SEBASTIAN — The City of Sebastian will swell to capacity – and then some – this weekend as it hosts one of its their signature annual festivals – the Sebastian River Fine Art and Music Festival, which kicks off today and runs through Sunday.
“I’m about ready to lose my mind,” organizer Lisanne Robinson said in the days leading up to the event while making the final preparations.
The festival will run 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.
One hundred thirty artists will participate this year, many of them returning from previous years’ festivals.
“It’s a wonderful compliment,” Robinson said of the artists who come back each year.
Robinson said she did turn some returning artists away this year to make room for some new entrants and to ensure a diverse offering of art.
“The caliber of work is just tremendous,” she said.
Artists will have a wide range of work on display – from jewelry and watercolors to wood carvings and wrought metal – “everything you can think of,” Robinson said.
Not only will there be plenty of art to peruse while strolling along Indian River Drive and Sebastian Boulevard at Riverview Park, but plenty of music to listen to, as well.
A bandstand will be at what is considered the event park, the open field on the east side of Indian River Drive where the twin piers are located.
Live entertainment will include performances from The Danny Morris Band, The Beatle Guys, The Valerie Tyson Soul Experience, Lost in Da Mail, The Acousticats, and The Space Coast Playboys.
While taking a break from admiring the art, festivalgoers can expect to get their fill of sweet and savory treats offered up by various local organizations, including teams from Sebastian River High, the Indian River Soccer Association, and HALO Animal Rescue.
Robinson said she expected the city of Sebastian to approve her request to have the Yacht Club boat ramp closed during the two-day event.
Parking can be found in the overflow lot on the west side of Indian River Drive, immediately south of Riverview Park, and on side streets.
As part of the Sebastian River Fine Art and Music Festival, Robinson’s organization highlights a couple of emerging artists to provide space for in the art show.
This year’s emerging artists are Alan Bedell, of Sebastian, and Steve Hamilton, of Vero Beach. Robinson explained the emerging artists program is for those who have a passion for art but have never before been a part of an art show.
These artists will get experience from being part of this show and get feedback, not just from the public but also from the other artists.
“This helps get them kick-started,” Robinson said.
A portion of the proceeds from the festival are donated to Sebastian’s elementary schools and Sebastian Charter Junior High to purchase art supplies to supplement classes.
Other proceeds are used to create pieces of art that would then be displayed in public places – once those places are identified and approved by the city.
