The work of more than 200 artists, from inexpensive to high-end, will be showcased in Dunedin this weekend. Bring the kids and the wallet.
By LENNIE BENNETT
Published November 4, 2004
[Images from Art Harvest]
Beverly Childs, ceramics.
Sally Evans, acrylic on canvas.
Autumn DeFrank, jewelry.
Jules Burt’s illustration graces the cover of From Grouper to Grits: Delicious Fare With Coastal Flair.
DUNEDIN - It has been a long and successful partnership. The Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin and the city of Dunedin have organized Art Harvest for 41 years, which means that several generations of artists and residents have come together on fine fall weekends to show, see and buy fine arts and crafts.
Art Harvest, coming Saturday and Sunday to Highlander Park, features more than 200 artists. The variety of their work will range from inexpensive stocking stuffers to high-end paintings, handmade furniture and fine jewelry.
That said, do not buy art for its investment value. Even collectors with Old Masters are never guaranteed a good return when selling them, and a big surprise at this fall's major art auctions in New York was the soft market for impressionist paintings. So, you've heard it before and you'll hear it now: Buy something because you like it.
There's something else to consider, especially if you are buying two-dimensional work: paintings, prints and photographs. Ask the artist about the materials he used, especially if the work is framed and matted. Is the mat archival, for example? If not (and it isn't a reflection on the value of the piece; for artists, it's an affordability issue), you might want to have it rematted with a type of board that will hold up over time.
And take care when you display your art. Sunlight, humidity and changes in temperature affect it greatly. So do kitchen smoke and gases released by plants.
But don't get uptight, either. Art is to be enjoyed and lived with. I will always remember a conversation with a prominent collector, the mother of three young boys, who scattered gorgeous, expensive studio glass throughout her house. Wasn't she worried about one of the kids bumping a table and knocking something over? She smiled and said no, she figured it would probably bounce.
The usual reminders for outdoor art festivals: Take a hat and sunscreen. Leave pets at home but bring the children. The league will have a free children's art tent with hands-on activities. Admission to the festival is free, but parking is $3 onsite and $1 at the nearby Causeway Plaza, which includes round-trip shuttle service. Free parking is available at Dunedin High School, which is about half a mile from the park. A food court will offer food and beverages including beer.
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Another favorite of collectors is cookbooks, and Junior League cookbooks have always had an especially devoted following. The Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin rolls out its new recipe collection,From Grouper to Grits: Delicious Fare With Coastal Flair, selling it for the first time at Art Harvest. It retails for $24.95 plus tax. Proceeds from the cookbook and other fundraisers support the league's community projects. For information, call (727) 738-5523.
The cookbook's cover features a painting by Jules Burt, also the designer of the Art Harvest poster, who gained fame when her vibrant paintings and decorative accessories were used for several years in the set designs of the TV series Friends. A review copy was unavailable by our publication date, but we have been told that in addition to recipes from members, those from 17 popular local restaurants also will be featured. Here are two samples for, appropriately, grouper and grits.
Molasses Grouper
1/4 cup molasses
1/2 cup merlot wine
juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup Old Bay seasoning
1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon white pepper
8 to 12 grouper fillets
sesame oil or olive oil
Combine first six ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Add fillets and turn to coat well. Marinate in refrigerator 40 minutes, turning once.
Drain fillets and brush both sides with oil. Grill over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or just until fish flakes easily. Do not overcook.
Bring the chicken broth, milk and salt to a boil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the grits gradually, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in cheese.
Serves 8.
Recipes from Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin.
Preview
The 41st annual juried Art Harvest in Highlander Park, 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin, is Saturday and Sunday. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The children's art tent closes at 4 p.m. Free admission. Artist awards will be announced Saturday afternoon. For information, call the Dunedin Fine Art Center, (727) 298-3322, which is in the park adjacent to the festival.
Jules Burt’s illustration graces the cover of From Grouper to Grits: Delicious Fare With Coastal Flair.