A painting of iconic Plant City strawberry farmer Sam Astin Sr. has found its way to the Florida Strawberry Festival after an interesting lifespan.
The oil painting features the late Astin, of Astin Strawberry Exchange, in his signature overalls, holding a flat of strawberries while others behind him are shown picking and spreading fertilizer. Peter Lederer, former owner of Shore Fertilizer Company in Plant City commissioned John Briggs to paint the scene in 1987. Briggs painted the piece from photos he had taken of Astin in his own strawberry field.
“I remember him coming out to take the photos,” Betty, Astin’s wife said.
Federer hung the painting in his office for many years, then his home after he sold the business. He and his wife recently decided to downsize homes and had no place to hang the piece. City Commissioner Mike Sparkman, who is also on the festival’s board of directors, heard about the painting and contacted Briggs about potential homes for the piece.
“I asked Mr. Briggs what he would like to do with the painting, and he indicated he would like to donate it to the Florida Strawberry Festival,” Sparkman said.
The Florida Straw
berry Festival dedicated the historic painting on its grounds Wednesday, Feb. 12, in a surprise ceremony. Betty was joined at the ceremony by her son Sam Astin, Jr., daughter Suzanne Roberts, son-in-law Neil Roberts and granddaughter Marissa Brewington.
“It had been a while since I’d seen it,” said Astin’s wife, Betty. “It looks just like Sam.”
The painting, which has been framed and sealed in plexiglass, will be displayed in the Astin Family Pavilion during the 11 days of the festival for visitors to see. It will be housed indoors during the remainder of the year when the festival is closed.
“Mr. Astin is the patriarch of a family that is truly kind, generous and so down-to-earth – just like he was,” Florida Strawberry Festival General Manager Paul Davis said. “It is our honor to display this beautiful painting of such a great man on our festival grounds.”
