Carla Bristol runs the Gallerie 909 in St. Petersburg. It’s the only African American art gallery south of Atlanta.

Carla doesn’t just display original works of art and sell them, she opens the doors of the gallery to her community, and invites young people who’ve never explored an art gallery or museum into a welcoming place of creativity and conversation.

Gallerie 909 is in the historically African American neighborhood known as The Deuces. The gallery is home to music, poetry, festivals and more.

In our conversation, Carla explains the importance of original artwork, and the role galleries and collectors play in an artistic community. She tells us how Gallerie 909 has shown that everyone can appreciate art if you share art with them.

Find out more about Gallerie 909 here.

Keep up with special events at the Gallerie, and the Annual Black Arts and Film Festival here.

Explore St. Petersburg’s own African American History Trail here.

Take a look at the history of The Deuces neighborhood in St. Petersburg (scroll down the page for The Deuces) here.

The Deuces Live nonprofit organization is working to revitalize this vital neighborhood. Find out more here.

Make sure to visit the changing exhibits and the beautiful gardens at the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum. Find out more here.

 

Arts In is produced by Sheila Cowley.
Executive Producer, Barbara St. Clair for Creative Pinellas.