The boutique festival welcomes artists in all mediums, with several artists making the
annual journey to the event for its intimate gathering, the caliber of the buyers, and the
opportunity to show in Gulfport, a town known for its creative expression. The festival
has become a haven for art connoisseurs, bringing together a carefully curated
selection of juried artists each winter to the largest annual arts event in Gulfport.
Awards are handed out on Sunday, and recent Best in Show winners have represented
a wide range of mediums, including sculpture, mixed-media art, painting, and fiber art.
The event will include this year’s Rise & Shine Emerging Artist Scholarship winners
Anne Lancaster and David Feldman. The annual scholarship is awarded by the GMC to
emerging artists who’ve shown the creativity and aptitude of taking their art to the next
Level.
Over 50 artists will show their works in Clymer Park’s cozy 1.5-acre setting, itself
decorated throughout by art crafted by renowned Florida artists. The park is also home
to Gulfport’s Food Forest, an artfully decorated wildlife enhancement and community
food gathering place. From Clymer Park, it’s only steps to Gulfport’s bustling historic
downtown district on Beach Boulevard South, filled with shops, restaurants, and
galleries. As with all visits to Gulfport, parking is free throughout the town.
The Gulfport Fine Arts Festival has been the jewel of Gulfport’s blossoming arts scene
for a decade, and this year’s event includes expanded offerings to mark the special
occasion. While the northern block of Clymer Park serves as the showcase event for
artists and visitors, the park’s southern block will feature an array of immersive creative
activities for the entire family. Live music will greet visitors to the event on each day, and
the nationally acclaimed Gulfport Gecko Amalgamated Marching Band will perform for
guests on Sunday. Vendors will be on-hand with refreshments for the crowds and artists
throughout the event.
Activities will include exploring the Children’s Area in the Food Forest Park including live music lessons, join the Gulfport Kiwanis in painting bricks for a permanent installation or crafting Valentine’s Day cards for Mom, or take a special tour of the Food Forest Park with Festival visionary Crea Egan!
AND JUST ANNOUNCED, festival goers can take part in a butterfly encounter provided by the Tampa Bay Butterfly Foundation. Take part in a special celebration as these beautiful butterflies are released into our Food Forest garden on Sunday, February 9 at 2 o’clock pm. Contact Sadie Evert for more details.
