The Suncoast Arts Fest soon will celebrate its 10th anniversary of bringing acclaimed artists to Pasco County.
The annual festival is a popular event, attracting around 100,000 people to peruse its diverse offerings and to enjoy its lineup of live entertainment.
(Courtesy of Suncoast Arts Fest)
This year’s festival features more than 120 juried visual artists and craftsmen, from across Florida and throughout the country.
“About 35 percent of our artists this year are from out of state,” Pam Marron, co-director of the festival, said, noting Florida’s temperate winter weather is a plus.
The festival’s venue — at The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel — also offers people a chance to do a bit of shopping at the regional mall and enjoy a meal at one of its restaurants.
The festival will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 17, and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 18 at The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive. The mall is just off State Road 56 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, a couple of miles east of Interstate 75.
The event features both new and returning artists.
Among those making a return trip is Rolly Ray Reel, of Maitland, who won best of show during last year’s event.
Besides offering art lovers a chance to enjoy themselves, the festival also raises money to support Arts for Kids, which supplements art programs in public, private and charter schools. Over the past decade, festival proceeds have funded more than 85 mini-grants, which have benefited more than 15,000 students.
The goal is to support both the visual and performing arts, Marron said.
Other highlights on this year’s schedule include a telephone photography competition sponsored by Rasmussen College. The Phoneography Competition is open to anyone who can take a picture with their phone.
The festival also will feature Duncan McClellan, an award-winning glass artist who has an international following. McClellan, who lives in St. Petersburg, will be supplying his glass-etching unit on Sunday, allowing people to create an original design and etch it on glass. That opportunity will be available on Jan. 18, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Another feature this year is the festival’s first mini Art Maker Space, where art, technology and education collide.
The lineup of live entertainment is another festival highpoint.
The Sunlake High School Jazz Band will get things started with a performance at 10 a.m. on Jan. 17.
Other entertainers who will be performing this year include The Black Honkeys, Unleash the Octopus, Hector Mayoral, Julie Black, Amanda Lynn, the Mike McKinley Trio, Gene Hardage (also known as Sarasota Slim), and a variety of other acts.
For a full schedule of entertainment and activities, please visit SuncoastArtsFest.com.
Tenth annual Suncoast Arts Fest
More than 120 fine artists and craftsmen sell their works. There also will be live entertainment, chalk artists, a phone photography contest, glass etching and interactive activities.
Where: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive (off State Road 56, east of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard).
How much: Admission and parking are free.
There’s ample parking and the event is accessible for people with disabilities.
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 17, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 18
The event is held, rain or shine.
Published January 14, 2015
