The Sarasota Art & Handmade Home Show returns to Sarasota November 30 through December 2. The event, now in its ninth year, features exceptional works in ceramics, decorative fiber, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed-media, paper, wearable art, wood, painting, photography and sculpture by more than 100 of the nation’s top artists. Several area artists will participate in the exhibit, including Su Griggs, Joan Michelin, Vicki Rollo, and Parker Converse.

This preeminent art event is produced by Richard Rothbard and his wife Joanna Rothbard, who are hailed as the leaders in promoting artists and artisans working in the contemporary fine arts and crafts industry. The Rothbards produce some of the most innovative fine craft shows in the country, including the American Fine Craft Show NYC, Contemporary Art Fair NYC, the Rockefeller Arts Festival in Manhattan, the Berkshires Arts Festival and the American Fine Craft Show at the Brooklyn Museum.

"Our artists consider the Sarasota region to be a prime market for their work," says Richard Rothbard. "With that reputation, some of the best artists in the nation, including many from Sarasota’s own arts community, look forward to this show every year."

Rothbard notes that the indoor ambience offers a civilized alternative to crowded outdoor art fairs. “It’s a more personal experience,” he says. “You can take your time, visit with the artists, and start a real conversation about their work. And Mother Nature won’t ruin that conversation if she gets in a bad mood, thanks to the controlled, air-conditioned environment. The sun’s not beating down on you—or hiding behind clouds. Artists can show their work in literally the best light.”

Last year, the show attracted more than 4,000 visitors over the three-day event. Continuing to build on that success, Rothbard and his team have been busy with their rigorous process of selecting the 100+ artists and artisans for the 2018 show.

“We are always excited to see the high caliber of work being produced by the participating artists from this area," says Rothbard.

The Sarasota Art & Handmade Home Show is at Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd., in Sarasota. Tickets are $12 per day; $11 for seniors; $6 for students; and $13 for a three-day pass. Children under 10 are admitted free. (Discounted tickets are available if purchased directly online at sarasotaartandhandmadehomeshow.com.) Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, November 30, and Saturday, December 1, and 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sunday, December 2. For directions or information about the venue, please call 941-365-0818. For more information about the artists and the event, call (845) 355-2400, or visit www.sarasotaartandhandmadehomeshow.com.

For more information about the Sarasota Art & Handmade Home Show, call 845-661-1221 or visit www.sarasotaartandhandmadehomeshow.com.

*All images courtesy of the artist