WEEKEND BEST BET: American Craft Show Sarasota

Is the mall too crowded and mass-market for your tastes?

Do independent artists a favor this weekend and patronize The 18th Annual American Craft Show Sarasota.

Scheduled for Dec. 3 to Dec. 5, the show features work by more than 90 of the nation's hottest artists, including local ceramic artist Scott Causey, a Ringling College of Art and Design graduate.

The three-day craft spectacular, which is held at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Convention Center every year, isn't your run-of-the-mill craft fair.

Sponsored by the American Craft Council and managed by Richard Rothbard, a New York-based artist and gallery owner, the event is among one of the top retail craft conventions in the country with pieces priced from $50 to $1,000.

Tickets are $9 per day for regular admittance. Senior tickets are $8 and student tickets are $5. Children under 10 are free.

The show is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3 and Saturday, Dec. 4; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5.

The Sarasota-Bradenton International Convention Center is located at 8005 15th St. E., Sarasota.