Our Mission Statement The American Body Arts Festival is both a gathering and showcase in celebration of that most amazing work of art, the human body. In cultures as old as human existence, rites of passage and other rituals involved adornments of the body and decoration of the skin. The human form has long been a touchstone of inspiration for artists, but perhaps none so much as those whose art takes place on an actual living human body. The ABAF invites practitioners of modern body arts, worldwide, to share information and ideas as well as creating space to view, discuss and appreciate one another’s work. We wish to provide a forum for those working in all forms of non-permanent body art, a group that has not typically enjoyed widespread representation, especially in North America. The central focus of the ABAF is on the art of bodypainting but is inclusive of other forms of temporary decorative arts such as henna. We also especially seek to include make-up, special effects make-up and appliances, photography, and elements of theatrical costuming. The ABAF absolutely seeks to promote the ideas of body acceptance and self-esteem in a culture that too often seems to embrace unhealthy and unrealistic physical ideals. Body art can provide a powerful counter to these societal messages, offering an empowering alternative to view the human body as a literal work of art. The clothing-optional festival site chosen is selected not just to facilitate bodypainting, but also as a place that embraces the body-positive message reflective of our own.