Winthrop to Host 3rd Annual Arts Festival

Nearly 100 artists as well as business and charity vendors are expected to converge at Winthrop Town Centre for the third annual Winthrop Arts Festival, scheduled for April 30 and May 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Bryant Martinez, organizer of the event and Winthrop town artist, is currently seeking area artists interested in exhibiting at the fair

"I'm looking for artists of all mediums to participate," said Martinez. "This has become a community tradition that grows every year. It's an excellent venue for emerging and well-known artists."

The event, to take place in the parking lot in front of the St. Petersburg Times building, will include 12- by 12-foot spaces for 100 artists. In addition, there will be 25 business vendor spaces available, 10 food vendor spaces and 10 spaces for local charities.

The Winthrop Arts Festival is a juried art show, which provides cash prizes to the winners. Applications are available by calling 813-681-3480 or by e-mailing bsmith@winthropusa.com.

In addition to the art exhibits, there will be a children's art activity center provided by Center Place cultural arts center and the Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center. Music will be provided during the event by local schools.

Among the food vendors that have already signed up are Acropolis, 5 Guys, Cappy's Pizza, the Italian Kitchen, the Green Iguana, Moe's Southwest Grill and Morelli's Italian Ice, Winthrop's newest store.

Attendees also will have a chance to participate in a 50/50 drawings to benefit area Rotary club and their charities. Prizes include a mojito party for up to 20 people, concert tickets and a $500 E-bond from Valrico State Bank.

The cost for artists to register is $135. Business vendor spaces are $250; charity vendor spaces are $100; and food vendor spaces are $250 plus 20 percent of the proceeds from food sales.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Winthrop Arts Museum, Hillsborough Community College Foundation and the Greater Brandon Community Foundation.

Sponsors of the festival include TECO, Valrico State Bank and Railroad Credit Union.