Through August 26
Free
Florida CraftArt, St Pete
Details here
In the art world, what does it signify to be a rebel? The exhibition Rebel at Florida CraftArt showcases the perspectives of 27 artists on this theme.
“These artists have taken the concept of rebelling and created outstanding works that are thought-provoking – some are social statements, while others are humorous,” says Florida CraftArt’s Board Chair Tyler Jones. “All of the pieces are fine craft works in ceramics, fiber, glass, metal, mixed media and sculpture.”
The show was judged by Brenda McMahon of the Brenda McMahon Gallery in Gulfport, Florida. “I have to say it is an outstanding show,” says McMahon. “It is hard to judge a show that is so diverse and there are so many amazing works of art in it.”
Best of Show was awarded to Joyce Curvin of Palm Harbor for No Cage Will Hold Me! – a papier-mâché sculpture of a bird wildly breaking out of its cage that is embellished with defiant quotations.
First Place went to St. Petersburg artist Donna Slawsky for Say Their Names. She inscribed the names of Black persons who were killed onto a repurposed cabinet door and used stained glass and found objects to create a mosaic of three people.
James Bennett of Lutz received Second Place for an innovative mixed-media wall sculpture called The Double Arrow of Time.
Third Place was awarded to Shelly Steck Reale of St. Petersburg for Superheroes of A Certain Age (Hot Flash). It’s one of a series of four poignant and amusing works created with ceramic sculptures, digital art in a comic book style, and wood.
Honorable mentions were given to Dave Flach, Mikhail Gubin, Samuel Hammer, Candace Knapp and Elizabeth Neily.
Inverness-based artist Suzy Pease received the Director’s Choice Award for Antebellum, a ceramic and gold sculpture of an octopus and a shell.
Exhibition artists will talk about their work, philosophy and processes at 6 pm on July 13 and 2 pm on August 6. All events are free and open to the public.
The show runs through August 26, when the People’s Choice Award will be presented. You can vote for your favorite during your visit. Docent tours are available upon request.
More fine craft artists featured in Rebels include Joan Clear, Kimberli Cummings, Eric Folsom, Janet Folsom, Mark Georgiades, Kristina Gintautiene, Gary Greer, Janna Kennedy, Amy Kluth, Joan Libby Hawk, Richard Logan, David Mack, Nick Reale, Gary Rill, Ellen Simon and Matthew Szidik.
Florida CraftArt is a nonprofit organization founded in 1951 to grow the statewide creative economy by engaging the community and advancing Florida’s fine craft artists and their work.
Florida CraftArt
501 Central Ave.
St. Petersburg FL 33701
Monday – Saturday 10 am-5:30 pm
Sunday Noon – 5 pm
