Santa Fe Spring Arts Festival Delights Visitors April 2-3, 2016 April 2, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with evening concert on the lawn of the Thomas Center April 3, noon to 5:00 p.m. Set amid picturesque turn-of-the-century homes in the Northeast Gainesville Historic District, the 47th annual Santa Fe Spring Arts Festival on Sat.-Sun., April 2-3, offers fun and inspiration for the whole family, including the work of fine artists from throughout the country; the Art Jungle where children can create art; an area where young people can sell their artwork; dancers and musicians performing on two stages; a variety of food concessions; and a Saturday evening concert. “Santa Fe College has been the primary sponsor of the Spring Arts Festival since the festival began”, explained Kathryn Lehman, SF Coordinator for Cultural Programs. “Back in 1969, faculty and staff realized there was no fine arts festival in Florida north of Winter Park, so they created Spring Arts. That first year, anyone with a table and anything that could possibly be called art could sell their work. Over the years, the festival evolved into what is now an iconic community event”. Lehman calls it “Gainesville’s Easter Parade” with artists from all over the country competing for entry and the chance to win a share of over $20,000 in prizes. Each year, one artist is selected to create the image that appears on the festival’s poster and souvenirs such as t-shirts and tote bags. This year’s poster artist is Annie Pais, a painter who specializes in Florida landscapes. Over the years, festival posters have become collector’s items.
Santa Fe Spring Arts Festival Offerings
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