Sarasota Spring Fine Arts Festival This Weekend!

March 10, 2016 | Sande Caplin | Art

This weekend, March 12th and 13th, Gulfstream Ave. in downtown Sarasota will be transformed into a plethora of originality, creativity, color and inspiration as the Sarasota Spring Fine Arts Festival comes to town during this beautiful time of year.

Hosted by the Sarasota Downtown Merchant’s Association, the festival is in its third year thanks to the support of our community, merchants, the stellar artists and their incredible creations.

Producer Bill Kinney of Paragon Fine Art Festivals said, “This is the crème de la crème of shows. We’re a cut above.”

Many of the 130 showcased artists are represented in the nation’s most prestigious art collections and public art institutions. Originating from up to 42 states and some from out of the country, the selection does include many of Sarasota’s finest.

“This area is the hub for arts in Florida,” Kinney said. “We give preference in the jurying process (to local artists) even though we don’t need to.”

Looking for something to spruce up your home for spring? Are you an art collector or simply an enthusiast? A wide variety of photography, sculpture, ceramics, glass, wood and metal work, mixed media and paintings will be on hand. Then, we can’t forget gifts for self and others. Handcrafted fabric, art-to-wear apparel, jewelry and other beautiful bangles and baubles will be on sale for every taste.

There’s nothing like being able to talk directly to the artisans about their work, whether you intend to purchase a piece or are just intrigued at the sheer creativity of it all. The Spring Fine Arts Festival is the venue in which to do this. If you don’t find anything that meets your needs, commission an artist to create a piece designed just for you.

Admission and parking are free to the event. Sarasota Downtown merchants – from shops to restaurants – will also be welcoming all to indulge in yet more fine finds – from culinary creations at local restaurants to an array of gifts at the shops.

Hours are: Sat. March 12th, 10 am to 6 pm, Sun. March 13th, 11 am to 5 pm. Take a sneak peek at some of the artists and their work at www.paragonartevents.com.