JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville Easter tradition returned this weekend in Duval County, delighting locals with art and community spirit.
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The Mandarin Art Festival, a beloved event since the 1960s, featured over 130 vendors, providing a perfect stop for families after Easter services.
The festival, which has been a staple in the Mandarin community since 1968, continues to attract loyal customers year after year.
“The art, the art, the art. It’s all about the art,” said Susie Scott, the show supervisor.
From the charming historic buildings to the vibrant outdoor displays, the festival remains true to its roots. Scott emphasized the importance of maintaining the festival’s focus on quality art and craftsmanship, especially as many other shows have shifted toward entertainment.
“Many shows are starting to fall to the wayside and becoming more about entertainment. The Mandarin Art Festival is staying true to its origins, which is exhibiting really good art and fine craft, and giving something for people to see that’s beautiful,” Scott explained.
Families have been attending the festival for generations, creating lasting memories. Scott shared that many visitors return with their children and grandchildren.
“We have people that bring their kids back, their grandkids back. I just was talking with someone who said he has his son and daughter and his grandkids walking around here right now,” she said.
Among the talented vendors is Michele Blank, who has participated in the festival for over 20 years. A skilled glass artist, Blank has been working with glass for more than 55 years.
“I work with glass, and I’ve been doing it for over 55 years. So a long time,” Blank said.
Her intricate stained glass pieces require immense dedication and patience. Blank described the meticulous process involved in creating her art.
“I wash and dry every piece,” she said. “Then, when it’s dry, I take copper tape or copper coil and wrap it around the outside edge of the glass, furnish the top, furnish the bottom, and furnish the outside edge. Then I have to solder the whole thing together.”
The festival also features artists with decades of experience. Tim Bullard, who has been showcasing his pottery at the event for 40 years, learned his craft as a young apprentice.
“So these are painted with very detailed brush, under blaze, all fired on,” Bullard explained, showcasing his unique techniques.
Bullard reminisced about the festival’s early days, when there were only a handful of artists. Now, he is thrilled to see so many thriving creatives in the community.
“I can imagine you’ve developed a lot of friendships, relationships. What’s that like?” he was asked.
“It’s great. I hear from people that they love the piece they bought before, and everybody…I like them to have good homes and be appreciated,” Bullard said.
The Mandarin Art Festival continues to be a cherished event, celebrating the artistic spirit of Jacksonville and bringing together families and friends in a vibrant community atmosphere.
