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Another unforgettable Coconut Grove Arts Festival has wrapped, and while plans for next year are already in motion, it’s time to honor the exceptional artists who captivated audiences at the 61st annual event – including Coral Gables-based artist John Keepax who took top honors.
With an incredible lineup of talent, selecting the winners was no easy feat. According to the festival’s Executive Director Camille Marchese, a panel of industry professionals carefully evaluated each artist before casting their votes, ensuring the most outstanding works received well-deserved recognition in three categories, Gold, Silver, and Bronze—in addition to the “Best in Show” award.
A Win That Changes Careers
“Winning an award at CGAF is a significant achievement,” she says. “Not only do top winners receive a monetary prize and an invitation to next year’s show, but they also gain prestige and validation, often leading to increased sales.”
2025 Best of Show: John Keepax
Taking home this year’s “Best of Show” honor is John Keepax, a London-born artist who transitioned from a successful graphic design career to become a full-time watercolor painter. Recognized in Watercolor Artist and Splash 22, Keepax’s realistic landscapes, urban scenes, and portraits have earned him multiple accolades.
John has won multiple awards with his watercolors, but he says his CGAF win came as a complete shock! “This was my first season showing at art fairs, so this award is a wonderful validation of my decision to paint full time.”
John relocated to Miami in 1994 and worked for many luxury and fortune 500 companies John retired from design in 2024 to become a full time watercolor artist. He enjoys drawing and painting from life when working en plein air (outside) but uses photographic reference for his detailed studio paintings. He paints a broad variety of subject matter including landscapes, urban scenes and portraits.
A Celebration of All Artists
“While 46 artists officially took home awards, every single participant is a winner in their own right—many traveling from across the country to showcase their work under the South Florida sun,” Marchese added.
A huge congratulations to all of this year’s winners! Learn more about John Keepax at
About The Coconut Grove Arts Festival
Produced by the nonprofit 501(c)(3) Coconut Grove Arts & Historical Association, festival proceeds fund the Annual Scholarship Program and other education and outreach programs such as the New & Emerging Artists Program and Visiting Artist Program for Miami Dade County schools. Year-round arts initiatives include special exhibitions at the Mayfair in the Grove, Visiting Artists Week, and a partnership with the New World School of the Arts. For information, visit the festival website.
