Page 7 - Stuart Exposure - February '21

Stuart Exposure, Page 7

Art HAppenings

ArtsFest 2021

Unveiled

By Jackie Holfelder
It’s time for ArtsFest! This
year’s safe yet sensational
event takes place Feb. 20 to 21
at Gazebo Park in downtown
Stuart. Hours both days are 10
a.m. to 5 p.m.
ArtsFest has been the
signature cultural event of The
Arts Foundation for Martin
County for the past 34 years.
It encompasses visual, culinary
and performing arts – including
Shakespearean theatre – as well The Cuban Trio The Gratitude Steel Band / Eguana En Ekele’

as multiple musical acts highlighting Bahamian, Irish,
Cuban, West African, and French cultures.
“We’ve set out to create a safe environment where
attendees can celebrate the arts,” says Nancy Turrell, CEO
of The Arts Foundation for Martin County.
Featured will be a juried art festival with submissions
in the categories of painting, drawing, mixed-media,
photography, ceramics, glass, wood, sculpture, and jewelry.
ArtsFest at Home will allow patrons to celebrate the
spirit of the day virtually – from home – and will bring
the CHOPPED competition, hands-on kids projects and
an artist marketplace for browsing and buying to you.
Premier community partner is Martin County’s Art in
Public Places Program. Colorful contemporary sculptures
by Gary Gresko will be placed around the Gazebo.
Artist Brenda Leigh will lead attendees in laying glass
tiles for the creation of a mural of a loggerhead turtle
that will be installed as part of the Art in Public Places
permanent collection.
Stuart CHOPPED returns with a different spin. Local
chefs will prepare appetizers from locally-sourced
ingredients in their restaurant kitchens.
From Feb. 7 to 20, entries will be available for dine-in
or take-out, giving you the chance to vote for your favorite.
Participating chefs are:
• Eric Hayes, District Table, Port Salerno
• Cody Harvey, Dolphin Bar and Shrimp House, Jensen
Beach
• Mark Muller, Ellie’s Deli, Stuart
• Aldo Ramirez, Spritz City Bistro, Stuart
The following live performances will take place on
the stage at the Gazebo, located next to the Court House
Cultural Center, 80 S.E. Ocean Blvd. Attendees are
encouraged to bring chairs or a blanket to place inside
areas marked for social distancing.
Saturday, Feb. 20
• 11 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 1 p.m. – Junkanoo Band
Parade
• 11:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 1:30 p.m. – The Rowdy
Micks
• 3 p.m. – A Midsummer Night’s Dream/A.C.T. Studio
Theatre
Sunday, Feb. 21
• 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – The Cuban Trio
• 1 to 2 p.m. – The Gratitude Steel Band / Eguana En
Ekele’
• 3 to 4 p.m. – The French Horn Collective
Tickets are $5 per day and can be purchased in advance
at www.artsfeststuart.org for contactless entry.18 and
under, free.
Everyone is asked to keep it safe by wearing a mask
and keeping your distance. Hand sanitizing stations will
be placed throughout the site.
For information, visit www.ArtsFestStuart.org.

Photos by Arts Council of Martin County

Monday, Feb. 15th
See answer in this paper.