The Village of Estero, Florida, is beautiful and historically significant village perched on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Estero has a population of over 22,000 people that embraces a large and growing artisan and creative community. You’ll find just about everything under the sun, from pristine beaches to one-of-a-kind fine dining options. The village prides itself on being a charming residential community that is a great place to bring or raise a family. In addition, it's a great place to start or move a business because they have an active and growing economy. Twice a year, Estero is home to one of the nation's leading art shows called the Estero Fine Art Show™. The show is held at the stunning Miromar Design Center and is in close proximity to the area's hotels, shops, and entertainment. Patty Narozny is the founder and driving force behind this unique art show. Her festival is one of the few art shows to actually focus on advancing the art community and not just making money.
The show features over 140 different artists who bring their high quality handmade items to sell and display. This is a great event for all ages. Kids can get right in on the action with the “Monkey Bars Youth Art Competition” and create their own art which is judged. Awards are given to the top pieces. The show itself is a juried show that features some of the foremost art judges that you’ll find anywhere, with over 120 years of combined experience. The show is focused on individual artists and supporting the community. You won't find mass produced items or large scale art distributors at this show. If you're looking for an art experience that you won't find anywhere else, the Estero Fine Art Show™ is for you. ResortsandLodges.com interviewed the Founder, Owner and Cooridnator of the Estero Fine Art Show™, Patty Narozny, about this one-of-a-kind art expierience.
RAL: Tell me a little about the event.
PN: This is the 17th annual bi-annual Estero Fine Art Show™. It is voted as one of the Top 100 art shows in the country in a field of several thousand other art shows. The show is juried by art professionals with over 120 years of combined experience in art fairs and art education. We have a loyal following because our focus is on the visual arts and we concentrate on independent artitsts. This leaves us the ability to feature more up and coming artists who are looking for the exposure that we can provide. We have more than 140 artists whose works are all original and are handmade by the individual you’ll meet at the show. They come from all disciplines including photography, clay, mixed media, glass, fiber, jewelry, and sculpture. We have a new home this year at the Miromar Design Center. We outgrew our previous location of the Miromar Outlet Mall! The show is 100% outdoors, but on Saturday the design center is open to the public.
RAL: How many people attend annually and who are they?
PN: We have about 15,000 people who will attend this show. This is a family event and we have a series of activities that are designed to attract entire families. That aside, we welcome all fans of original handmade art.
RAL: What makes the event unique.
PN: What sets the show apart from other art shows is the fact that everything has to go through me for approval. There are no committees with changing members. The focus of the event is narrowed to providing a platform for advancing the arts. The presenters love this event because we cater directly to them and their needs.
RAL: Take me through some of the activities people will find at the event.
PN: It's a beautiful setting at the Miromar Design Center. As you drive, up you’ll see a large and beautiful sculpture piece. There are people directing patrons on where to park and there is plenty of parking for all who attend. Visitors will love the 140 artists who are showcasing their unique works. As part of our commitment to bring art education to the community, we have a youth art competition for ages 5-12. There's $250 in youth art awards and it's a great way to expose students to the to roles and entrepreneurship of doing something they love for a living. No matter if the children win or lose in the competition, we encourage positivity and support so they continue to create new art. I’m one of the few show directors that will focus on local cuisine for the event. We turn down hundreds of traveling food vendors to showcase some of the delicious local restaurants. Dont forget that before or after the art show, patrons can visit Miromar Outlets which is across the street. Special VIP passes for the mall can be found at the Info Booth at the art show. The VIP pass features additional discounts from stores at the mall.
RAL: What can people expect for local lodging?
PN: We work directly with the Embassy Suites. which is located directly across from the Miromar Design Center, as well as the Homewood Suites that is a little further up the road. It’s important to make your plans for attendance in advance because the deals for reservations need to be made two weeks prior to the show. A couple more options a little further our include Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa and Southwest Florida Vacation Rentals.
RAL: What does the event mean to the community?
PN: This show is the perfect venue to promote, encourage, and reinforce the local art community. We give exposure to many artists that would have a tough time reaching this many people. Through our children's activities, we encourage their creativity and show them that art can be their livelihood. Another way we benefit the community is by bringing thousands of people into the community for a large economic impact. From the local boutique shops to the gas stations, the extra business is welcomed by all the local business owners.
RAL: Why should people come to your show?
PN: This is a great way to spend an entire day, or a few hours if that's all the time you have. There are few other locations where you can see this much unique handmade art in such a beautiful setting. The show is low key and we have amazing facilities so it won't be packed. It's a relaxing atmosphere where you’ll find plenty of beautiful art. Everything at the show belongs there; you won't find mass produced items or poorly produced art.
For more information on the Estero Fine Arts Show please visit their website.