Art News by Caron Schwartz
FMOPA wants you!
The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMOPA) is committed to continuing to offer the best possible experience for its visitors. What actions can be taken to provide a more meaningful experience in a safe environment for all? They want to hear from you! Please take a moment to fill out their 10-minute survey at: www.newmarketsadvisors.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_81UftCzUvtWGVeZ.
Those who complete the survey will receive a gift of two free admission tickets to the museum, where you can take in some pretty amazing exhibitions including Bremner Benedict’s Hidden Waters, Jeff Whetstone’s Batture Ritual, and Noelle Mason’s X-Ray Vision vs Invisibility.
Duncan McClellan Gallery, our locally grown, internationally known gallery, brings the world of art glass to you through a Zoom series it’s calling Talk & Tour.
- Friday, March 5, 4-5pm: A conversation with Backhaus-Brown, a collaboration between Nanna Backhaus Brown and Andrew Brown.
- Friday, March 12, 4pm: VIP opening and virtual conversation with Peter Wright, Lucy Lyons and Elodie Holmes.
- Friday, March 26, 1-2pm: Ben Edols and Kathy Elliott with Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass (AACG) hosting All meetings are open to the public. DMG will send out Zoom links before the meeting dates.
Save the date for Summer Camp!
American Stage Summer Camp 2021 takes place June 21 – August 6. More information about Summer Camp 2021, including session offerings, is coming soon! Visit www.americanstage.org/youthclasses and American Stage Education’s social media channels for updates.
And how about Spring Break Camp?
Wondering what to do with the kids during the Sarasota County Schools spring break in March? Circus Arts Conservatory (CAC) has a unique, exciting, and healthy option to consider. March 15-19, the CAC will offer its first-ever Spring Break Camp. Students ages 6-15 will have the opportunity to learn a variety of circus acts while gaining physical proficiency, learning self-discipline, and developing important life management and social skills. Intensive health and safety protocols are in place to protect campers and staff.
When: Monday through Friday, 9am-3pm. How much:
Tuition is $325;
Aftercare: available from 3-5:30pm for $30/day or $75/week.
Pre-registration is required. To register or for more information, call 941-355-9335 or visit www.circusarts.org/programs/circus-spring-break-camp.
How the Sunshine City came to be…
St. Petersburg has lately been recognized nationally and internationally for its economic and cultural growth, but that’s nothing new for this city. For 150 years, dreamers and schemers have made their way to St. Petersburg to create fortunes and own a piece of the Florida Dream. St. Petersburg Museum of History’s Nevin Sitler and Jessy Breckenridge have created the exhibition Building the Sunshine City, demonstrating our city’s journey from a fishing village to a vibrant business and arts and cultural destination. The exhibit showcases images, blueprints, plat maps, videos, and artifacts highlighting the city’s growth.
Location: 335 2nd Ave NE
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm;
Sunday: noon-5pm
Cost: Adults (18+): $15, Seniors* (65+): $12, Military and Veterans*: $9, Teachers and Students*: $9, Youth 7-17: $9, Children 6 and under: FREE
*Valid photo ID must be presented to receive this discount.
March is Women’s History Month
The Warehouse Arts District Association (WADA) proudly announces an artist’s member art show with the theme “More than a Woman” in celebration of Women’s History Month. Selected artworks fitting this theme submitted by WADA members, will remain on exhibit during March in the Burka Member Lounge of the ArtsXchange located in the heart of the Warehouse Arts District.
Exhibit Dates: March 5-April 30
Opening Reception: March 13 during Second Saturday Artwalk
Location: Burka Lounge at ArtsXchange, 515 22nd St. S, St. Pete
Support Black college-bound students through the second annual Woodson Warriors Scholarship Auction. Art by local luminaries – Mark Aeling, Jane Bunker, Steven Kenny, Duncan McClellan, and Brenda McMahon – will be auctioned on March 14, with proceeds going to these students. The artwork is on exhibit at the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, 2240 9th Ave. S in St. Pete, through March 13. Although free and open to the public, the exhibit is shown by appointment only. Contact masonmorfit@gmail.com, 505-577-8018, or janewbunker@gmail.com, 505-577-0150, to schedule.
A live and silent auction will be held virtually at the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum on March 14 starting at 5pm, with the live auction at 5:30pm. To attend, register at www.woodsonwarriors.home.qtego.net. Attendees will also see performances by Alex Harris, Jon & James, and the Urban Gypsies.
The St. Petersburg Arts Alliance
has a new website! Same great address, www.stpeteartsalliance.org, but now more user-friendly making it easier to find, support, and experience arts in the city of St. Pete, aka the City of the Arts. Many thanks to Communicasting (www.facebook.com/communicasting), the local ad agency behind the revamp.
St. Petersburg’s Museum of Fine Arts
Major renovation of their permanent collection galleries last fall made the museum feel like a new place. Now, through a yearlong sharing collaboration, four paintings from the Art Bridges Collection by celebrated 20th century American artists are on display in the museum’s Modern and Post War galleries. Works by Jacob Lawrence, Hughie Lee-Smith, Norman Wilfred Lewis, and Lee Krasner will remain on display through February 2022. A fifth painting by Marsden Hartley will arrive in June and remain on view through August 2022. The loans expand the museum’s inclusivity with works by Black, female, and LGBTQ artists.
Preserve the ‘Burg board member Harry Heuman has stepped into the role of president. He brings a vision to strengthen the organization’s bond with the local community, preserve St. Pete’s history, and help shape the city’s developmental and architectural future. Heuman holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and political science from Illinois Wesleyan University, and a master’s in urban planning from Texas A&M University. His lifelong career has been in urban and regional planning, including 29 years at the Hillsborough County Growth Management Department.
In addition to Preserve the ‘Burg, he dedicates much of his time to the Florida Holocaust Museum and St. Petersburg Sunrise Rotary Club. Learn more about Preserve the ‘Burg at www.preservetheburg.org or follow them at www.facebook.com/preservetheburgsp and www.instagram.com/preservetheburg.
Fly me to the moon…
SPACEcraft is a socially engaged, traveling art project in Pinellas County designed to build a sense of community by encouraging people of all ages to interact and create together. Repurposing locally sourced shipping containers in an open-air environment, SPACEcraft lands in different Pinellas host communities to present creative programs inspired by the themes of Make, Play, Read, and Grow. Always-accessible interactive activities include a magnetic poetry wall, modular mural, playable Lego block wall, and public plant share.
Find locations and learn more at: www.explorespacecraft.com or www.facebook.com/exploreSPACEcraft or www.instagram.com/explorespacecraft.