Weekend Recommendations - Prelude to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Sharpie, ink, pen and pencil piece courtesy of Wayne Davis.

Uber-talented curator Tyler Weiss, Studio@620 Artistic Director Bob Devin Jones and artist Wayne Davis gave a handful of great local talent the same tools for SIPP — Sharpie Ink Pen Pencil — a Curated Small Group Exhibition. If you havenäó»t visited the multipurpose Studio@620, or if you have only been there for theater and not an art show, Saturday evening offers a good opportunity to see something truly unique. An interesting group of emerging and seasoned local artists had to focus their drawing skills to create äóìartwork that ranges from historically styled cartography to modern abstraction.äó Participating artists include Muhammed Abdul-Ghaffar, Amanda Brennan, Brooklyn Artist, Carmen Cruz, Elliott Darrow, Wayne Davis, Jennifer Kosharek, James Hartzell, Cora Marshall and other notable creatives.

Of course if you really want to feel that you are part of the local art community, nothing will get you closer than walking around the Waterfront Arts, Central Arts District, The EDGE District of St. Petersburg, Grand Central District and the Warehouse Arts District. You would be wise to take the trolley and follow their cool map navigating around downtown St. Pete. Event title goes: New Yearäó»s Resolution St. Pete’s Second Saturday ArtWalk.

Thereäó»s so much related content here that I need to pinpoint a few highlights. Letäó»s start with Glyphs by Ya La’ford Exhibition Opening Reception. Presented by Florida CraftArt, the citywide project identifies common human threads to discover a Utopian city. äóìIt connects, unites and reveals the power of art and our relationship to the natural world.äó Laäó»fordäó»s hieroglyphics are always intimately connected with ancient traditions and a language beyond language.

My other important highlight from the Art Walk tonight is Leslie Curranäó»s SITE | LINE: Charles Parkhill. Check out Parkhilläó»s interesting sculptures made of re-purposed materials äóìthat embrace the color, grain, old paint, dents, scratches and nail holes of its previous use while transforming them into remarkably harmonious and sublime forms.äó The exhibition will be on display till February, so donäó»t miss out on this one.

Legendary lineup in two different shows today. Chick Corea Trio feat. John Patitucci and Dave Weckl, headlines a special engagement with limited seating. If you are a jazz lover who digs Pinellas Countyäó»s jazz scene and our residentæjazz and fusion pianist, keyboardist, and composer, donäó»t miss this one.

If your vibe is even more independent check out The Raw Studiosäó» WING IT! The first 2018 2nd Saturday. Get involved with this enterprising co-op if you are a musician or an artist — you might get to see dynamic saxophonist Jamal Hassan perform, and other talented musicians and singers from all over the southeast. There will be complimentary wine and live art, vendors like a Tiny House, and award-winning dancers, all in the middle of the Warehouse Arts District.

On Sunday, commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day by visiting the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum a Dr. Martin L. King Candlelight Vigil will pay tribute to the Civil Rights pioneer. æAlso, The Highwaymen exhibit is still up.

Feeling crafty? Thereäó»s a Heather’s mosaic class Sunday afternoon. Wouldnäó»t be cool to make your own piece of art while being tutored by great teachers, who will provide all the materials you need? Just remember to bring safety glasses and tight-fitting rubber dish-washing gloves, and be obsessed with glass.

It is always good to visit up-and-coming breweries who support the local art scene. Like æFlying Boat Brewing Co.äó»s 2nd Sunday Market! So sell your merch with all this awesome artists.

*Upcoming Market Vendors (w/ More to Come!):

Frioli Artist,æ Sara Wiggins Art,æStephanie Rodrigues,