An Artful October

I’ve attended the Winter Park Autumn Art Festival since I was a child. I remember admiring the inspirational artwork, dipping a brush in the paint at the children’s tent, and enjoying the wonderful festival fare with my family. Now in its fifth decade, the festival has grown from its roots at Rollins College and expanded beyond its permanent home in Central Park to also line Park Avenue with more than 180 talented Florida artists.

Mark your calendar for the second weekend in October and join the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce for the only juried fine art festival to exclusively feature Florida artists. The 43rd annual Winter Park Autumn Art Festival, presented by Florida Distributing Co. and Subaru, will showcase the best in ceramics, digital art, drawing and graphics, fiber, fine crafts, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography and sculpture on Saturday, Oct. 8, and Sunday, Oct. 9.

The free event will include children’s workshops led by Crealdé School of Art and live music featuring UCF Flying Horse Jazz Ensemble, Hannah & the Lionhearts and Beth McKee Band. Relax and unwind with seasonal brews in the beer garden, shop Park Avenue’s sidewalk sale and enjoy lunch or dinner al fresco at one of the award-winning restaurants and cafes in downtown Winter Park.

Many thanks to our supporting sponsors: AAA, Celebrity Cruises, GEICO, Winter Park Village and, of course, the City of Winter Park. A comprehensive festival guide, including participating artists and entertainment schedule, is available at www.autumnartfestival.org.