Art Takes Centerstage at Winthrop Festival

Indian-born Rita Wickramasinghe has displayed her batik artwork all around the world.

And now she's added Riverview to her list of venues.

Wickramasingh was among more than 60 artists who turned out for the fourth annual Winthrop Arts Festival held March 24 and 25 at Winthrop Town Centre in Riverview.

The artist, who's been creating colorful batik cloths since she was 8 years old, didn't mind journeying all the way from her home in Cape Coral to display and sell her batiks, especially after she received second place in the juried art show.

"I was thrilled," said Wickramasinghe. "And I love sharing this art from my native country with others."

Winthrop town artist Bryant Martinez, who organized the art fest, said he was thrilled with the turnout and quality of the art on display.

"We have some incredible artwork here, and the artists have been very pleased," said Martinez. "They're selling a lot of artwork."

Plant City metal sculptor Robert Woods was nearly sold out by the end of the show.

"We were very happy with the response from people," he said. "We barely have anything left to sell."

This was a first-time event for Sherri Vasta of Brandon who brought along a variety of her jewel-encrusted cellphone cases.

"I've only been making these since January," she said. "And they're selling very well. I've probably sold 60 in less than two months."

Also excited by the public's response was Sandy Riggio, the art teacher at the Willis Peters Exceptional Center in Dover. She brought along a variety of student artwork to sell in the hopes of raising money for the school's special education art program.

"I can't believe it. We've sold so many pieces today and yesterday," she said.

For mural artist Susan Jordan of Valrico, the show was a chance to display her newest obsession--whimsically decorated purses made from cigar boxes.

"I'm just crazy about these little purses," she said. "Every one is different, and they're just as neat inside as they are on the outside. I put a lot of love into these purses."

Sarasota sculptor Ofra Friedman managed to garner a lot of attention as well as a first-place prize for her unusual wire mesh sculptures.

"I work with stone and clay, too, but this is more cutting edge," said Friedman. "Because of the medium, the work is semi-abstract."

Riverview artist Eduardo Crespo didn't anticipate selling his portraits of people and pets. He was on hand to show his work and get commissions for future artwork.

"This is what I do for fun and love," said Crespo, an electrical engineer who works for the Hillsborough County School System. "Every single spare moment I have is spent on my portraits."

Maria Brennan of Riverview was on hand with both equestrian photos and pencil drawings, and said she was amazed at how quickly her horse photos were being snapped up by fellow horse lovers.

"I just started the photography last year," said Brennan who works full time at a credit union. "I'm really surprised at how well they're selling."

Denise Crawford and Debi Kenney of Bloomingdale were doing a brisk business selling jewelry and other accessories they make from vintage silverware.

"We had a really good day yesterday," said Crawford. "The bracelets are our biggest seller."

The duo is hoping their jewelry will prove as popular when they set up at the FishHawk Farmer's Market this Sunday.

By the second day of the art festival, Charles Lovering had sold 91 of his candle holders made from decorated wine bottles.

"I do 12 to 20 shows a year, but this weekend has been incredible," said the Valrico resident.