TARPON SPRINGS — There will be plenty of fun and unique shopping opportunities at the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Craft Art Festival, set for Saturday and Sunday, July 11-12, on Dodecanese Boulevard in Tarpon Springs.
Hours will be Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. The event is both family-friendly and pet-friendly. Visit www.sikpromotions.com.
Festivalgoers can support local small businesses as they explore pottery, crafts, handmade jewelry, artisan products and more at the historic Sponge Docks of Tarpon Springs. This event is presented by The Tarpon Springs Merchant’s Association and produced by SIK Promotions Inc. Attendees will discover the creativity that flourishes in the community while shopping the curated showcase of handmade arts and crafts, unique gifts, and artisan goods from regional and national makers.
The festival welcomes visitors to tap into their creative side as they stroll along Dodecanese Boulevard to explore a vibrant selection of upscale crafts, handcrafted jewelry, pottery, home décor, photography, specialty foods, and more, all while enjoying the waterfront charm and culinary offerings of the Sponge Docks.
“The Sponge Docks Craft Festival is more than just a craft show,” said Suzanne King, owner of SIK Promotions. “It’s a celebration of community and creativity.”
The event organizers said that festivals like this not only give artists a chance to connect directly with shoppers but also support the cultural and economic vitality of Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks.
“We’re proud to bring visitors and locals together in such a special setting,” King said. “We are proud to continue to grow this event and look forward to supporting our local businesses on July 11 and 12.”
The festival provides a valuable platform for local and traveling artisans to display and sell their work while attracting thousands of visitors to the area, boosting tourism and small businesses in Tarpon Springs.
Among the vendors taking part in the festival is Abe Kowitz, a self-taught landscape photographer who began his art career back in 2013 in Hawaii. As a hobby photographer, he became inspired to sell works of art by learning about a process to transfer photos onto wood. His style is described as “local photos on local wood, the grain like brushstrokes in a painting with live edge framing.”
KTWorx is an Army veteran husband-and-wife team who design and create together, blending creativity, craftsmanship, and purpose.
What began in 2022 as a hobby centered on 3D printing quickly evolved into a small business fueled by imagination and hands-on artistry. Kevin and Trish Smith’s creative journey expanded into crafting unique wood décor using laser technology, growing into the distinctive brand seen today. KTWorx now specializes in eye-catching 3D illusion works of art, combining modern techniques with thoughtful design to create meaningful, one-of-a-kind pieces.
All creations by O’Kelley Designs are the original work of Jeff and Priscilla O’Kelley. Together, they handcraft a wide range of unique pieces, including jewelry and keepsake boxes, drink coaster sets, wall art, wind chimes, clocks, wood earrings, suncatchers, and games.
Each item is individually crafted from wood, utilizing elements such as paint, resin, acrylic, and leather to beautifully accentuate the underlying design. Because of their dedicated, hands-on approach, even when they produce multiple copies of the same design, every single piece remains a completely unique creation.
As a proud tribute to the heritage of their family name, many of Jeff and Priscilla’s creations feature intricate Celtic themes.