By Kathy L. Collins
The 6th Annual Winthrop Arts Festival will be held on Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Winthrop Town Center in Riverview. All artists who would like to participate are encouraged to submit an application for inclusion in this fine arts festival.
Applications can be obtained at www.WinthropArtsFestival.org. Organizers of the event hope to showcase the works of 100 artists in categories ranging from oil painting to ceramics to jewelry. The entry fee for a 12 foot by 12 foot space is $135. The application deadline is March 7.
For the first time, the Winthrop Arts Festival will be held in the Winthrop Park. Moreover, the festival will highlight the Winthrop Community Garden and the non-profits that benefit from the garden such as ECHO of Brandon.
Bryant Martinez, Winthrop Town Artist and Festival Organizer said, “This is our sixth year as a community art festival featuring fine arts and fine crafts. This festival has become a tradition in the community.” Martinez added, “I love the arts and want everyone to come out and enjoy the festival and the talented artists and crafts people that live in our area. For me, the arts are a necessary part of the human experience and I am grateful that I can help bring this festival for the enjoyment of the residents of the greater Brandon area.”
On Saturday, March 22 in the evening, there will be a banquet honoring all of the artists. Awards will be given to the top arts that are exhibited this year.
The Winthrop Arts Festival is a juried art show. Since its inception, the festival has drawn artists from all over Tampa Bay. The festival features music, food and a children’s activity tent.
Sponsorships are available at different levels. If you love art and want to help promote art in the greater Brandon area, there is no better way than to become a part of the 6th Annual Winthrop Art Festival.
Proceeds from the festival are used to help fund the HCFR Foundation for book scholarships for firefighter students attending HCC.
For more information on participating in the festival as an artist, becoming a sponsor patron or volunteering at the festival, please visit www.WinthropArtsFestival.org or e-mail info@winthropartsfestival.org or call 601-3129.
