By Caron Schwartz
Kahwa Coffee and the St. Pete Arts Alliance announce Frederick “Rootman” Woods as the third artist on Kahwa’s Art Wrapped Canister Series. Get yours, filled with Sirocco House Blend beans at any Kahwa for only $24.99.
Un/Natural Selections: Wildlife in Contemporary Art, now on view at the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, considers how contemporary artists use animal imagery to tackle human concerns including tradition, politics, science, and aesthetics. https://bit.ly/3pTMjIL
The USF Contemporary Art Museum, part of the Institute for Research in Art in the USF College of The Arts in Tampa, presents Rico Gatson: Visible Time thru July 29. Brooklyn-based artist Rico Gatson, inspired by significant moments in African American history, identity politics, and spirituality, has been celebrated for his vibrant, colorful, and layered artworks. https://bit.ly/3ItM1P2
The Irish Book Club has selected Tarpon Springs based John Heagney’s debut novel, Traveler, as its May Irish American Featured Book of the Month. Traveler is the story of Irish farm boy Neddy McKenna whose world is about to be torn apart and everyone he loves will become a memory. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3BMWscN.
St. Pete’s Museum of Fine Arts presents Tom Jones: Here We Stand through Aug. 27. Featuring more than 100 works spanning 1998–2021, the exhibition is the first major retrospective of the Ho-Chunk photographer’s work. https://bit.ly/436Rfc1
Hurry to Florida CraftArt to see The Art of Alchemy, a juried exhibition of 75 original artworks by 31 artists from around the country on display through June 24. Mediums include ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, sculpture, and wood. Learn more at https://bit.ly/45sDhmi.
Visit The Dalí Museum in St. Pete to see Where Ideas Come From: Dalí’s Drawings now through Oct. 22. The exhibit of more than 100 works on paper showcases the artist’s use of various media, including pencil, pen, charcoal, watercolor, and gouache, and highlights Dalí’s creative process throughout his career. https://bit.ly/43ijAf8
Dunedin Pride Week (June 17-24) kicks off with the Pride Gay-Lah event presented by Duke Energy and the city of Dunedin on June 17 at the Achieva Credit Union headquarters. There’s a Pride Golf Cart Parade and educational and cultural events including film screenings, art exhibitions, and guest speakers. dunedinpride.com
See more Pride events on page 45.
HIDDEN FIGURE
Fifty years after his death, Picasso’s oeuvre still holds thrills – like the image of a dog just discovered beneath the surface of his Parisian nightlife scene La Moulin de la Galette (1900). A 2017 X-radiography scan already showed Picasso switched the gender of two figures. The latest efforts, combining X-ray fluorescence with infrared and visible reflectance, revealed a King Charles Spaniel, hidden beneath a semi-sheer splotch.
CALL FOR ARTISTS
Art Center Sarasota’s An Abstract View is a juried show encompassing all forms of non-representational art from Cubism to Abstract Expressionism to Minimalism and beyond. Deadline for submission is July 23. For more information and to apply: https://bit.ly/3oiHIiP
The City of Clearwater is seeking experienced mosaic and mural artists to design an installation in downtown Clearwater. The Mercado is a newly built community gathering space at the intersection of Cleveland St. and Gulf to Bay Blvd. featuring concrete walkways, central green space, landscaped areas, and a large, towering shade structure. Deadline is June 30. For more information and to apply, click https://bit.ly/3MpzOMD.
Creative Pinellas and the City of South Pasadena want your input on the murals coming to Pasadena Ave. The goal is for people to slow down, see amazing murals, and view what South Pasadena has to offer. Residents, businesses, and visitors can share their thoughts on the project here: https://bit.ly/3OqiGst.
CREATIVE KIDS
St. Pete Arts Alliance Funding Futures Awards Program is now accepting applications from talented Pinellas County student artists with documented financial needs, aged 10-17, who aspire to be musicians, actors, dancers, writers, visual, or digital artists. The awards provide funding and connect them to local after-school arts programs or summer arts camps. Learn more and apply here: https://bit.ly/3ItBYJG.
Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture & the Arts (TBBCA) is pleased to announce the 2023 Charlie Hounchell Art Stars Scholarship winners. Since the scholarship program was founded in 2008, the nonprofit has awarded over $240,000 to more than 95 creative students. Awardees receive $2,500 for tuition or other student support. tbbca.org
CURTAIN CALLS
Central Park Performing Arts Center (CPPAC) in Largo is offering shows and music all summer long. From Shevonne and the Force to Barnum, Taylor Swift Laser Dance Party to Moonflower, there’s entertainment galore for all ages. https://bit.ly/3BNqf5g
Get ready to be held at the edge of your seat. Ayad Akhtar’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Disgraced” is on stage at American Stage through June 25. This drama exposes wokeness, prejudice, and modern stereotypes while reminding the power of acceptance and understanding. Tickets? https://bit.ly/45oHxTU More powerful stories, boldly told are on tap during American Stage’s 2023-2024 season. Info/Tix https://bit.ly/3Oqwq6I
INDULGE YOUR INNER ARTIST
The Dunedin Fine Art Center strives to make art an all-encompassing experience! Our classes are divided into seven six-week sessions throughout the year, with weekly workshops. Browse our extensive list of adult and youth classes and workshops, check out our amazingly talented instructors, or sign up for a class here https://bit.ly/45ibzIF.
Want to paint happy little clouds? Gulf Coast Artists’ Alliance and St. Pete ArtWorks are offering workshops on the last Sunday of the month for anyone who has ever asked, “How did Bob Ross do that?” All supplies included, just bring your own drink and snacks, and prepare to have fun making “happy accidents.” Info/Register: https://bit.ly/3q2dfWN