ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — The Washington area’s Artomatic arts festival is returning to Crystal City in a former office building slated for demolition.

This year’s festival opens Friday evening and runs through June 23. It features 10 floors of art and more than 1,300 artists, performers, filmmakers and designers. It’s located this year at 1851 South Bell Street in Crystal City.

Artomatic 2012 is one of the region’s largest arts events, and it’s free of charge. The festival is known for transforming empty spaces into vibrant art studios and galleries. During the day, it hosts workshops and events for adults and children. At night, it becomes more of a performance space, featuring art, food and drink. Visitors also can purchase artworks.

Artomatic is open Wednesdays through Sundays. It’s closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

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