HOLMES BEACH – The 7th Annual Anna Maria Winter Arts & Crafts Show held at City Field on Saturday, Jan. 17, showcased the work of more than 40 artists, crafters and creators, but the two-day event’s Sunday session was cancelled due to rain and high winds.
Presented by Blue Ribbon Events, the arts and crafts show featured a wide range of handmade items including paintings, pottery, jewelry, textiles, woodwork and more, giving attendees the opportunity to buy one-of-a-kind pieces created by the partipating artists, creators and makers.
“Within a 50-mile radius, 12 artists are represented here at the show. In the overall group, about 50% are Florida residents and 50 percent are from out of state,” Blue Ribbon Events CEO Danielle Lynch said on Saturday.
Saturday’s attendees were treated to clear skies and comfortable temperatures as they viewed handcrafted works produced in multiple art mediums, including oil, acrylic and watercolor paints, along with clay, stone, metal, wood, plaster and more.
Jacqueline McMillan, of Mobile, Alabama, exhibited the balsa wood flower arrangements she created through her business, Love by JM. McMillan, a quadruple amputee,produces her work using strapped tools and paintbrushes, arranging and coloring the wood to create realistic floral designs displayed in small terra-cotta pots and decorative teacups.
“This started as therapy then parlayed into a business,” McMillan said.
An artist named Sara (no last name given) operated her LoveSara booth, where she displayed painted mugs, portraits and colorful greeting cards.
“Painting is a passion for me. I love to paint and it keeps me relaxed and focused. I paint animals and nature in bright, vivid colors. I like to sometimes add a little quirkiness and fun to my paintings,” Sara said
She said one of her goals is to raise awareness of the varied abilities of people on the autism spectrum, and to encourage acceptance of individual differences and strengths.
Painter Kristina Grillo returned to the show again this year with her contemporary abstract works that include serene boat scenes and expressive female figures. Grillo creates her pieces on red aromatic cedar, using a distinctive torn-edge technique. She developed her style through graduate studies and work abroad in Florence, Italy.
The arts and craft show reflected the depth and variety of creative talent found on Anna Maria Island and throughout the region.
“We are constantly looking at how we can positively impact the area with economic growth for both local businesses and the artists we feature,” Lynch said.
