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Bonita & Estero Magazine

Estero Fine Art Show Returns for 20th Straight Time

Nov 13, 2017 09:56PM ● By Kevin
The 20th bi-annual HotWorks.org Estero Fine Art Show, which was voted as one of the Top 10 Art Fairs in America for the third straight year, kicks off this weekend, Nov. 18 and 19 at its newest location, Outdoors at Gulf Coast Town Center, next to Bass Pro Shop.
 
All artwork is original and personally handmade by the artist in the booth. There are no reps or sales agents at the booths, making this a unique experience for arts enthusiasts to enjoy.

Artist Kevin Kichar will have his work featured at the event, which includes tapestries of cotton fiber, hot water dyed and hand sculpted.

"These works utilize the handmade paper making techniques each one an original piece of brilliant color and texture," Kichar said.

Kichar enjoys making art that is unique and colorful. He began his work through studying art history, which eventually evolved from technical drawing, computer-generated art and illustration to the form of expression he shows today.

"I did not become an artist until I incorporated those techniques into my own form of expression," he said. "Papermaking allows me to transform these influences into something new."

The event is produced by Hot Works fine art and fine craft shows boast an outstanding national reputation for high-quality juried art shows; as well as the Institute for the Arts & Education, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the visual arts, ethnic diversity, community enrichment, and fostering art education among youth.
 
Hot Works Executive Producer Patty Narozny tends to every detail of the show to ensure the art is of the highest level of quality. 

"Hot Works takes good care in the selection of the variety of artwork," said featured artis Zaki Knapen. "From pottery to cut paper, or woven baskets, painting in all media and sculpture, photography and jewelry... I'm sure that there is [something] for each of the visitors that will catch the eye. Even handmade silk hand-painted dresses, marvelous one-of-a-kind furniture or handmade salad bowls."

Knapen was born in Belgium in 1953, and grew up in the art-loving city of Antwerp, where there were tons of museums and parks packed with art.

"At nine I had my first painting in a museum and won theirs price," Knapen said. "I was connected with lots of artists who stimulated me to continue on this path."

Further down the road, Knapen met his future wife, moved to Chicago, and began involving himself in the arts community. He did about 35 art shows per year and several art gallery exhibitions, before moving to Florida.

"One of my art friends told me if you go to Florida contact Hot Works with Patty Nazrocky," he said. "My fist application was immediately accepted and I do all her shows in Florida."

The event begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18, and runs through 7 p.m. It resumes at 10 a.m. on Sunday, and wraps up at 5 p.m. 80 juried artists are expected to participate, with $1,500 professional artist award ribbons and cash prizes to be presented on Saturday, starting at 3 p.m.

A Youth Art Competition takes place for children in grades K-8 or ages 5-13 with $250 in Youth Art Awards presented Sunday, starting at 3 p.m. under the “Youth Art Competition” tent.

"[There is] something for everyone, in all price ranges," Narozny said.

One of the biggest draws for artists to the Estero Fine Art Show is the knowledgeable buyers. Featured artist Sabra Richards said their feedback helps her to become a better artist.

"Shows like the Estero Fine Art Show give me the opportunity to show my work and get a response to the work," she said.

Richards has also been an artist since childhood, growing up in local museums, taking art classes, and eventually majoring in the arts in college. She currently works in glass and steel.

"Nothing was ever enough... always another direction that was exciting and challenging," she said. I look around me and love the water - the ocean and lakes and rivers. I love to boat, windsurf, though now I have slowed down. My work is in several museums, but recently I sold a table for the Frank Lloyd House and I liked that. There is no end in sight. I will work as long as I can."
 
Parking at the event is free, adjacent to the show site. The show also dons free entertainment by Don Thomas, Peaceful Acoustic Guitarist and Michelet Innocent, French Composer.
 
For more information, visit hotworks.org, and find Hot Works on Facebook.