Art for All: What Makes the Dunedin Fine Art Center Special

Dunedin Fine Art Center (DFAC) in Dunedin, Florida is an award-winning community art center which is widely regarded as one of the best non-museum art centers in the Tampa Bay area. In 2023, DFAC was named Best Non-Museum Art Gallery, Best Fashion Event (Wearable Art), and Best Art Party by Creative Loafing Magazine in the Best of the Bay Awards. In 2024, it was nominated in five categories in Tampa Bay Times’ annual Best of the Best competition. Winners will be announced in late August.

The Dunedin Fine Art Center is a favorite among locals like me for so many reasons. It’s a beautiful (and free) place to visit on a hot day. It supports art students, the art community, and local artists. There’s a great cafe for a bite to eat or a coffee. And it plays host to wonderful events, including award-winning public events and private ones such as birthday parties.

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History of DFAC

Like all great things in this world, Dunedin Fine Art Center began as an idea, one which persisted for five years before the first art center opened. In 1969, five women from the Junior Service League of Clearwater-Dunedin thought it would be good for the community to have a place where the arts and local artists could be celebrated. Construction of the art center began in 1974, a 2,000 square foot facility which would provide a welcoming spirit and commitment to excellence in the arts.

DFAC has since then grown into a 50,000 square foot center with the main campus adjacent to the Dunedin Community Center and Highlander Park on Michigan Avenue.  There is a Cottage Campus at Weaver Park less than 2 miles from the main campus, the Industrial Arts Campus in the heart of downtown Dunedin, and partnerships with other art centers for teaching classes. The mission remains “to enrich lives through educational experiences in the visual arts” while the vision continues to be that of “a leading visual art center providing unparalleled educational, cultural & creative experiences.”

Why You Should Visit Dunedin Fine Art Center

If being an award-winning art center which supports the local art community isn’t enough of a reason, here are five more: beautiful and educational exhibits; classes for adults and youths as well as summer and holiday camps; a cafe with delicious coffee, pastries, and sandwiches; a gallery shop; and award-winning events. Let’s dive into more information.

Exhibits

The Dunedin Fine Art Center runs month-long shows throughout the year and often has more than one collection on exhibit at any given time. Exhibits included collections from across the globe, such as the Tentmakers of Cairo; collections from local artists, such as Wetlands in Transition by Leslie Neumann of nearby Aripeka; and exhibits of student art from local schools as well as art created in the summer camps.

Classes & Camps

DFAC offers classes for adults and children and a wide range of classes to choose from. Classes are held several times a year and include multi-session courses as well as single-session workshops. From painting to photography, cooking to carving, there are classes for nearly every creative endeavor.

During summer break, DFAC offers 10 weeks of summer camp where kids can get creative, learn new skills and hone existing ones, and make new friends.

Palm Cafe

The Palm Cafe located inside the Dunedin Fine Art Center supports the community and center with coffee, tea, and breakfast and lunch offerings. DFAC even has its own custom coffee roast which is served at the Palm Cafe. The Cafe also caters special events at DFAC when requested.

Events

DFAC’s signature events are Trashy Treasures and Wearable Art. Both events are fundraisers and highly anticipated by the community. Additionally, DFAC hosts birthday parties for kids.

Trashy Treasures

One of the most unique garage sales in the Tampa Bay area, Trashy Treasures has delighted the community for years and continues to grow year after year. The art garage sale lasts two weeks and culminates in the BIG BEST OF TRASHIES pARTy on Saturday night. In the two weeks leading up to the pARTy, DFAC auctions online a selection of artwork and art supplies donated for the event. The rest is auctioned at the pARTy on Saturday. Anything that’s leftover finds itself sold first-come at a good, old-fashion style garage sale on Sunday.

Wearable Art Fashion Show

Wearable Art is in its 18th year in 2024 and promises to be as amazing as ever. The event sells out every year and includes a runway show, Pre-Party, and After Glow Party. Each year, a dozen designers from around the world showcase their wildest creations for Tampa Bay’s art lovers in a fashion runway unlike any other in Florida. From dresses covered in the evil eye to barefoot models covered in pantyhose-bound fake fat, Wearable Art stretches the imagination for fashion and art.

Gallery Shop

The Gallery Shop at Dunedin Fine Art Center is the gift shop where visitors can find a great gift for a loved one or a memorable token to take home. The Gallery Shop allows more than 100 artists from around the world to display and sell their artwork. From handmade jewelry to paintings, music to home decor, it’s hard to walk out of the shop without purchasing something and supporting the arts community.

David L. Mason Children’s Art Museum

The Children’s Art Museum is a place where art and science meet in a kaleidoscope of colors and activities to spark a child’s imagination. Though this is the only part of DFAC which is not free, admission is inexpensive and ensures that the art center make art accessible to everyone.

In the Children’s Art Museum, kids up to 12 years old enjoy an interactive, hands-on experience. Activities include a toy builder’s shop, giant connect four, an animated chalk wall, laser powered crayons, and much more.

Pros of Dunedin Fine Art Center

Is there anything besides benefits to visiting DFAC? Not likely. If you’re still on the fence about a visit to this art center, here are a few reasons why you should definitely go.

• It’s free! (Donations are gratefully accepted.)
• You’ll see beautiful and unique art.
• Your visit supports the local arts community.
• Grab a great cup of coffee and pastry for breakfast at the Palm Cafe.
• Find a unique gift in the Gallery Shop.
• Your donation and/or shop purchase helps support programs at DFAC.
• See a unique event.
• If you live in the area, take a class and learn something new!

Cons of DFAC

There are not many downsides to visiting the Dunedin Fine Art Center. The only con I can think of is that DFAC is still a relatively small art gallery so you won’t see some of the big name artists you might find in art galleries and museums in St. Petersburg or Tampa. And that’s okay. That isn’t what DFAC aims to be.

My Experiences at DFAC

Despite living just two miles away, I only find the time to visit DFAC about once a year. It’s always a couple of hours well spent. I’ve found great Christmas gifts in the Gallery Shop, and my son, who’s an artist, attended many summer camps there when he was of school age. These days I make an effort to go once in the summer and again during Art Harvest the first weekend in November.

How to Visit Dunedin Fine Art Center

• Address: 1143 Michigan Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698-2712
• Hours: varies by day, check on their website
• Cost: Free

Visitors to Dunedin Fine Art Center will find it’s easy to find parking (except during special events) and easy to visit. If you visit with kids, be sure to take advantage of nearby attractions like the Dunedin Community Center directly east which has a playground and Highlander Park directly to the west which has a splash park, playground, and community pool

Wrapping It Up: Dunedin Fine Art Center

Dunedin Fine Art Center is one of the best Dunedin art galleries and museums and worth a visit when in Dunedin. From classes to exhibits to nationally recognized art shows, DFAC provides support and an opportunity for the local art community to grow and prosper.