Photos: All the local artists, and special guests, we saw at Tampa’s 55th annual Gasparilla Festival of the Arts

The Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts returned to Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park last weekend, March 1-2, with more than 250 artists, live music, and interactive art experiences.

The 55-year-old juried fine art show draws artists from across the United States, but this lens was focused on Tampa Bay area locals. Since GFA started actively trying to include more local artists about 10 years ago, there are more Tampa Bay area artists at GFA than ever.

They bring interactive art experiences, paint live at “remote studios,” show their work in a local artist showcase, apply for (and many are accepted into) GFA’s emerging artist program, and take home awards alongside some of the best artists in the country. Here are the pics.