Founded in 1951, Florida CraftArt helps advance, mentor and support Florida’s artists and is the only statewide nonprofit representing Florida’s fine craft artists.
It is a vibrant, nonprofit organization that has been at the center of St. Petersburg’s artistic renaissance. Located at 5th and Central Avenue, visitors discover original fine craft, such as handmade jewelry, glass, ceramics, wood and fiber. More than 250 of Florida’s finest craft artists are showcased in the main gallery. Every artist is vetted to ensure that the handcrafted art is of the highest quality.
During the year, there are nine curated shows in the exhibition gallery featuring local, regional and national artists. Admission is free to the galleries. Educational programming includes lectures and hands-on activities and workshops for adults and children.
Florida CraftArt’s primary goal is the success of the fine craft artists of Florida, helping them develop from emerging artist to profitable professional artist. The gallery staff is invested in mentoring artists in product development, marketing, pricing and business practices.
The annual CraftArt Festival is held the weekend before Thanksgiving. More than 10,000 people enjoy this free art show of hundreds of fine craft artists from around the country. During the two-day outdoor festival held in downtown St. Petersburg, emerging artists are provided with tents, marketing materials, business mentoring and photographs of their work. This opportunity has launched many of the artists into their full-time careers.
On the second floor of Florida CraftArt’s 100-year-old building is ArtLofts, 20 artists’ studios and a meeting room called the Creative Loft. ArtLofts are open by appointment or by chance and on ArtWalk, every second Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m.
Florida CraftArt offers free admission to its galleries and ArtLofts and is wheelchair accessible.