Florida CraftArt

Our mission is to grow the statewide creative economy by engaging the community and advancing Florida’s fine craft artists and their work.

Florida CraftArt (FCA) is a member-supported, statewide nonprofit organization headquartered in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg’s art and culture district. Fine craft art by more than 220 Florida artists is presented in the 2,500-square-foot Florida Artists Gallery and in the adjacent Exhibition Gallery, which features curated exhibitions and programming. Fine craft techniques are ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, sculpture, and wood. Admission to the galleries is free.

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, where workshops, lectures, and meetings are held. ArtLofts are open by appointment or by chance and on ArtWalk, every second Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. Admission is free.

FCA is an important asset to this vibrant community with a reputation for quality artwork and exhibitions, drawing more than 56,000 visitors annually to the gallery and its CraftArt Festival. Florida CraftArt is open and free to the public from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. It is open until 9 p.m. for the Second Saturday ArtWalk. FCA is a destination for locals and tourists alike.

FCA’s goal is to elevate fine craft as a recognized economic generator for Florida, nurture emerging artists, exhibit and promote fine craft artists, provide high-quality exhibitions and broaden educational programming for the community.

Florida CraftArt’s life-changing influence is evidenced in the tremendous impact it has made in the lives of Florida artists, helping to make it possible for them to make a living in the profession. It is the only statewide organization offering Florida’s fine craft artists the opportunity to show and sell their work in an attractive gallery set in a popular area for tourists, locals, and art lovers. Art careers have been made possible because of financial support from sales, business guidance, and mentoring from FCA staff. Artists are encouraged and challenged to create new work for the retail gallery and calls to artists for various themed exhibitions.

Every November, 100 of the best fine craft artists from across the county sell their work at the two-day outdoor Florida CraftArt Festival (CAF), which attracts more than 12,000 visitors. Artists who have never had a major show or participated in an outdoor festival are invited to apply to the FCAF Emerging Artists Program, in which each artist receives a tent, table and chairs, a photography session, postcards, and business mentoring by renowned glass artist Duncan McClellan. From this opportunity to professionally present their work, many fine-craft artists have seen their careers blossom.

Children and their families learn about fine craft methods in FCA’s Creative Discovery Workshops, written by a professional schoolteacher with a curriculum aligned with Florida’s core standards. All materials are provided to the workshop’s participants.

Adults, families, and school children participate in the Walking Mural Tours held every Saturday morning, and on the first Saturdays, a bike tour is offered.

The Collectors’ Circle lecture series (free and open to the public) informs the audience about materials, processes, artists, and historical background. It attracts people who will buy the work of the artists in FCA’s galleries and exhibitions, as well as creating a sense of community among the collectors and the artists. These presentations are also offered to condominiums, community, and service organizations.

Programming, such as lectures, panel discussions, artists’ talks, and fine craft workshops, engages the public and strengthens people’s knowledge and affinity for handmade art objects.