Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Memorable Shows of 2015

These are by no means "best of", just the shows that stand out in my memory from 2015. It was a rich year for the Arts in the Bay Area. The gallery bleedout stopped, new galleries opened, and the scene regained strength. Pinellas County weaseled for another year on Arts Funding, but St. Pete increased its involvement, with the SHINE festival as its most visible effort. 2016 holds great promise for the arts. Things will be better, though still recovering.

Venture Compound, "Purgatory in Paradise", by Emily Miller. A performative installation that mimiced a religious service/Mass with scantily clad priestesses, pews, a service, and sacrament of Jello shots and candy cross lollipops. Extraordinary energy, inventiveness and provocative.

Suzanne Camp Crosby's "Assembly Required" a fabulous retrospective of this photographer's work at HCC Ybor..

Softwater Studios, Emily Miller's portrait show. Her last painting show before departing for NYC. An in-depth series intensely exploring the portrait form.

"Pound and a Bear Hug" SHINE mural artists (and others) in a show that brought the best of St. Pete to Tampa.

The Museum of Fine Arts 50 years of Photography Show. Eclectic, big, inconsistent, yet stellar. Jennifer Hardin's parting show from the MFAs collection was nothing short of spectacular. 

The Charles Axt show at Gallerie 909. One of St.Pete's Cultural Treasures.

Leave a Message, at the Morean Arts Center brought the SHINE muralists together in one show.

Kenny Jensen's solo show at the Studio @ 620. Brilliant, over the top in the best of ways, and his performance involved the audience with near-blinding energy.

Steven Kenny's Alleys of St Pete show at ARTicles, unexpected urbanscapes bordering on the banal. A real surprise from one of our best surrealists.

Nathan Beard at the Rialto. A solo show that rocked.

The Voodoo show @ Florida Craft Art, curated by Mindy Solomon, religious, dark, powerful, alien.

"Where the Grass is Green and the Girls are Pretty", work by the photographic collective Fountain of Pythons, at Tempus, curated by Danny Olda, the Bay Area's top freelance curator.. Like all clubby shows, inconsistent, but the good was extraordinary.

"Yes & No", works by Kirk Ke Wang at Cass Contemporary,

"My Generation" at both Tampa Museum of Art and Saint Pete's Museum of Fine Art.

Michael Covello's "The Road" at HCC Gallery 221 (Dale Mabry Campus).

"Exquisite Corpse", by Ann-Marie Cash Levasseur at the MFA. Each work by three artists, each of whom had no idea who the others were, Or what they had contributed. Improbably complex, yet it worked amazingly well.  

"Marks Made" Women's Prints from the MFA collection. Curated by Katherine Pill.

Saturday, December 12, 2015

The Last 2nd Saturday Artwalk of 2015!


_______________________________________________________________________





____________________________________________________________________




___________________________________________________________________________



 



Davidson Fine Art is hosting the Holiday Pop-Up Shop for the Artists Enclave of Historic Kenwood:
Dwayne Shepherd
Steven Kenny
Perry Anne DeVick
David Gruskin
Maurice Bautikosky
Grandy Smith Acrylic Artist
Kim Alderman
Mary Hausler
Richard Pollin
and more.......

PLUS our house artists Herb Snitzer, Laura Monroe-Duprey, Rebecca Skelton, Jim Swallow, Kyle Fleming and Xina Scuderi.


 _____________________________________________________________________



 

Private Stock: Salon Style Show and Sale

Saturday, Dec. 12 from 5 to 10 p.m. at Bloom Art Center

Come see and shop more than 100 artworks by Bloom’s collective of resident and visiting artists in a spectacular exhibit featuring paintings, sculpture, mixed media, and more.

Bring home creative gifts for yourself or someone you love this holiday season. Evening includes a pop-up market featuring handpicked local vendors, chill DJ vibes, live music performance and tasty snacks.

$ 5 admission includes one free raffle ticket for original artwork

Official After-Party at Sly Bar
2061 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33713
10 p.m. until closing

Email startbloomin@gmail.com with inquiries.

 ___________________________________________________________________

 


St. Petersburg's Second Saturday ArtWalk presents over 40 galleries and studios in the Waterfront Arts, Central Arts District, The EDGE District of St. Petersburg, Grand Central District Association and the Warehouse Arts District coming together as one arts destination.

Be the first to see new affordable works of art, as ArtWalk is Opening Night where many galleries and studios premiere new works. Some are only open on ArtWalk, and many offer demonstrations and refreshments. It’s impossible to take in the entire ArtWalk in one night! Plan to drive, walk, or take the trolleys to visit the districts of your choice.

Our free trolley shuttles will have an art guide on board talking about each venue on our one continuous trolley loop. You can park for free on 1st Ave N and 1st Ave S from 15th St to 30th Street. Additional parking will be available for trolley riders in the vacant lot at the Northeast corner of Central Avenue and 29th Street (Please note that this is NOT one of our trolley stops). In addition, venues with large free parking lots are Soft Water Studios, the Morean Center for Clay at the Train Station, the Clay Center of St. Petersburg, and the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum.

The St. Petersburg Arts Alliance, the Arts Association St. Petersburg Inc., the EDGE District, the Grand Central District, and the Warehouse Arts District associations coordinate St. Petersburg’s Second Saturday ArtWalk. The St. Petersburg Arts Alliance strives to be the community voice, the umbrella organization for the arts -- facilitating artists, arts organizations and creative businesses to work collaboratively; empowering the growth of the arts community, and driving arts-related economic development.

Browse, watch and purchase “Where Art is Made”!

Be on the lookout for two red trolleys! Download your ArtWalk map using the ticket link above.

Trolley starts here at 5pm
Craftsman House Gallery – 2955 Central Avenue - Unique, handmade gifts for the holidays. Complimentary champagne punch with any gallery purchase. The gallery features handmade clay, blown glass, jewelry, wood, furniture,…all housed in an historic 1918 Arts & Crafts bungalow. Watch artists at work in the carriage house pottery studio. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Craftsman-House-Gallery/158706022997

Charlie Parker Pottery – 2724 6th Avenue S. – Savor the Holidays. One of a kind, hand made items sure to please even the most finicky person you are shopping for. All of the art work is made by either Charlie Parker or one of our talented members. Enjoy some cookies on us while you shop. https://www.facebook.com/events/171643513182665/

Zen Glass Studio – 600 27th Street South - Enjoy live glassblowing, auctions, demonstrations and a gallery show of our newest creations. Featuring the works of Zen Glass artists Joshua Poll, Dave Walker, and Christian Zvonik. https://www.facebook.com/ZenGlassStudio

Funktionhouse Urban Lumber & Furnishings – 562 25th St. S - Funktionhouse rescues local trees (normally headed for a chipper or the landfill), mill the trees on site, then create one-of-a-kind furnishings, lighting, and art pieces. See the latest wood slabs fresh off the mill, peruse new gallery items, or be inspired to create a custom furnishing of your own. https://www.facebook.com/Funktionhouse

Duncan McClellan Gallery – 2342 Emerson Avenue South – Flights of Fancy, featuring new works by St Petersburg Hot Shop director and manager Jacob Stout and Mariel Bass. See this great local glass blowing team in action! Jake and Mariel will give a free glassblowing demonstration. http://ow.ly/VovzB

Clay Center of St. Petersburg - 420 23rd Street South – Large bowl demo. Chamber music raku firing. https://www.facebook.com/ClayCenterofStPetersburg

Dazzio Art Experience Gallery & School of Art - 535 22nd Street South - Holiday Show: Exciting new paintings all done by local artists. Be sure to see Judith Dazzio's Holocaust paintings now on display. https://www.facebook.com/dazzio.art.experience?fref=ts

Soft Water Studios - 515 22nd Street South - Featuring works by resident Soft Water Studio artists. https://www.facebook.com/sws.art.art/

Mga Sculpture Studio – 515 22nd Street South - A commission driven sculpture facility that specializes in the design, fabrication and installation of sculptural objects in a variety of mediums from cartable materials to metal fabrication. Currently working on several large scale commissions for local private entities and across the country. https://www.facebook.com/MgaSculpture

Gallerie 909 - 909 22nd Street South - "All I Am - Faces of A City" Featuring, Eckwood Ellison https://www.facebook.com/events/823498787768864/

Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum – 2240 9th Avenue S. - Presenting her majesty, the reign of Ericka Dunlap – Miss Florida 2003, Miss America 2004. The first & only African American miss Florida. https://www.facebook.com/WoodsonMuseum/timeline

Morean Center for Clay – 420 22nd Street South - Wood Fire with John Balistreri, Josh DeWeese, Chris Gustin, and Matt Long. https://www.facebook.com/CenterForClay/timeline

Nancy Smrekar Art Studio - 2135 3rd Avenue South, Unit #5, Five Deuces Galleria Garden Building. Featuring acrylic/oil paintings in impressionism, realism, and abstract styles by emerging artist Nancy Smrekar. https://www.facebook.com/nancysmrekar.artist

St. Petersburg Opera Company - 2145 1st Ave South - Gabriela Valencia, international artist residing in St Petersburg, exhibits her paintings inspired by the nature in Florida. Her paintings are in oil, acrylics and pastel. Prints of her paintings are also exhibited. https://www.facebook.com/StPeteOpera

From Mayan Hands - 2006 Second Avenue South -
Featuring handmade Mayan folk art, both new and antique. Also a large selection of santos, nativities, day of the dead, dance masks, colorful wooden animals, and outrageous Mayan art. A large Christmas gift selection. https://www.facebook.com/From-Mayan-Hands-768725999853388/?fref=ts

Trolley Starts Here at 5pm
Creative Clay – 1114 Central Avenue - Celebrate Creative Clay's 20th Anniversary with good art and good folk. The Holiday Show features new paintings in a light and crystal display. Our Holiday Bazaar offers handmade gift items of ceramics, textiles and mixed media. Live Americana music performed by Matt Delaney. https://www.facebook.com/events/795730237219803/

Michele Tuegel Contemporary – 320 Central Avenue - The BeachWood holiday show features fabulous, small artworks, and fine craft, perfect for gift-giving with a festive 'beachland to woodland' theme. Celebrate all things St. Pete with holiday treats and good cheer! Pick up an artist-drawn map of downtown St. Pete at 50% off -- it makes a great 'local' gift!
https://www.facebook.com/MicheleTuegelContemporary/timeline

The Gallery - 200 Central Ave. Suite 111 - Featuring the work of artists Shane Bowden, Jason Brueck, Jason Skeldon, Timothy Raines and more. Contemporary fine art in a selection of styles, sizes and mediums. Subjects range from abstract expressionism, limited edition pop prints, and sport lifestyle imagery. https://www.facebook.com/thegalleryart/?fref=ts

SHAPIRO'S Gallery – 300 Beach Drive NE. - Showcasing the finest in American made blown glass, jewelry, pottery, wooden boxes and sculpture. https://www.facebook.com/shapirogallery

Lynn Merhige Gallery – 216 Fourth St North - FLovely small gifts for the holidays pottery, jewelry and handcrafted ornaments. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lynn-Merhige-Gallery/146904772019134?pnref=story

Art on 1st – 550 First Avenue North – Featuring the Florida Artists Group show in addition to the gallery’s represented artists. During the evening, Ronn Johnson will be working on handcrafted wine goblets, with vases available, special gifts for special people. https://www.facebook.com/events/871490566279848/

Florida CraftArt – 501 Central Avenue – Transformed into a holiday shopping experience with ornaments and gifts all hand crafted by Florida artists https://www.facebook.com/pages/Florida-CraftArt/352815711033?sk=timeline

The Art Lofts of St. Petersburg, FL – 10 Fifth Street North (upstairs) - Holli Dazed: Come on up and buy a gift of art. Select from paintings, stained glass, jewelry, sculpture and photography. Shop local and visit with all the artists in their working studios. https://www.facebook.com/artlofts

Graphi-ko Gallery/ Jewelry – 669 Central Avenue - Offering a large selection of unique items for men and women in all price ranges. Specializing in jewelry created on site, as well as brought in from around the world and artwork by local artists. https://www.facebook.com/Graphi-ko-Gallery-Jewelry-125300180883521/timeline

The Local COOP - 645 Central Avenue - Offering on-site personalized embroidery items from one of our makers during ArtWalk. Featuring work from dozens of local artists & hand crafters. A constantly changing inventory of locally handcrafted gifts, home décor - and kids items in The Mini Coop. https://www.facebook.com/TLCStPete?fref=ts

D-gallerie - 645 Central Avenue inside the Crislip Arcade. - Giving up-and-coming and mid-level career talent the spotlight to present unique, modern, and contemporary works from throughout Latin America and Tampa Bay. https://www.facebook.com/dgallerieusa/?fref=ts

St. Pete Art Works - 635 Central Ave - Featured exhibition: Hot Off The Kiln. A collection of works in glass and works with glass by Lourdes Rosas-Rasdall. Live music by Dean Johanesen - singer songwriter / American roots / circus swing. https://www.facebook.com/St.PeteArtWorks?fref=ts

Strands of Sunshine – 633 Central Ave – Presenting a holiday gift showcase, Merry & Bright. Shop a variety of locally crafted art and goods for men, women, and children. NEW larger location. https://www.facebook.com/StrandsofSunshine/timeline

Morean Arts Center – 719 Central Avenue – There's No Time Like the Presents: 2015 Holiday Show and Sale
Over 150 Morean members selling works in all mediums at all price points. Kim Turner-Smith: Labyrinth of Daydreams. Local photographer uses her daughters as her subjects. https://www.facebook.com/MoreanArtsCenter

ARTicles Art Gallery & Custom Framing - 1445 Central Avenue – Pop-Up Show: Presenting cool gift ideas from DemiGod.
https://www.facebook.com/ArTiclesIncCustomFramingArtGallery/?fref=ts

Leslie Curran Gallery - 1431 Central Avenue: Featuring the large-scale abstract paintings of Ummarid "Tony" Eitharong and the ceramic works of Robert Lawarre.https://www.facebook.com/lesliecurrangallery/?fref=ts

Woodfield Fine Art Gallery - 2253 Central Avenue #105 - Showing the works of eight local and national artists. https://www.facebook.com/woodfieldfineartgallery/?fref=ts

Our partner associations also have great listings for art events!!
Keep Saint Petersburg Local
Grand Central District Association
Historic Kenwood Neighborhood Association

Choose 4 or 5 to visit this Saturday then come back the next Second Saturday to visit more!

 ____________________________________________________________________________

 


Join us for the a pre-holiday Artwalk with our newest exhibit "The Holiday Show," featuring paintings in a light and crystal display. Our holiday gift bazaar will offer hand-made gift items or ceramic, textiles and mixed media. Live music from Matt Delaney, performing acoustic Americana tunes. Refreshments, too!

________________________________________________________________________




Join us Saturday, December 12th, for the monthly gallery walk.. Enjoy some cookies while you shop.
We carry one of a kind, hand made items sure to please even the most finicky person you are shopping for. All of the art work is made by either Charlie or one of our talented members.
 
 
 
_______________________________________________________________________________
 
 
 
 
 
 
Enjoy the Season of Lights with a stroll through the Central Arts District Saturday evening! St. Pete's Second Saturday Art Walk from 5-9 is a don't-miss event during the holidays. Our holiday show features fine art & craft by nationally-recognized artists plus one-of-a-kind artworks in ceramics, jewelry, glass, fiber, wood, printmaking, sculpture, furniture and photography. The holiday show, 'BeachWood,' thematically blends the beachland to the woodland with wonderfully-creative ornaments, glassware, coloring books, handmade puzzles and unexpected gifts for all ages. From 5-9 p.m. only, all of our boxed holiday greeting cards are a 30% savings, and artist-drawn St. Pete maps, ready for framing, are a 50% savings ($10). The maps are fabulous!

Keep in mind: A great gift is clever, considerate, heartfelt, well-made and creative .... therefore incredibly difficult to find in a mall! Surprise your loved ones this year with a thoughtful gift of art from a local gallery or artist studio. Delight in the discoveries you'll find during St. Pete's Second Saturday ArtWalk! Join us on December 12th for festive libations, fun, friends, and sweet treats.
 
_____________________________________________________________________________
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Studio@620 presents Leg Godt, Adam Miguel Estevez's third solo exhibition. "Leg Godt" is a Danish expression meaning “Play Well” and Adam Miguel Estevez’s current work is all new, both in concept and technique. Abandoning traditional methods of painting, the current exhibit consists primarily of works on aluminum, zinc, and copper where paint is added and subtracted to metal sheets using various scraping techniques, squeegees, and spray bottles. Rust, oxidation, and natural aging are evident. This dynamic technique emphasizes process beyond static content and within this space, with no beginning and no end, creativity and play exist. "Leg Godt" is a veritable snapshot into the artist's creative, playful process. The reception will include music by DJ Arlyn, Mixx Music Design.
Opening Reception Saturday Dec. 12, 5:00-9:00 PM

Exhibit on display through January 2, 2016. Call 727-895-6620 for details or to schedule an appointment for viewing.

Admission is free and open to the public
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 
 
 
 
 
Please join us for the Opening Reception of THE TEMPEST & THE TEAPOT featuring the large-scale abstract paintings of Ummarid "Tony" Eitharong and the ceramic works of Robert Lawarre.

UMMARID "Tony" EITHARONG has been a mainstay and multiple Best in Show award winner in fine art festivals around the country for more than 30 years, attracting the attention of art enthusiasts, connoisseurs, and collectors alike. In 2009, he was recognized for his accomplishments with a major exhibition and the aptly named Enduring Excellence Award from the Museum of Florida Art in Deland. Since that time, he has continued his prolific studio practice and impressive art fair schedule, creating an expansive body of work that reflects his own personal and spiritual evolution.

ROBERT LAWARRE started working in clay in 1990, completing his AA degree at Valencia Community College in 1997 and BFA in Ceramics at the University of Central Florida in 2002. After completing his education, he began teaching ceramics and sculpture to young artists in Central Florida while maintaining a rigorous studio and exhibition practice. In 2015, Robert moved his home and studio to Memphis, Tennessee to pursue his work full-time.

Robert’s work has been displayed at galleries and museums nationally and internationally, totaling more than 130 shows in the last 9 years. His international exposure, including publications and residencies, extends through the USA, Canada, China, Korea, Taiwan, Austria, Croatia, Italy, France, Germany, Slovenia, and England. He has earned 33 national and international awards since 2006.

The exhibition will open on the evening of December 12th, 6-9pm and will continue through January 2nd, 2016.
 
________________________________________________________________
 
 
 
 
 
St. Pete ArtWorks is an art gallery located in the heart of the Arts District. St. Pete ArtWorks has already made a big impact with 24 different artists joining in this co-op adventure to show many different styles and creative art pieces. Participating in St. Pete's Gallery Walk on the 2nd Saturday of every month, there is a free trolley ride provided by the Warehouse Arts District, that will bring you right to the gallerys, or just park out in front.

www.stpeteartworks.com
 
 
 
________________________________________________________________________
 
 
 
MMMMMM

Saturday, December 5, 2015

This Krampus Weekend, 12/5/2015

Finally, a little COOLNESS.



Join us Saturday, December 5th, for our annual Holiday Sale and Open House. Have a mimosa or cider on us while you shop the day away.
We carry one of a kind, hand made items sure to please even the most finicky person you are shopping for. All of the art work is made by either Charlie or one of our talented members.

Charlie Parker Pottery,
2724 5th Ave. S. St Pete


______________________________________________________________________








Ten local artists have come together to showcase their varied and amazing talent at "Existential Musings of Ten Locals", December 5,boozl-January 2, 2016. The opening reception, featuring FREE appetizes, wine and tea tasting, is Tuesday, December 8, from 6-9 pm. (art shown above Metamorphosis by Maureen Murphy). Bamboozle Cafe, Downtown Tampa.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




Come celebrate FOOD + ART, a new cookbook highlighting tasteful dishes from local personalities, paired in print with delicious artwork from the MFA’s collection. A dynamic quartet of recipe contributors will demonstrate their dishes during this special event. Learn their culinary secrets and sample the results!
Bob Devin Jones: Turkey, Feta & Spinach Meatballs
Gail Eggeman: Cabbage & Kale Slaw
Carol Dameron Chocolate Ganache Pie
Astrid Ellis: Swedish Cardamom-Nut Buns
Food Demos start 6 pm.
Beverages available by donation.
Please reserve so we can estimate food quantities! Call The Studio at 727-895-6620 to RSVP.
Copies of "FOOD + ART: Cooking around Tampa Bay with the Museum of Fine Arts" will be available for purchase. Cash, checks and credit cards accepted.
Presented in Partnership with The Museum of Fine Arts. 620 1st Ave. S, St. Pete.

________________________________________________________________




______________________________________________________________________________

 


Please join Lori Karpay & Joanna Karpay on the last day of their exhibition.

NEW ART will be shown including colorful abstracts, charcoal figure studies and landscape paintings.
(To our St. Pete friends, this is on Central Avenue in Tampa)

Come enjoy an afternoon with us while supporting your local artsts! We look forward to seeing you then!



mmmm