Downtown St. Petersburg, November 17 and 18, Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Florida CraftArt’s 21st Annual CraftArt Festival will be held on Saturday, November 17 and Sunday, November 18, just outside the doors of the Florida CraftArt Gallery, at the crossroads of Central Avenue and 5th Street in Downtown St. Petersburg.
CraftArt Festival 2018, presented by the Red Apple Group, is a destination for tourists and local visitors to enjoy a fun-filled, visually exciting Florida weekend. Collectors and art lovers will be delighted by the creations of over 120 of the nation’s best contemporary fine craft artists, artist demonstrations, food trucks, craft beers and a children’s activity tent sponsored by The Don CeSar. The two-day festival kicks off the Holiday shopping season and features handmade works in ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, paper and mixed media.
Jean McLaughlin, the former Executive Director of the Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina, will be the judge and award $10,000 in cash awards to the artists.
CraftArt Festival will showcase the talents of seven emerging artists with the support of the DMG School Project, as Florida CraftArt engages and mentors the next generation of fine craft artists. Emerging Artists receive a free booth, photography, postcards and the opportunity to show and sell their work. Those sponsoring the artists are Kevin Beck, Jennifer and Jeff Lovelady, Rising Tide Innovation Center, Royal Bank of Canada, Barbara Sansone and Robert F. and Alexandria Welker.
Interested fine craft collectors can become members of the Collectors’ Circle. Members commit to purchase artists’ work in advance of the festival, award their chosen artist(s) with ribbons and receive other valuable festival perks. For information about the Collector’s Circle, please call Rhonda Sanborn at (727) 821-7391.
In addition to the Presenting Sponsor, Red Apple Group, other festival sponsors are Raymond James, The Don CeSar, Regions Bank, Duke Energy, Tricera Capital, Trenam Law, Camden Pier District, St. Pete/Clearwater International Airport, Tyrone Square Mazda, The City of St. Petersburg, the Division of Cultural Affairs for the State of Florida, Tampa Bay Times, Creative Loafing, Total Wine and WUSF. To learn more about the 21st Annual CraftArt, visit FloridaCraftArt.org.
Florida CraftArt is Florida’s only statewide nonprofit organization representing established and emerging fine craft artists. For over sixty years, Florida CraftArt has advanced and celebrated Florida’s fine crafts, in St. Petersburg and throughout the state as Florida’s primary authority for fine craft art. Its engaging and thoughtful cultural programming enlightens, inspires and brings the joy of art to all. Florida CraftArt’s mission is to grow the statewide creative economy by engaging the community and advancing Florida’s fine craft artists and their work. Visit Florida CraftArt at 501 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg.
CUTLINES:
John-Mascoll-CraftArt-Festival-Florida-CraftArt.jpg:John Mascoll, a wood-turner from Safety Harbor, won Best of Show last year and will be at the CraftArt Festival again in 2018.
John-Mascoll-1-CraftArt-Festival-Florida-CraftArt: John Mascoll wood turned ambrosia maple into a dynamic vessel.
Kristen-Holeman-1-CraftArt-Festival-Florida-CraftArt: Ft. Lauderdale jeweler Kristen Holeman’s work is popular with collectors every year.
Steve-Palmer-CraftArt-Festival-Florida-CraftArt: Steve Palmer from Minnetonka, Minn., creates colorful glass art.
Trent-Manning-CraftArt-Festival-Florida-CraftArt: Winter Haven sculptor Trent Manning’s fantastic, whimsical pieces are created from found objects and ceramics.
CraftArt-Festival-Florida-CraftArt.jpg: More than 10,000 people enjoy the artistry, art demonstrations, food trucks and fun at the CraftArt Festival
Don-CeSar-Childrens-tent-CraftArt-Festival-Florida-CraftArt-96.jpg: At the CraftArt Festival, children and families enjoy art activities sponsored by The Don CeSar.