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A rite of spring
The popular arts and crafts festival at Tarpon Springs draws national artists.
By BRANDY STARK
© St. Petersburg Times, published April 5, 2001
Joseph Ferris’ metal works are among the offerings at the Tarpon Springs Arts & Crafts Festival this weekend.
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TARPON SPRINGS -- This weekend marks the 27th Annual Tarpon Springs Arts & Crafts Festival. Come rain or shine, 225 local and national artists are displaying in this popular show, attended by nearly 25,000 people last year.
Art enthusiasts will find a wide variety of mediums, including painting, drawing, graphic art, ceramics, paper, fiber, jewelry, mixed media, sculpture and photography.
At least half of the participating artists are from out of state, said Tarpon Springs Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Charlie Phillips. Familiar local artists at the festival will include Palm Harbor photographer Don Naumann, Tarpon Springs sculptor Joseph Rotella, and Tarpon Springs glass artist Steve Brewster.
"This is my fifth year," Rotella said. "I mostly exhibit my art through galleries and oftentimes I do not get to meet the people who buy my art. At the festival, I get a chance to communicate with people. It's nice to hear what they have to say."
Artists are competing for $16,000 in award money. Judging the artists are Billy McClain, named the 1999 Winston-Salem (N.C.) Artist of the Year, and Judith Roberts, artist and owner of the Portfolio Art Gallery in Columbia, S.C. Winners will be announced at 11 a.m. Sunday.
"It is an honor to be selected to judge this show," Roberts said. "The combination of the beautiful park and the dedicated committee that works hard to present high quality original art creates a delightful experience all around."
Also at the show, the Chamber's education committee sponsors a children's activities area behind the bandshell, including face painting and visits with the Easter Bunny. The proceeds will provide college scholarships for students from area schools.
Food from Greek specialties to funnel cakes will be sold, and live music is scheduled from noon to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday in Craig Park.
PREVIEW
27th Annual Tarpon Springs Arts & Crafts Festival is 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sat. and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sun. at Craig Park, S Spring Blvd., Tarpon Springs. Admission is $1; under 16 free. Parking is along the streets near the park; also at St. Timothy Lutheran Church on Tarpon Avenue, with a shuttle provided by the Astro Skate Skating Center, $1.50 round-trip. Posters and T-shirts designed by Tarpon Spring artist George Konstantinidis are available for purchase. The artist will be available to sign his work throughout the show. For information, contact the Tarpon Springs Chamber of Commerce at (727) 937-6109.
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