original art by Cedar Key artist Janet Cook

Cedar Key is all about fishing. Everywhere you look someone is fishing for fun, fishing for profit, growing clams, eating clams, smoking, frying or eating mullet, serving chowder, selling bait and tackle, guiding fishermen and generally messing about in boats of all kinds. When the thriving arts community in this village decided to create a garden next to the Arts Center for the enjoyment of the public, it was no surprise that the theme and elements of the garden would reflect this maritime heritage.

Renowned local artist Chick Schwartz created and donated the delightful, larger-than-life mosaic sculpture of a fisherman reeling in his catch. Chick's wife, Marsha, led and inspired a team of volunteers in building the garden wall with its mosaics of waves and sea creatures.

Chick's landmark sculpture was the inspiration for Janet Cook's acrylic painting (at left), chosen as this year's commemorative piece for the Old Florida Celebration of the Arts. Self-described "housewife and professional volunteer" Cook began exploring her artistic talents through classes and workshops offered by the Cedar Key Arts Center after moving here from St. Petersburg with her husband, John. As a volunteer at the Center she has seen first hand the smiles and delight of visitors when they discover the Fisherman in the garden. She feels this work represents the life and spirit of Cedar Key - the fishing, the art, the island lifestyle and the community spirit of giving and sharing one's talents and efforts.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Cedar Key, Florida - March 15, 2010

Seeking Purchase Award Patrons and Volunteers

The 2010 Old Florida Celebration of the Arts is a just over a month away. One hundred artists from as far away as Michigan, Minnesota, and New Jersey will be adoring Historic 2nd Street with an array of artwork including jewelry, sculpture, pottery, painting, photography, wood, and more. City Park will be filled with musical entertainment, family fun, and the delicious aroma of Cedar Key's finest fixin's. If you are looking for a new fun way to enjoy this year's 46th Annual Spring Festival consider becoming a Purchase Award Patron or volunteer to help with the festival.

Dawn and Ross Buck, Purchase Award Sponsors, selected a Mike Segal Original at the 2008 OFCA

As a Purchase Award Patron you pledge to "go shopping" at the festival. It is a simple and entertaining way to purchase art by yourself or with a spouse or friend. Purchase Award Patrons receive a packet prior to the event that contains a ribbon, vouchers for the purchase award level selected and instructions. This year, sponsors will have all weekend to make their selection. Once a piece is selected the purchase award patron and artist complete the voucher(s). The artist will then prominently display your purchase award ribbon adjacent to the piece throughout the rest of the festival This "people's choice" recognition is very much appreciated by the artists and let's them know that our community supports the Arts.

Purchase Award Patrons will be published in the Official Festival Guide and announced at the Artists' Reception, to which they are invited, on Saturday Evening, from 5-6:30 pm in the Arts Center Sculpture Garden on historic 2nd Street. A Purchase Award can be purchased in increments of $250/$500/$750/or $1000. The voucher will have your purchased amount minus 10% which covers the cost of the Artists' reception where food and drinks are served annually.

Purchase Awards can be bought as gifts or JUST FOR FUN and can be used toward the purchase of any piece(s) of artwork throughout the entire festival. It's a Win-Win-Win - for the artist who sells a piece of artwork, (you) the patron who gets a piece of artwork/publicity/an invitation to the artist reception, and the festival who gets to promote Cedar Key's support which will attract better quality artists every year.

If you are interested please contact CKAC President, Bev Ringenberg at 352-543-0362 or beverlyring@bellsouth.net or call Mandy Cassiano at the OFCA office at 352-543-5400 cedarkeyarts@bellsouth.net. The deadline for being included as a Purchase Award Sponsor in printed materials for 2010 is April 15, so don't delay.

Becoming a Volunteer:
There are numerous ways to get involved and join in the fun of hosting this very special event. Becoming a block captain is a great way to help and we need 16 of them this year. Block Captains help make the artists feel welcome, provide them with information about festival details, and assist them throughout the day if they need a break, etc. Captains are assigned a specific group of artists to assist - these positions are not difficult and include time to relax and enjoy the festival as well.

Volunteers are also needed for the information booth where t-shirts, posters, postcards, and raffle tickets are for sale. Visitor information and surveys will also be available at this booth. Finally, we need some of our stronger volunteers to help set up the festival and park on Friday and/or tear down on Sunday. These positions are 'behind the scene' but are very much appreciated. Contact Judy Duvall at 352-543-0300 or Cindy Leiner at 352-543-5657 to become a volunteer. Thank you.

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Previous Press Releases:

• February 24, 2010 - Spring Arts Festival Just Two Months Away!
• November 30, 2009 - Old Florida Celebration of the Arts under New Leadership