ARTISTS IN PARADISE By Nanette Wiser
October launches SHINE MURAL FEST, the new Arts & Crafts Museum in downtown St. Pete and welcomed Fairgrounds’ fab debut in September 2021. For more art news, see Caron Schwartz’s Hanging Around and Art News.
CREATIVE PINELLAS:
With David Warner now president of the Board of Directors, and Cindy Stovall as Arts Ambassador, this visionary organization headed by Barbara St. Clair has a new website and Arts Coast, a media platform showcasing the creativity and inspiring creators of Pinellas County. “Everything we do is in service to fortifying the arts in Pinellas County and championing the creative people who call Pinellas County home,” said Warner. “We’re thrilled to be able to offer additional resources for artists to expand their reach and make more of their living from selling art.” Their latest project amazes and enlightens us, delivering art in public places seen by both locals and visitors, transforming hotels into galleries for local artists. It’s a win-win-WOW! So far, we’ve toured Artist George Retkes’ stunning metal sculptures at SpringHill Suites by Marriott at Clearwater Beach, Laura Spencer Miss Crit’s art at The Belleview Inn and Javier T. Dones’ mixed metal creations at Sand Pearl Resort.
The Beyond the Walls (BTW) program pairs local artists with venues in Pinellas County to display art and will be onsite until Creative Pinellas’ annual celebration of Pinellas County art – the Arts Annual opening Nov. 12-Dec. 19 with a Gala Reception Nov. 11 and Virtual Arts Fest Nov. 14.
This year’s Arts Annual is a multi-layered virtual and on-site experience that provides a vibrant experience for visitors, a venue for artists, and a way to support arts and culture in Pinellas County. The exhibit will feature the artwork of over two dozen talented Pinellas County artists, from innovative up-and-coming creators to internationally recognized artists. www.creativepinellas.org/arts-coast-studios
FREE YOUR INNER ARTIST:
With USF and Eckerd Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) programs in full swing this fall, culture lovers can take classes and attend performances. OLLI-USF features classes on Shakespeare, The Beatles, Art Therapy and Script Reading.
OLLI-Eckerd’s Fall offerings include a Victorian Christmas stroll at the Plant Museum, a Writer’s Circle and Book Club, Joy of Pastels, The Magic of Disney, the Migration of Chinese Musicians to the U.S., Edgar Allen Poe and Lee Miller’s photographs with The Dali. You can take hands-on classes at the Morean and other galleries. American Stage resumes its Improv Classes on Wednesday 7-9pm, while Keep St. Pete Lit and Studio 620 offer writing and poetry classes. At Book + Bottle, the Sip + Stitch group meets Wednesdays @10am for coffee and knitting/crocheting.