This etching did not come from an Egyptian tomb, but it is an accurate scene with authentic symbolism courtesy of printmaker, Mel Fleck. Twenty years of travel and study has contributed to guidelines that aid in the creation of his wonderful artwork. Did you meet him at ArtFest Fort Myers 2013?
Extraordinary Printmaker
September 4, 2013 by
Look Around
August 28, 2013 by
Nels Johnson is an extraordinary photographer who has been selling his artwork at outdoor fine art festivals for 36 years. His keen eye seems to capture it all – from the beauty of nature that surrounds us to the art in architecture and so much in between. Thanks, Nels, for reminding us to stop, look around and appreciate the view! www.nelsjohnsonphotographer.com
ArtFest Wins Awards
August 22, 2013 by
ArtFest Fort Myers, the city’s premier juried fine art festival, was honored to receive several awards at the recent Florida Festival & Events Association Convention, held in Bonita Springs. In competition with festivals and events throughout the state, ArtFest Fort Myers was recognized for “Pedal or Paddle to ArtFest”, in partnership with Lee Memorial Hospital and BikeWalkLee, their multi-page festival informational insert in TravelHost Magazine and the 2013 commemorative festival t-shirt design.
“The Florida Festival & Events Association Convention is such a great opportunity for professional growth,” explains Sharon McAllister, Executive Director of ArtFest Fort Myers. “The educational sessions and networking opportunities are invaluable and it is such an honor to be recognized by our peers for numerous components of our event.”
ArtFest Fort Myers, the annual juried fine art festival, takes place January 31, February 1 & 2, 2014 in the Fort Myers River District. Enjoy the experience with 200 professional artists from across the county and around the world; the largest high school art exhibit and competition in south Florida and free interactive art experiences for children of all ages. For more information, visit www.ArtFestFortMyers.com
Afflerback Awarded Scholarship
August 19, 2013 by
ArtFest Fort Myers is happy to announce that their Associate Director, Katie Afflerback, is one of the scholarship recipients for the International Festival and Events Association Foundation Legacy Scholarship. This scholarship is offered to young professionals seeking to further their educational and career goals within the festival and events industry, as it will grant Katie admission to the Annual IFEA Convention this September in Pittsburgh, PA where she will meet and network with the industry’s most sophisticated and experienced professionals.
Currently working towards planning her third festival with ArtFest Fort Myers, Katie is eager to take her formal education and past years experience combined to continually us to enhance the maturity level of our festival. As we continue to grow and strengthen our festival in every aspect, the greater ArtFest’s influence is on the quality of life and economic impact in our community.
Taulman Awarded Scholarship
August 19, 2013 by
ArtFest Fort Myers is proud to announce that one of the festival’s most long-standing volunteers, Heidi Taulman, has been chosen as one of the scholarship recipients for the International Festival and Events Association Foundation Legacy Scholarship. This scholarship is offered to professionals seeking to further their educational and career goals within the festival and events industry, as it will grant Heidi admission to the Annual IFEA Convention this September in Pittsburgh, PA.
Currently holding the position of Executive Director of Lee BIA Builders Care, Heidi Taulman is actively involved in our county and carries many leadership roles within our community. This scholarship will give Heidi the ability to continue to grow and strengthen her involvement in our festival, as well as impact her involvement in her career and how she influences our community. ArtFest Fort Myers congratulates Heidi on her achievements!
Meet the Artists
August 19, 2013 by
The wonderful adventure of ArtFest Fort Myers is all about meeting the artists and hearing their stories. Wiwat Kamolpornwijit gave up a career as an environmental researcher to create hand formed jewelry and the clay is all-natural in color. Does this man know what girls want? www.kamolpornwijit.com
A Glimpse from Osborne’s Back Window
July 31, 2013 by
What makes a dolphin a dolphin or a pelican a pelican? Capturing the quirks and, yes, the personality of wild creatures is something only an artist of Bob Osborne’s stature can do. Can you tell that, for many years, Bob’s backyard was the turquoise waters of the Florida Keys and the fish and sea birds that rub shoulders there? bobosborne.com
From the Sea
July 24, 2013 by
Barbara & Rick Umbel like to say that they make necklaces for mermaids and we think that any self respecting mermaid would be thrilled to own one of their creations. Inspired by the treasures found on the beaches of Melbourne Florida, this creative couple work together to forge and fabricate one of a kind treasures that Mel Fischer would covet. Seeing them at ArtFest Fort Myers makes us remember how much we love our beaches! barbaraumbel.com
John Gibb-Drawing on His Life of Adventure
July 17, 2013 by
A life of adventure lead John Gibb on a wild ride during his formative years. From lumberjack to Merchant Marine seaman to commercial diver, this Englishman crossed the continents in pursuit of the next thrill, until a skiing injury lead him to a career in fine art. His pencil drawings were thrilling to our judges- “Who-o-o” could dispute that Gibb was a very worthy award winner at ArtFest Fort Myers 2013?
The World of Robert Kastrinos
July 10, 2013 by
The magic combination of the musical rhythm of the potter wheel and mad scientist aspect of creating glazes spoke to Robert Kastrinos and turned him on a path from the corporate world to full time artist. His award winning pottery has that industrial edge that delighted our patrons and our judges. Kastrinos was an award winner at ArtFest Fort Myers 2013.
