The warm temperatures and sunny skies over the holiday weekend brought in record crowds to this year’s ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival, the premier fine arts festival of Palm Beaches. Produced by the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce and presented by Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, the 32nd edition of ArtiGras was enjoyed in Palm Beach North, Florida’s Prosperity Coast, by both patrons and the 300 participating artists.

“We at the Chamber enjoy creating events that benefit our whole community. ArtiGras brings in artists and patrons from all over the country who stay in our local hotels, eat at our local restaurants and buy gas at our local stations,” said Beth Kigel, President and CEO of the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce. “In addition, our residents get to enjoy a first-class top-50 fine arts festival in their own backyard.”

During the festival, artist Michael Paul Cole from Hannibal, Mo., won Best in Show for his work in glass, while 66 finalists in the Youth Art Competition took home ribbons and prizes for their original works of art. Aaliyah Moore from Palm Beach Central High School took home best of show for high school entries, while Aidan Skolnick from Arthur I. Meyer Jewish Academy was the middle school honoree for best of show. Ethan Holiday from The Batt School took home best of show for elementary school student submissions.

“I’m really honored to be named best of show. It’s wonderful and I’m in total shock,” said Cole, who studied chemical engineering in college but became a professional photographer thirty-two years ago.

Learn more about ArtiGras at www.artigras.org.