By Margo Hammond. While the world outside The Studio@620’s doors has changed in the past 18 years, not much has changed inside The Studio. Events still carry a spirit that makes everyone feel welcome — and invariably there is something good to eat. The staff has stayed small – Bob Devin Jones, managing director Marcus Wehby and marketing and administrative director Coralette Damme – aided by an impressive posse of volunteers and Jones’ trademark “the answer is always yes.” … Read More
By Robin O’Dell. Each year the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts empowers students and teaches critical thinking through photography. They celebrates the work done by these students with an exhibition of almost 500 photographs in the Community Gallery at the Museum, with highlights available online. This allows us a thrilling insight into the mind and experiences of a child…. Read More
By Gabrielle Reeder. St. Pete City Theatre hosts junior summer productions to promote the passion for live theatre and introduce children to the importance of the arts. On July 15, the organization graced the stage with a group of talented kids between the ages of seven and 14 for Seussical Jr. – illuminating Dr. Seuss’s work and entertaining an audience of over 200…. Read More
Tampa’s 6th annual Fringe Festival gathers 23 bold companies from Tampa Bay and beyond, plus a family-friendly Kids Fringe. “We want to make the indie performing arts popular and accessible for everyone.” Our artists and audiences mingle with those from elsewhere, so we can all benefit from expanded perspectives and artistic developments. We are also one of the few platforms in Tampa Bay where local artists can affordably experiment and take artistic risks…. Read More
By Tom Winchester. The DMG School Project brings the art of glass to students who don’t otherwise have access to this art by offering demonstrations and workshops on-site at local schools. This project is funded, in part, by the Pinellas County Recovers Grant that’s awarded by Creative Pinellas through the National Endowment for the Arts’ American Rescue Plan. The DMG School Project helps to put the power of creativity into the hands of the next generation…. Read More
By Amanda Sieradzki. In November, I began an interdisciplinary, community dance class at downtown Tampa’s Water Works Park Pavilion. Classes are donation-based and open to anyone who wants to discover the world around them through movement and poetry. my goal as writer, poet, dancer and educator, is to provide a safe, welcoming environment for anyone with a desire to reconnect with themselves through movement…. Read More
By Kurt Loft. Two visionary women of the art world combine for a powerful impression in the new exhibition The Lyrical Moment: Modern and Contemporary Abstraction by Helen Frankenthaler and Heather Gwen Martin, through July 30 at the University of South Florida Contemporary Art Museum. This Thursday evening, students and faculty from the USF School of Music perform original interpretations of the visual artwork…. Read More
By Amanda Sieradzki. I step through the side gate to the Southwest Pool, part of the Largo Recreation Center and home of the Suncoast WaterWorks’ Synchronized Swimming team. The club thrives as Pinellas County’s only competitive synchronized swimming program. I’m mind-boggled by the endurance demonstrated by these young swimmers who so often hold their breath while achieving the unimaginable. I’m also elated… Read More
By Kurt Loft. “If I’m authentic on the stage, with the music I do, the way I sing, how I present myself – the audience, no matter their background, will connect with what I’m giving them,” says Ona Kirei. “I try to focus on that everywhere I go and I always feel the warmth of the audience, and it’s the best feeling ever.” Kirei believes people need that “best feeling” in large doses today because of the anxiety from COVID, mass shootings and so much political division. “Art always plays one of the biggest roles in difficult times… Read More
By Fanni Green. University of South Florida Theatre professor, actor, director and writer Fanni Green talks with USF English professor, author, spoken word and visual artist Dr. Gary Lemons about his focus this month as our guest editor – Community Healing through Artistic Transformation. As Gary explains, “We must change people’s lives to believe we all have the right to be creative.” Listen here… Read More
