If you’ve walked the St. Pete Pier lately, there’s a new reason to visit the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center (700 2nd Ave NE). Soul Tides, a mixed-media exhibition by local artist Cora Van Fleet, is on display through October 16, filling the space with colorful pieces inspired by Florida’s wildlife.

The artwork fits naturally into the Discovery Center, where you can already learn about the habitats and ecosystems found in Tampa Bay. Van Fleet’s work draws inspiration from the natural world and incorporates reclaimed and recycled materials throughout the show. Even better, a portion of artwork sales will help support the nonprofit’s efforts to restore and protect Tampa Bay.

Soul Tides explores themes of conservation with recycled and repurposed materials

Recycled and reclaimed

The exhibit is filled with colorful mixed-media pieces that deserve a closer look. Van Fleet combines recycled textiles and denim with embroidery, beadwork, and layers of paint, creating works packed with texture and interesting details.

You’ll find a mix of paintings, sculptural works, and even handmade clothing spread throughout the room. Some pieces feature sheer fabrics and stitched elements, while others transform everyday materials into something totally new. The more closely you look, the more details you’ll find. 

“Glades” by Cora Van Fleet uses transparent fabric to create visual depth

Discover more than art

Soul Tides is woven throughout the Discovery Center, so the artwork becomes part of the experience. As you move through the space, you’ll also find displays focused on the habitats, wildlife, and restoration projects happening around Tampa Bay. Learning stations explore everything from water quality and living shorelines to vertical oyster gardens (VOGs) and the journey from hatchery to habitat. 

One highlight is the “Ka-Tide-o-Scope,” a giant kaleidoscope that offers a closer look at different types of plankton found in Tampa Bay. It’s a fun, hands-on exhibit for curious kids and adults to explore.

Aquariums in the Discovery Center house turtles, seahorses, local fish, and more

Wildlife around every corner

The Discovery Center is also home to a variety of live animals, offering an up-close look at some of the creatures that call Tampa Bay home. The Ribbit Exhibit features several species of frogs, including barking tree frogs, green tree frogs, cane toads, and Cuban tree frogs. Snake lovers can also spot everything from yellow rat snakes to eastern hognose snakes.

The aquarium displays are filled with local fish and reef species, including snook, seahorses, hogfish, gag grouper, blue angelfish, and many more. There’s even a touch tank where visitors can interact with animals like horseshoe crabs and hermit crabs.

Explore the exhibit

Whether you’re interested in art, nature, or just spending some time on the Pier, Soul Tides offers a fresh perspective. The show runs through October 16, and the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center is open from 10 am to 5 pm daily. Tickets are $8 for adults, and discounted admission is available. (You can also get free admission with a museum pass from the public library!) Check the Discovery Center’s website for more details.