An annual Central Florida arts tradition returns to Lake Lily Park this weekend with “art under the stars.”
The 47th annual Maitland Rotary Art Festival features more than 130 artists from as far away as Arizona and New York showing all kinds of art during the show Nov. 10-12.
“We have a huge variety of art. We have everything from fiber and leather to fine crafts, sculpture, glass, mixed media and painting. It’s a lot of very talented artists,” said Kimberly Carroll, the art festival chairperson.
The after-dark hours are part of what sets this festival apart, as patrons can browse and buy until 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.
“People enjoy having the nighttime hours and our festival is very family-oriented,” Carroll said. “The setting is absolutely beautiful for the festival.”
For participating artists, $14,000 in prize money is up for grabs with $5,000 going to the Best in Show winner.
Aside from the art, visitors can enjoy live music, sip and taste the offerings from food and beverage vendors and explore a kid’s zone open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday.
Last year, the Maitland Rotary Club gave away an estimated $60,000 to Central Florida charities and organizations including Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, the Central Florida YMCA, Lighthouse Central Florida, Meals on Wheels, United Against Poverty and Infinite Zion Farms.
“This is our big fundraiser every year,” Carroll said. “I think the Rotarians play a huge part in making it outstanding.”
If you go
The 47th annual Maitland Rotary Art Festival is open 5-9 p.m. Nov. 10, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 11 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 12 at 701 Lake Lily Drive in Maitland. The festival is free and open to the public. For more information, visit maitlandartfest.org.
Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.
