Trent Gibbs and Pat Colyer [Photo: Denise Ritchie]

Winter winds carried in a flurry of creativity during the 19th annual Sebastian Fine Art & Music Festival along the Sebastian waterfront near Riverview Park.

The two-day event showcased artwork from more than 100 juried artists, wowing fest-goers with everything from drawing and photography to painting, textiles and sculpture. Artists used drumsticks to paint with, palm fronds as canvases and mediums such as clay, wood, and metal to create functional pottery and wearable art.

An impressive lineup of artists and artisans from across the country chatted with art enthusiasts, discussing techniques and happily answering questions. After perusing everything from wind chimes and fish rubbings to baskets and birdhouses, attendees headed over to the green space by the lagoon to enjoy lunch while listening to music from a variety of groups that played throughout the weekend.

Event organizer Robert Johnson, along with his wife and several other board members, stepped up to continue the event in memory of festival founder and longtime director Lisanne Robinson, who lost her battle with cancer in June 2018.

“We’re trying to carry on the tradition of the show. We’re doing something good for the community,” said Johnson.

In addition to “throwing a cultural event,” he explained that local emerging artists are also invited to attend so that they can experience participating in a professional art show.

The goal of the nonprofit is to “promote interest in and appreciation of the arts and to promote cultural enhancement and awareness through public exhibition and performance within the City of Sebastian and its environs.”

Proceeds from the festival enable the distribution of scholarships to Sebastian schools’ performing and visual arts programs.

For more information, visit sebastianartshow.com.