Exhibit Info

Holly Henson

Holly Henson’s name is synonymous with the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival. She is the face of the festival, the constant that helps keep the show on everyone’s Top 10 list. Twenty twenty-one marked 40 years of dedicated service to the community and to the artists who do the show, including twice as President, in 2011 and 2016.

In her capacity as President, she spearheaded efforts to weed out the buy/sell that invariably makes its way into even the most reputable of shows. Such jurying practices as carefully checking each applicant’s background and/or website for indications of unacceptable practice or inappropriate application are now standard operating procedure in most, if not all, top tier shows. Applicants’ professional histories, lists of accomplishments, and reputations within the industry are now included as part of the jurying process, thanks in large part to Mrs. Henson’s efforts.

Her 40 years in the art fair industry is a remarkable achievement, and her exposure to tens of thousands of artists and their work give her a solid foundation on which to judge the 2022 DeLand Outdoor Art Festival. She and her husband reside in Orlando.

Linda Piper

In her capacity as Events Coordinator for Cultural Affairs for the City of Gainesville (Florida), Linda Piper was responsible for all of the city’s major cultural events, including the annual Downtown Festival & Art Show. In her 30-year career with the City, and her 25-year tenure as Events Coordinator, she raised the art show from relative obscurity to Sunshine Artist’s No. 10-rated show in the country, beating out shows and retail markets much larger than Gainesville.

As an active supporter of all the arts in Gainesville and Alachua County, Mrs. Piper served as City Liaison for the county’s Arts Association and for the University of Florida, where she managed UF student interns entering the field of Event Management. Often called “the hardest working woman in the art festival industry,” Mrs. Piper’s reputation for integrity, veracity, and concern for the welfare of artists always preceded her. Her accolades are many, including the city’s Leadership Awardin 2013. Never flustered or abrupt, but always smiling and reassuring, she maintained her positive approach to problem solving and art education throughout her career. Now retired, she and her husband reside in Palm Harbor, FL.