Creative Pinellas’ Arts Annual 8 marks the final exhibition in its Largo gallery after county leaders voted to cut funding, with the show open through Jan. 4.

LARGO, Fla. — One of Pinellas County’s largest annual art exhibitions is also serving as a farewell.

Creative Pinellas’ end-of-year showcase, Arts Annual 8, is now on display at Pinewood Cultural Park and runs through Jan. 4. The exhibition is the final show to be held in the organization’s longtime gallery space after county leaders voted in September to eliminate funding.

The gallery is filled with more than 100 works arranged across five themed sections, pairing artists side by side to highlight connections in scale, texture and style. Organizers say the focus this year was allowing the artwork itself to take center stage.

“Arts Annual 8 is our most spectacular exhibition and showcase of the best and brightest of Pinellas County artists,” said Margaret Murray, CEO of Creative Pinellas.

For many artists, the gallery has represented more than just exhibition space. Murray said showing work there has long been viewed as a meaningful professional milestone, particularly for emerging artists seeking recognition in the regional art community.

“For artists, especially emerging artists or younger artists, to show their work here, it really is a moment of great pride and it’s a great resume builder,” Murray said.

That sense of pride is now tempered by uncertainty. In September, the Pinellas County Commission voted to cut funding for Creative Pinellas, citing concerns over the return on investment.

“They get 90% of their funding from us and I don’t really see a return on that investment. I really don’t,” one county board member said during the discussion.

As a result, Creative Pinellas must vacate the county-owned building early next year. Murray said the organization is actively seeking new partnerships and a future location as it prepares to move forward without county funding.

“We have identified so many wonderful partners and the community support has been incredible,” Murray said. “Everybody knows how important the arts are to this area and I am confident we are going to continue moving forward.”

Arts Annual 8 is open through Jan. 4. The gallery and store will also be open on Christmas Eve for visitors and last-minute holiday shopping.