Shell Factory to host inaugural Arts and Crafts show
A two-day arts and crafts festival will kick off the largest event week of the year for the Shell Factory & Nature Park this weekend, Gumbo Fest.
Running Friday, Jan. 29, and Saturday, Jan. 30, the art show will be the first of its kind at the location.
Artists and artisans from across Southwest Florida and beyond will be displaying their creations including photography, pottery, paintings, metal works, jewelry, sculpture, handmade soaps, quilts and more.
“This is a true arts and crafts show,” she said. “We won’t have any items that are manufactured or imported,” said Donna Ellis, marketing manager for The Shell Factory.
According Ellis, the event is free to both the public and vendors. The only restriction for the vendors is that they must be the creator of the arts or crafts.
“We’re very excited to give artists a chance to display creations of their own design and making at the festival.”
She said artists were thrilled to be able to display free, versus other local festivals which charge vendors per space.
“We’ve tried to find a way to connect directly with the artist community,” said Ellis. “This gave us a good opportunity with the onset of the Gumbo Fest being the same weekend.
“The response has been great,” Ellis said. She’s still getting several calls a day, with confirmed numbers.
The event will take place both dates from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The event kicks off the 10th annual Gumbo Fest which will take place Sunday, Jan. 31, and Groundhog Day, at 8:45 a.m. Tuesday Feb. 2.
For information 995-2141 ext. 110.