March 25, 1997

Let me "paint" the scene. On my way into Winter Park for the 38th Annual Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, I saw three car accidents and some middle-aged rich-boys with beer bellies playing golf in their khaki pants. I also drove behind 100-year-old women on their way home from church. In other words, it was a typical day in Orlando's "Old Money" area.

Despite these obstacles, I was willing to delve into this scene to experience what has been described as "one of the most prestigious outdoor fine art shows in the United States." The Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival displays the work of 260 artists in 11 different categories (Sculpture, Photography, Painting, Watercolor, Drawing and Graphics, Clay, Metal, Glass, Wood, Mixed Media and Fiber and Leather). A special performance by Grover Washington, Jr. highlighted the free musical acts.

Darlene Sanchez and Nan Wilson of the Orlando Museum of Art held free art workshops for children. Orange County schools displayed the talent of their students in a special section all their own.

As always, the crowd that normally reaches nearly 350,000 each year found a wide range of festival food. The temporary food court was constructed in the middle of the festival making it easily accessible to all the visitors.

There was some spectacular work by some of the winners, but I found the work of Michael Bond from River Falls, Wisconsin, Kemper from Napa, California and Lou Zale of Deerfield, Illinois most compelling. Some of these folks were runner-up winners, but deserve a mention as only the winners in each category seem to receive attention.

The Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival gives Central Florida residents a great opportunity to experience the work of artists from all over the country. It also brings the work of local artists to our attention, and perhaps even inspires the creator in all of us.

David Carey I'm a twenty-five year old originally from Michigan. Music is my hobby, but I've always leaned toward film as my real passion. As a one time film student and having worked as a director, writer and editor on many corporate videos, I've learned to look at art in a critical way. I love to argue about movies, music, politics, social issues, religion and sports. I guess at heart I'm really just a trouble maker. My Mother says I'm cosmopolitan. Other Articles I've Written