A detail of the ArtWorks 2014 poster is by Ryan Speer

By PAM HARBAUGH

The sweetest outdoor art exhibition of the year happens this weekend. It’s the 19th annual “ArtWorks.” It runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday along Highland Avenue in the Eau Gallie Arts District.

While the show traditionally puts the artists on a pedestal, this year, it commemorates the late LINK JOHNSTEN, the founder of ArtWorks, the tireless champion of arts and culture in Brevard, and the biggest cheerleader of them all for the Eau Gallie Arts District.

This true philanthropist was an artist as well. His medium was nature. Known also as “the Eau Gallie Florist,” Link was nationally known floral artist, having worked in the Rose Bowl Parade, at the Oscars and on the Christmas trees at The White House.

This year’s ArtWorks poster, created by Frits van Eeden, depicts Link’s beautiful Eau Gallie Florist, the beautiful spot that has set the tone for the growth in the district’s culture.

2016 ArtWorks poster by Frits van Eeden

As the Eau Gallie Arts District website states: “The seeds he planted in our community will surely continue to bloom for many, many years to come.”

Now, onto those artists who he championed tirelessly.

In this year’s ArtWorks, moore than 80 artists will festoon Highland Avenue and nearby streets, demonstrating and showcasing their art. There will also be live music, food vendors and activities for the entire family. Judges are: Vincent Sansone, director of Ceramics and Sculpture at the Crealde School of Art in Winter Park and professor of ceramics at Valencia College in Orlando; and Dane Pollei, director and chief curator at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art in Shawnee, Oklahoma. You might recognize Mr. Pollei’s name — he also is a former director of the Brevard Museum of Art and Science, now known as the Foosaner Art Museum.

There are $25,000 in awards with sponsor purchase awards increased to $4,000. In addition, there will be events at the Foosaner Art Museum, which is offering free admission. The Foosaner will also hold a “Creativity Cafe” starting at 11 a.m. both days in its Harris Auditorium where there will be documentaries screened. The documentaries are about creativity and art. there will be Bloody Mary’s, beer, wine, soft drinks and popcorn sold.

Florida Chalk Artists Association invite you to join them beginning 8 a.m. Saturday while they take to the street. Instruction, coaching, and chalk are available upon request.

Admission is free. Do be sure to experience this event. It’s smaller, friendlier and not so “beer-centric” than the larger events. For more information, click here.