On February 10 the Dunedin Fine Art Center celebrated a trio of new exhibitions with a what was billed as “the hottest party north of Havana”: Viva Cuba! Filled with music, salsa dancing, handrolled cigars, classic cars and, of course, great art Viva Cuba! made for a lively party. We share our photos of the fun night below.
Ruben Alpizar | My Ark II (detail) | Acrylic on wood, metal and plastic
The exhibition “Cuba: New Eyes” filled with party-goers.
Paolo Santiago is a guitarist who has lived in the Tampa Bay area since the 80s. Originally from Puerto Rico, he is well rooted in traditional Latin music, and blends that traditional rhythm with the contemporary to create a smooth balance between the old and the new. He is self taught, from the age of 9, in a wide range of instruments which make him versatile in the world of flamenco/fusion. A composer and performer balanced and seasoned in his craft, Paolo creates unique arrangements that mix son montuno, guaracha with rumba flamenco to create a hybrid sound that is pleasing to the ear and soothing to the spirit. Polo’s original music is also featured in The Ole! Band.
The Ole Band
Event sponsors and friends; from left: Gary Badders, Hugh Burton, Barbara Dyjak, Chris Dyjak and Lori Badders.
Artist Kirk Ke Wang, Creative Pinellas contributor Julie Garisto and curator Catherine Bergmann.
Left, photographer Leslie Joy Ickowitz whose work is feature in the exhibition “Cuba: New Eyes” with curator Catherine Bergmann.
Cigar rollers provided handmande stogies at the DFAC event.
As the County’s Local Arts Agency, Creative Pinellas and the programs we deliver are funded by the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners, Visit St Petersburg / Clearwater, the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the National Endowment for the Arts and by sales of the State of the Arts specialty license plate in Pinellas County.
