Matlacha shoe store hosts fantasy shoe art contest
In observance of the end of a first successful year in business, Footprints in the Sand, Matlacha’s only shoe store, is calling on area artists to participate in a unique contest.
Artists are encouraged to produce works with the only stipulation being that they must have a shoe theme and can be produced using any type of medium.
“The shoe themed pieces can be made using ceramics, utilizing photography, metal sculptures or whatever method the artist chooses,” said Lou Demek, owner of Footprints in the Sand. “Our fantasy shoe art contest has already sparked the interest of some of the local artists and I am looking forward to seeing what they produce.”
According to Demek, the judging of the art will be done by members of the fashion and the art communities, and prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place. As an added bonus, Demek also will take photographs of the top three winners to submit for publication in an international footware magazine.
“‘Footware News’ is the bible of the footware industry and they have already agreed to run photos of the wining pieces along with a mention that the contest was held in Matlacha,” said Demek.
Judging will take place during the January Creative Coast Weekend, scheduled Jan. 9-10, so all entries must be submitted no later than Jan. 8.
“Since I now attend the meetings of the gallery association, I learned that the gallery owners are always looking for great ideas for events to take place during the Creative Coast Weekends. I thought it would be a fun idea to let artists express themselves using whimsical to surreal fantasy shoes,” Demek said.
Demek also said any artists who participate in the contest are invited to enter their work in a silent auction for charity.
“This is not mandatory and anyone who participates can choose to have their piece auctioned off even if they are not one of the winners,” said Demek. “All of the proceeds from the auction will benefit island charities and the money will be distributed with the help of the Matlacha Hookers.”
Since opening the shoe gallery in Matlacha a little over a year ago, Demek has made great strides in refining his product lines, maintaining reasonable prices and expanding the selection.
“My best selling lines of shoes fall within the $20-30 range, however the quality and the look of these same shoes are no different than shoes that cost a hundred dollars or more elsewhere,” he said.
In addition to footware for women and men, Footprints in the Sand carries a wide range of beach bags, hand bags, hats, sunglasses, belts and wearable jewelry art.
Demek recently was given the exclusive rights to sell a new board game for adults. According to Demek, the game “Baby Boomers” is geared for two to six players over the age of 40 and is a blend of Trivial Pursuit, Monopoly and bingo. The game was launched in September and Demek believes it will be a big hit with the baby boomer generation.
Submissions for the fantasy shoe art contest can be dropped off at Footprints in the Sand, located at 4600 Pine Island Road in Matlacha.
The store is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m.; and Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. For information, call Footprints in the Sand at 283-0358.