For art lovers, this is one fine day in the park

By Jane Bartnett

The free Sarasota Fine Art Show, scheduled for March 11 and 12 and again on the weekend of April 1 and 2, will be held on the grounds of the historic Phillippi Estate Park on South Tamiami Trail.

Named as one of the Top 100 Art Fairs in America, the open-air juried show is a celebration of modern-day visual artists and their art. The show was also held earlier this season in late November, January and February. Featuring one-of-a-kind art work from up to 100 artists from the Sarasota region and around the country, the show offers Siesta Key and Sarasota art lovers a chance to meet the talented artists in person and purchase their art.

Live music, food from local vendors and a pet friendly atmosphere make a trip to this art show a weekend highlight.

First held in November 2020, the Sarasota Fine Art Show was founded by artist and arts advocate Patty Narozny, whose nonprofit organization hotworks. org produces the Sarasota Fine Art shows as well as others in Boca Raton, Naples, and Estero. Another fine art show is also held in Michigan in late July.

“In 2020, the Sarasota show saved a lot of artists. It was one of the only shows happening in the country,” recalled Narozny, referencing the COVID-19 pandemic. “We have been voted among the best 100 art shows in the country 18 times. Our shows offer something for everyone and every show is different. All art is original and handcrafted by the artist who is present at the show.”

Narozny is also the founder of nonprofit Institute for the Arts & Education that recognizes the work of young artists. Each show features a youth art competition open to ages 5 to 13, and a “Budding Artist” competition that awards four cash prizes totaling $250 for grades 6 to 12, or ages 9 to 19.

Visitors attending the March and April Sarasota Fine Art shows will discover original art ranging from abstract, contemporary, art deco and impressionism. Much of the art work presented at the shows depicts the tropical beauty of our region in all its many forms. Exhibiting artists feature original wall art designed in watercolor, oil, or acrylic paint; color photography in large and small formats; and sculptures created from art-glass, ceramic and wood.

Talented local Sarasota furniture makers and artists who design and create unique accessories for the home in a range of styles will also be on hand to sell their designs both large and small. Fine jewelry lovers will enjoy discovering handmade creations of 14 karat and 17 karat gold and silver, cloisonné, lost-cast wax, and enamel necklaces, earrings, bracelets. Wearable textile designs in colors will also be featured for sale.

This fall, the Sarasota Fine Art Show will return to Phillippi Estate on November 18 and 19. For 2024, three shows are planned for January 20 and 21, February 10 and 11, and March 9 and 10.

Admission to the Sarasota Fine Art Shows is free. A $5 parking fee benefits the Institute for the Arts & Education. Hours for the March 11 and 12 and April 1 and 2 shows are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phillippi Estate Park is located at 5500 S. Tamiami Trail. Visit hartsandeducationinc.org/events-hotworks/ for more details.