Stay crafty, St. Pete — the Burg is in the lead as craftiest city in U.S.

We hear so much about listicles that cast a negative light on our area, but St. Petersburg is leading in the running for Top 10 Towns for Craft Lovers. From downtown to St. Pete Beach, the area has emerged as a mecca in the medium of fine craft art with several galleries and festivals. Gallery Florida CraftArt on Central is the area's most prestigious linchpin in the artform.

"Please vote and help spread the word. St. Petersburg truly is a craft lovers dream and worthy of this designation," writes Wayne David Atherholt, Director, Mayor's Office of Cultural Affair, in a recent email. "We're already home to Florida's crafts organization, Florida CraftArt, and to one of the top centers of clay in the United States. And soon, we will welcome the Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement."

Voting ends Aug. 30. You can vote once a day. The American Craft Week organization will be awarding designations Sept. 1. Click on americancraftweek.com/top10 to vote.

This article appears in Aug 13-19, 2015.