Vivid watercolors portraying tropical scenes, realistic wildlife sculpture, fine wooden bowls and leather accessories are just a sampling of the works of art that you're likely to find at the Englewood Fine Arts Festival.

As you stroll by the artists' booths, delight in the sounds that line West Dearborn Street. The festival has featured musicians as diverse as a Native American flute player, a Celtic harpist and a flamenco guitarist - all to complement the visual feast on display.

The juried fine arts festival is free, although a suggested $1.00 donation benefits the Englewood Youth Foundation, which distributes the proceeds to various youth activities and scholarships.

Some 5,000 to 10,000 art enthusiasts attend the festival, says Janet Landis, who has been chairwoman of the event for five years. The festival is held in Englewood's charming, historic downtown, situated on Lemon Bay.

Body painting is a part of the artistic creations at the Englewood Fine Arts Festival Courtesy of Englewood Fine Arts Festival

The festival began 26 years ago as a once-a-year event held in the spring. But it became so successful that organizers in 2002 decided to hold an additional "winter" festival each December, Landis said.

Take your time and browse the booths. All the art is for sale, and you can choose from oil and acrylic paintings, watercolors, fine crafts, ceramics, pottery, drawings, sculpture, photography, jewelry and mixed media, such as painted furniture or painting on silk.

Participating artists are chosen by a panel of jurists, experts in the arts field who select about 110 artists from the more than 140 who apply, Landis said.

New artists enter the festival every year, although the prior year's winners are automatically included.

Besides showcasing local talent, the festival features artists from all around Florida, as well as from Georgia, North Carolina and even from as far away as Michigan, Landis said.

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Booths line Englewood's Dearborn Street Courtesy of Englewood Fine Arts Festival

handful of performers - such as vocalists or guitar players - are set up in strategically placed booths so that music is a constant backdrop for visitors checking out the art.

While some performers are exhibitors - they have their own booths just like the artists - the festival has occasionally also hired live bands, folk singers and even a banjo club.

Area restaurants offer delectable dishes and drinks from booths, and local high school athletes usually sell hamburgers and hot dogs. You can always opt to dine at the downtown restaurants, which, along with the shops, stay open for the two-day festival, and offer everything from fresh seafood sandwiches and salads to gourmet pizzas and steaks.

Vendors sell candied popcorn and ice cream, and you can even get your face or body painted for a piece of wearable art.

West Dearborn Street is also home to a handful of art galleries - including the Lemon Tree Gallery and Blind Images - which provide additional places to purchase art during the festival. And, the Englewood Arts Center is located close by, on South McCall Road.

If you go:
For festival dates and additional information, visit www.englewoodrotary.org.

Originally posted 10/11/04