Last weekend brought four new exhibits to the Morean Arts Center in St. Pete (719 Central Ave.), filling the space with a fresh mix of creativity and color. From dreamlike installations to thoughtful pieces filled with handmade detail, the new shows offer plenty for visitors to explore. All exhibits are now open (and admission is free!), making it a perfect time to see which show sparks your imagination.  

Where Leaves Remember by Rebecca Sexton Larson

Where Leaves Remember

Upon entering the Morean, step into the first room on the right to find yourself surrounded by the delicate, reflective world of Where Leaves Remember, a solo exhibition by Rebecca Sexton Larson. Presented like pages from a sketchbook, this body of work explores how nature holds onto memory – how a leaf might mirror the way people carry their histories. Expect to see soft paintings, hand-colored black-and-white photographs, and tender bits of embroidered text. Each piece gently touches on themes of memory, decay, and renewal.

Hare Rising by Betsy Wild and These are Barren Times by Taylor Robenalt

Day Dreams

The next room introduces a new energy with the Day Dreams exhibit, a vibrant collaboration between the Morean and SARTQ Artist Collective. Reality blends with imagination in all the best ways as this group exhibit dives into the mysteries of dreaming. The space is filled with color-drenched paintings, playful sculptures, mixed-media pieces, and a surreal installation. Some of the works feel whimsical and lighthearted, while others hint at deeper meanings. Collectively, the pieces create a thoughtful and immersive journey into the hazy space where dreams exist.  

The Look by Jenipher Chandley and Encrypted Crown: Codes of Identity by Elizabeth Williams

A Journey Through My Imagination

Continue through the gallery, and you’ll arrive at A Journey Through My Imagination, a juried exhibition featuring members of the National Association of Women Artists (NAWAFL). As one of the oldest art organizations in the country, NAWAFL represents artists working in many mediums and styles, and it shows. The exhibit includes painting, photography, ceramics, glass, and more, including The Look, an oil painting by local artist Jenipher Chandley that earned the blue ribbon during the show’s opening reception. 

Clay from Artists in Residence

Finally, on the left side of the building, sharing space with the gift shop, you’ll find the Morean Center for Clay’s Artist in Residence (AIR) Program exhibition. This display gives visitors a glimpse into the evolving work of these emerging artists who spend their time in residency building their portfolios, applying to shows, and participating in critiques. The AIR program is known for being highly competitive, and the talent on the pedestals proves it. Expect a wide array of styles and techniques, all showcasing impressive skill and experimentation. It’s a perfect way to end your visit, with a look at the next generation of clay artists pushing boundaries. 

The first three exhibits remain on view through March 26, while the Artists in Residence show continues through February 16. The Morean Arts Center is free to visit and open 10 am to 5 pm Monday-Saturday (closed Sundays). Whether you have thirty minutes or two hours, it’s a refreshing, creative stop worth checking out.

For more information about the exhibits, visit the Morean Arts Center’s website.Â