Special Recognition
ArtsFest is one of the longest running festivals and events in Martin County. ArtsFest was conceived in 1988 as a one-day event to celebrate the artists and arts organizations of this community. It was a success and grew from there to become a two-day event. There are people who spearheaded that first festival including then executive director, Mary Shaw, volunteers, Eula Clarke, Maureen O’Connor Deighan, Nicki van Vonno, to name just a few. Many continue to volunteer, attend and support the event all these many years later. Others have since passed away, or moved away like Sherry Guy, Jim and Marian McGuffey.
Forty years ago ArtsFest looks differently than it is today, and that’s because our community is different. Back then, there were no other arts festivals in Stuart or anywhere in Martin County, now the first few months of each year are filled with arts festivals within a short driving distance. This is part of the reason ArtsFest has survived, it has changed with the times. Most recently through a partnership with the Treasure Coast Charity Wine Festival to bring the “Art of Food & Wine” to ArtsFest. The addition of the culinary arts, started with Chopped and continues.
The impact of an event like ArtsFest is multifaceted. It’s economic. It’s cultural tourism. It’s educational. And it’s community building. ArtsFest brings people together to celebrate the arts. Let’s hope that spirit never fails our community and ArtsFest can live another 40 years from now.
