Paint the Beach official announces call to artists
To the editor:
The Fort Myers Beach Art Association has announced the call to artists for the fourth annual 2013 Paint the Beach..Sandcastles to Shrimp Boats -a plein air festival on Fort Myers Beach. The event will take place throughout the Beach on Nov. 4-10.
There will be more than $2,500 in cash prizes awarded to participating artists who will paint the beautiful, local scenery for three days.
Artwork will be judged by American impressionist painter John C. Terelak on Nov. 8, with a gala collectors’ preview and awards party that evening in the festival tent at Santini Marina Plaza. Tickets are available on line at www.fortmyersbeachart.com. Both a silent and live auction will take place that evening as well with some surprising and exciting items going to the highest bidder.
A Quick Draw event on Saturday in Times Square, entertainment at the festival tent and a Jazz Caf in the evening round out the festival. Artwork will be on display and for sale until Sunday Nov. 10, at 2 p.m. when the annual FMBAA painting raffle will culminate with a drawing.
This event is hosted by Fort Myers Beach Art Association, The Greater Fort Myers Beach Friends of the Arts, Santini Marina Plaza, Fish-Tale Marina and the Town of Fort Myers Beach. Many local businesses contribute to the success of the event each year. This year, the named prizes are: First – Santini Marina Plaza $1000; Second – Fish Tale Marina $750; Third – Smokin Oyster Brewery $500; Most Representative of the Beach – John & Jean Kakatsch $200; Honorable Mentions – Guerrilla Painter $150 (2); and All Quick Draw Prizes – Edward Jones Investments $200. Nervous Nellies is hosting the artist meet and greet.
Also contributing are: Holiday Inn of Fort Myers Beach, The SandPaper, Marriott Residence Inn, Winsor &Newton, PleinAir Magazine, Chartpak and Watercolor Magazine.
This is a non-juried event open to artists over the age of 18. The non-refundable registration fee is $40 with a $10 late fee charge after Oct. 30. A separate Quick Draw competition will be held on Nov. 9 with a $10 fee.
See www.fortmyersbeachart.com for complete details and registration. Maximum of 60 artists. Follow us on Facebook at 2013 Paint the Beach. Information is available at Fort Myers Beach Art Association on Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon or at the Fish-Tale Marina office at 7225 Estero Blvd. during regular hours.
Proceeds help support the promotion education, appreciation and study of the arts in the Town of Fort Myers Beach, Florida.
Michele Buelow
Fort Myers Beach Art Association