"Art of the Garden" Artists receive Awards at Florida CraftArt
Florida CraftArt, 501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33701
727-821-7391 FloridaCraftArt.org
Contact: Katie Deits, Executive Director
Katie@FloridaCraftArt.org
For Immediate Release March 14, 2022
Florida CraftArt presents:
Art of the Garden Show Artists Receive Awards
Exhibition on through April 19, 2022
Art of the Garden – Fine craft inspired by the natural beauty of gardens is a juried exhibition at Florida CraftArt showcasing the best of handcrafted work by 50 artists who created 92 pieces from delicate jewelry, fiber art, and ceramic garden sculptures. The exhibition was judged by Jennifer O. Rominiecki, President and CEO of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, who presented the awards.
At the opening and awards presentation on Zoom Rominiecki said, “It was difficult to judge the exhibition because there were so many wonderful artworks in so many different mediums.”
Best of Show was awarded to Michelle Rosamond of Tampa for “Zestful Zinnia,” a mixed media wall sculpture utilizing palm fronds.
First Place went to Candace Knapp of Brandon for her carved wood sculpture, “Garden of Musical Delight.”
Kathryn Adele Schumacher of University Park took Second Place for her collage, “Ikebana,” created with acrylics, photography, inks, and handmade papers.
Third Place went to Jill Lindsey of Port Charlotte for “Rorschach Butterfly,” a collage made with alcohol ink, Yupo paper, and resin.
Honorable Mentions were awarded to Eric Folsom of Gulfport for “Garden Gate” made from recycled bicycle parts; Sandra Giannantonio of Gulfport for her ceramic rattle “Rocking Snow Bird II;” Alice Pickett Lewis of Gulfport for “Garden Path into the Woods,” made with up-cycled fabric, acrylic paints, and thread; Nick Reale of St. Petersburg for his garden bench, “Respite,” made from wood recovered from a heritage banyan tree that had to be cut down; and Nadine Saitlin of Boca Raton for “Garden Mosaic,” a gourd painted with acrylic paints.
Tampa artist Karen Brown received the Executive Director’s Choice award for her necklace, “Kaleidoscopic Garden,” created with resin, metallic flakes, and a mother of pearl disc in a brass stud mounted to leather.
The show runs through April 19 when the People’s Choice Award will be presented. Visitors to the Florida CraftArt Exhibition Gallery and on Facebook can vote for their favorite work of art in the show. Docent tours are available upon request. Art of the Garden exhibition and programming are made possible by sponsors Mark Anderson and Keith Bucklew.
Florida CraftArt is located at 501 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg and is open Monday through Saturday from10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.FloridaCraftArt.org or call (727) 821-7391. Florida CraftArt is a nonprofit organization founded in 1951 and headquartered in St. Petersburg. Its mission is to grow the statewide creative economy by engaging the community and advancing Florida’s fine craft artists and their work. Fine craft art is presented in the 2,500-square-foot retail gallery and curated exhibitions are featured in the adjacent Exhibition Gallery. Florida CraftArt is the only statewide organization offering artists a creative venue to show and sell their work.
Mark your calendar for these upcoming Art of the Garden events (Zoom links available on FloridaCraftArt.org)
Wednesday, March 16, 6 p.m. Discover the beauty of Florida native plants with garden expert Marquette McManus of Wilcox Nursery (In person and on Zoom).
Sunday, March 27, 2 p.m. Enjoy a garden-inspired poetry reading with Helen Pruitt Wallace and other poets.
Saturday, April 2, 11 a.m. Learn about Ikebana - the art of Japanese flower arranging.
Saturday, April 9, 5-9 p.m. Second Saturday ArtWalk and visit ArtLofts on the second floor.
Sunday, April 10, 1-3 p.m. Workshop: Make a macramé plant hanger with artist Elizabeth Neily. $35 fee includes all materials and a handcrafted pot by a Florida CraftArt artist. Space is limited; call FCA to register.