Cape Coral Art Festival and Market Place | 40th annual event to take place this weekend
One of the largest events in Southwest Florida returns to Cape Coral Parkway this weekend with hundreds of artists, artisans and vendors taking part.
The Cape Coral Art Festival and Market Place, put on each year by the Rotary Club of Cape Coral, is set for Jan. 11 and 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m each day. The event, now in its 40th year, is free to attend.
The parkway, from Coronado Parkway to Del Prado Boulevard, will be transformed into an arts paradise for two days, as the possibility of selection for every eye is endless. Numerous exhibitors with the creative touch will show off their style and chat with attendees about their process and the meaning behind their works, which are, of course, for sale.
This year’s festival promises to be even more exciting than ever before, with a diverse array of artwork, live entertainment, delicious food, and much more.
The event, which sees well over 100,000 attendees each year, was named the Fifth Best Art Festival in the Nation by Sunshine Artists.
“This is our major event of the year, and we’ve seen it grow with increasing artists and adding components,” said Vanessa Chaviano, Rotary Club member and public relations specialist for the event. “This is the event that helps the club raise funds for different projects it does in the community throughout the year. It helps the club make a bigger impact on local non-profits, organizations and projects this year.”
New this year is the addition of a boat show, which will have its own section at the festival. The expo will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, and will also feature RVs, motorcycles, and “outdoor” businesses.
“Adding on this expo helps us expand and make it a bigger event,” Chaviano said.
When organizers say you can find anything and everything at the festival, they mean it. Vendor booths will line the South Cape for more than a half-mile and, on most occasions, more than 140,000 attendees have turned out to view the vast array of selections.
This year will feature more than 300 exhibitors, as well as a “Premier Artist Area.”
“We have artists that have participated in this event since its inception,” Chaviano said. “We have a pretty solid artist group. Many of them are locals, and people come to look for them. And of course we get newer artists, newer faces, and up-and-coming artists. We get a good diverse crowd with all of the different mediums we display.”
From paintings, to sculptures made of an array of materials, to photography, jewelry, furniture and more, the Cape Coral Art Festival and Marketplace is a one-stop-shop for art-lovers.
“Any aspect you can think of when it comes to art, it is there,” Chaviano said. “The new Premier Artists Area will feature a bit more of higher-end selections.”
Sponsored by Aubuchon Homes, this exclusive section of the festival is dedicated to showcasing the exceptional talents of highly skilled artists from around the world.
Located in front of the Holiday Inn Express on both sides of the median along Cape Coral Parkway, from Del Prado Boulevard to Southeast 15th Ave., the Premier Artist Area offers a unique and distinguished experience for both artists and visitors.
Featuring 78 Premier Artists with the highest jury scores, this area is a must-see for anyone seeking the finest in artistic expression.
Jen Callahan, this year’s Poster Artist, will be in the Premier Area next to the T-Shirt and Poster Sales Booth. She will be available to autograph posters and T-shirts.
There are also bragging rights and prize money up for grabs. The festival will be giving awards to three different sections: fine crafters, fine artists, and premiere artists.
The artists will be judged based on three criteria:
1. Originality of the design of the work
2. Mastery or skill of the artist in making the piece, and
3. Cohesive Theme of the items in the booth; does it look like the artist has developed a unique style for all of his/her pieces?
Awards and prize money will be determined by the end of the first day on Saturday.
The festival is a great way to meet artists, have meaningful conversations about their pieces, and possibly discuss custom works in the future.
“Building relationships and that one-on-one is always very helpful,” Chaviano said. “You can ask them directly what the piece is all about, and the why. There’s a lot of artists that will take on commissions as well. It’s always fun to get something uniquely made for you. Having those relationships, meeting artists, and understating their story gives more meaning when you’re making a purchase.”
Chaviano added the event brings a positive economic impact to the city for the weekend.
“This is a big draw,” she said. “Travel and tourism — all of those pieces. People stay for the full weekend. It’s just a huge plug for our area, especially with past hurricanes. All of the businesses in downtown Cape and other areas see an influx during this time. It’s a plus for people to see Cape Coral and what it has to offer, and it’s changing. There’s new businesses and developments coming every day. It’s an opportunity for people to see those changes.”
Overall, the festival is a great way to spend a day outside, perusing great art, and enjoy a free event.
“It’s just nice to walk and be outside,” Chaviano said. “It’s great to get out and do something that’s cost-free. It’s family-friendly across all ages. There’s something for everyone there. This also feeds (Rotary) to give back. Having people come here and visit is what keeps these artists coming back.”
Projects that Rotary is involved in or spearheaded that benefit from the festival include Rotary Park, Safe Zones for children at bus stops, and its Dictionary Project.
Cape Coral Parkway will be closed from Coronado Parkway to Del Prado Boulevard beginning at 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10. The roadway is expected to reopen at 10 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12.
For more information on the Cape Coral Art Festival and Marketplace, including vendor information, pieces, and map of where they will be located, visit capecoralartfestival.com.