Florida CraftArt Festival 2023 will take place on November 18 and 19.
More than 5,000 people attended the 25th Annual Florida CraftArt Festival presented by the Residences at 400 Central by Red Apple Real Estate, along with a myriad of sponsors. Bill Griffith, a retired administrator, artist and educator at the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts commented, “As the solo juror for this year’s festival, I am impressed with the high quality and diversity of fine craft being created in the region and especially the strong supportive creative community here in St. Pete. I can see why so many artists are drawn to this area.” Of the 78 artists from 14 states,12 were awarded a total of $10,500.
Best of Show, $3,000.00: Trent Manning, Mixed Media
Awards of Excellence, $1,000.00
Pam Fox, Jewelry
William Kidd, Ceramics
Pottery Boys Glen Woods and Keith Herbrand, Ceramics
John Mascoll, Wood
Directors Award, $500.00
John Kellum, Ceramics
Awards of Merit, $500.00
Dominice Gilbert, Sculpture
Amos Amit, Fiber
Steve Palmer, Glass
Michelle Chang and Wayne Gao, Mixed Media
Sandra Matasick, Jewelry
Dawn Waters, Fiber
Emerging Artist Award
Matthew Szidik, Glass
Long dedicated to engaging and mentoring the next generation of fine craft artists, Florida CraftArt featured the talents of 13 Emerging Artists. Showing and selling their work at the festival alongside the nation’s top fine craft artists, each Emerging Artist received a free booth, professional photography session with Brian James, postcards, and the opportunity to show and sell their work at the annual festival. Emerging Artists sponsors are ARTicles Art Gallery, Color Concepts Printing, Concierge Financial Organization, DMG School Project, Michael and Andrea Graham, Kathryn Howd and Edward Rucks, Jones & Dunn Legacy Group Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, Jennifer and Jeff Lovelady, Massey Law Group, Duncan McClellan, David and Becky Ramsey, Barbara Sansone, Woodfield Fine Art Gallery, and WUSF Public Media.
Additional festival sponsors included Tricera Capital, Raymond James, Brian James Gallery, Duke Energy, Regions Bank, Duncan McClellan Gallery, DMB School Project, St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, Tampa Bay Times, Creative Loafing, WUSF Public Media, City of St. Petersburg, Florida Division of Cultural Affairs, Binger Financial, Jeri Gammage, Janie and Herb Lorenz, Stacia Schrader, Bay First Bank, and Color Concepts Printing.
“As a sixth generation St. Petersburg native, I couldn’t be prouder of our statewide presence and success of our Florida CraftArt Festival this weekend,” said Tyler Jones, Board Chair of Florida CraftArt. “From the many talented artists, to artist demonstrations to children’s hands-on art activities, our community has again shown the power of fine craft in bringing people together. It is this culture that defines St. Petersburg as THE arts destination in which to live and visit. Thanks to all our patrons for the continued support!”
