Cape Coral Art Studio's 34th Annual Art Focus Festival Saturday, March 2

The Cape Coral Arts Studio invites the community to participate in the 34th Annual Art Focus Festival on Saturday, March 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a special public art rededication ceremony for the park's beloved Rubicond to take place at 12 p.m.

 During this free day of art in Rubicond Park, attendees can see the annual juried Student Exhibition, with a free reception from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., as well as enjoy fascinating class demonstrations, an outdoor fine arts sale showcasing the work of local artists, tours of the studio, and a huge sale on art supplies. 

The award ceremony for the Art Focus Student Exhibition will take place at 12 p.m. followed by a rededication ceremony of the Tuned-Leaf Tailed Rubicond with the original artist, Tiite Baquero. Initially placed in 1981, the 26-foot steel sculpture was the first piece of public art in Cape Coral and has become a landmark on Coronado Parkway. Although this highly valued piece of art was severely damaged during Hurricane Irma, Baquero himself has been working tirelessly to oversee Rubicond's repair and restoration over the past several weeks. 

"We are excited to welcome this iconic piece of public art back to Rubicond Park during the Annual Art Focus Festival," said Julie Gerhard, Supervisor at the Cape Coral Arts Studio. "Mr. Baquero and his team have done an amazing job restoring the structure and we're thrilled to include him and the community in the rededication ceremony. This is the perfect opportunity for the public to check out Cape Coral's community art center!"  

Limited space is available for the outdoor festival to all area artists - For more information about entering artwork in the Art Focus Student Exhibition exhibit or to reserve outdoor vendor space contact the Arts Studio in advance at 239-574-0802 or jgerhard@capecoral.net.   

The Cape Coral Arts Studio is located at 4533 Coronado Parkway in Rubicond Park and is owned and operated by the Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Department. The center offers classes and workshops in fine arts and fine crafts for youth and adults throughout the year, as well as free monthly exhibits, an onsite gift shop and an Art Supply Store. For more information, call the Arts Studio at (239) 574-0802 or visit www.CapeParks.com.