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Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival Unveils 2023 Poster, Adds New Award

The artists have been chosen and a new poster revealed as fans and organizers of the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival anticipate next month's event. Photo courtesy of: Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival

Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival Board members and patrons gathered at Winter Park Events Center on the evening of Feb. 2 for the unveiling of the 2023 festival poster.

The selected work is by Tallahassee-based painter Debo Groover who used her experiences visiting Winter Park as inspiration for the piece. Groover, who was unable to attend the unveiling, developed a technique of using polymer clay as a painting medium for her whimsical portraits and depictions of animals and nature. The poster features references to former Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival Board Member Carolyn Bird, who passed away in 2020. Bird’s Boston terrier is at the center of the composition.

Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival Co-President Greg Witherspoon unveils the 2023 festival poster. Photos by: Jim Carchidi
The artist, Debo Groover, was inspired by her visits to the festival and will be one of the 215 exhibitors at this year’s event.
The art features references to former Festival Board member Carolyn Bird, including her dog.

The 215 artists at this year’s festival, happening March 17-19, will include more than 30 first-time exhibitors, and were selected from more than 1,000 applications from around the world. Annual cash awards rank among the highest of any art festival in the country and are presented in the following categories:

This year will mark the first presentation of the Monte Livermore Celebration of Nature Award, which will recognize an outstanding work that represents a love of nature. The $2,000 award will be presented annually and honors the memory of Winter Park horticulturalist, business owner, and Festival Board member Robert “Monte” Montbriand Livermore, Jr.

According to festival staff, more than 250,000 visitors attend the three-day-event. Offerings include kid-friendly art activities, food vendors from across Central Florida, and live music. Last year’s event began a new tradition of scheduling of the free kickoff concert at Central Park on the Saturday prior to the festival. This year, the show is scheduled for March 11 with headliner Spyro Gyra.

Festival hours will be 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on March 17-18, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on March 19. Visit WPSAF.org for more information.