The 11th annual Suncoast Arts Fest will feature 125 fine artists and craftsmen in a two-day event aimed at raising money to support arts education in Pasco County.
“Our fine artists — they’re growing,” said Pam Marron, co-director of the arts festival. “We’ve got a good blend coming in from all over the United States.
(Photos courtresy of Suncoast Arts Fest)
Besides being a place to enjoy or purchase art, the event also offers a wide array of live entertainment and opportunities to be creative, too, Marron said.
“The entertainment — in addition to having professionals there —we also have youth entertainment from the region,” Marron said.
There will be chalk artists at the festival, there’s an art maker space, where arts and technology meet, and, on Jan. 17 there also will be glass etching, Marron said.
“We’ve got the emerging artists area, where the high school art students are able to display their artwork, and that artwork is juried and a prize given for that, as well,” she said.
There is also a kids’ art garden, designed to appeal to younger artists, she said.
Proceeds from the festival benefit “Arts for Education” grants, which go to supplement arts education programs in public, private and charter schools in Pasco County.
Over the past decade, the Suncoast Arts Fest has fulfilled more than 85 mini-grants to teachers to impact the education of more than 15,000 students.
During last year’s event, The Shops at Wiregrass drew a record crowd of more than 100,000 people, according to the festival’s website.
The patrons come from all over, but primarily from the Tampa Bay region, Marron said.
The mall is an excellent venue, Marron said.
In addition to the mall’s convenient layout, there are restaurants, restrooms and parking to accommodate both the artists participating in the show, and the patrons attending it, she said.
The Shops at Wiregrass also collaborates with festival organizers to help promote the event, she said. “They’re a good management company.”
Festival organizers are increasing their promotional efforts, too, Marron said.
“We’ve expanded on our social networking and really tried to ramp up why we do the event, which brings in the students and their families to support the event as well,” Marron said.
11th annual Suncoast Arts Fest
What: Juried show features 125 fine artists and craftsmen and their works. The event also includes live entertainment, chalk artists, interactive activities and glass etching.
When: Jan. 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Jan.17 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive (off State Road 56, east of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard).
How much: Parking and admission are free.
For more information, visit SuncoastArtsFest.com.
Published January 6, 2016
