Friday, February 28, 2014

What's Happening?

.One of the best and most renowned arts writers in the area seems amazed to find out that several galleries have closed and asks on  FB: "What's happening?".

 First, the writer needs to spend more time with boots on the ground. This is nothing new. Gallerists, like all businessmen, are shameless boosters. It takes time for them to trust you to the point that they will confide in you.

I have been reporting on this for well over a year, but it was something no one wanted to hear, let alone report on, although off-the-record, people were telling me it was true and that there was more to come.

I see this as the unfortunate nexus of several things. It is a problem of lags. Economic lags. The boom- bubble leading up to 2008 enriched a lot of prospective gallery owners who saw a chance to actualize their dreams. They overestimated the market in the Tampa Bay area, and few, if any, were willing to move to a proven market, in part because start-up costs and the inconvenience of uprooting oneself. The Depression gnawed away at the market that was here, and it is not clear as to whether it had begun to lift yet. The number of artists increased by 25%, the number of galleries even more...all as the market shrank. Most gallerists did not market themselves broadly, expecting business to walk in through their doors.

As sales failed to materialized, people hunkered down, engaging different strategies (including some superstitious behaviors),belt-tightening etc. There was another lag there. Then came the idiot web poll by a local magazine that resulted in the declaration that Saint Pete was the #1 Arts destination and Tampa #2 (for  medium sized cities), and in spite of the reality facing them, they mindlessly repeated this blatant lie and secretly hoped change was around the corner. Others thought the GOP Convention "Would put us on the map". I still hear crap like that from people who should know better.

No one single thing is going to "put us over the top".

Now that  people are realizing the market just isn't here, not in the size required to sustain the supply side, galleries are falling. Again, the lag between cause and effect. The market is self-correcting. This is a belated Crash. 

[A few galleries have closed for other reasons, but only a very few.]

--- Luis

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Nuance Saint Pete closes

Nuamce Gallery in Saint Petersburg is closing. Rob and Suzanne Golden made the announcwement on Facebooka few days ago, saying that although they had attracted traffic, that sales did not ustify eeping the gallery open. The Tampa location for Nuance  remains open as usual. I am sorry to see Nuance SP go, and for the list of closed galleries lengthening...if Tampa/Saint Pete was an art destination, gallerists would not be dropping like flies.

I hear people grumbling at the idea and saying things like "you are what you say you are".
"I'm a billionaire"....I'm 18 and a billionaire....hmmm...there is a Lamborghini in my driveway...'nothing happened. We have to regain a toehold on reality.

--- Luis


Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Mitzi Gordon New Creative Pinellas Director.

Mitzi Gordon and her art car, painted by Hunter Payne. Summer 2013.


Mitzi Gordon, who owns and runs the Bluebird Book Bus, started the book box program, the Articulate collective blog, worked at USF's CAM as event coordinator  and serves on the Board of Directors of the Gasparilla Art Show has been named Director of Creative Pinellas. 

Congratulations to Creative Pinellas and Mitzi Gordon. 

Mitzi is putting on the Carmada art car show in Kylie Garden next to Curtis Hixon during the Gasparilla Art Show.

---Luis

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

This Gasparilla Art Show Weekend, Feb 25th - Mar. 2nd 2014

What happened to winter? Sunday I was bitten by mosquitos while ambling about Boyd Hill. That's not a good sign.
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Tuesday, Feb. 25th
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Alexander Dropcloth turns 40 (numerically). Party at the Bends.919 1st ave. N. Saint Pete.

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Wednesday, Feb. 26th
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The Black Angels are coming by Daddy Kool Records on Wednesday, Feb. 26th at 6:00 p.m. to put on a little show for ya'll before they headline State Theatre Saint Petersburg with Roky Erickson and GOLDEN ANIMALS.

This in-store is completely free and likely to be packed, so get here early and claim a good spot.

In the meantime, come by DK to get all of your Black Angels music needs including their latest album "Indigo Meadow" and to pick up a ticket to their concert.



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Mindy Solomon will be a guest lecturer online this coming Wednesday, February 26th from 7:00-8:30PM Eastern Time! This lecture is presented by 92Y’s Virtual Clay program; registration is open to everyone and is $25.

Mindy will be speaking about the historical and contemporary implications of the relationship between object and environment. By investigating the interplay of three and two-dimensional works in space and how to engage consumer understanding and response, it is Mindy’s intention to assist artists in structuring a platform for professional development. This is a perfect lecture for anyone in the arts world – from artists, to other gallery owners – to hear the perspective of talented and funny Mindy Solomon.


1395 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10128
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Friday Feb 28th
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THE DANCE PARTY IS BACK!!! THIS FRIDAY!!! :-)



Buffalo Strange fuses funk, reggae, jazz, psychedelic, folk, meringue, and world rhythms into an eclectic mix of music.

Consistently drawing a large crowd, their musical vibrations feed off their dancing muses and creates a flow of energy through everyone's soul.

for more info visit www.robirie.com

Rob "Irie" Pieniak
Henry Gallo
Andre Mack
Mike Rumore
Special guest: Chris Sgammato of Displace on saxophone!

Not only will you enjoy the music, but you’ll enjoy the atmosphere and the crowd. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget.

Opening Band Mark Etherington of Red Feather and Mountain Holler



16 2ND STREET N., Saint Petersburg,

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Welcome to one of America’s highest-rated outdoor fine art and fine craft shows.

Artists and art lovers from all parts of the country migrate every winter to the Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, where the country’s most accomplished artists and rising stars vie for the $15,000 Raymond James Best of Show Award and an additional $59,500 in prize money.
Held annually during the first weekend in March in downtown Tampa, it is a true showcase. Featured art includes ceramic, digital, drawing, fiber, glass, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, watercolor and wood. The esteemed event also features the works of local young artists, a weekend full of live entertainment and a children’s art activity area.
So make plans to join us for a most memorable and inspiring weekend – as an artist, visitor, volunteer or sponsor.

aturday, March 1
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday, March 2, 2014
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.




CARMADA: Art’s Mobile Fleet will present five featured art cars and an interactive art program in Kiley Garden, downtown Tampa, as part of the annual Gasparilla Festival of the Arts. A sixth car will be altered into mobile art, live on-site, during the course of the two-day event.

What's an art car? It's any standard vehicle modified into mobile artwork through application of paint, sculptural embellishment, and other techniques. During this diverse showcase of colorful vehicles, each owner/artist will be on hand to answer questions and promote their individual projects.

Confirmed participating artists include Carrie Boucher, Sebastian Coolidge, Jennifer Kosharek, James Oleson, Hunter Payne, Paulette Perlman, and Kiaralinda.

On display at street level, adjacent to Kiley Garden, the NOMAD Art Bus by Carrie Boucher takes mobile arts to the next level. Designed to bring art instruction into Bay area neighborhoods, the NOMAD (Neighborhood-Oriented Mobile Art & Design) Bus features an interactive arts instruction studio housed in a former Arlington Transit bus. Boucher will offer rotating hands-on craft projects to the public during the Festival.

Come visit us in Kiley Garden, downtown Tampa, during GFA!
http://gasparillaarts.com/

* BREAKING NEWS *
Our donor vehicle has dropped out, and we are seeking a car to be painted live at this event! No cost to you -- Just park your car in downtown Tampa for a few days, and drive away on Sunday with an amazing Art Car! Details here:
http://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/ats/4349513118.html

Interested? Please email mitzi.jo.gordon@gmail.com no later than noon on Friday, Feb. 28.

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The Edge District will be celebrating Mardi Gras with a "Second Line Parade-4pm" and so will the Feathered Serpent! We will have specials on some of our wares. In the Edge, the group Gumbo Boogie performs at 6pm. Find out why the Edge has become a popular St Petersburg destination for art, dining and people watching. Art courtesy of artist John Gascot who created this painting specially for the event.

1018 Central Avenue, Saint Petersburg

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Sunday March 2nd
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216 South Armenia Avenue, Tampa,

Poets, musicians, comedians - whatever your talent - come on out to open mic nite at Inkwood. The audience is always encouraging in this adults only atmosphere. Book Mama has listened to our feedback and is turning down the overhead fluorescent lights so we can have the more intimate "lounge type" atmosphere that brings out our best performance. Show your appreciation by patronizing this truly unique local book store and buy a book or donate 5 bucks for beer, wine, soda or water - your choice! As usual, Moe Saint Evergreen will be providing our most excellent sound!!!
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Thursday, February 20, 2014

Ruminations on seeing The "Monuments Men"

[This is not a review of the movie, but the thoughs that came to mind during and after watching it.]

In the film, the U.S. (in reality it began with  Britain) realizes that Hitler has stolen much European art and has decided to destroy it when defeat seems inevitable. The Monuments men, an unlikely sextet, end up saving most of the art, of course.

The most amazing thing in the movie was to see the government(s) acknowledging the cultural significance of art, and ultimately, its value.

This apparently ephemeral confluence is always ongoing, though in a far less dramatic way. The culture tacitly  acknowledges the importance and sociological value Jettisoned art -- most of the time.  Art disappears routinely. Jettisoned because it didn't sell, or replaced with something newer, or is disposed of when the artist dies. I personally know of two artists who left behind literally hundreds of unsold works and have witnessed many more going for  pathetically low prices at garage sales,,,and others peering out of dumpsters. There are many inherent cruelties in the art world. Work that does not  attract buyers, artists too shy to show, or to market themselves to advantage. Galleries have to turn a profit, etc.

 Parents with enough disposable income or willing to sacrifice for schooling and materials for a budding artist to bloom...schools with arts departments and curricula...grants...scholarships...the landlords who let you make deposit in payments...friends who know you're starving and bring you food....museums, galleries art shows that bring the work to the public. There is a system there ensuring art is made and seen.

In the movie we learn that Hitler, like a fairy tale dragon, wanted all the art to himself, in a huge Speer-designed museum that luckily was never built. There is an analog between that and the nouveau billionaires keeping the big art fairs afloat, who by top notch art speculatively and lock it up in their estates or worse, in climate-controlled vaults, hidden from everyone.

--- Luis


Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Currently at Ringling Museum, Sarasota..."NOW..." by R. Luke Du Bois

R. Luke Du Bois is an artist plying the contemporary edges of art, engaging in performance, musical composition, collaborative performance, large public installations, film and digital work. Think "new media". But this is only the publicity spiel. 



He is exploring the datascape that has become materia prima for contemporary artists, but is being rarely explored because the skillset required to do this is still rare among artists (as is the mindset).
The issues he addresses are not new: Semiotics, iconization, social and linguistic evolution over time, time, and other temporal associations that were previously very hard to look into.

He explores the connection between the geographies of all 50 United States linking it to the topology of the most-used words on twenty dating sites, creating a strange synthesis between the two, giving an apparent linking between different towns, cities and states. The work is titled "A More Perfect Union", and while i distills and freezes ephemera, the volume still overwhelms the senses. There is no way to take in the exhibit, unless one went every day for the month :or longer), and even then it would be much too much to take in, well beyond our physical senses in terms of complexity and volume.  

R. Luke Du Bois, "Toward a more Perfect Union"


Du Bois earned a Ph.D. music composition. This is evident at the show with many small works involving audio and digitization that introduces variations on a theme. He has been referred to as a "laptop musician".

There is a great video made up of the faces of PLAYBOY playmates adjusted for size of the first 50 years of the magazine, allowing the viewer an idea of the evolution of the desirable female look over time.

It is the kind of work that makes the viewer feel like he has crossed over into recently-discovered country.

--- Luis

Runs through May 4th, 2014. At Ringling Museum,







Monday, February 17, 2014

This Ragnarok Weekend, 2/17-2/23 2014.

So...according to the Vikings, the world ends on Saturday (Ragnarok), but apocalypses have a bad record, so make plans regardless.
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Tuesday, 2/17
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El Centro Cultural Artes del Libro se complace en invitarle a la inauguración de:

¨Tonerworks: A Networked Press¨, del artista estadounidense Reed Altemus, quien junto con la exposición de arte presentará una selección de 24 de las 28 plaquettes que conforman la colección publicada bajo su sello independiente (Tonerworks).

Fecha: martes 18 de febrero, 2014.
Recepción: 7pm.

Centro Cultural Artes del Libro| Callejón Ocampo, Privada No. 1670, segundo piso. Entre Negrete y Ocampo, entre calles 8a. y 9a., Zona Centro, Tijuana, B.C., México.

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REED ALTEMUS
CV

Editor independiente y prominente artista de Arte Correo (Mail Art), Reed Altemus es fundador de Toner Works –editorial bajo la cual publica portafolios de arte postal de artistas contemporáneos-. Su colección del llamado copier art es una de las más grandes en el mundo.

Nacido en en Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, en 1961, y con residencia actual en Portland, Maine, Estados Unidos, Altemus ha cursado estudios de literatura (BA English, 1985), y se ha desenvuelto como un artista autodidacta. Anteriormente músico, inició en el arte correo en 1989 a través de The Texas Magazine, de Daniel Plunkket, además de experimentar con arte visual, xerografía, sellos de goma y otras formas de comunicación. Actualmente realiza arte correo y distintas formas de networking electrónico, haciendo uso de plataformas como el email y Facebook, entre otros.

Además de Estados Unidos, su obra ha sido exhibida en Suiza, Bélgica, Brasil, Rusia, Alemania, Inglaterra, Portugal, Italia, China, Panamá, Irlanda, Argentina, México, Hungría, Canadá, Colombia, España, Serbia, Stonia, Austria, Suecia y Japón.


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Centro Cultural Artes del Libro is pleased to invite you to the opening of the art exhibit:

¨Tonerworks: A Networked Press ¨, by Reed Altemus (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA).

The artist will also be presenting a selection of 24 of the the second series of booklets issued by his micropress Tonerworks, which consists of twenty-eight separate booklets.

Date: Tuesday February 18, 2014.
Reception: 7pm.

Centro Cultural Artes del Libro| Callejón Ocampo, Privada No. 1670, segundo piso. Entre Negrete y Ocampo, entre calles 8a. y 9a., Zona Centro, Tijuana, B.C., México.


REED ALTEMUS is a prominent mail artist and founder of Toner Works - a publishing concern that publishes portfolios of copier art by contemporary artists. Professor Altemus has one of the most extensive archives of copier art in the world.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1961, he currently lives in Portland, Maine. He had been educated in literature (BA English 1985), and is self-taught in art. Formerly a musician, he started mail-art in 1989 through The Texas magazine of Daniel Plunkett. He experimented with visual art, xerography, rubber stamps, and other forms of communication. He met Carlo Pittore, an influence who became a friend until his death in 2005. Through him met Bern Porter.

In 1991 he discovered email at university and applied it to art networking immediately. He worked for the internet art journal FineArt Forum (National Science Foundation) for two years as database moderator and compiled a list of Internet Art Resources, at the time the most comprehensive of its kind (only one before had been compiled by Bob Gale). In 1992 he compiled an International Descriptive Bibliography of Copy Art. But he even continued to do mail art along with the research. In 1996 he began working in xerography exclusively and developed a small oeuvre between 1996 and 2006. He still does works in xerography on occasion.

In 2006 he realized that the technology was changing, providing fewer and fewer opportunities for the kinds of interventions he had developed, and so he began to turn towards working with the computer, (Corel Draw and Photoshop), which became and remain the main tools up to the present. He continuously does mail-art, printed matter and electronic networking via email, FaceBook, other platforms.

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 Thursday, 2/19
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Join us at Planet Retro Gallery for another great FREE, ALL AGES show! This time we have touring band The Sky Captains of Industry from Brooklyn, NY, local sweethearts Broken Things, and the legendary Kevin K Band! Remember, it's a FREE show but please bring a few $ to donate to the bands (suggested donation is $5). We will have adult beverages available for donations, AND the shop will be open during the show for your late night shopping pleasure. DJ Rozak will be spinning vinyl too!

Come out and support YOUR scene!!!


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CONTAIN IT! is a multi-media installation fair, where 10 artists transform the interior of POD(S) to create an alternate vision/environment. Staged on the grounds of DFAC, this event is in its 7th year. Combined with Trashy Treasures art auction preview + Eat This! Food Truck Rally—it is one of DFAC’s most popular happenings.

This year’s curator for CONTAIN IT! is Christine Renc-Carter. Currently, Curator of the St. Petersburg College Art Collection, Carter is a visual artist with fifteen years professional experience in museums and galleries. She has been immersed in the art world her entire life and was a participating artist in Contain It! in 2009.

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Friday, February 21st & Saturday, February 22nd!
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Friday, February 21st - Contain It! main event is in the evening, 6-9pm. Coincides with Trashy Treasures held inside DFAC.

There will be also live music, food and beverages.
DFAC's most beloved annual events combine an ART Auction-Party-Garage Sale-Installation Fest + Mini Food Truck Rally AND Craft Beer BREW-haha!

$5 admission to Friday night's party includes: Trashy Treasures Art Auction (inside DFAC) of the creme de la creme of donated artworks and Contain It! Artists in PODS outdoor installation, *curated by Christine Renc-Carter with live music, food trucks + crafty Brews :))) **LIVE MUSIC by The Nancy Ray-Guns (featuring Sean Delong)

Come Saturday to peruse and purchase oodles of art, art supplies + other artistic ephemera! The PODS will be open for viewing on Saturday, too and yummies for the tummies courtesy some cool Food Trucks!

Hours:
Friday, 6-9pm
Saturday, 10am - 2pm
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CONTAIN IT! 2014 ARTISTS:
* Shane Hoffman (in collaboration with Pyramid, Inc. students)
* Paula Allen (aka POLLYZOOM)
* Kumpa Tawornprom
* Barbara Hubbard (in collaboration with St. Petersburg College Drawing students)
* Wes Roos
* Eric Voorhis (Pinellas County Center for the Arts at Gibbs High School)
* Nicole Abbett (in collaboration with Paulie-Wu Scarano)
* Theo Georgiou
* Moses Hensley
* Spolek Collaborative - Nathan Beard in collaboration with Corey O'Connor, Aaron Schallenberger, Cate Clark, Marketa O'Connor, and Hallie Schallenberger

1143 Michigan Blvd, Dunedin, Florida 34698

(I wrote about this last year as I assisted Jennifer Kosharek in hanging her PODs installation and hosted it on Saturday).

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LOVEY DOVIES (New Orleans) are doing a mini Florida tour and are being joined by Tampa's EARLY FORMS and Orlando's THE NEW LOWS.

Date: Friday, February 21, 2014
Where: The Venture Compound (2621 Fairfield Ave. S., St. Pete 33712)
Doors: 9pm
Cash: $5

Early Forms - This Tampa quartet will tickle your ear holes
https://www.facebook.com/earlyforms
http://earlyforms.bandcamp.com/

the Lovey Dovies - Fuzzed-out indie pop rock from New Orleans
https://www.facebook.com/loveydovies
http://theloveydovies.net/listen/

The New Lows - Orlando's punk-indie sweethearts - Kiss Of Death Records
http://www.facebook.com/thenewlows
http://thenewlows.bandcamp.com/

Article 47 - St. Petersburg Experimental/Psych
https://www.facebook.com/Article47
http://article47.bandcamp.com/



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TEMPUS PROJECTS is pleased to announce our second exhibition of 2014, THE ROOM IS EMPTY: New Moving Images. A group exhibition of innovative works dealing with conceptual and experimental moving images in the media of video, film and projection. Artists include Gigi Lage, Robbie Land, Justin Myers, Daniela Mora & Diran Lyons.

The exhibition runs from February 22, 2014 through March 22, 2014, with gallery hours by appointment and special screenings from participating artists (dates TBA).
The opening reception will take place Saturday, February 22nd, from 7pm - 10pm.
The event is free and open to the public but donations are greatly appreciated. Refreshments and light hors d'oeuvres will be offered. Classes and groups are encouraged and welcomed.

This event is sponsored in part by the Mermaid Tavern. Tempus invites you to join us at the Mermaid for an after-party at 10:00 PM, following the reception. The Mermaid is located at 6719 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL, 33604.

TEMPUS PROJECTS is dedicated to nurturing established and emerging local, national and international artists through exhibitions and events. The project promotes artists working in all media and originates, organizes and hosts exhibitions that engage the Tampa Bay community through the visual arts. Established in 2009, TEMPUS PROJECTS has presented over 43 exhibitions featuring the work of more than 178 artists and collaborators.

Located at 4636 N. Florida Ave.Tampa, Florida 33603 in South Seminole Heights, TEMPUS PROJECTS is highly regarded as cultural catalyst and a neighborhood touchstone. It has contributed greatly to the district’s emergence as a unique and creative local destination. In acknowledgment of its contributions to the arts and the community, Tampa’s Creative Loafing has awarded TEMPUS PROJECTS the "Best Alternative Art Space" Loafie award for three consecutive years. TEMPUS PROJECTS has worked in collaboration with Experimental Skeleton, Silver Meteor Gallery, Tampa’s Downtown Partnership, and Creative Loafing.

tempusprojects.art@gmail.com
www.tempus-projects.com
813.340.9056


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Es con mucho pesar que debemos anunciar su próxima experiencia decepcionante en el Venture Compound. Varios artistas de diferentes habilidades y ser vale la pena han perdido toda esperanza y decidió ser en mi show. Para este arte no habrá ningún color. Artista debe vivir en la cárcel de grises. Ya sea o no venir, todavía estoy bebiendo cerveza. 

2621 Fairfield Drive S. Saint Petersburg 
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Paper & Pints at The Southern Letterpress with Tracie Pouliot
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Paper & Pints

Fourth Friday, 7:00-9:00 pm

February 28, 2014

4903 8th Ave S, Gulfport, FL 33707


Join The Southern Letterpress and Oma Darlin' Press at our studio in Gulfport, FL, as we welcome Visiting Artist, Tracie Pouliot for our monthly Paper & Pints! Enjoy locally crafted beer by our friends at Cycle Brewing and Peg's Cantina & Brew Pub while learning the basics of letterpress and hand printing .

For our February session with Tracie, we will explore linocut and stamp-making, using letterpress and hand printing methods to make some fun, colorful Birthday CardsFor $10, you can join us for the Linocut and Stamp-Making Demo. Or you can purchase the Demo & DIY Kit for $20 and try your hand at the craft! FREE local craft beer will be on-hand for all attendees (ages 21 and over, of course).

Visit our Facebook event page for more information, or register now by sending us an e-mail. Your registration fees can be paid on-site via cash, check, credit or debit card. Please indicate in your e-mail if you plan to attend the Demo Only or if you would also like to purchase a DIY Kit. We hope to see you there!
We're excited to report that we had an amazing time at Keep Saint Petersburg Local's Localtopia event, which took place on Saturday, February 1st, at Williams Park in the heart of downtown St. Pete, FL.

We posted up on the flatbed of our 1966 GMC truck, Fancy White, with the latest batch of our letterpress printed greeting cards, and met an amazing crew of wonderful folks who showed up celebrate KSPL's 2nd Anniversary.

Visit the Keep Saint Petersburg Local website to learn more about the organization and this groundbreaking event, a community celebration of all things local!
Copyright © 2014 The Southern Letterpress, All rights reserved.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Nikki Shau @ The Crumb and Cork Sunday, 2/16/2014

Crumb&Cork501 N. Franklin St.Downtown Tampa, Fl 33602
Sunday, February 16, 20147pm-10pm

The Vocal Styling of Nikki Shau and Grooves of Keyboardist Eliezer Seymore

Celebrate Live Music at Downtown Tampa's premier wine, tapas and jazz bar, Crumb & Cork with another return of amazing vocalist/songwriter Nikki Shau and keyboardist Eliezer Seymore.

Nikki will be performing her special brand of fusion jazz/blues/chill originals and standards. A very versatile chill/neo-soul/jazz/r&b singer, Nikki Shau has recorded with many artists, including Chaka Chan, Charlie Wilson, Jeff Lorber, Johnny Guitar Watson, The Gap Band among many others. Originally from the Tampa Bay area, she is an accomplished sound engineer and has produced on many labels.

Keyboardist Eliezer Seymore is a 23 yr old graduate of The Beny More Music Institute in Cuba and a new vibrant keyboardist. They bring you an evening of innovative grooves. Please join us at Downtown Tampa's best cheese, appetizer and wine bar with wonderful ambiance and top line hospitality!  No Cover Charge!!

"You DO NOT want to miss the legendary vocal stylings of one the East Coast's most accomplished chanteuses."---Crumb&Cork

Another one Bites the Dust: Trinity Gallery closing.

In a matter of a few months, several galleries have closed, each one a crash of dreams and aspirations of an individual, artists and the community. I have just received confirmation that Trinity gallery on Beach Drive is closing after twenty-four years. Its landlord, the owner of North Star Realty, did this out of greed, tripling rent.

With two exceptions, both decorative galleries, all that is left of the arts on Beach Drive are the big-box venues: The Mahaffey, MFA, Chilhuly and the Dali.Now the Dali is closing on its best month thanks to the St. Pete Grand Prix.

What is this city thinking? Do they really value the arts? The short-sighted on Beach Drive think they are shooing away their loss leaders, but they have thrown away their attractants and gutted their tenant mix. Look what happened at Bay Walk.

By segregating the arts to the West on Central,  Beach Drive will lose its core, and as the artists and gallerists cluster away from Beach Drive, the hip, cultured and moneyed will follow.

Al Abrams is one of the best of us. 

--- Luis


Tuesday, February 11, 2014

This Valentine's Day Week, 2/10 - 2/16 2014.

Tuesday, 2/11/2014
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 Every Tuesday we have Open Figure Drawing at Soft Water Studios. Models are nude or partially draped. 2, 5, and 20 minute poses. Easels, benches and tables are available. Bring your own paper & supplies. $7 Model Fee.
515 22nd Street South, Saint Petersburg
6:30-9:00 PM
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Wordier Than Thou storytelling open mic @ 620

This unique open mic focuses on storytelling -- no poetry or music. So come share your finest prose, or if you're just in the mood for listening, catch some tales from our area's wordsmiths.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Readings will begin around 7 p.m.

A featured reader will kick off the night, followed by open mic slots. Open mic readers get 10 minutes. Please time yourself at home; we'll also signal when you have one minute left.

Featured reader:

Lori Roy - Author

Suggested donation at the door and refreshments available for donation.
t


620 1st Ave South. St Pete.
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Wednesday, 2/12/2014
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Join The Salvador Dali Museum at the Industrial Arts Center, Inc. of Gulfport for February's Z-Event. Dalí-inspired hors d'oeuvres along with fine French wines will be provided by T and Me Tea Company LLc to begin the evening. Then guests will enjoy a glass blowing demonstration and participate in a sand casting building activity. In addition, The Hot Shop will be open to try a hand in forging and creating beads.

$50.00 per person

Capacity is very limited, so purchase your tickets today!
 



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Erotica: An Evening with Venus explores erotic imagery in ancient Roman art.

Dr. Robert Stephen Bianchi, Chief Curator of the Fondation Gandur pour l’Art/Geneva, will whet your appetite for romance in a fully illustrated lecture. He will introduce selections of sensually themed graffiti from Pompeii to binding spells used by ardent lovers.

Presented by the Education Department and the Museum Store in partnership with www.spathose.com LLC

Pre-Valentine’s Day Celebration, a Sell-Out for the past 2 years
Buy your tickets on line: $15 members, $25 non-members

Take a stroll through an open air Roman market, let your senses be engulfed by the sights and sounds as you unearth tantalizing secrets and desires of a world gone by… Let mysterious oracles tell you your future as you revel in sensuous delicacies, both of mind and body…By the will of the Gods, you may even have an audience with the Emperor himself…but have no qualms...you know…What happens in Rome stays in Rome!

•Special Performance by Matthew McGee of FreeFall Theatre staged by Scott Daniel of MattocS Productions.

•The Art of the Body, walking works of art.

•Desirable Displays in the glass Conservatory of fashion, jewelry, chocolate, and more.

•Cash Bar

•Dreamy Music

Lecture begins at 7pm in the Marly Room.
Admission includes lecture, galleries, a champagne toast, and a delectible dessert.

Conservatory displays by ConceptBait. Complimentary Valet. MFA Cafe open 5 - 8pm.

*For adults 21 and older
 

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Friday, 2/14/2014



who wouldn't love to find a valentine or some other artwork on feb 14? let's spread it around!

ARTISTS: If you're interested in participating please do at your convenience--distribution is loosely concentrated in downtown st pete but you can place art wherever you like. Be sure to tag it with free art friday and your email or the web address of this group so people can post and let you know your art was found. Also feel free to post pictures on this page of your work/where it is placed.

FINDERS: Please limit yourself to 1 piece per person and let the artists know how excited you are to find their work by contacting them or posting a photo here.

the group URL is facebook.com/groups/FAFStPete for posting images

OF COURSE this event is merely a suggestion for those of us who like deadlines... not required, not limited to this or any specified date. THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR ART WITH THE WORLD generosity is its own reward



who wouldn't love to find a valentine or some other artwork on feb 14? let's spread it around!

ARTISTS: If you're interested in participating please do at your convenience--distribution is loosely concentrated in downtown st pete but you can place art wherever you like. Be sure to tag it with free art friday and your email or the web address of this group so people can post and let you know your art was found. Also feel free to post pictures on this page of your work/where it is placed.

FINDERS: Please limit yourself to 1 piece per person and let the artists know how excited you are to find their work by contacting them or posting a photo here.

the group URL is facebook.com/groups/FAFStPete for posting images

OF COURSE this event is merely a suggestion for those of us who like deadlines... not required, not limited to this or any specified date. THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR ART WITH THE WORLD generosity is its own reward

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Participating Artists

Stephanie Siefken-Amare
Perry Anne
Victoria Berrios
Tammy Berk
Hausof Blackbird
Virginia Boller
Sharon Britton
Carrie Boucher
Jenipher Chandley
Madeleine Closuit
Dorothy Sabean-Davis
Coralette Damme
Nikki Devereux
D. G. Art Co.
Maria DiSclafani
Kristin Eschenroeder
Callie Ferraro
Naomi Glueck
Nikita Glueck
Juliette Inostroza
Carrie Jadus
Laura James
Jennifer Kosharek
Natalie Kuehn
Rebekah Lazaradis
Deidra Leigh
Renee Little
Andrea Martin
Emily Miller
Laura Miller
Linda Newcomb
Misa Oliver
Amy Pate
Cindy Psynner
Tara Radosevich
Calan Ree
Dena Rae
Sheree Rensel
Saori
Mishou Sanchez
Elena Sarn
Xina Scuderi
April Seelbach
Laura Spencer
Emily Stone
Kim Stone
Ungala
Belleek Vickers
Juliana Vilamil
Cassandra Wahuhi
Sue Woodall


Special Homecoming performance by
Geri X

Also appearing
Sugar Ransom

With host DJ Just Steph

Live Paint Dancing by Zosa Pistola & Sharon Britton


DOORS OPEN @ 7 pm with a food, drinks, candy and a DJ to greet you!
$4 cover at the door for men only.
Ladies of course are free.
WE'LL SEE YOU ALL THERE!

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18+ $3 (VALENTINES SPECIAL!!!)

BANDS! COME PLAY LOVE SONGS!
(SMALL RIG - FAST SETUP - 15 MINUTES)

-or-

Don't play instruments? FUCK IT! BRING YOUR SMARTPHONE AND SING SHITTY KARAOKE!!
(RSVP BELOW)

WEAR SHITTY PROM CLOTHS

OTHER ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

SHITTY PHOTO BOOTH!!!
SHITTY KISSING BOOTH!!!
SHITTY DRINK SPECIALS!!! (IT'S PUNCH!)
SHITTY LAST-MINUTE ART CLOSING RECEPTION!!!

Performing artists:
Goblin King - "If you're not happy and having a lot of sex, you're going to hate our set."
roboBOREALIS - "Put me on early in case I get lucky."
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA


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Saturday, Feb 15th 2014.





"I AM SO SICKENED NOW" New works by Tracy Midulla Reller and Justin Nelson
 4501 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, Florida  6-10 PM.
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Come celebrate Rasta's belated Birthday and Black History Month! There will be music, ping pong, a movie and a gallery tour every hour!

Food Will Be Served Please BYOB!
Pancakes
Biscuits and Gravy
Fried Cajun Shrimp
Fried Fish
Fried Chicken
Curry Chicken
Plantain
Spicy Rice
Mashed Potatoes
Black Eyed Peas
Corn
Corn Bread
Cider

ALL AGES WELCOME

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Sunday February 16th
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Celebrate Live Music at Downtown Tampa's premier wine, tapas and jazz bar, Crumb & Cork with another return of amazing vocalist/songwriter Nikki Shau and keyboardist Elizer Seymore.

Nikki will be performing her special brand of fusion jazz/blues/chill originals and standards. A very versatile chill/neo-soul/jazz/r&b singer, Nikki Shau has recorded with many artists, including Chaka Chan, Charlie Wilson, Jeff Lorber, Johnny Guitar Watson, The Gap Band among many others. Originally from the Tampa Bay area, she is an accomplished sound engineer and has produced on many labels.

Keyboardist Elizer Seymore is a 23 yr old graduate of The Beny More Music Institute in Cuba and a new vibrant keyboardist. They bring you an evening of innovative grooves. Please join us at Downtown Tampa's best cheese, appetizer and wine bar with ambiance! No Cover Charge!!

"You DO NOT want to miss the legendary vocal stylings of one the East Coast's most accomplished chanteuses."---Crumb&Cork

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 ---- Luis

 

mmmm

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Donna Gordon Gallery Closes, her studio moves and will re-open..

Sculpture by Donna Gordon. Photo courtesy Donna Gordon Gallery.

Donna Gordon has formally announced her Donna Gordon Gallery will be closing on March 30th, 2014. Donna was one of the original galleries to open on February 10th, 2010 on the 600 block of Central Avenue in Saint Petersburg. Donna Gordon Gallery showed her allegorical bronze sculptures and had regular shows and openings of the work of others. Some of these shows were reviewed on this blog. The gallery brought a consistently high level of professionalism and class to the 600 block facing Central Avenue. 

Donna will be reopening her studio in a structure next to her home. I look forward to a studio visit and reporting on it here.

Here is the DGG release....

It is with sadness, excitement and lots of appreciation that I announce that I am closing Donna Gordon Gallery, effective March 30th. While I am sad to see our doors shut, I am so grateful for the collectors who made the artwork we offered a part of their lives, and the friendships that developed as a result of those encounters. I am grateful for the experience and the knowledge I gained, and mostly for all of the wonderful artists and local friends I got to know so much better in the last four years. Thank you all so very much. It has been my honor to meet you, to know you, and to show great artwork.
My excitement comes from looking forward to the next stage in my own evolution as an artist. After March, I will be happily creating sculpture from a newly constructed studio adjacent to my home. You can join my mailing list to get updates on new work and new galleries representing my sculpture, as well as shows and events, at www.donnagordonstudio.com .

Please note that I also have a new email address: donna@donnagordonstudio.com .
Now..... the gallery IS STILL OPEN through March 30th!
So please stop by to say hello, Wed-Saturday, noon to 5.

If you were ever on the fence about buying a quality work of art, NOW is the time to come in. I will be OPEN for ArtWalk this Saturday night, February 8th, until 8:30,  and I hope to see you there!



--- Luis

  mmmmm

Monday, February 3, 2014

This Monuments Men Week, February 3rd - 9th, 2014

What happened to winter? I feel cheated. Back to the 80s, degree-wise...It can't be over already.

Monday, 2/2/2014
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Emerging fine artist Alicia Everett, known for her controversial exploration of intimate interactions, has been chosen for a solo art exhibition at the Centre Gallery at USF in Tampa, FL. The show will include selected works from her series “Face Time” and her nationally exhibited work, My Best Thing.

Everett’s current work investigates our systems of communication in relation to interpersonal relationships, identity, and sexuality, as well as changing divisions and attitudes within contemporary culture. It questions how forces of a graphic and sexualized visual techno-culture, like electronic communications and social networking, exert power over the way we receive, interpret, and share information in our interactions.

The series, “Face Time,” explores interpersonal, technologically-based sexual interactions through live video connections. The printed digital video stills were captured from transmissions during iPhone video chats and printed as large scale, colorful abstracts. The work is a gesture of single moments in time and meant to question the connection versus disconnection of these evolving structures of intercommunication.

The nationally exhibited installation, My Best Thing, examines the structure of disclosure of self through personal images transmitted through email or text. The work consists of an antique red oak cabinet and 54 brass mailboxes fitted into a stand with a full-length lightbox backing both pieces. Viewers experience the piece by peering through the glass panes at backlit images of male genitalia, which where transmitted to the artist via email and text and are a part of an ongoing archival collection. Regarding the work, Everett stated, “I am interested in this physically disconnected and perceived intimate experience of interpersonal relationships, cultural expectations, and self-identity.”

Everett, a recent BFA graduate of USF, currently lives and works in Tampa and plans to attend graduate school in the fall of 2014. More information can be found on her website at www.aliciaeverett.com.

DessART, Centre Gallery’s opening reception for this exhibit, will be held on Feb. 3 from 12 – 1 p.m. The closing reception for Face Time will be held from 7 – 9 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14 in the Centre Gallery. For more information, please contact the Centre Gallery at 813-974-5464.


Runs through February 14, 11AM-5PM
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Tuesday, 2/3/2014
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Every Tuesday we have Open Figure Drawing at Soft Water Studios. Models are nude or partially draped. 2, 5, and 20 minute poses. Easels, benches and tables are available. Bring your own paper & supplies. $7 Model Fee.

515 22nd Street South, Saint Petersburg
6:30-9:00 PM
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Friday, 2/7/2014

 
 





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Reception and Exhibition Opening, Original Works in Oil by Brazilian artist Felipe Salsano, an artist who sees people rather than borders, faces rather than nationalities. Born in Brasilia, Felipe later traveled to Italy as a teen and became committed to becoming an artist.

His striking ability to capture details in his paintings, reminiscent of the Italian masters, is perhaps due to serving as the eyes of his mother, blind since before Felipe was born. It was Felipe's mother who encouraged him to seek out new experiences, an to not feel limits.

In 2006 Felipe traveled to Florence and attended the Fine Arts Academy, where he graduated with honors in 2010. He was able to see first hand Italian masters, who contiinue to inspired him. He then studied with Florentine master Andrea Ortuno, who taught him several painting techniques.

Felipe is also known for the beautiful faces that are frequent subjects. He loves the variety of expressions and cultural backgrounds, as well as the beauty in every faces. It is also very important to Felipe that his paintings also reflect the dignity inherent in each person, and he chooses a variety of faces with different anatomic characteristics.




Felipe avoids being described as an artist with a particular style as his work continues to evolve.


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Tempus Projects presents: For the Love of Instagram

- An Instagram-based art show featuring various artists

Friday, February 7, 2014

- at The Bricks
- 1327 E. 7th Ave., Tampa, FL
- 8pm

Artists:
Alicia Everett
Laleh Jabalbarez
Nathan Hiemstra
Mitzi Gordon
Nicole C. Kibert
Javier Ortiz
Elizabeth Plakidas
Amy Karma
Jessica Kallista
Hildebrando Bellizzio
Kevin Brophy
Gigi Lage
Deon Blackwell
Shannon Richie-Lindsey
Kimberly Meadows
Jessica Barber
Jeffrey Agno-Chin
Frank Candamil
Michelle Domanski
Erica Ellis
Justin Nelson and more!

http://tempus-projects.com/


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Saturday, 2/8/2014
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Our doors will be open on Saturday, Feb 8th for you to shop Local to buy your sweetheart a gift of glass! From blown glass vases, flowers, and hearts to sculptures or a gift certificate for a Glass Blowing Class, these handmade items are sure to please!

ALSO, on Saturday the 8th, you can MAKE YOU OWN GLASS HEART

Make your sweetie a glass heart this Valentine’s Day! You will have a one-on-one experience with a Glassblower who will help you gather the hot glass and make your own glass heart paperweight. Call us at 813.237.3473 or email us gottglass@msn.com to sign up in advance. The Make Your Own GLASS HEART Experience is just $50 prepaid.

Small groups, children 10 and up, families and couples welcome!


811 E Knollwood St, Tampa, Florida  10-5

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 Meet artist Peter Pettegrew, Plein Air. Peter has devoted his life to capturing the timeless beauty of the natural landscape on canvas.

Meet Artist Dena Tollefson, Contemporary Colorist. Dena's "Daubism" body of work is a unique process she developed, where "daubs" of individually mixed oil paint are applied with a palette knife.

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 2 Cool Art Show at Gulfport Casino

40 local and statewide artists will be showing their art in the beautiful historic Gulfport Casino. All artwork is made in America. FREE admission and parking. Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm. Hope to see you there!

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We were soooo excited to have Warren Kenny in our gallery space last month for the Second Saturday Art Walk.....but the Florida weather (rainy/windy/etc!) kept many of you from making it out to see this spectacular show! So....we invited Warren to remain for another ArtWalk....and he graciously agreed!

Warren's exceptionally detailed, brilliantly hued and imaginative colored pencil (yes! colored pencil!!) drawings are fascinating, and will make you wonder....what goes on in his head!? Sea creatures from another realm, flamingos, snakes, fish, crustaceans....all share space when Warren's improvisations reach their destination!

The process is as remarkable as the end result....."My art making process is reminiscent of jazz improvisation. At the beginning of a piece I am uncertain of its final form. Since I exclusively use colored pencils, it is impossible for me to change my mind once I go in a certain direction. Colored pencils cannot be erased, but allow for an extrem
24 - 22nd Street South, Saint Petersburg 5-9 PM

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IPhoneography in Print; works on paper and aluminum by Miami artist Shirley Drevich opens during 2nd Saturday Art Walk | St. Petersburg this coming weekend.
320 Central Avenue, Saint Petersburg
5-9


IPhoneography in Print; works on paper and aluminum by Miami artist Shirley Drevich opens during 2nd Saturday Art Walk | St. Petersburg this coming weekend.

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 Join us tonight as the Clay Center of St. Petersburg pairs with Art Mash for a fun filled evening with music, food, and of course ART!
400 23rd Street South, Saint Petersburg, Florida 33712


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Charlie Parker Tea for Two

 Join us Feb. 8th for our members show Tea for Two. We are featuring both functional and figurative interpretations of tea. Come in and find that perfect Valentine gift.
 2724 Sixth Avenue S, Saint Petersburg,


Join us Feb. 8th for our members show Tea for Two. We are featuring both functional and figurative interpretations of tea. Come in and find that perfect Valentine gift. 



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The Duncan McClellan Gallery proudly presents “The Seattle Connection” with Richard Royal and Veruska Vagen!

At 5pm on Saturday, February 8th, the gallery doors will open to reveal amazing glass artistry, all connected by the Pilchuck Glass School just North of Seattle, WA.

Richard Royal began working as a glass sculptor in 1978 at the Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, WA. He then worked his way through the ranks to become one of Dale Chihuly’s main gaffers. Royal emerged into the art market in the 1980‘s and has since been an independent artist exhibiting work internationally in both solo and group exhibitions.

Originally a painter, Veruska Vagen spent years working in oil, watercolor and mixed media. The course of Vagen’s life changed when her glass enamel work brought her to the renowned Pilchuck Glass School where she developed a unique mosaic technique called “Dot de Verre”.

Also on display on Saturday will be new works by Japanese glass artist Hiroshi Yamano, who has instructed and lectured throughout the world, including at both the Tokyo Glass Institute and the Pilchuck School of Glass, as well as serving as guest artist in Waterford Crystal in Ireland in 1998.

So while one of the common denominators for these artists is the Pilchuck Glass School, their shared experiences in the community of Glass artists in Seattle, their artwork is as unique as their personalities. Royal has created a variety of series which range from pieces that are metaphors for self-exploration to his most recent "Geo" series, which is an exploration into the theory that all things have a geometric significance or a mathematical sequence; these sequences often build on themselves. Vagan’s current work focuses on the portrait in a contemporary fused glass format and Yamono translates his own personal experiences, as a man continually traveling between the cultures of East and West, into universal statements that convey the delicate relationships that either ensure or disrupt ones sense of harmony and belonging oftentimes using a fish as his elusive, alter ego.

You won’t want to miss this amazing exhibit! While you browse, enjoy an adult beverage, soda or water for a donation from our custom bars (All donations benefit the DMG School Project).

Gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday, noon-5pm and by appointment.
Exhibit runs 2/8/14 to 3/3/14  550 24th St S. St Pete.

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Join us for ArtWalk "All about the Love" edition.

Featuring new glassworks by your friends at Zen Glass Studio - Dave Walker Christian Zvonik & Josh Poll

Plus- Locally home brewed beer tasting!!

Visit the studios and galleries in the district and all over town for this great night of art!


600 27th St S.
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Original Works in Oil by Brazilian artist Felipe Salsano, an artist who sees people rather than borders, faces rather than nationalities. Born in Brasilia, Felipe later traveled to Italy as a teen and became committed to becoming an artist.

His striking ability to capture details in his paintings, reminiscent of the Italian masters, is perhaps due to serving as the eyes of his mother, blind since before Felipe was born. It was Felipe's mother who encouraged him to seek out new experiences, an to not feel limits.

In 2006 Felipe traveled to Florence and attended the Fine Arts Academy, where he graduated with honors in 2010. He was able to see first hand Italian masters, who contiinue to inspired him. He then studied with Florentine master Andrea Ortuno, who taught him several painting techniques.

Felipe is also known for the beautiful faces that are frequent subjects. He loves the variety of expressions and cultural backgrounds, as well as the beauty in every faces. It is also very important to Felipe that his paintings also reflect the dignity inherent in each person, and he chooses a variety of faces with different anatomic characteristics.

Felipe avoids being described as an artist with a particular style as his work continues to evolve.

1018 Central Avenue, Saint Petersburg
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Celebrate love, sex, nudes & St. Valentine at ARTpool Gallery's 6th annual living breathing canvas exhibition with models painted head to toe! Bringing it to an entire new level with our biggest and best BODY ART show to date, this years event will knock your socks off with the pure beauty of our male & female models who will be painted for 8 hours in preparation for the event opening. The event will open with a burlesque performance by Tokyo Belle. With video art, music and lots of surprises pencil us in for a wild date night or meet someone special at our super sexy show.
Saturday February 8th from 8pm-12am.
Submit your art to be a part of the show, drop off your artwork inspired by love, sex, nudes & St Valentine to the gallery now through February 5th to be a part of the gallery exhibition. Up to 3 pieces is $30 exhibition fee, all art sales go to the artist with no gallery commission, all participating artists get a complimentary ticket to the show. If a work is 24" or over it counts as 2 works.
Get your general admission or VIP tickets in advance on our website at www.artpoolgallery.com
All art sales going directly to the artist. ♥
Thank you for supporting local art & culture!
18+ event. 13-17 allowed if accompanied by an adult.


 
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
 
  (Post in progress, more to come)