Estero Fine Art Show Brings Culture to Southwest Florida

Why wait until Black Friday? Get a jumpstart on your shopping at the biannual Estero Fine Art Show at Miromar Design Center November 19 and 20, where more than 10,000 patrons are expected to browse everything from paintings, photography, and sculpture to art works in clay, glass, fiber, wood, and more.

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Presented by Hot Works, a professional events organizer, the Estero Fine Art Show will showcase up to 175 artists, all of whom will be selling their original, handmade works at the fair, and are competing for $1,500 in Professional Artist Awards. The show will be juried by art professionals, based on originality, technique and execution, and overall booth appearance.

Perhaps the fair’s most distinct characteristic is the effort of Patty Narozny, Hot Works’ producer and executive director, to keep imported goods, and those who would otherwise misrepresent themselves, out of the show.

“Misrepresentation is a major issue in today’s art fair world,” says Narozny. “Because of the proliferation of the internet, never has it been easier for an individual to order up paintings, ceramics, and anything else art-related from a factory in a foreign country who will, in turn, put that individual’s name on the artwork as the maker of the piece.

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In addition, Narozny hires remote jurors who work from home with no time constraints, thus permitting them to thoroughly vet each applicant, whereas on-site jurors are required to make their decisions in as little as ten seconds.

The results of her efforts are evident in her shows. Artists are expected to put forth a professional appearance in the presentation of his or her work, and a “flea market” look is strictly prohibited. Additionally, each artist is expected to maintain a presence in the booth for the entire duration of the show, encouraging patrons to develop a one-on-one relationship with the artist.

Narozny also encourages each artist to have something for everybody, and in every price point. But regardless of price, patrons can expect honesty and authenticity from each and every artist in the show.

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Finally, another unique aspect of the Estero Fine Art Show is its Youth Art Competition. Sponsored by the nonprofit Institute for the Arts & Education, the program offers $250 awards for the student winners.

“As part of our commitment to bring art education into the community, students in grades K-8 or ages 5-13 are encouraged to enter their original art that is publicly displayed at the art show the entire weekend,” says Narozny. “To date, more than 1,000 youth artists have participated in this program.”


The show opens each day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Youth Art Awards presentation will take place on Sunday at 3 p.m. For a complete list of participating artists and the location of their booths, click here.

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