The 4th Art Expo Algarve brought together 60 artists for three vibrant days
– November 19, 2025 | Text and Photos Eric Roth
Torrential rain didn’t dampen the spirits of 60 determined artists who had worked all year preparing for the 4th annual Art Expo Algarve. They brought their talent, energy, and enthusiasm to the Fissul Convention Center in the heart of historic Silves.
Nestled in the hills of the central Algarve, this cultural Mecca was a perfect place for the vibrant artist community to gather on this past Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Much to everyone’s delight, more than 1,000 visitors enjoyed the glittering array of paintings, sculpture, photography, ceramics, jewelry, and artisan creations.
“The Algarve is a magnet for artists and creativity,” said Shelley Foley, the new director of Art Expo Algarve. “We have a strong community of artists who inspire each other. Artists come with hopes of selling their work, but also for the camaraderie and encouragement from the other artists and from visitors. It’s exciting to be with like-minded people.”
This year, under Foley’s guidance, the Expo has added several new attractions, generating an exciting cultural atmosphere. Live music performances, an interactive “graffiti wall”, a shop featuring smaller art pieces, a challenging scavenger hunt, a wine bar, and a gourmet ice pop vendor were all new additions.
“The Fissul Center and the Câmara of Silves have been incredibly supportive of our Art Expo,” said Foley. “They really set the stage for the success of the event”.
Paintings were donated by many of the artists for a silent auction to benefit the Bombeiros of Silves, and more than €900 was raised by the auction on behalf of our brave Bombeiros.
“It feels great to meet everyone and enjoy the atmosphere,” said Foley, a Canadian who has been living in the Algarve for eight years. “We had the help of many volunteers, and their positive attitude was infectious. It’s a lot of work, but being in this environment gives you more energy than you thought possible.”
Shelley Foley has also started a collective of artists called “Art Lovers Algarve”. It has a website for online art purchasing (artloversalgarve.com).
By the end of Sunday, the last of the three-day-event, the 60 artists posed for their group photo. Then they began scurrying around, dismantling their displays, saying many goodbyes, and already looking forward to next year’s Art Expo Algarve.
Article originally published on The Resident.
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