The newest museum to join St. Pete’s passionate art community, Imagine Museum, invites the public to celebrate their grand opening on Tuesday, January 23rd at 10:30 a.m. Imagine Museum will showcase the American Studio Glass Movement, that began in the 1960s through present day – the first of its kind in the Southeast United States.
Imagine Museum visually moves the visitor through the history of the remarkable medium of studio glass art, starting with the early pioneers of Harvey Littleton and Dominic Labino, through the groundbreaking heyday of Dale Chihuly, and up through today’s artists creating this transcendent art. What makes this medium so unique is that 94 percent of its artists are living and many of them are still creating. Imagine intends to bring many of these artists to St. Petersburg to share their exhilarating stories of how their art is created.
Imagine Museum’s permanent collection includes artists and artwork that best represent the history and bravado that set Americans apart from their predecessors. “This movement was quite rebellious against the tradition of crafting beautiful, but rather utilitarian, glass pieces. In true American spirit, the creators of the Studio Glass Art Movement morphed glass into a true art form,” said Joanna Sikes, Executive Director. “It was the 60s – this was Rock and Roll, not reverent.”
Imagine Museum has already secured hosting next year’s prestigious International Glass Art Society Conference – bringing significant collectors and glass enthusiasts from around the world to the Tampa Bay region in March 2019.
On Saturday, January 27th, the museum will host its first major event, the Fire and Light Ball, where guests will enjoy cocktails, a strolling dinner, private tours of the collection and entertainment throughout the evening.
The museum will offer memberships and gratefully accept donations, which will assist with its continued support of the American Studio Glass Art Movement and the ongoing development of its collection, along with programming for the long-term benefit of the public.
Details:
- Located at 1901 Central Avenue, in the Central Arts District of St. Petersburg.
- Ticket prices range from $10 for children to $15 for adults.
Museum members always receive free admission. - Museum hours of operation:
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sunday, noon to 5:30 p.m.
- Closed Monday.
- The IM Store features a worldwide collection of stunning handmade jewelry, glass gifts and books. Exclusive, one-of-a-kind artworks created by artists featured in the museum are also available for purchase.
- The IM Store hours of operation:
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sunday, noon to 5:30 p.m.
- Closed Monday.
Go to www.imaginemuseum.com for more information. To purchase tickets to the Fire and Light Ball, visit 76188.blackbaudhosting.com/76188/Fire–Light.
Information courtesy of the Imagine Museum.