Artist Awards for the 25th Annual Florida CraftArt Festival

Artist Awards for the 25^th Annual Florida CraftArt Festival

The nation’s top contemporary fine craft artists presented with $10,500 in awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 20, 2022, St. Petersburg, Fla.

More than 12,000 people attended the 25^th Annual Florida CraftArt Festival presented by the Residences at 400 Central by Red Apple Real Estate, along with a myriad of sponsors.

Bill Griffith, a retired administrator, artist and educator at the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts commented, “As the solo juror for this year’s festival, I am impressed with the high quality and diversity of fine craft being created in the region and especially the strong supportive creative community here in St. Pete. I can see why so many artists are drawn to this area.”

Of the 78 artists from 14 states,12 were awarded a total of $10,500. Mixed Media artist Trent Manning won the show’s top prize of $3,000 for Best of Show. The Directors’ Award was given to John Kellum for his ceramics work. Additional awards were presented as follows: Four Awards of Excellence went to Pam Fox (Jewelry), William Kidd (Ceramics), Pottery Boys Glen Woods and Keith Herbrand (Ceramics) and John Mascoll (Wood). Six Awards of Merit were given to: Dominice Gilbert (Sculpture), Amos Amit (Fiber), Steve Palmer (Glass), Michelle Chang and Wayne Gao (Mixed Media), Sandra Matasick (Jewelry) and Dawn Waters (Fiber).

Long dedicated to engaging and mentoring the next generation of fine craft artists, Florida CraftArt featured the talents of 13 Emerging Artists. Showing and selling their work at the festival alongside the nation’s top fine craft artists, each Emerging Artist received a free booth, professional photography session with Brian James, postcards, and the opportunity to show and sell their work at the annual festival. Emerging Artist Matthew Szidik (Glass) received the judge’s award this year. Emerging Artists sponsors are ARTicles Art Gallery, Color Concepts Printing, Concierge Financial Organization, DMG School Project, Michael and Andrea Graham, Kathryn Howd and Edward Rucks, Jones & Dunn Legacy Group Premier Sotheby's International Realty, Jennifer and Jeff Lovelady, Massey Law Group, Duncan McClellan, David and Becky Ramsey, Barbara Sansone, Woodfield Fine Art Gallery, and WUSF Public Media.

Additional festival sponsors included Tricera Capital, Raymond James, Brian James Gallery, Duke Energy, Regions Bank, Duncan McClellan Gallery, DMB School Project, St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, Tampa Bay Times, Creative Loafing, WUSF Public Media, City of St. Petersburg, Florida Division of Cultural Affairs, Binger Financial, Jeri Gammage, Janie and Herb Lorenz, Stacia Schrader, Bay First Bank, and Color Concepts Printing.

"As a sixth generation St. Petersburg native, I couldn't be prouder of our statewide presence and success of our Florida CraftArt Festival this weekend,” said Tyler Jones, Board Chair of Florida CraftArt. “From the many talented artists, to artist demonstrations to children's hands-on art activities, our community has again shown the power of fine craft in bringing people together. It is this culture that defines St. Petersburg as THE arts destination in which to live and visit. Thanks to all our patrons for the continued support!"

The annual Florida CraftArt Festival is a destination in which tourists and locals enjoy a fun-filled, visually exciting Florida weekend. Collectors and art lovers are delighted by the creations of the nation’s best contemporary fine craft artists’ handmade works in ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, wood, metal, paper and mixed media. With something for everyone, the festival also features artist demonstrations, food trucks, craft beers, a children’s art activity tent and live jazz.

The two-day festival kicks off the holiday shopping season each year the weekend before Thanksgiving, and is among the signature events presented by Florida CraftArt, Florida’s only statewide nonprofit organization representing established and emerging fine craft artists. For 71 years, Florida CraftArt has advanced and celebrated Florida’s fine craft in St. Petersburg and throughout the state as Florida’s authority for fine craft art. Its engaging and thoughtful cultural programming enlightens, inspires and brings the joy of art to all. Florida CraftArt’s mission is to grow the statewide creative economy by engaging the community and advancing Florida’s fine craft artists and their work. Visit Florida CraftArt at 501 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg and online at www.FloridaCraftArt.org.

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CUTLINES FOR PHOTOGRAPHS:

FCAF Best of Show Winner Trent Manning with Board Chair Tyler Jones and presenting sponsor Kevin King of Red Apple Real Estate.jpg

The $3,000 check Best of Show was awarded to Trent Manning pictured here with FCA Board Chair Tyler Jones and the festival presenting sponsor Kevin King of Red Apple Real Estate.

FCAF 2022 Award Winners and sponsor.jpg

Florida CraftArt Festival Award Winners: Kneeing: Keith Herbrand and Glenn Woods, Matthew Szidk. Standing: Pam Fox, John Mascoll, William Kidd, John Kellum, Red Apple Sponsor Kevin King, Trent Manning, Amos Amit, Dawn Waters, Sandra Matasick, Dominice Gilbert, Steve Palmer.

FCAF Bill Griffith Festival Judge.jpg

Bill Griffith of Arrowmont served as the judge for the Florida CraftArt Festival. He presented 13 awards to the artists.

Katie Deits

Chief Executive Officer

Florida CraftArt

501 Central Avenue

St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Office: (727) 821-7391 Cell: (561) 351-7904

www.FloridaCraftArt.org

Florida CraftArt is a statewide, nonprofit organization. Our mission is to grow the statewide creative economy by engaging the community and advancing Florida’s fine craft artists and their work.