HOLMES BEACH – The 34th Annual Springfest Fine Arts & Fine Crafts Festival returned to an appreciative crowd at City Field March 19-20.
The event is touted by organizers as a combination of people, education, entertainment and food, where you can find amazing items handcrafted and offered for sale by talented artists. Sponsored by the Anna Maria Island Art League, this year’s event featured 80 artists showcasing everything from oil paintings to wood carvings. The event also featured live music and plenty of food, making it a great way to spend a beautiful spring afternoon.
“We are here from New York and had no idea this was happening this weekend. I told my husband we would check it out if we could find a parking spot,” said Linda Minardi, who attended with her husband, Walt. “We found a spot and are happy we did. We had some amazing food and bought a couple of nice pieces to take home and remember how much we love Anna Maria Island.”
Springfest is a juried show for both adults and children. Prizes were $450 for Best in Show, $250 for Awards of Distinction and $100 for Awards of Merit. This year’s winners included:
- Best in Show – Cynthia Walston (oil painting)
- Award of Distinction – John Cheer (ceramic/glass fuse)
- Award of Distinction – Ron Deel (oil painting)
- Award of Merit – Kowena Suckstorf (glass)
- Award of Merit – Maureen Abdullah (jewelry)
- Award of Merit – Jay Canterbury (photography)
The Anna Maria Art League is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering the arts on the Island. In addition to classes, funds from the festival underwrite the operation of the art center, exhibits, and a variety of programs for the community. Springfest is a major source of the organization’s annual fundraising. For more information, visit the league’s website.
