Art News & Tidbits in Pinellas County

Congratulations to Paige Williams, age 12, Grade 7 at Clearwater Fundamental School, for winning Tampa Bay Watch’s Annual Holidays in the Habitat Art Contest! Paiges’ artwork will be featured on Tampa Bay Watch’s holiday greeting card. To view a gallery of all of this year’s entries, go to tampabaywatch.org

Peter Max: The Retrospective 1960-2019

A newly-curated collection of artist legend Peter Max’s exquisite paintings will be on exhibition and available for acquisition in a presentation at Syd Entel Galleries, Safety Harbor’s premier fine art gallery. Exhibition opens with previews on Saturday, January 12,  & runs through Sunday, January 20, 2019.

An uncrating event kicks off the Exhibition on Friday, January 11 from 6-8 pm and not-to-be-missed Gallery receptions for the public have been announced:

  • Saturday, January 19 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm and
  • Sunday, January 20 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.

RSVPs requested at 727-725-1808 or fgalleries@tampabay.rr.com. 

Visit www.sydentelgalleries.com for more info.

Syd Entel Galleries

247 Main Street, Safety Harbor  • 727-725-1808

Make merry with freeFall!  Every Christmas Story Ever Told

Celebrate the holiday season with a hilarious mash up of your favorite Christmas stories and carols at the freeFALL Theater, 6099 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL. Three actors, Michael Ursua, Dexter Lewis, and Sara DelBeato star in Every Christmas Story Ever Told plus Christmas traditions from around the world. It is perfect for the whole family! Runs December 1-30 each Wednesday

CraftArt Festival 2018 hosted record-breaking crowds

More than 12,000 of St. Petersburg’s residents and visitors enjoyed the free 21st Annual CraftArt Festival Saturday, Nov.17 and Sunday, Nov. 18, at Florida CraftArt Gallery, Central Avenue and 5th Street in Downtown St. Petersburg.

CraftArt Festival 2018 was presented by the Red Apple Group with creations by over 100 of the nation’s best contemporary fine craft artists, artist demonstrations, food truck and, craft beers. The two-day festival featured handmade works in ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, paper and mixed media. 

CraftArt Festival also showcased the talents of seven emerging artists with the support of the DMG School Project. Emerging Artists received a free booth, photography session, postcards and the opportunity to show and sell their work at a premier festival.

Florida CraftArt is Florida’s only statewide nonprofit organization representing established and emerging fine craft artists.

Florida CraftArt, 501 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg. Janie Lorenz Business / Membership Manager. www.FloridaCraftArt.org

Our mission is to grow the statewide creative economy by engaging the community and advancing Florida’s fine craft artists and their work.

The Florida Orchestra continues to raise funds for music education

Kicked off by #GivingTuesday November 27, support for The Florida Orchestra continues to create a huge impact on the quality of life for kids in Tampa Bay. Financial support of music education programs is critical to The Florida Orchestra’s mission to enrich and improve the quality of life in Tampa Bay.

The Florida Orchestra is expanding the TFO Teaching Artist Partnership with Pinellas County Schools and partnering with the Prodigy Cultural Arts Program, sponsored by University Area Community Development Corporation and Hillsborough County.

Contact Josh Thornton at (727) 362-5423 orThe Florida Orchestra  244 Second Ave N, 4th Floor, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.

BARRY MANILOW DONATES NEW YAMAHA PIANO

To kick off Barry Manilow’s Music Project, a musical Instrument drive for Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts at Ruth Eckerd Hall, the public can donate a new or gently used Instrument for Free Tickets to Barry Manilow’s December 7 Holiday Concert at Amalie Arena.

The instrument drop will be the Amalie Arena Box Office. Instruments will be distributed to local students and schools in need through the outreach efforts of the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts. More information on the Manilow Music Project can be found at http://www.manilowmusicproject.org/

Contact:  Katie Pedretty, Director of Public Relations – 727.712.2774 – kpedretty@RuthEckerdHall.net

Another Successful Event on Clearwater Beach Seventh Anniversary “Uncorked” Festival Sells Out Once Again

The Clearwater Beach Uncorked food and wine celebration, November 3-4, was once again a sell-out, welcoming more than 5,000 foodies to the Clearwater shore for food, wine and craft beer tastings, live cooking demonstrations and more.

“On behalf of our entire team, I’m thrilled to share that our seventh anniversary event was a huge success, selling out both days, thanks to a growing and enthusiastic number of foodies, wine lovers and beer aficionados,” said Tammy Gail, event producer of Clearwater Beach Uncorked. Winners of the People’s Choice Awards (by category) included BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse (Foodie Favorite); Castello Cheese Burger Bar (Best Décor); Cooper’s Hawk (Best Wine); and Stella Artois (Best Beer).

A portion of the proceeds from Clearwater Beach Uncorked will benefit the St. Petersburg College Foundation. For more information on Clearwater Beach Uncorked and updates for next year’s festival, visit ClearwaterBeachUncorked.com.

ALL DECKED OUT!

Tampa Bay Surface Design Guild announces their holiday exhibition, All Decked Out, at the Octagon Arts Center, Unitarian Universalist Church of Clearwater, 2470 Nursery Road, Clearwater, FL 33764, November 30, 2018, through January 10, 2019.

The show features Art-to-Wear clothing and accessories along with a premier exhibition of dyed fabrics named by Angie Knowles . All clothing created by members of the Surface Design Guild – hand-dyed, handmade, recycled, up-cycled, and artfully embellished garments, shawls, scarves, and more.  The items will be for sale and available to try on for size. Tampa Bay Surface Design Guild is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2018 and meets the second Monday of each month in the Fellowship Hall at the Good Samaritan Church on Park Blvd.  Visitors are welcome. Carol Gamel (727) 480-0391
www.SurfaceDesignGuild.com  SurfaceDesignGuild@gmail.com

2019 MUSE AWARDS Museum of Fine Arts – February 8, 2019

MUSE PATRON OF THE ARTS AWARD recognizes an individual or couple who generously support charities, organizations, and/or individuals that work in or concern the arts.

MUSE VISUAL ARTS AWARD recognizes an artist or organization that has achieved excellence in the visual arts. MUSE PERFORMANCE ARTS AWARD recognizes an artist or organization that has achieved excellence in the performance art field, which is presented to an audience.

MUSE LITERARY ARTS AWARD recognizes an artist or organization that has achieved excellence in the written word.

MUSE ARTS AMBASSADOR AWARD recognizes a beloved artist (of any discipline) who is a stellar representative of the “City of the Arts” to the world.

Fine Arts Museum, 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

5th Annual St. Petersburg Holiday of the Arts held December 15-16

The FREE event is co-sponsored by the City of St. Petersburg and coordinated with the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance. It is held at South Straub Park, 198 Bayshore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg, FL  33701. Hours are from 10 am to 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday.

Artisans from across Florida and throughout the United States journey to St. Petersburg to create an outdoor gallery comprised of original and handmade art. See works in painting, sculpture, jewelry, glass, ceramics, fiber and wearable art, photography, digital art, mixed-media, metalwork, woodworking and more. The St. Petersburg Holiday of the Arts is directed by Paragon Festivals. Contact Bill Kinney, Festival Director, for more information or to arrange interviews with artists. By e-mail at admin@paragonartfest.com or phone at (941) 487-8061.  

Ikebana International – St. Petersburg Chapter Monday, December 17, 2018, 10 am – 2 pm.

Will give a demonstration on floor arrangements called “Groundworks.”  The demonstration highlights how structure is important in displaying large ikebana arrangements outdoors. Potluck lunch made by members to follow demonstration.

Chapel on the Hill Church, Evans Hall, 12601 Park Blvd., Seminole, FL 33776

  • Monday, January 21, 2019, from 10 am – 2 pm

Ikebana International, St. Petersburg Chapter members will demonstrate the art of ikebana with tall arrangements in a program called “Going High.” The demonstration will highlight structure necessary to make tall arrangements for indoor or outdoor use. Bring your own lunch. Refreshments provided. Afternoon workshop to construct tall arrangements for members only.Chapel on the Hill Church, Evans Hall, 12601 Park Blvd., Seminole, FL 33776

*First time guests are free to attend demonstrations. Memberships available. To learn more, visit our website www.ikebanastpetersburg.com or call Hotline 727-303-1462.

Dunedin Fine Arts Center (DFAC) Unveils Newly Renamed Nancy and David Bilheimer West Wing

Prompted by $2 million donation, DFAC unveiled the Nancy and David Bilheimer West Wing at a ceremony honoring the donors on November 29th. This is the third million-dollar+ donation DFAC has received in the last 10 years. “I think this speaks strongly to the important role DFAC plays in the community,” stated London Bates, chair of DFAC’s board of directors.

While half of the money was immediately placed in reserve and will generate some much needed operating capital, portions of the gift will enable DFAC to complete a new food arts studio, install top-quality audio/visual systems, expand hands-on activities in the children’s museum and more. From: Dunedin Fine Art Center. Contact: Ken Hannon @ 727.298.DFAC, x230.

Straz Center for the Performing Arts presents Les Misérables  –  Jan. 15-20, 2019   Morsani Hall   

Cameron Mackintosh presents the new production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony® Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables, direct from an acclaimed two-and-a-half-year return to Broadway.

“Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit.  Seen by more than 70 million people in 44 countries and in 22 languages around the globe, Les Misérables is still the world’s most popular musical, breaking box office records everywhere in its 32nd year.

Tickets may be purchased by calling 813.229.STAR (7827) or 800.955.1045 outside Tampa Bay, in person at the Straz Center Ticket Sales Office or online at www.strazcenter.orgHandling fees will apply. For more information about the Straz Center for the Performing Arts and its upcoming events, visit www.strazcenter.org

Peace, Love & Pride Coming to Gulfport in February 2019

In an historical inaugural event, Gulfport Peace, Love & Pride Festival Gulfport Casino on Sunday, February 10, 2019, starting at noon. Sponsored by ProSisters Radio and the City of Gulfport, “Gulfport Pride” is part of a weekend that will have downtown packed with activity. All vendors and Sponsors are invited to call now to become a part of this.

“We’re proud of our hometown. We’re proud of our diversity. We’re proud that everyone is welcome here.” stated Lynn DiVenuti, ProSisters Radio founder.

FYI-Gulfport’s population is 30% LGBTQ, according to some estimates.

Everyone come for this family friendly event that will include live music from some of Gulfport’s finest musicians all afternoon on the Casino deck. Early registration discounts for vendors are available now until December 15. Pricing is available for profit and non-profit businesses. Sponsorship packages are also available now. Space is limited.

The 3rd Annual Gulfport Artsy Phartsy Chili Cookoff will be held inside the Casino Ballroom, starting at 1pm. Chili Cookoff registration is also available on the Festival website.  www.GulfportPride.com or www.GulfportChiliCookoff.comFor more information or to volunteer, call Festival headquarters @ 727-289-9365. Or email at info@GulfportPride.com.

Ruth Eckerd Hall On The Road Clearwater’s Blast Friday Returns

Blast Friday returns to the Cleveland Street District in Downtown Clearwater for its 9th season. The festival kicks off with a live concert by Fastball and special guests The Black Honkeys on Friday, January 25, 2019, 5:30 to 10 pm on the Tampa Bay Times Cleveland Street Stage.

Food trucks and vendors will be serving a wide variety of freshly prepared specialty food and beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages. Beer sampling, live local music and other activities will be located in the 600 block of Cleveland Street. Bring lawn chairs to watch the concert.

  • Friday, January 25 – Fastball with special guests   The Black Honkeys
  • Friday, February 22 The FIXX
  • Friday, March 29  The Rippingtons
  • Friday, April 26 Home Cookin’ V

The Greg Billings Band with Ronnie Dee and the Superstars Friday, May 31 – TBA

VIP and SUPER VIP packages will be available in advance at ticket office located at 1111 McMullen Booth Road in Clearwater or call 727.791.7400. Packages available day of each concert at the Capitol Theatre Box Office.

Become a vendor by downloading and filling out the online application here. Blast Friday is held the last Friday of every month through May.

For more information, please email blastfriday.vendors@gmail.com

Contact: Katie Pedretty, Director of Public Relations – p 727.712.2774 – kpedretty@RuthEckerdHall.net  or Lacy Herman – Public Relations Assistant – p 727.724.5383 lherman@RuthEckerdHall.net

Warehouse Arts District

Trevor Burgess, Founder and former CEO of C1 Bank (now the Chairman of Neptune Flood Insurance based in St Petersburg) and his husband GaryHess  have generously pledged $25,000 to the Warehouse Arts District Association as a matched gift earmarked for Phase II site improvements! Surface improvements on the ArtsXchange campus will make the pathways and parking lot safer, contributing to an outdoor market area and Arts Education Center featuring a state of the art professional dance studio with ballet bars and a springboard floor as well as 3 multipurpose classrooms to serve WADA members and the Midtown community. Contact: Diane Bailey Morton Warehouse Arts District, 515 22nd Street South, St Petersburg, FL  33712

Crown Automotive Group Donates Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van to Great Explorations Children’s Museum STEAM team

The new Sprinter van will allow the Outreach STEAM Team from Great Explorations to bring valuable educational, hands-on programming from the museum out into the community at large and to provide transportation to on-site museum programs. The Outreach STEAM team visits high-risk neighborhoods and Title 1 schools in the St. Petersburg area, reaching 14,516 individuals in FY 2017-18.

The Crown Automotive Group also donated the wrapping of the van, to enable recognition of museum branding as the team navigates the community. Visit http://www.crowncars.com for more information on Crown Automotive Group and The Better Way To Buy.

For over 30 years, Great Explorations Children’s Museum has brought innovative, hands-on, educational programs to area youth, while also providing invaluable family support services that promote safe and healthy caregiver-child relationships. The museum’s mission is to stimulate learning through creativity, play, and  exploration. For more information about Great Explorations Children’s Museum and the programs it offers, contact 727-821-8992 ext 220 or visit www.greatex.org.

Tidbits gathered by Bonnie Quick.

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