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Tarpon Chamber Of Commerce Readies 35th Fine Arts Festival

By Mark Schantz | The Suncoast News

Published: March 21, 2009

TARPON SPRINGS - One of the city's oldest events, the 35th edition of the Tarpon Springs Chamber of Commerce Fine Arts Festival, takes place next weekend in Craig Park.

The exhibition of fine artworks from around the country will take place from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday, March 28, and 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Sunday, March 29.

"Every year we try to have a little something different and exciting," said Chamber of Commerce President Sue Thomas.

This year the show should seem less crammed into Craig Park. Only about 200 artists were chosen to display their works, rather than the usual 215 to 220, Thomas said.

The artists requested the lower number of participants, she noted.

Festival organizers have chosen a wide range of artists. The genres that will be on display include mixed media, painters, fabrics, wood, glass, metal, jewelry, ceramics and paper artists.

The artwork has affordable prices, Thomas noted. "There should be something interesting for every taste and price range," she said.

This year's featured artist, April Davis, is a landscape painter from Boca Raton. Davis has spent 30 years creating colorful large-scale panoramic landscapes, Thomas said.

She produced a special piece to adorn festival shirts and posters in 2009.

The image focuses on wildlife in Spring Bayou. The show will also continue its tradition of featuring a food court and two days of entertainment.

Last year it rained all around Tarpon Springs but not in the city or on the park. This left many people wondering whether the show was going on, Thomas said.

She hopes this year's forecast will call for chamber of commerce weather. Admission to the show is $2 a person, with youngsters under 16 admitted free. Pets and coolers are banned.

Entertainment lineup

Subject to change, the entertainment schedule for the 2009 Tarpon Springs Chamber of Commerce Fine Arts Festival is:

Saturday

9:30 - 11 a.m. - Dance Evolutions performing company.

11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.- Vision of Harmony, gospel.

12:45 - 2:15 p.m. - Tom Baptist, jazz sounds.

2:30 - 4:30 p.m. - Jay Maddox Band, country rock.

4:45 - 6:15 p.m. - Roadhouse, cover band.

Sunday

11 a.m. - Awards ceremony.

12:15 - 2:15 p.m. - Randy Vincent, blues and classic rock.

2:30 - 4:30 p.m. - Gatekeeper, classic rock.