Arts, crafts festival includes entertainment, art demos

SAINT AUGUSTINE –   Celebrate the start of the holiday season Thanksgiving weekend at the 53rd Annual St. Augustine Art & Craft Festival, Saturday and Sunday, November 24 and 25, at Francis Field in historic St. Augustine.

Sponsored by the St. Augustine Art Association, this signature art event features more than 100 painters, potters, jewelers, photographers, glass and fiber artists, sculptors, woodworkers and other fine artisans displaying one-of-a-kind handmade goods. The artists have been selected for the quality and creativity of their work, making this an irresistible destination for art collectors and discerning holiday shoppers.

Throughout the weekend, visitors will enjoy live music on the Gamble Rogers Folk Festival stage, free art demos, food trucks, cultural displays and crafts of a bygone era from the Textile Art Guild.

On Super Sunday, Bathfitters will put purchase power into the pockets of festival-goers: $100 Gift Certificates redeemable for artwork will be given away on the hour starting at noon. At 1pm Santa pays a visit to the Hyundai Kids Zone where youngsters gather to create their own whimsical art.

“The St. Augustine Art & Craft Festival has been part of our town’s cultural life for decades,” said Diane Bradley, Festival Manager.  “It brings so many wonderful people together to celebrate art and benefit a great cause.”

Gates open at 10am both days and close at 5pm on Saturday and 4:30pm on Sunday. A $2 entry donation entitles visitors to free prize drawing tickets for area attractions, restaurants and specialty gifts.

All-day parking is available in the Historic Parking Garage. Free Park & Ride Shuttle service on Saturday starts at 1pm from the St. Johns County Health Department and San Marco Avenue, north of town.

Proceeds from the Festival support the operations, education programs, exhibitions and community outreach of the St. Augustine Art Association, a non-profit art organization founded in 1924 to promote excellence in the arts. For Festival information, call the Art Association at (904) 824-2310 or go to www.staaa.org/festival.

 

ENTERTAINMENT

Saturday, Nov. 24

11am  Al Poindexter

Noon Paradox (Linser & Lowe)

1pm Blue Lotus Belly Dancers

2pm Brittani Mueller (Bridge Street Vibe)

3pm Ancient City Slickers

4pm Headed South

 

Sunday, Nov.  25

11am Davis Loose and the Loose Canons

Noon Cindy Bear & Robert

1pm  The Dunehoppers

2pm Sunset Monday

3pm The Hombres

 

ART DEMOS

 

Saturday, Nov. 24

11am  Booker Howze – Fun with Watercolor on Aquaboard

Noon  Ken Jensen – Ceramic Musical Instruments

1pm  Vivienne Frankel  – Holiday Photos: Capturing Family & Friends

2pm  Leigh Slayden – Have Paint Will Travel

3pm  Heather Blanton – Art & Diversifying Revenue

4pm  Pauletta Berger – Hand Weaving

 

Sunday, Nov.  25

11am  Lawrence Packard – Pen & Ink Free-Hand Drawing

Noon  Karen Owens – Process & Inspiration of Print-Making

1pm  Raymond Brilli – Alla Prima Oil Sketching

2pm  Leigh Slayden – Have Paint Will Travel

3pm  Pauletta Berger – Hand Weaving