By Suzanne Norman. Summer breezes from the shores of Indian Rocks Beach stir tree leaves by the shady doorstep of the Beach Art Center. A relaxed vibe welcomes visitors as they enter through a gift shop with local artists’ works. The center has a treasure chest of art activities for young minds and other age groups to entice their creative spirits. Established in 1978, the center has a history that supports the cultural needs of the community. It is vibrant today thanks to volunteers, a variety of local funds, grants and philanthropic sources…. Read More
The Morean Arts Center wanted to see what glass artist Dale Chihuly’s impact is on artists who work in other mediums. They selected 10 area muralists, painters, installation artists, ceramicists and more – and asked each to select a piece from the Chihuly Collection they admire, and create a work of art ‘inspired by’ that particular piece…. Read More
By Gary L. Lemons. As we continue this month’s focus on Arts and Healing, our guest editor Gary Lemons shares two poems he wrote, and several visual artworks. “Hopefully they will provide a clear context for the thematic connection for all our stories of art as a critical source for healing in this time of trauma, especially related to mass shootings in the US.”
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By Carlene Cobb. Everybody has a story to tell and perhaps a memoir to write. To help authors better understand how to write, publish, and market their memoirs with greater confidence and success, Kerry Kriseman, St. Petersburg author of Accidental First Lady: on the Front Lines (and Behind the Scenes) of Local Politics approached Maureen McDole, poet and Keep St. Pete Lit founder and executive director to discuss a memoir writing, publishing and marketing workshop…. Read More
By Kayte Bush. I approached the Gallery at Creative Pinellas anxious to see the exhibit featuring artwork and memories from loved ones who have passed away. After the last two years of heartbreak and loss, my expectations were heavy. I was very surprised that I didn’t leave with a tear-stained face but instead, a soft gentle nudge towards healing. I felt as though I had gotten to know these beloved artists, their family members and friends…. Read More
By Don Gialanella. A lifelong love of sport and fascination with the Olympics motivated me to enter the competition to design the Special Olympic cauldron. I hoped to contribute in some way to the success of the games and be a part of an event that’s so universal and beloved. For inspiration I looked to nature and the magic of color and movement. I wanted to come up with a design that would express the physical action, positive spirit and passion of the athletes. The subject in my mind was the metamorphosis of athletes into symbols of eternal grace…. Read More
By Scott Neumeister. Being a lifelong resident of Hillsborough and Pasco counties, most of my trips to Pinellas have been made possible by bridges. My favorite, aesthetically, is the Courtney Campbell Causeway, but the Gandy and Howard Frankland also hold visual appeal. Yet even beyond their appearance and function, the depth and meaning of what bridges do — empowering connection between two separated things — speaks directly to a way to approach a piece of art… Read More
By Tony Wong Palms. Driven from the Garden, a two artist show currently at HCC Ybor’s Gallery 114, has shifting shapes and forms tattooed with flowers and colors. The two artists are Marjorie Graff and Kim Kirchman, who met when they were hired on the fine arts faculty at St. Petersburg College in the late ’90s, with Graff in printmaking and Kirchman in ceramics. … Read More
As part of our June Arts and Healing focus with guest editor Gary Lemons, we asked a range of artists the questions that Gary proposed. What is your concept of an art “community” for building creative alliances with individuals across different identities? What are your thoughts about art as a creating form of inner healing and well-being? As ever, we got a beautiful and moving array of responses for you to explore…. Read More
By Carlene Cobb. The 9th Annual Champions for ACT Breakfast at St. Petersburg Pier was an inspired success. Performances by Arts Conservatory for Teens students and alumni rocked the appreciative audience with music, singing, dancing, acting, spoken word and inspired energy…. Read More
