The Things They Left Behind: Grief, Discovery, and Remembrance

Open Now through Sunday, June 26th.

Join us for an interactive community-curated exhibition to memorialize and honor those who have passed away over the last two years from Covid and other causes. Conceived as a way to use the arts to help our community heal, the exhibition features crafts, writing, photography, and other memorabilia from those being remembered, including the artwork of Suzanne Ruley, an esteemed arts administrator, and former Director of Development for Pinellas Community Foundation. Don’t miss this special opportunity to get to know and carry on the legacy of those who are no longer with us. “THE THINGS THEY LEFT BEHIND: Grief, Discovery, and Remembrance” will open with a reception and program on Thursday, May 12 from 6-8pm and run through June 26. Programming in partnership with Empath Health.

Events Surrounding Exhibition

Exhibition Inspiration:

Last year, when we installed Cathy Tobias’ Covid Ribbon Memorial in the courtyard of the gallery, we saw how it made a connection for people the way only art can. Learning from that, we wanted to give our community a further opportunity to share and remember those they loved and lost.

During our discussions, we were reminded that a dear friend of ours, artist, and arts administrator Suzanne Ruley, had left behind a tremendous amount of creative work that her husband Matt discovered after she passed away from Covid. We recognized that many people were having similar experiences, and we felt it would be healing for them to join with us to share their discoveries in an exhibit also featuring Suzanne’s work.

EXHIBITION SPONSORS

SUNCOAST HOSPICE FOUNDATION a member of Empath Health

Visit St. Pete/Clearwater

Pinellas County, FL

The State of Florida and Division of Cultural Affairs

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Empath Health

Central Pinellas Chamber of Commerce

Greater Seminole Area Chamber of Commerce

St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce

Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce