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If you're in the market for jewelry, ceramics, glass or other arty offerings, the American Craft Council Show in Sarasota is a must.

Fine craft in abundance comes to Sarasota this weekend with the 11th annual American Craft Council Show, the largest in Florida. It's one of several such shows the council sponsors throughout the United States each year.

"Some are more competitive than others," said Joanne Belby, director of public relations. "The Sarasota show is one of the more competitive ones, more difficult to get in because the space is more limited and a lot of artists want to come to Sarasota because it's such a good market."

A panel of artists and gallery owners selected this year's 185 exhibitors with an equal balance in all media. The artists come from throughout the country; fewer than a dozen are local and only about two dozen live in Florida, among them Dixie Biggs, Roddy Brownlee Reed, Tim Ludwig, Holly Anne Mitchell, Sana Doumet, Jan Wunsch and Larry Hasiak.

Duality is what elevates most of the work to fine craft, sometimes art, because of its intent to be both useful as a functional piece and beautiful in its form. Shoppers will find everything from finely wrought jewelry to large-scale furniture, wearable art, ceramics, glass and woven objects.

While the show does not offer prize money, it is judged, this year by Andy Maass, former director of the Tampa Museum of Art and now director of the Florida Holocaust Museum. Three "Best Artist" awards will be announced Friday evening, based on the body of work.

Visitors should be aware that, unlike local outdoor art festivals, this one does not have such amenities as entertainment and children's activities, though food and drink will be available. An admission fee is charged (see box), and because it's inside, pets are forbidden.

- Lennie Bennett can be reached at 727 893-8293 or lennie@sptimes.com

PREVIEW: The American Craft Council Show, Friday through Sunday at the Robarts Arena, 3000 block of Fruitville Road, Sarasota. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $8 daily; $14 for a two-day pass. Children under 12 free. Call 1-800-836-3470 or visit www.craftcouncil.org