SHARON McAllister

ARTFEST FORT MYERS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Like many events, it started small. ArtFest Fort Myers today is a huge attraction drawing thousands of visitors and more than 200 artists to the event that runs in the downtown River District from Feb. 3-5. The festival’s executive director, Sharon McAllister, shared thoughts on gearing up for such a major function.

“The production of an outdoor fine art festival is a year- long labor of love that began for me 17 years ago. I never imagined, these many years later, we would have created a nationally ranked fine art festival showcasing 200- plus fabulous artists and winning awards statewide and internationally.”

“How does that old saying go? ‘Those that can, do. Those that can’t, produce an art festival.’ Well, I was not given the gift of being able to create art. Nonetheless, art touches my soul. And artists are the most generous, heartfelt, wacky and wonderful people you will ever have the good fortune to meet. How lucky I am to spend my year working to bring GREAT art to the community I love!”