Mount Dora Arts Festival brings fine arts to city’s downtown for 50th year

Three hundred artists and craftspeople are showing off their work for the crowds this weekend at the 50th Mount Dora Arts Festival.

The annual event allows attendees to experience masterpieces from 300 artists who line the streets of the city's downtown historical area. The event also features entertainment, beer, wine, cocktails, music and festival food to round out the weekend.

An event for everyone

What they're saying:

Organizers for the event said a panel of judges selected the artists from more than 700 applicants nationwide. 

"Painting, sculpture, photography, even jewelry," said Janet Gamache, coordinator for the Mount Dora Arts Festival.

Artist Blake Gore traveled from Virginia to show and sell his miniature artworks. This was his second year selling his mini-masterpieces at the arts festival. 

"So, I was 37 years old, and hadn't drawn since I was a little kid," he said. "I saw a drawing prompt on Twitter to draw a one-inch drawing every day for a month, and I did it, and it just became a thing."

Alyssa Ligmont was selling nature-themed pottery and tableware at the festival.

"So, everything is very nature-inspired but functional," she said. "I have this obsession with making things that people use every day that becomes part of their daily life."

Locals can come and enjoy the event, as well as take home some of the art for themselves. 

Visitors said the festival was a perfect fit for the character of downtown Mount Dora. 

"It's neat," said visitor Mandy Bowling. "It's nice to see people coming from all over coming, and their pictures and stuff are beautiful."

Organizers had blocked off many of the downtown streets during the festival, with shuttles bringing passengers to and from the event. 

Local businesses say the festival also gives them a nice boost. 

"We get a ton of new visitors whenever a festival like this happens, downtown," said Ivy Parnasius, who runs Ivy Boutique, which is located downtown.

What's next:

The festival takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2.

For more information on the festival, click here.

STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO:

The Source: This story was written based on information shared by coordinators from the Mount Dora Arts Festival.

Mount DoraLake CountyThings To Do