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More than 30,000 expected at Tampa juried art fest
Respected WFTS meteorologist Denis Phillips, who provided a calming – and sometimes even comical – influence during the damaging days of Hurricanes Helene and Milton – is the stage emcee for the live music element of this weekend’s Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, at the 25-acre Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park in Tampa.
Visual art, however, is the main focus of this massive (30,000-plus visitors) and historical (now in its 55th year) juried festival. Nearly 300 artists will show and sell their work.
It began as part of the Florida State Fair (near the horticulture exhibit and livestock barns), but organizers were forced to separate from the fair after nude paintings caused a dust-up in 1969.
Much has changed over the years, and the prize money is now up to $92,000 – including $15,000 for Best in Show, $10,000 for the Director’s Award, and $6,500 for the GFA Founders Award.
The Tampa Museum of Art agrees to purchase and display one work of art.
The Local Artists Spotlight program was established in 2020. Each year, the program showcases five local artists by inviting them to the festival. And the Emerging Artists Program gives 15 national artists a free festival booth and a stipend.
Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park is across the Hillsborough River from the David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts. Map and directions here.
Hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free.
