Longboat art festival patrons enjoy relaxed atmosphere

With the St. Armands Circle Art Festival still fresh on art aficionados' minds, many took the opportunity to enjoy the more breezy and spacious setting of the 4th annual Longboat Key Festival of the Arts in Sarasota County this weekend.

The festival, which took place Saturday and Sunday at the Town Center Green, presented attendees with the opportunity to enjoy and buy art of many mediums. 

Madeline Rubenstein and Alan Goldman said that while they appreciate both festivals, they liked the relaxed atmosphere, which allowed them to take their time appreciating the sculptures on display and talking with the artists.

The feeling was mutual with the artists displaying their works.

Artist Jackie “Jax” Kalin has been part of the art festival circuit for about four years, and she enjoyed this particular festival for the offering chances to speak directly with clients.

"I love doing the art, but the festivals help fuel the business aspect of it, because now I have a reason to paint more consistently," she said, noting that her pieces can take well over 12 hours to make. "I'm selling, so I have to make more, and that's where I want to be."

Her mixed-media pieces incorporate reflective mirror fragments and gold leaf accenting her pastels. She said she enjoys incorporating humor into her landscapes, one of which featured the iconic Albert Einstein.

The Indiana-based artist said it does take investments of time and money to participate in Florida's art festivals, but she said it is worth it to get to connect with community members.

Attendees wove among the branches of art booths while being serenaded by musician Vladimir Gorodkin on the hammer dulcimer. They had opportunities to interact with the art as well.

Sculptor John Denis crafts his nature-inspired pieces with acrylic and glass, and he encourages viewers to — with care — feel the artwork.

"I've had a great time meeting a lot of the locals, and there has been a really good flow of traffic and great conversation," he said, noting the excitement attendees shared at having a festival in their own backyard.

Denis said he draws inspiration from nature, particular waves, botanical features, feathering and other flowing lines.

"It's all in the eye of the beholder," he said. "That's what I like my work to do — be a snapshot of nature, with those universal, stylized lines that are almost fossilized."

Art connoisseurs have plenty of upcoming events to fill their calendars, including the 3rd annual Downtown Sarasota Fine Art and Craft Fair on March 15-16.