ArtFest Fort Myers provides a wide range of art education opportunities for children and teens. Did you know that art education …
- Strengthens both the imagination and critical thinking — and refines cognitive and creative skills.
- Develops a sense of craftsmanship, quality task performance, and goal setting — skills needed to succeed in the classroom and beyond.
- Nurtures important values: team-building skills, respecting alternative viewpoints, and appreciating different cultures and traditions.
Art Under 20, High School Exhibit & Competition
Presenting Sponsor: Suncoast Credit Union
Art Under 20 is a visual art exhibit and competition for Lee County high school students, who exhibit their work at ArtFest Fort Myers as they compete for $6,500 in cash awards.
Chalk Block
Enjoy watching teams from Lee County High Schools and professional chalk street painting artists create beautiful drawings — not on canvas but on the pavement. For most students this is their first time painting with chalk on the ground. You’ll be amazed at their talent.
Art Supply Grants
To support the arts in Lee County elementary schools, ArtFest Fort Myers makes Art Supply Grants totaling $2,000 to $3,000 each year, all from the sale of festival T-shirts. When you buy a T-shirt at the Festival — or from our online store — you’re showing your support for our young people!
Here’s what the grants do for Lee County kids …
STARS Complex Art Club
ArtFest Fort Myers is proud to support the STARS Complex by creating an after-school and summer Art Club for children to learn about and create art. 175 at-risk youth per year participate in the Art Clubs creating over 2,100 art projects.
Visiting Artists
The Visiting Artist Program is a wonderful opportunity for ArtFest Fort Myers artists to share their talents, abilities and love of the arts with young people in our community. Festival artists work in a Lee County Middle School art classroom for one day, either before or after the Festival.