Time is Running Out for Suncoast Arts Fest Applicants

As the clock ticks down on the opening of the seventh annual , organizers say there’s still time for creative types to get involved.

The juried art show takes place Jan. 21-22 at The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel, featuring more than 100 artists from all over the United States. Many artists in the show come from Pasco and other nearby counties, including Hillsborough, Pinellas, Sarasota and Manatee.

Application deadlines loom for both fine artists and chalk artists who wish to participate, said Pam Marron, the show’s co-director.

While the art show that draws nearly 100,000 spectators annually provides a place for artists to display their works, Marron said participants get much more out of the experience.

“We do everything we can to promote these artists so they come back next year,” she said. “We want good artists to come to this show.”

There are two main categories artists can enter the show in – fine arts and crafts or chalk.

The fine arts and crafts show is juried and features a number of cash prizes. The best-in-show winner will receive $2,000 this year. A total of $5,000 in prizes in on the line, Marron said.

Applications for the fine arts and crafts portion of the two-day show are available on the Suncoast Arts Fest website. The cost to enter is $230, which includes the jury fee. Full entry rules are also available on the website.

The deadline for fine artists to enter is Jan. 14.

Chalk artists are also being sought to create works live during the festival. That part of the event is being sponsored by Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture & the Arts to promote its upcoming Chalk Walk. Chalk artists that would like to participate in the arts fest are asked to call Marron directly. The deadline for chalk entries is Jan. 15. The cost to enter is $20.

The show is open to the public Jan. 21 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Jan. 22 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Marron anticipates about 135 artists will be present and says live entertainment will take place throughout the event. Proceeds benefit Arts for Kids! in Pasco County.

Stay with Patch for more information about the festival in the coming days. For more information about entering works, visit the festival’s website or contact Marron at 727-375-8986.