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Hyde And Seek

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By MIKE WELLS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 30, 2007

TAMPA - Slurping down an Italian ice under Saturday afternoon's hot sun, photographer Louis Cantillo fielded questions from onlookers perusing his enormous, vibrant prints on canvas. The nature shots and the cityscapes popped with lush tones that looked three-dimensional.

'They make comments like 'Oh, that's expensive,' or 'That's so colorful,'' Cantillo said between spoonfuls. 'I'm not shy with color.'

The Scottsdale, Ariz., artist was among more than 200 exhibitors displaying their creations at the 18th annual Hyde Park Village Art Festival.

The free event offered the public the chance to talk directly to artists about their works and the opportunity to buy authentic pieces, priced anywhere from $10 to $20,000.

Thousands of art lovers walked down the canopied streets. Some bought whatever caught their eye, some simply browsed, while others commissioned new works from artists they met.

Cantillo said he attends 24 to 36 shows across the country every year. 'Probably too many,' he said, smiling.

Sculptor Paul Braun of St. Augustine said he got his inspiration for his black soapstone pieces from Celtic designs he saw during visits to Great Britain and Ireland.

'I've been going to art shows for over 10 years, probably 12 to 15 per year,' he said. 'I hope to sell some pieces. It's been slow this morning, but it's a long weekend.'

IF YOU GO

The show continues at Hyde Park Village from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today. Admission is free.

Reporter Mike Wells can be reached at (813) 259-7839 or mwells@tampatrib.com.

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