Art Expo Algarve, the biggest, oldest, and most visited art fair in the south of Portugal brings together international and regional artists to Silves
– August 25, 2025 | Text Eric Roth
Art Expo Algarve is the biggest, oldest, and most visited art fair in the south of Portugal. Each year, it brings together international and regional artists who want to share their artwork with the public.
This year, from November 14-16, Art Expo Algarve will feature painting, photography, digital art, mixed-media, sculpture, ceramics and glass, and jewelry. It will be held at the Fissul Pavilion in the historic city of Silves.
The Art Expo’s owner has just announced a new management team for this year’s event. Art Lovers Algarve (ALA), a collective of artists and patrons, will be taking over the running of Art Expo Algarve.
“This is a great opportunity to grow this art fair, and attract more artists and visitors,” said John Ganhão, founder of Art Expo Algarve. “My team and I will still be working in the background, helping to make a smooth transition. This includes logistical and structural support such as providing art-walls, lighting, and other services.” Ganhão has also founded ongoing art fairs in Lisbon, Braga, and Marbella, Spain.
Shelley Foley, founder of the group called Art Lovers Algarve, was offered the chance to manage the Expo, and she accepted the challenge.
“We are a network of artists who create, show and sell original artworks in a variety of mediums. I really formed this group because I love the art community,” said Shelley. “The Expo is a major opportunity to energize and inspire artists. We all look forward to this event to show our work. I have been creating art all my life as a hobby.”
Shelley recently retired from a career in business, consulting, and serving on institutional boards. Eight years ago, she and her husband moved to the Algarve from London, Ontario, Canada. “The Algarve is a beautiful place, and as I started creating art, I found that the art community is very welcoming. I could be out every night of the week at art events. There are many artists making beautiful work, and I want to help them find customers.”
Besides creating art, Shelley is an art collector. “Every home should have art. To me, a house is not a home until there is art on the walls. In a nutshell, art makes people happy. There are so many creative people in the Algarve. Creativity needs to be encouraged and live in people’s homes.”
Members of ALA have access to regular promotion through its website and art shows, as well as exposure through billboards, social media, newspapers, and magazines.
Membership in ALA is free. For artworks sold through the website, a 25% fee will be collected. Members will receive a discount on fees for art events. Artists and patrons are invited to become members of Art Lovers Algarve.
Artists who would like to exhibit their work are invited to apply for a space at the Art Expo Algarve.
Visit Art Expo Algarve and Art Lovers Algarve.
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