By: Diana Rell Dean

The GREAT GULFCOAST ARTS FESTIVAL is about to take off again on November 1-3 in downtown Pensacola as it has, almost uninterrupted, since 1973.  As always, the all-volunteer committee will put their heart into organizing a beautiful 3-day event and the fine artists who grace Historic Seville Square will provide the soul with their amazing creativity.  

The festival is ranked No. 18 in the Fine Art & Design category in Sunshine Artist magazine’s 2024 200 Best. I was honored to speak with Joy Ward and Cynthia Campfield, two of the Festival’s committed volunteers, and was given insight into the workings and aspirations of this venerable Festival.

Inspired by the First Sunday Art Festival in Annapolis, Maryland, this one got its start in 1973; a full briefing on its history is to be found on the website – ggaf.org. That is where one can also find the Festival Guide which includes the Artists Directory (with a sample of their work and location in the park), Music Stage performances, Heritage Arts demonstrations, Student Art Show, Children’s Activities, Dance Stage and the whereabouts of the food and cocktails. This is a huge festival! You can also get updates by following the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival on Facebook.

Seville Square is in downtown Pensacola, right on the water, and it spills over into the Historic District where demonstrations will be ongoing.  Bartram Park hosts the Children’s Festival where children’s artwork from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, children’s workshops, and children’s performances will take place. Performing dance companies will be at The Parrish Performing Arts Stage and the Children’s Festival Youth Stage. The Music Stage will feature such names as Fox and the Bear, Maharajah Flamenco Trio, Lost Bayou Ramblers, and the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra.

Our conversations with Joy and Cynthia made me aware that the Festival is run totally by volunteers; some of whom have been there since the beginning. It is a grassroots event par excellence and is free to attend. As one of its founders states, the event satisfies a hunger to be around creative work and to have hands-on experience with it. 

There will be over 200 artists exhibiting their work in a tent-party environment. The organized chaos is bound to be fun, and what a great place to become inspired!

Pensacola- the-Party-Town gets it on!!!!