Mount Dora Arts Festival celebrates its 50th anniversary on February 1 & 2

ABOVE: Mount Dora Arts Festival (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

Every February for fifty years, the streets of quaint Mount Dora shut down to traffic, and fine artists from around the country set up their original artwork in white tents throughout downtown. VIsitors can peruse original paintings, photography, ceramics, jewelry, art glass, mixed media, sculptures, woodwork and more. 

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On the first and second of February, approximately 300 artists exhibit and sell their artwork, as well as compete for $20,000 in cash prizes. This year the festival will feature two different sections. One is a  juried fine arts section which is eligible for prize money like in previous years.  The second is a new area of emerging artists and crafters that will be near the food court by City Hall. Those exhibitors are ineligible for awards.

Artist Gary Hopcraft was  the creator of the festival’s very first official poster and was invited back to design  the 50th anniversary poster. The original watercolor can be seen in the current exhibit showcasing a collection of past festival posters in the Mount Dora Center for the Arts  gallery located at 138 E 5th Ave in Mount Dora, FL. The public can purchase signed posters at the event.

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Festival food, beer, wine, and cocktails will be available at kiosks throughout the festival and restaurants will be open for dining and cocktails. The Central Florida Dance Festival will also showcase a variety of dance numbers in Donnelly Park.

Street parking is very limited, but a free round-trip shuttle will depart from 900 Lincoln Avenue in Mount Dora. Parking there is limited and there is a fee to park, so it’s advisable  to arrive early.  Private lots will also have parking available for a fee.  
The hours of the festival are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. Pets are discouraged.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.  ​​Be sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz's Facebook and Instagram for   more local info.

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