12 of the nation’s best contemporary fine craft artists presented with $10,000 in awards
November 21, 2021, St. Petersburg, Fla.
More than 15,000 people attended the 24th Annual Florida CraftArt Festival presented by the Residences at 400 Central by Red Apple Real Estate, along with a myriad of sponsors.
Bill May, the former Executive Director of Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, was the show’s judge, who commented, “I’ve been to many shows as a juror, as well as an artist, and this festival stands out as one of the best. The fine craft art is extraordinary, and I could have given awards to many of these juried artists. Their creations enhance the lives of people whether it be enjoying a cup of coffee from a handmade cup, wearing handcrafted jewelry, sporting a fiber garment or relaxing on well-designed furniture.”
Of the 87 artists from 13 states, 12 were awarded a total of $10,000. Glenn Woods and Keith Herbrand, known as The Pottery Boys, won the show’s top prize of $3,000 for Best of Show. The Directors’ Award was given to Leslie Peebles for her woodcuts in the Mixed Media category. Additional awards were presented as follows: Awards of Excellence went to Amos Amit (Fiber), Leeann Kroetsch (Fiber), Don McCoy (Jewelry), and David Sandidge (Glass). Awards of Merit were given to: Larry and Karen Burden (Wood), Linda Davin (Jewelry), Darleen Ferguson (Glass), Trent Manning (Mixed Media), William Kidd (Ceramics), Alice Pickett-Lewis (Fiber).
Long dedicated to engaging and mentoring the next generation of fine craft artists, Florida CraftArt again featured the talents of eight emerging artists (representing ceramics and mixed media) with the support of the DMG School Project. Showing and selling their work at the festival alongside the nation’s best fine craft artists, each Emerging Artist received a free booth, professional photography session with Brian James, postcards, and the opportunity to show and sell their work at the annual festival. Among those presented with awards this year was Emerging Artist Karina Mago. In addition to the DMG School Project, additional Emerging Artists sponsors were Mark Anderson and Keith Bucklew, Concierge Financial Organization, Michael and Andrea Graham, Kathryn Howd and Edward Rucks, Tyler Jones, Duncan McClellan Gallery, David and Becky Ramsey, Elizabeth Reilinger, and Barbara Sansone.
Additional festival sponsors included Raymond James, Duncan McClellan Gallery, DMG School Project, Tricera Capital, St. Petersburg Arts Alliance, Regions Bank, Duke Energy, St. Pete/Clearwater International Airport, Brian James Photography, The City of St. Petersburg, State of Florida Division of Art and Culture, Binger Financial, Color Concepts Printing, Tampa Bay Times, Creative Loafing and WUSF.
“As a sixth generation St. Petersburg native, I couldn’t be prouder of our statewide presence and success through Florida CraftArt Festival this weekend,” said Tyler Jones, Board President of Florida CraftArt. “From artist demonstrations to children’s hands-on art activities, our community has again shown the power of fine craft in bringing people together. It is this culture that defines St. Petersburg as THE arts destination in which to live and visit. Thanks to all our patrons for the continued support!”
The annual Florida CraftArt Festival is a destination in which tourists and locals enjoy a fun-filled, visually exciting Florida weekend. Collectors and art lovers are delighted by the creations of the nation’s best contemporary fine craft artists’ handmade works in ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, paper and mixed media. With something for everyone, the festival also features artist demonstrations, food trucks, craft beers, a children’s art activity tent and live jazz. The two-day festival kicks off the holiday shopping season each year the weekend before Thanksgiving, and is among the signature events presented by Florida CraftArt, Florida’s only statewide nonprofit organization representing established and emerging fine craft artists. For seventy 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 and online at www.FloridaCraftArt.org.