The annual Peace River National Art Festival will take place Dec. 5 and 6 in beautiful Laishley Park in Punta Gorda. The festival, hosted by the Visual Arts Center, is Charlotte County’s leading outdoor fine art event. It will run 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.
Art glass, fiber arts, jewelry, leather goods, metal work, oil paintings, photography, pottery, sculpture, abstracts and watercolor will be represented by more than 60 artists from within the community and out of state. The fine art, handcrafted goods and exquisite crafts will be complimented by a selection of tasty foods, wine and beer. Admission is $5 per person.
Every year, two remarkable artists are nominated to share the spotlight during the festival. Artists Lori Potts and Kathy Wood have been selected as this year’s featured artists. Lori and Kathy’s work will be featured at the festival and can be viewed at the Visual Arts Center’s galleries leading up to the festival.
Lori Potts is a versatile artist based in Punta Gorda. She uses her art to express her passion for nature, beauty, and color. Her mediums range from oil paint, acrylic paint, alcohol ink, resin epoxy, and gold leaf. Lori’s style can vary from impressionism, abstract, and contemporary art. She can be found exhibiting at local fine art festivals, businesses, and community events in Charlotte County and throughout Southwest Florida. More information about Lori and her artwork can be found at www.loripottsart.com.
Kathy Wood
Kathy Wood is a mixed media artist producing functional art. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Art degree from Kent State University in Ohio. Known mainly for her one of a kind, hand constructed journals, she also manipulates small seed beads into beautiful jewelry pieces and covered bottles. Working small, Kathy has an eye for design in the construction of her mandalas. Hand drawn intricate design patterns that are repeated in a circular format and accented with color. Kathy’s artwork is available at the Artisan’s Atelier or online at etsy.com/shop/beadsboxesandbeyond and can follow her on Facebook at beadsboxesandbeyond.
The festival is hosted by the Visual Arts Center, serving Punta Gorda and the surrounding areas with three major galleries, art and supply store, arts library, one of Southwest Florida’s finest ceramic studios and a gift shop filled with unique items.
Visit in person or online at www.VisualArtCenter.org for further details.
