SEBASTIAN — They came in search of unique items, pieces of art they could display in their homes or wear around town. With 120 artists representing just about every form of art in every style, the only challenge in finding something was maneuvering through the crowds at the Sebastian Riverfront Fine Art and Music Festival along the city’s river.
They get another chance to brave the crowds today between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. before the show is gone for another year.
“The quality of the artwork is really improving,” said art lover Elaine Reynolds, of Vero Beach, who attended the festival with her husband, John.
The Reynolds said the 11th annual festival is on par with that of Vero Beach’s gem, Under the Oaks.
While they didn’t take home any artwork this time, they did restock their supply of smokeless paraffin lamp oil and bought a polished stone.
Elaine has plans to turn the stone into her own wearable piece of art, wrapping it in silver.
Laden down with several shopping bags were Vero Beach friends Vanessa Strube and Pam Hendrix.
Strube said she was getting a jump on picking up presents for friends and family throughout the year.
“Mine are all for me,” Hendrix said, lifting her bags a few inches.
For the women, just about every art form caught their eyes – ceramics and pottery and jewelry.
“Art festivals are fun,” Hendrix said.
A constant comment among festivalgoers and artists alike was the beauty of the weather. Last year’s event was bitterly cold.
“We finally have decent weather,” said festival organizer Lisanne Robinson.
She said the 120 artists at the show represent a wide variety of high quality media.
“It’s not all painters,” Robinson said. “It’s not all jewelers. It’s all media.”
Stationed at her own booth, Robinson said she has been quick to ask anyone who comes in to see her work where they are from. She said people have traveled to Sebastian from Satellite Beach and Stuart and all points in between.
Robinson said it has taken the non-profit organization this long to break even and bring in a little extra money it can put into public art projects, a mission of The Sebastian Riverfront Fine Art and Music Festival, Inc.
This year, like last, the organization plans to donate $3,000 worth of art supplies to local schools to help keep art in public education, Robinson said.
Artist Paul Breitinger could be seen bouncing around his booth along Indian River Drive in time to the music being performed on the stage. Between the music, the weather and the “$1 million view,” Breitinger said it would be difficult not to be having a good time at the show.
“It’s always fun to meet new people,” he said.
He and his wife, Kevan, put together mosaics with inspirational quotes tied in. Such quotes range from Jimmy Buffett and Jimi Hendrix to Ralph Waldo Emerson.
“They’re all positive and uplifting,” Kevan said. “We want to inject fun and positivity into the day.”
The Breitengers are first-time show participants and have every intention of returning next year.
The Sebastian Riverfront Fine Art and Music Festival continues Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. along Indian River Drive at Riverview Park with live musical entertainment at the event park next to the river.
Sunday’s Music Schedule:
- 10 a.m. – None – Lost in Da Mail – Reggae
- Noon -2 p.m. – Alessandra Valenzuela
- 2-5 p.m. – Queen Bees
