Nicholas Toth Greets Fans, Admirers at Artists' Faire

Artist Nicholas Toth greeted fans and art lovers at the Artists' Faire gallery in Tarpon Springs on Friday night.

Known for his sponge-diving helmets made from brass and copper, the reception showcased some of Toth's most notable work. 

Toth, 58, admitted that it was a rare occasion for him to display one of his helmets, since they are priced at $38,000. 

But it's his homegrown roots that keep him active in the community.

"Tarpon's a special place," Toth explained. "We just love it here."

Other works on display included copper and brass bowls and ash trays of a grand design. Toth said that some of the other pieces spur from his most recognized piece, the sponge-diving helmet.

Hailing from Tarpon Springs, Toth's family celebrates a milestone this year. His grandfather settled in Tarpon in July of 1913 and began crafting and constructing metalwork. 

Toth, from a young age, followed in his grandfather's footsteps, learning the authentic and unmatched craftiness of a true metal master. 

Toth is now the only known artist who still creates the diving helmets, which he estimates to take more than 320 hours of labor to complete.

The helmet has become an icon in Tarpon Springs, from the Tarpon High Spongers logo to the welcome signs around the city that are based on Toth's design.

He said that the feeling is extraordinary, and he hopes to continue the legacy for years to come. 

"I want people to come up to the helmet and be drawn into it and have an emotional response," Toth said. "I want people to ask, 'What's the story behind this?' "

For more information on Nicholas Toth, visit divinghelmets.com.