Arts & Events – Jan/Feb 2009

Gasparilla Festival of the Arts

The Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, one of the top-rated outdoor fine arts and crafts shows in the country, returns to downtown Tampa March 7–8, 2009 for a weekend filled with outstanding art, visiting artists and free entertainment.

Considered one of Florida’s premier cultural events, the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts ranks among the leading juried festivals nationwide that feature both fine arts and crafts. Each year, a select number of accomplished artists and rising stars from around the globe are chosen to participate in the show and vie for cash awards upward to $15,000.

Throughout its 39-year history, the Gasparilla Festival has attracted outstanding artists who have amassed numerous awards and honors throughout their careers and who now have works included in permanent collections of major museums.

In 2008, the Gasparilla Festival broke into the ranks of the Top 25 U.S events of its kind, according to the leading arts source, Sunshine Artist, “America’s Premier Art and Craft Show Magazine.”

When the festival returns to the Urban Corridor in 2009, nearly 300 national and international award-winning, acclaimed artists (typically chosen from more than 1,000 applicants) will be exhibiting their original works throughout downtown’s Lykes Gaslight Square Park and along Franklin Street. The works will include ceramics, digitals, drawings, fibers, glass, jewelry, mixed media, paintings, photography, printmaking, sculptures, watercolors and woods. Food and drink vendors will also be onsite, as will live musical entertainment.

The festival is free and open to the public, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday (March 6-7, 2009).

Where It’s At.
[dt] Gasparilla Festival of the Arts
Lykes Gaslight Square Park & Franklin Street
(813) 876-1747
www.gasparilla-arts.com

Where Is More?
[cd] Florida Aquarium
701 Channelside Dr.
(813) 273-4000
www.flaquarium.org

Try Something New!
Visit these UC neighborhood-focused websites for a complete up-to-date list of local event locations, dates and times.

READ MORE AT: www.NewHeightsMag.com