Cedar Key`s 43rd Annual Spring Arts Festival, Old Florida Celebration of the Arts, was held on April 21st and 22nd and was a huge success. This show featuring fine arts and fine crafts is in its second year of its "return to fine arts" and continues to just get better. The show is sponsored by the Cedar Key Chamber of Commerce. This year`s wonderful list of artists attracted fans from all over Florida, and many from outside the state such as New York, Massachusetts, and North Carolina, to name a few. AWARD WINNERS
Our award winners were recognized at a reception hosted by the Cedar Key Arts Center and Cedar Key News Saturday evening. Drummond Bank and Frog`s Landing Restaurant donated food and beverages. The judge was Andy Mass of Longboat Key. He is a former Executive Director of museums in Fresno, Mississippi, Tucson, and Tampa. Best of Show: Mark Van deBogart, jewelry ($2000) of Bronson FL Best 2-D: Jim Wilshire, painting ($1000) of Roswell, GA Best 3-D: Susan Livingston, sculpture ($1000) of Lutz, Florida. Cedar Key Arts Center Award for Creativity: Emmanuel Maldonado, ceramics ($500) of Nicaragua. Cedar Key News Award for Creativity: David Neener, woodwork ($500) of St. Petersburg, Florida. Awards of Excellence ($500): Doug Odum, painting, from Headland, Alabama. Susan Dauphinee, painting, from Cedar Key, Florida. John Murphy, woodwork, from Hernando, Florida. Jane Carpenter, jewelry, from Gulfport, Florida. Mary Ann Jefferson, fiber, from Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. Brian Neely, photography, from Ft. White, Florida. Sam Kates, Painting, from Port St. Joe, Florida. Henry Gernhardt, ceramics, from Cedar Key, Florida. Robert Kastrinos, ceramics, from Orlando, Florida. A. Cesar Nogueira, 3D carved from gemstones, from Ocala, Florida. Linda Molto, painting/graphics, from Cortez, Florida. Purchase awards were sponsored by Levy County businesses. Businesses agreed to buy $1000 on artwork at the Old Florida Celebration of the Arts and came early Saturday to make their selection. They presented artists with ribbons for special recognition. PURCHASE AWARDS Capital City Bank Purchased "Sandpiper Sunset" from Keith Collins and Daylight by Bill Roberts. Cypress Station purchased from Glen Purdy (wood work) and from Sally Douglas (pottery). Keyshore Aquafarms purchased "Cedar Key Snoozer" from Mike Segal and "Clownfish" from Jorge A. Fernandini. Levy Abstract and Title Company purchased woodwork from David Neener. Pelican Realty purchased jewelry from Pat Falk and a sculpture carved from gem stone from A. Cesar Nogueira (last year Doris purchased from him too- she`s a fan!). Taylor Construction and Development (Ronnie & Diane Taylor) purchased "Cedar Key Main Street in the `50s" from Bill Roberts. Nature Coast Realty, Inc purchased "Village" from Cantave Casseus and "Original Jazz" by Miriam Novack. Cedar Key Village and Historic Renovation purchased "Back Bayou" from Toby Gage, "Palms" by Donna Leeward, and a sculpture incorporating fossils and clay from Susan Livingston. Drummond Bank purchased "From the #2 Bridge" from Bill Roberts and "Fishing with Mom- Cedar Key" from Mike Segal. Nature Coast Ins purchased pottery from Ana Varela, wood work by Charles Bell, and a metal sculpture by Jeff Mohr. Cedar Key is proud to host this great event and has many volunteers from the community who give generous amounts of time and energy, and donations. For the second year in a row, Cedar Key Canvas donated canvas money bags to each artist.
The committee was composed of Doris Hellermann, Janet Blackwell, Chick and Marsha Schwartz, Judy Duvall, Dottie Grix, Jim Joy, Bev Ringenberg and Missy Woods Jackson.
Cedar Key looks forward to the years to come as the festival makes its return to fine art. | 
