on his other businesses and asked Shelley if she would step in.

Art Expo Algarve will be open from Friday to Saturday between 11am and 8pm, and on Sunday from 10am to 6pm.

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