Art Adds Value to Florida Real Estate
Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, Tampa, Florida
The Gasparilla Festival of the Arts is a premier outdoor, juried fine arts show held annually in Tampa, Florida, celebrating its 55th year in 2025. This highly anticipated event takes place at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park in downtown Tampa on March 1–2, showcasing over 250 talented artists from around the world. Attendees will witness an extraordinary variety of artistic expressions, from oil paintings and sculptures to contemporary and mixed-media pieces, all competing for over $90,000 in prize money, including the prestigious $15,000 Raymond James Best of Show Award.
Florida’s arts scene is often an overlooked yet essential element of what makes the state such an attractive destination. While real estate, tax benefits, and economic growth play significant roles in Florida’s appeal, the arts provide cultural depth and vibrancy that elevate cities like Tampa, Sarasota, Orlando, and Naples. This festival exemplifies the state’s creative energy, offering an immersive experience that fosters artistic appreciation and economic development.
As a former USF graduate and art major, I was overwhelmed by the sheer quality, skill, and diversity of this year’s festival. The event was filled with breathtaking artwork, an incredible selection of food, and a community of people who share a love for artistic expression. The caliber of presentations at Gasparilla rivals that of other renowned events like the Winter Park Art Festival, demonstrating the West Coast of Florida’s emergence as a cultural powerhouse.
For those seeking exceptional real estate opportunities across Florida, from the revitalized beaches of Pompano Beach to the up-and-coming communities in Milton, the state’s artistic scene is a major factor in enhancing property values and desirability. Florida’s cultural richness extends beyond its sandy shores and warm climate—it thrives in its museums, galleries, and world-class art festivals like Gasparilla.
Among the standout artists this year, Roger Disney’s oil paintings, Bobby Goldsmith’s hyper-realistic pencil work, and Kimberly Peters’ contemporary landscapes showcased a remarkable fusion of skill and creativity. However, my personal favorite was Annie Guthrie GUDIS, whose majestic oil paintings captured the beauty of Florida’s skies and beaches with unparalleled depth and emotion. Her clever inclusion of bicycles in various canvases added a charming, familiar touch to her breathtaking depictions of clouds and landscapes. Her work is truly a must-see—view her portfolio at: https://www.gudisarts.com/ and can be reached at: gudisarts@gmail.com.
With this show, Tampa has solidified itself as a hub for the arts, elevating the profile of Florida’s West Coast beyond being just a beach and retirement destination. The festival’s impact resonates far beyond the weekend, reinforcing the region’s cultural significance and attracting new residents and investors. The intersection of real estate, the arts, and a thriving local economy makes this a perfect time to explore opportunities in the area.
I’d be happy to assist if you’re considering a move or an investment in Florida’s dynamic real estate market. Call me, Paul Rutledge, at 941-228-2198 or email me at prutledge@LQCRE.com. The arts are not just an attraction; they are a cornerstone of Florida’s future, and now is the perfect time to be a part of it.
