The Cape Coral Art Festival & Marketplace was held over the weekend along Cape Coral Parkway, attracting record crowds despite some cooler temperatures. PHOTO PROVIDED

There was a record turnout over the weekend in Cape Coral for one of the county’s largest events each year.

The 2023 Cape Coral Art Festival & Marketplace saw more than 150,000 attendees over two days, taking in and taking home some of the most creative works from artists near and far.

The 38th installation of the free event put on each year by the Rotary Club of Cape Coral saw Cape Coral Parkway transformed into a vendor city and an arts paradise for two days, with selections for every eye. More than 250 exhibitors with the creative touch showed off their style and chatted with attendees about their process and the meaning behind their works.

“The Cape Coral Art Festival & Marketplace ended as a success,” said festival Co-Chair Christina Redman. “We attribute that success to the thousands of hours spent by dedicated Rotary members to make the event a success.”

Preliminary attendance estimates put together by the festival is that 150,000 people turned out, which surpasses the previous record of 120,000 set in January 2020.

So, what makes the festival such a unique and can’t-miss opportunity?

“Attendees commented that the diversity and quality of the art presented for sale by the artists and crafters was exceptional this year,” Redman said. “Many artists also commented on how smoothly the show was run. They really appreciated that the Rotarians were all friendly and extremely helpful to them. Many artists also commented that their sales at our festival were better than they had been in a long time. Many told us that they will be back if we accept them, which is the biggest compliment of all.”

Both a panel and individual judges were tasked with choosing the best-of-the-best in a multitude of categories.

Winners included:

• Best in Show: Jim Zhang from Peachtree Corners, Georgia

• Jewelry: Art Silver Studios; Juan Lee from Rowland Heights, California

• Mixed Media 2D and 3D: Mike Spiller from Tuscaloosa, Alabama

• Ceramics: Lora Thomas from Sarasota, Florida

• Drawing and Pastels: Mia’s Custom Art; Mia Geudtner from Cape Coral

• Fiber: The Unbroken Circle, Deborah Bradley from Erie, Colorado

• Glass: Barron Glass Design; Heidi Barron from Ada, Michigan

• Leather: KT Leather Designs; Karen Taber from Wyoming, Michigan

• Metal: Matthews Art Studio; Mark Matthews from Ocala, Florida

• Painting: Leon F. Ruiz from Naples Florida

• Photography: Craig Dietrich Photography; Craig Dietrich from Easley, South Carolina

• Sculpture: The Gift Promise; Don McCullough from Kissimmee, Florida

• Wood: I&AAGroup; Inna Aleksandrovich from Fort Lee, New Jersey

This festival is the largest fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Cape Coral.

“The proceeds from the event help us make an impact locally with projects like Rotary Park and the School Bus Bench Safety Zone project, which launched after the 2019 death of 8-year-old Layla Aiken,” said festival Chair Bob Welsh. “This event is more than just an Art Festival, it is how we serve our community, and it’s something we look forward to every year.”

While the in-person aspect of the festival has passed, organizers have continued to keep their online component created during COVID.

The online marketplace launched Jan. 2 and runs through Jan. 31. Any artist or crafter accepted to the street festival has been provided with an online booth for the event’s virtual festival. The virtual component gives patrons the opportunity to preview works and to shop until the end of January.

“We do hope that if anyone saw an item that they now decided that they do want to buy, check the items offered in the online shops or contact the artist to see if you can buy it,” Redman said.

For more information and to view the virtual marketplace, visit capecoralfestival.com.

— Connect with this reporter on Twitter: @haddad_cj