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Cover Story
Mainsail stays the course
[Images courtesy Mainsail Arts Festival]
Gunbae Kim, watercolor. |
By LENNIE BENNETT, Times art critic
© St. Petersburg Times
published April 17, 2003
St. Petersburg's waterfront festival has balanced fine arts and popular entertainment for almost three decades.
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ST. PETERSBURG -- In its 28th year, Mainsail Arts Festival has settled into a comfortable rhythm of fine arts jazzed up with affordable crafts, entertainment, food and children's activities.
Its setting in Straub Park on St. Petersburg's downtown waterfront is considered one of the most beautiful in the state. And the cash awards, totaling $50,000, attract a large pool of exhibitors, this year about 250 artists culled from almost 1,000 applicants.
Archie Smith, wood.
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Many past award winners are returning, including 2002 Best of Show winner, photographer George Cuddeback, and Awards of Excellence winners Brooke Allison, Charles Gatewood, Unmarid "Tony" Eitharong, Roddy Reed, David Hunter, Dennis Weller, Jeff Ripple and Bill Wohlfart.
Jane Craven, president of the Jacksonville Museum of Modern Art, is the judge who will select this year's winners, including the $10,000 Best of Show artist.
Awards are validation both for an artist and a patron, but they aren't the only measure you should use. Nothing beats a trained eye, and you acquire that through lots of looking, at museums, galleries and shows like Mainsail.
Sandy Budzik, graphics.
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And have some fun with your explorations. If you've always been drawn to ceramics or glass, make a day of checking out different media, say, painting or photography.
Joining professional artists are students from local elementary, middle and high schools whose work will be for sale, with proceeds benefitting the schools.
Bring the kids; if they get bored, they can take a break at the children's art tent where volunteers with the Junior League of St. Petersburg provide age-appropriate crafts. (Because it's Easter, the Junior League tent won't open until 11:30 a.m. Sunday.) Remember, though, that it's not a babysitting service; you are required to stay with your child.
Bill Kwok Tchui, photography.
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ENTERTAINMENT
Saturday
- Noon: Jennifer and the Venturas
- 1:15 p.m.: Urban Gypsies
- 2:30 p.m.: Twinkle Schascle
- 3:45 p.m.: Gumbi Ortiz and the Latino Projekt
Sunday
- Noon: Lounge Cat
- 1:15 p.m.: Japonize Elephants
- 2:30 p.m.: Delta Moon
- 3:45 p.m.: Cactus Creek
Bruce Reynolds, mixed media.
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Preview
Mainsail Arts Festival, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Straub Park between Beach and Bayshore drives and Second and Fifth avenues N. Admission is free. Paid parking is available at nearby lots and parking garages. Live entertainment begins both days at noon, and food vendors will be on site all day. For information, call (727) 892-5885.
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