Artomatic 2012 dates announced - Going Out Gurus - The Washington Post Artomatic visitors survey photographs by Graeme King during the 2008 festival. (Leah L. Jones for The Washington Post) After a three-year hiatus, the massive free and unjuried art extravaganza known as Artomatic is coming back. The dates are set and the location secured: The festivities take over Crystal City from May 18-June 24 at the largest Artomatic space ever, the Transwestern Presidential Tower at 2511 S. Clark St. This is the second time in the festival's 13-year history that Artomatic will take place in Crystal City, and those dependent on public transportation should be happy to find that the 2012 locale is only about a half mile from the Crystal City Metro. While many of the 76,000 visitors who attended Artomatic in 2009 went for the art (courtesy of about 2,500 artists), the cultural mishmash also promises a slew of other entertainment, from concerts and parties to fashion shows and film screenings. We'll keep you posted on the details of those highlights closer to the festivities, but for now, mark your calendars for May 18, the opening night party, which is sure to be a blow-out. You might also like: Artomatic seeks empty office buildings, but finds few Looking ahead: Must-see arts and culture January Art Preview