Sarasota Craft Show Features Top Artisans

Approximately 150 fine craft artists from across the country will display and sell their wares at the Sarasota Craft Show Dec. 4 to 6 at the Sarasota Bradenton International Convention Center.

Robin Bowman, creator of colorful fabric collages; Ann Darling, potter and artist; and Donna Phelps, faux and architectural finishing, will also provide live demonstrations that showcase their artistic styles and techniques.

Thanks to Richard Rothbard, an artist, gallery owner and arts promoter based in New York, the craft show continues for the 15th year.

"When the American Crafts Council Sarasota Craft Show (initially) cancelled the show, many artists contacted me," Rothbard says. " I came down to the convention center and looked at the space, and we just resurrected the show immediately."

In a few short months, Rothbard recruited top crafts artists from around the country to continue the longstanding tradition in Sarasota.

"We put together a show that will have many of the same artists from last year as well as some new artists,'' Rothbard says. "These are juried artists who have all been selected based on the American Craft Council guidelines. The American Craft Council sets the highest standard in the industry and we are carrying on that tradition.''

It's the only indoor fine crafts show in Florida and it's the level and quality of work that traditionally makes this show so successful.

Ceramics, wood and glass work, jewelry, clothing and more will be available. Prices range from less than $50 to more than $1,000. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4, and Saturday, Dec. 5; and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6.

Admission to the craft show costs $8 a day for adults; a three-day pass may be purchased for $11. Children under 10 are admitted for free and students are $5. Tickets may be purchased here or by calling (800) 834-9437 weekdays between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Writer: Nancy Vaughn