ArtFest returns to downtown Fort Myers

Reporter: Sydney Persing Writer: Melissa Montoya
Published: Updated:
ArtFest returns to downtown Fort Myers (CREDIT: WINK News)

An art festival kicks off this weekend in Southwest Florida, but it will look a little different because of the pandemic.

And while it looks different many artists are happy to be participating after the pandemic slowed down their trade. Statues sat still. Drawings got dusty. Bills piled high and money got tight.

ArtFest, in downtown Fort Myers, is a step forward.

“This show has been a real saving grace,” said Jack Charney, a ceramic artist.

Chris Seeman has been an artist for 32 years.

“Obviously, I didn’t have a plan B,” Seeman said. “Most of us can say that. I’m hardly alone in that.”

Charney it happened to so many people, all wondering how they would make a living.

The changes at ArtFest include a paid ticket at the entrance, according to Sharon McAllister, executive director of ArtFest.

“We’ve gone to a ticket at the gate to keep the attendance down on purpose, spread out the artists, require masks,” McAllister said.

Different sounds good to these artists.

“We’ve raised our families doing this, we’ve made our livelihoods,” Seeman said. “It’s great to be back to work.”

Charney agrees.

The artists hope the public will enjoy the festival, too.

“Art – it brings joy and smiles to a lot of faces,” said one artist, Prince Duncan-Williams.

For more information, visit ArtFest’s website here.

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