SFC Spring Arts Festival

[htmb]

With the promise of outstanding weather, I headed out early this morning to the opening of the 44th Annual Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival in downtown Gainesville. The festival is held on northeast first street and at the Thomas Center. If you recognize locations in some of the photos it's because this is the area where I went Searching for Fall Color in North Central Florida in November 2012. 


The festival is one of the three largest annual events in Gainesville and is known for its high quality, unique artwork. It is held in the downtown historic district, nestled amid restored turn-of-the century homes, stately palms and abundant azaleas. More than 130,000 visitors are anticipated each year.


Source


I got there so early I was able to find parking behind the Thomas Center.





It's a good thing I didn't park in the bank parking lot, as it was a no parking zone and cars were being towed. 



Once I got home and loaded my photos up I realized the man in the photo is an old friend. I guess he didn't read the "No Parking" signs, as well as the online notice: 

Parking Alert

SunTrust Bank located at 411 North Main Street, is now a tow away zone. If you park there, your vehicle may be towed.

Please consider the City of Gainesville parking lots located near SF Spring Arts Festival.

Here is a link to alternative free City parking: www.downtownparkinggarage.com/


On the Thomas Center grounds there was musical entertainment and dance performances, as well as non-juried art booths and a section for children.

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Northeast first street is a double laned, oak shaded street. A very pleasant place to wander and look at beautiful, high quality art displays (though not all was to my taste). 

Looking south, we see the end of the spring art section, but also the beginning of the fall art section which starts on the other side of the stop sign. I like this show a little better, particularly since the area is shadier. I was very glad I arrived early because this place will be packed within a couple of hours.




The street is lined with places of worship, businesses, and private homes. The congregation of the historic Methodist Church is in the process of restoring its bell tower.

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There were a few food sellers.

I found this portable hand washing station off on a side street by the porto-lets. I'd never seen one before. There's a soap dispenser and a foot pedal you step on to release short streams of water so you can wash and rinse your hands. It even dispenses paper towels from the back (which I didn't use).

Cigar box purses




This artist makes beautiful hand blown glass.

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Another stage for performances from local groups. The Gainesville Youth Chorus was singing.

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These baskets, woven by a woman from south Florida, were fabulous!

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The show was very nice and it was fabulous to stroll outside in the beautiful crisp, cool weather. I didn't purchase anything, but I did find my favorite artist (not pictured) and he shared another of his photography tips for which I'm very grateful.

[bixaorellana]

I don't know what tips you got, but they're sure paying off ~~ SUPER pictures, Htmb! It's a fun & fascinating thread, too; felt like I was really there.

My absolute favorite is the furniture display, although there's some lovely blown glass & the wooden boats are great, too.

Looks like a wonderful day. Thanks for showing us.

[mossie]

The glass was excellent, the whole affair shows how it should be done.

Did you buy some of those doggie bow ties for Bixa ;D

And the Dancing Synagogue had me puzzled, it must be a very agile building

[htmb]

Thank you bixa and Mossie. Funny about that synagogue. When I walked by I could hear singing and clapping coming from inside. I presume there was also dancing occurring. The building itself was quite still.

[htmb]

Apr 7, 2013 6:56:53 GMT bixaorellana said:

I don't know what tips you got, but they're sure paying off ~~ SUPER pictures, Htmb! It's a fun & fascinating thread, too; felt like I was really there.

The photographer whose work I admire actually shared his methods of printing that gives his beautiful photos a more fine arts/multi-media effect. He actually creates one-of-a-kind very unique prints from his photos. Something I'd really like to do. I had tried following his explanation after the last time I saw him, but found he had left out a key point. This time he gave me the left-out information, but held back what he had shared at the fall art show. Hopefully, now I've got all the tools to try to replicate every step.

[htmb]

Apr 7, 2013 7:33:46 GMT mossie said:

The glass was excellent, the whole affair shows how it should be done.

I have actually had some professional exchanges with the woman who makes the little bud vases and the larger, beautiful pieces of glass. I'd always wondered about her work, since i had never seen it. It was gorgeous and my photos don't really do it justice. If I were a glass artist, I'd be very hesitant to place my works outside on display for fear of a strong wind or an inadvertent bump from a customer. I've seen glass pieces come crashing down at other shows.

[tod2]

Excellent, excellent, htmb! Your photos, and taking us on this fab tour are just wonderful.
I reckon I am also mystified by a dancing synagogue?! I've always thought the Jewish faith very staid and solemn, and very serious. I think Jewish people in Israel would be just as mystified. Can only be a break-away part of Judaism.

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I was a bit confused about the congregation and plan to research it. The building has housed various congregations over the years. I think I mentioned I heard singing (in Hebrew, I presume) and clapping as I walked by the front of the building.

Even more confusing was a large campaign sign out front for the very conservative candidate for mayor. The runoff election is next Tuesday, and early voting started yesterday.

[htmb]

Here's a link to the Kol Simcha website: www.kolsimcha.org/