Quick Draw contest raises money for Keith Farmhouse restoration

The Phillippi Estate Park was accosted with artists today as part of the Light Chasers Plein Air Painters of Sarasota annual paint off.

About 70 artists, some traveling from the panhandle or Port Charlotte and some local residents, participated in the Quick Draw contest at Phillippi Estate Park. Artists had two hours to create a painting based on a landscape at the park. 

The paintings will be judged and awarded by Bill Farnsworth, a master artist from Venice. The paintings will be sold at the Edson Keith Mansion at the Light Chasers Art Show this weekend.

One art show and sale will take place Sunday, March 1, during Jazz in the Park, a free jazz concert sponsored by the Jazz Club at the Gazebo in the park.

Thirty percent of each painting's sale will be contributed to fundraising for the restoration of the Keith Farmhouse. 

The Friends of Sarasota County Parks, the Phillippi Farmhouse Market and other community groups are raising money to restore the Farmhouse this year, as it is the 100th anniversary of the Farmhouse's original construction in 1916.

Weekend Art Shows

Gala Opening Night, $25 per ticket – 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 27.

Saturday free show – 5 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 28.

Sunday free show – Noon to 5 p.m., Sunday, March 1.