The first full day of ArtFest Fort Myers was greeted by brilliant, blue skies and enthusiastic crowds that remained until the pleased but weary exhibitors began zipping up their tents at day's end.
The festival sprawls out along Edwards Drive from the marina on the east, past Art of the Olympians on Hendry and D.J. Wilkins' sculptural tribute to Uncommon Friends Edison, Ford and Firestone, deadending in front of the overpass that defines the Caloosahatchee Bridge on the west.
Executive Director Sharon McAllister and her competent crew have done an admirable job laying out the artists' booth in a way as that both creates a circular flow of foot traffic and engenders a beautiful, stress free, open air art gallery overflowing with exceptional artwork.
Continuous music and the aromatic smells of succulent foods add to the festival experience.
If 203 booths crammed full of exquisite fine art isn't enough to entice you to the River District for the final day of the festival, then consider that:
- ArtFest also sponsors "Art Under 20," an art competition and exhibition open to Lee County high school students. The program not only provides them a huge platform in which to showcase their talents, but $6,000 in cash prizes for the very best student artists.
- Kids@Art, a collaborative effort of ArtFest Fort Myers and The Lee County Alliance For The Arts, helps eager "weekend artists" of all ages to tap into their best creative selves. ArtFest provides the supplies and supervision to all who wish to make an artistic treasure to take home.
- ArtFest also provides a "kids only" shopping zone called "The Young Art Collectors Gallery." Filled with wonderful items donated by festival artists, the gallery is the perfect place for children ages 6 to 12 to purchase artwork for only $5. The "kids only" shopping zone is a brilliant concept that fosters the development of future art patrons with an emphasis on fun.
- During the festival, Florida Repertory Theatre, Southwest Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra, and Celtic Arts dancers will be showcasing their talent in a series of free performances taking place on the Youth Stage.
The festival runs until 5:00 p.m., so there's still time to get in an afternoon of viewing and buying before hurrying home for tonight's Super Bowl festivities.
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