ArtFest celebrates 15 years

FORT MYERS, Fla. – It’s Southwest Florida’s largest art show, and it’s now underway in Fort Myers.

ArtFest brings together hundreds of artists from around the country showcasing more than a dozen categories from glass work to photography.

They come from near, and far.

“This is my hometown festival,” said Teri Causey. “I’m proud of it. It’s one of the best in the country.”

“It is glass that I’ve been making for 35 years in Denver,” said Kit Karbler

For 15 years, artists have flocked to Fort Myers to showcase their work and make a sale.

“You want to be out here, and you want to talk to your customers and you want to be interactive and a part of it and that’s the whole reason to do the outdoor art festivals,” said Causey.

It’s not easy to get here. More than 900 artists apply to attend the two day event, only 215 of them get accepted.

Rasa Saldaitis gets nervous every year, “I’m a full time artist, and I’m counting on this show a lot.”

Causey adds, “You always want to get in. It’s hard to get in the really good shows, so it’s always a good day when you get that acceptance.”

They use the festival not only as as chance to showcase their art, but to learn. “You find out what you’re doing right and how people feel about your work,” said Causey.

The Art Festival runs through Sunday, and starts at 10 a.m.