Cultivated By Caron Schwartz
Gay rodeo culture at the James Museum
The James Museum welcomes visitors to Blake Little: Photographs from the Gay Rodeo, a traveling exhibition from ExhibitsUSA and Mid-America Arts Alliance, March 28-June 28. Featuring 41 black-and-white images, the exhibition blends classic portraiture and sports photography to spotlight this gay tradition of the American West.
The exhibit explores the diverse and complex nature of individual and community identities in Western rural culture. Taken between 1988 and 1992 at events from Oklahoma to California, the collected body of images combines the action of riding, roping, and chute dogging with intimate views into the lives of rodeo participants, examining themes of competition and community and inviting an expansive redefinition of cowboy identities.
Blake Little became more than an observer. After getting hooked on going to rodeos, he wanted to become a part of the action. He learned to ride a steer, then a bull and slowly began to master the technique. In 1990 he was named Bull Riding Champion of the Year at the International Gay Rodeo Association.
The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art at 150 Central Avenue, is open daily 10am-5pm. Tuesdays the museum is open until 8pm. For more information, call 727-892-4200 or visit thejamesmuseum.org.
Another chance to be in the room where it happens
Yes, HAMILTON returns to the Straz in Tampa, June 1-27, 2021. On-sale dates should be announced soon. As always, current Broadway season ticket holders and Straz annual donors get priority.
In case you’ve been sleeping under a rock and didn’t hear, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s HAMILTON is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, HAMILTON has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theater—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. While you’re waiting for HAMILTON, you can take in these Broadway hits:
- Miss Saigon, March 24-20
- Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, May 5-10
- Jesus Christ Superstar, May 26-31
- My Fair Lady, June 2-7
- The SpongeBob Musical, July 21-26
- WAITRESS, Sept. 25-27
- Escape to Margaritaville, Oct. 27-Nov. 1
- Tootsie, Nov. 27-22
- Hadestown, Dec. 1-6
- The Band’s Visit, Dec. 29-Jan.3 2021
- Wicked, Jan 13-31 2021
- The Prom, Feb. 9-14 2021
- Shear Madness, Feb. 16-April 4 2021
- DEAR EVAN HANSEN, March 23-28 2021
- CATS, April 27-May 2 2021
Dali and Chihuly play nice together
Each month, Dali Museum members receive free admission to a different area museum or attraction as a benefit of their Dali Museum membership. Members of the partnering museums/attractions are invited to visit The Dali during the corresponding month.
In March, Dali Museum members receive free admission to the Chihuly Collection and Hot Shop (for up to 2 adult members, children receive free admission with family membership), in addition to 10% off all Morean retail merchandise and classes/ workshops. This discount includes the Chihuly Collection Store, the Hot Shop Store, Clay Store, and the Morean Gallery Store.
The Chihuly Collection is a stunning, permanent collection of world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly’s unique artwork. This presentation is unique as it is the first installation of Chihuly art in a building designed specifically for that purpose. Visit moreanartscenter.org/chihuly/ for details.
Los Vinos de Dalí 2020
Los Vinos de Dalí is an annual fundraising event hosted by The Guild at The Dalí. Through event sponsorship and ticket sales, Los Vinos de Dalí raises thousands of dollars to support the Museum’s mission to delight and educate our visitors and serve as an active resource in the cultural life of our community. The highly anticipated festival features a variety of fine wines, tastings from top restaurants, cold craft beers, specialty spirits, live music and a silent auction, all on the picturesque downtown waterfront. Date: Sunday, March 29, 4–7pm
Tickets: $80 members, $90 nonmembers. Advanced ticket purchase required. All sales final, no refunds.
Guests may view the galleries until 5:30 and will enjoy auctions featuring exciting packages and more. Proceeds benefit the Museum and its educational programs. Last years festivities can be viewed here: flickr.com/photos/dali_museum/albums/72157690979489263.
Party on the Pass!
You’re invited to join us for Mote’s 12th Annual Party on the Pass — a casual night full of good food, good fun, and goodwill.
All proceeds will directly support the Mote Marine Laboratory’s efforts for rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sea turtles & manatees, and Jane’s Refuge Hospital for Dolphins & Whales
Date: Friday, March 20, 6:30pm.
Location: Mote Aquarium Courtyard, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota
Attire: festive
Nosh: Multiple dishes will be provided by Sarasota-Manatee Originals restaurants.
Cost: Patrons $175, Individuals $125. Sponsorship opportunities are available; contact Kate Knepper at 941-388-4441 ext. 393 or kknepper@mote.org.
Take a picture, it’ll last longer
The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts has put out a call to photographers to participate in a photography competition. Deadline for entries & votes is April 5. Top entries will be exhibited at FMoPA from June 5–July 31. Winning submissions will be notified by May 1. Images will be judged on originality, technical excellence, composition, overall impact, artistic merit, and as otherwise determined by the judges. Winners will include Best in Competition, First, Second and Third Place each category, and People’s Choice. Categories: People and Portraits; Places and Landscape and Drone Photography; Nature, Science, and Animal; Documentary/Social and Political Photojournalism; Still Life; Abstract Photography; Conceptual Photography. For more see fmopa.org/category/call-for-entries/.
FMoPA is also accepting entries for the 4th Annual Forever Young exhibition. Senior museum members, as well as non-member seniors, are allowed one submission to be showcased both digitally and/or physically. All entries must be submitted by 5pm on April 26. There is a required submission fee of $15 for members and $35 for not-yet-members. To apply click to fmopa.org/submissions-forever-young/.
Hilarious Hippodrome hit hits St. Pete
freeFall Theatre in St. Petersburg and The Hippodrome Theatre in Gainesville have joined forces to co-present LONE STAR SPIRITS through March 29 at freeFall. Marley (freeFall favorite Marissa Toogood) is back in her small Texas hometown for what she hopes to be an easy trip to deal with some family business. When she and her hipster fiancé arrive at her estranged father’s liquor store, there is a collision between who she is and where she comes from. By the time Marley manages to reveal to her father the real reason for her visit, things are further complicated by the ghost of the bear-wrestling pioneer who used to live in the store. LONE STAR SPIRITS is a fast-paced comedy with hairpin turns that takes a hilarious and sympathetic look at family, spirituality, those who stay and those who leave, and the ghosts that haunt us either way.Tickets range $40 to $50. Discounts for groups are available.Freefalltheatre.com, 727-498-5205, boxoffice@freefalltheatre.com.
Attention: artists at work
Enjoy two days exploring Historic Kenwood during the Artist Enclave’s 5th Annual Artist at Work; Saturday, March 21, 10am-5pm; Sunday, March 22, noon-5pm. The self-guided tour of 33 artists at 21 different stops includes work by ceramicists, sculptors, jewelers, photographers, illustrators, and fine art painters. “Artist at Work” allows patrons and visitors to engage with artists, enjoy live demos, and purchase art. Learn about the creative process and what steps an artist takes to bring ideas from concept to completion. Treat yourself to a new piece for your collection or pick up gifts for friends and family!
For more information and printable maps for the studio locations see kenwoodartistenclave.org or follow on Facebook at facebook.com/artistenclavehistorickenwood
Spring break is coming! Morean Arts Center to the rescue!
The Morean offers Spring Break Camp for kids ages 5-10, 9am-3pm, March 16-20. Children will be creating a mixed media art garden filled with flowers, unicorns, and creepy crawlies that lurk in the soil. Members pay $170, non-members $190. Cost includes all materials. Must register for the full week – no daily rate option. Extended care (before 8am, 3-5:30pm) is available for an additional fee. Register at moreanartscenter.org/classes-2/family/camps/spring-break-art-camp/.
And for adults …
Shanna Fliegel ceramics workshop April 10-11, 9am-4pm each day.
This workshop offers the opportunity to explore your poetic voice and narratively express your individual story through clay. Discover the power of imagery with the help of writing prompts, playful drawing exercises and pattern research. Emphasis will be on generating a lexicon of imagery and symbols that translates well on a variety of clay canvas forms. Shanna will demonstrate printing techniques, image transfers, underglaze application, sgraffito, mishima, and wax resist glazing, while offering guidance on composition and color. Daily demonstrations will also include building forms with earthenware and stoneware clays, which lend themselves well to surface embellishment including press-molded tiles, textured tablets, slab built platters, coil built textured vessels and wheel-thrown pottery.
Cost for members $150, non-members $175.
Register at moreanartscenter.org/shanna-fliegel-workshop/
It’s not too early to think about summer camps!
Registration is now open for St. Petersburg City Theatre’s Summer Camps. This summer’s lineup includes Beauty and the Beast Jr, Pirates of Penzance Jr, The Lion King Jr, and Annie Jr. Camps include dance, voice and acting plus presentation of a full-length musical.
Ages: 7-14, all experience levels accepted, space is limited
Cost: $400
Time frame: all camps are three weeks, Monday-Friday 9am-4:30pm.
Register: spcitytheatre.org/childrens-theatre-7-14/.
More info: office@spcitytheatre.org or ExecDir@SPCityTheatre.org
Show schedule:
June 8-19: Beauty and the Beast Jr
June 22–July 3: The Pirates of Penzance Jr
July 6–17: The Lion King Jr
July 20 – 31: Annie Jr
Apprenticeship opportunities
Apprenticeships for summer camps are open to middle school students and older. The fee for an apprenticeship is $200 per two-week camp. Apprentices will learn what is involved in putting on a full-length musical production from start to finish, including lighting and sound design, set design and construction, costume design, choreography and blocking, and final production. Apply via spcitytheatre.org/childrens-theatre-7-14/.
The only safe suntan is Suntan Art Center
Celebrating more than 50 years of commitment to promoting the arts and education, St. Pete Beach’s Suntan Art Center continues to be an exciting, thriving center for the cultural arts. Locals, tourists, snowbirds and artists enjoy classes and workshops, as well as finding treasures in the gallery and gift shop. As a non-profit organization, Suntan Art Center must rely on a mixture of funds to support its budget and program commitments. Memberships, donations and volunteers are a very important part of that support.
Be Inspired! Renew or join today by calling 727-367-3818 or going online at suntanart.org.
Membership levels:
Individuals: $50 per year
Families: $75 per year
Corporate: $750
May Movies in the Park
What will Preserve the ‘Burg be screening this spring? Be there when they part the curtains on the May lineup, Thursday, April 16, 6pm at the Ale and the Witch, 111 2nd Ave NE. So clear your calendar to know more.
PRB is also seeking sponsors to help bring the bi-annual event to the beautiful St. Pete waterfront. For more info contact Executive Director Monica Kyle,727-204-3800 or mkile@preservetheburg.org.
Second Annual “Best Seat in the House Chair-ity Auction with a View”
Get ready for the Second Annual “Best Seat in the House Chair-ity Auction With a View,” Saturday, March 21 in Gulfport. The event is a fundraising auction benefiting the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation.
Ten artists have transformed 10 Adirondack chairs into works of art, while six others have imagined beautiful views upon six vintage windows. All artists are local professionals who volunteered their creative vision.
Auctioneer Phillip Bailey will begin the bidding at 6pm on the stage at the Village Courtyard, 2902 Beach Blvd. But get there at 5 to enjoy tunes spun by DJ Daniel Hodge.
Artists include Gary Alpers, Julie Armstrong, Larry Busby, Barbara Busenbark, Margo Christie, Kiersty Long, Justy Martinez, Nikki Nolan, Thomas O’Conner, Wendy Ohlendorf, Nancy Poucher, Stacey Purcell, Yolanda Roman, Melissa Romanaux, Paula Roy, and Judith Villavisanis.
For more information see facebook.com/events/2618826451528765/.
The Gulfport Senior Center Foundation is a nonprofit organization that raises and distributes funds to support and enhance the health and wellness, educational, social and recreational programs and services of the Gulfport Senior Center. Learn more at GulfportSeniorFoundation.org or contact Jerryanne Hindman at 727-893-1244 or mpscfoundation@tampabay.rr.com.
I love Treasure Island in the springtime
The Art Guild’s Spring Fine Art Market blossoms on Saturday, April 11 from 11am-2:30pm at the Treasure Island Community Center, 154 106th Ave in Treasure Island.
The Art Guild offers low-cost art lessors to anyone. Its primary mission is to fund art scholarships for high school seniors who wish to pursue an art degree. That’s why we put on the Art Market – money raised during it will fund the scholarships. All art will be original, affordable oil, watercolor, and acrylic paintings. For more information email aannj@tampabay.rr.com, call 727-367-9059 or click to treasureislandartguild.org/index.html.