Tony Saladino was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he was educated at Louisiana State University. Though his artwork stems from personal experience, he strives to create images that are universally compelling. His use of color and subject matter make for beautifully executed works that are not only pleasing to the eye but thought-provoking as well. Saladino's work can be found in many collections, both nationally and internationally, including the University of Wisconsin, the University of Dallas in Texas and the Museum of International Art in Bahia, Brazil. His work has been exhibited at Concordia University in Austin, Texas, and at the Dallas Museum of Art in Texas. His work has been featured in many publications, including the New York Times, American Artist magazine, Artist's Magazine, and The Best of Sketching and Painting (Rockport Publishers, 1998). Saladino has enriched the world with his teaching skills as well as his art. He has taught at a variety of institutions including the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and the Ox-Bow Summer School of Art in Saugatuck, Wisconsin.

Picante II by Alford -
Candice Alford was born in Kilrush, in the Shannon region of Ireland, where much of her childhood was spent exploring the surrounding countryside. She developed an affinity for nature as well as an intuitive understanding of the seasons and cycles of life. During her early adolescence, Candice's parents moved the family to Warwick, Rhode Island, where they engaged in the restoration of old homes. This transition to a new country compelled Candice to search for diverse forms of creative expression in an attempt to reconnect with the natural environment of her youth. She avidly explored the world of music - playing guitar and singing - before realizing that her passion lay in the visual arts. At the young age of 25, she opened her own studio in Atlanta, Georgia, where she has been creating and successfully selling her art since the late 1990's.

Anthony Ross was born in Long Beach, California, in 1959, and from an early age, he showed a penchant for the arts. Throughout his formal education years, Anthony would demonstrate his artistic talents, often entering student shows and contests, culminating in the coveted Long Beach Art Association student artist grand prize award in 1978. Over the next twenty years, Anthony continued his artistic pursuits through graphic design and art direction, working for such companies as Lawrence Advertisid Family Living Publications. In 1996, Anthony decided to pursue his dream of becoming a fine artist and entered the Fine Art program at California State University at Fullerton. It was there he completed his Bachelor of Fine Art undergraduate work and earned his degree in drawing and painting with high honors. While working on his bachelor's degree, Anthony was busy as a founding member of Legacy Arts, a co-op studio/gallery, located in the then-new Artists Village, in Santa Ana, California. After graduating, Anthony moved his studio from his garage at home to a new studio in the historic Santora Building of the Arts, in the Artists Village. His work is on display daily at his studio/gallery as well as at various galleries and art festivals across the country.

More than 30, 13th Street corridor merchants have come together to form their own neighborhood improvement group. The goal is to work together to continue the renaissance of the 13th Street area.
From this collaboration "Around the World in Eighty Yards" was formed. The festival will take place on Saturday September 23rd, from Noon to 8:30PM.
Sansom Street will be closed from Juniper to 12th Street. 13th Street will be closed from Walnut to Chestnut. The event will include a celebration of Robbins Bookstore turning 90 years old. Larry Robbins and team will be featuring a Books by the pound Sidewalk sale.
Ludwigs will throw its annual Oktoberfest, and El Vez will be hosting a special day centered around specialty Tequilas. Also set up on the street will be Live Music and fabulous Food & Beverage samplings from Vintage, Raw, Fergies and Fin Mc Cools.
A handful of local artists will move their studios to 13th Street where they will be painting live for this event.
Come out and support the neighborhood this Fall for the area's first united event in honor of our terrific Street.