One of the most bittersweet aspects of being an artist is that you’re rarely judged during your own lifetime. You may have some commercial success, be exhibited in galleries, or just appreciated by friends and family, but it’s difficult to get a fair, objective measure of your work. But some people have figured out a way to get validation and the plaudits they deserve during their lifetime: by exhibiting in art shows.
You don’t even have to be an artist to appreciate the immediacy of impact and abundance of art at a good art show. And toward the beginning of 2020, one of the best in America will kick-off.
The Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs is putting on the Bonita Springs National Art Festival on January 11th through 12th in 2020. It’s happening on Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM in this wonderful beach town, a short distance from Naples, Florida. Rated as one of the top festivals in the US, the show will feature unique work by over 200 national and international artists.
There will be 16 categories of artwork in this juried show; artists are selected by a panel of experts. If you’re attending as a visitor, you’ll be able to meet and talk to the artist as well as buy their work. And if you’re attending as an exhibitor, it’s easy to apply and submit artwork.
If you’re an artist, or just love art, you’ll want to make your reservations soon at one of the beautiful Bonita Springs hotels and resorts.
About the Festival
Committed to presenting quality artwork, this show is one of the most popular and well-regarded in the nation. The Center for the Arts Bonita Springs now puts on three per year and has offered more than 40 art festivals so far. The diverse mix of art categories displayed and judged includes:
- Painting
- Jewelry
- Glass
- Clay works
- Photography
- Sculpture
- Wood
- and more
You’ll enjoy great-tasting food and beverages; the setting is relaxing and park-like.
The festival supports and benefits the Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs, where programs for all ages are offered.
Where to Stay
The beachside town of Bonita Springs offers relaxation, charm, and great natural beauty. There are many great hotels and resorts in Bonita Springs.
The Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa is a great choice; it offers luxury as well as convenience to the art festival. If you’re bringing the family or just love the water, it has four water slides and a lazy river and is close to dolphins at the beach. This hotel could be a destination in itself, so if you’re traveling for a vacation, this is a good pick.
Trianon Bonita Bay Hotel is an upscale boutique hotel with a prime, lakefront location. With an opulent design, pampering service, and fine onsite dining, it’s a good choice for the discerning traveler.
Things to Do
There are many attractions in the area of Bonita Springs and Naples. Coconut Point provides amazing shopping with its popular mall. The beauty and adventure of southwest Florida beckon to visitors and those who call it home.
Charter a fishing boat or plan a visit to the Everglades after visiting the art festival. Naples has abundant art galleries as well as a fine art museum. Some local attractions include:
- Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park
- J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
- Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
- Edison-Ford Winter Estates
For culture lovers, the Bob Rauschenberg Gallery at FSW honors this favorite American artist. Hear music at the Southwest Florida Symphony, with concerts performed from November to May.
In addition to a plethora of culture and the Bonita Springs National Art Festival, visiting Bonita Springs will allow you and your family the fun of a beachside town and the wonderful Gulf of Mexico. Plan your stay now for the January fine arts show.
