AGalban to discuss exhibit at library<\/p>\n
ST. PETERSBURG \u2014 Artist AGalban and architect Peter Hauerstein will take part in a conversation on art, architecture and inspiration on Saturday, Nov. 1, 3 to 5 p.m., at the President Barack Obama Main Library, 3745 Ninth Ave. N., St. Petersburg. Admission is free and open to the public.<\/p>\n
The event begins with AGalban sharing insights into his exhibit \u201cSacred Pilgrimage: Gaudi and Galban,\u201d a body of work<\/p>\n
inspired by his transformative visit to Barcelona\u2019s Basilica of La Sagrada Fam\u00edlia. Following Galban\u2019s talk, Hauerstein will lead an engaging presentation on Antoni Gaud\u00ed\u2019s early influences \u2014 nature, faith, and symbolism \u2014 that shaped the visionary design of the basilica.<\/p>\n
Select pieces from Galban\u2019s acclaimed Gaudi and Galban Series will be on display during the event.<\/p>\n
This special program is presented in partnership with the AIA Tampa Bay Center for Architecture and Design. The \u201cSacred Pilgrimage: Gaudi and Galban\u201d traveling art exhibit is made possible through generous support from the Gobioff Foundation and the city of St. Petersburg Individual Artist Grant.<\/p>\n
Brenda McMahon Gallery to host \u2018Behind Closed Doors\u2019<\/p>\n
GULFPORT \u2014 Reuse, recycle, and upcycle: That creative formula has been the basis for St. Petersburg artist Joyce Curvin\u2019s award-winning, whimsical mixed-media art for nearly 30 years. Curvin will debut \u201cBehind Closed Doors,\u201d her latest works, on Friday, Nov. 7, 6 to 9 p.m., at Brenda McMahon Gallery, 2901 Beach Blvd. S. in downtown Gulfport.<\/p>\n
Curvin creates fun and fanciful mixed-media sculptures from paper-m\u00e2ch\u00e9 and recycled materials. She has explored various artistic mediums throughout her career, including clay, metal, paper, and wood, leading to her current focus on paper-m\u00e2ch\u00e9 and mixed media.<\/p>\n
\u201cRecycling is the heart of my work. By playfully combining colors, textures, and materials, I strive to create humorous and engaging characters that evoke a sense of fun and wonder,\u201d said Curvin. \u201cMy goal is to capture an expression, attitude, or moment of joy in every piece.\u201d<\/p>\n
Curvin will return to the gallery on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. for a meet and greet event, and her work will be on display throughout the month.<\/p>\n
On Dec. 6 and 7, Brenda McMahon Gallery will host the first of nine stops on the ninth annual ArtJones Artist Studio Tour. McMahon founded the event in 2017, and the two-day showcase has become a must-see and must-shop holiday arts event in the region. Five of the tour\u2019s 23 artists will show their work at Brenda McMahon Gallery during the event, including McMahon, painters Nancy Poucher, Luise Costa, and Marisa Tiberi, and mixed-media artist Debra Campbell.<\/p>\n
For updates on events and to view the gallery\u2019s online collection of fine art and contemporary craft, visit brendamcmahongallery.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Tarpon Art Gallery announces Fran Failla exhibition<\/p>\n TARPON SPRINGS \u2014 \u201cThe Poetry of Objects,\u201d a solo exhibition of still life oil paintings by Fran Failla, will be on view from Nov. 1-30 at the Tarpon Art Gallery, 161 East Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs.<\/p>\n An opening reception will take place on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the artist and explore her latest body of work in person.<\/p>\n Failla\u2019s work transforms everyday items into visual meditations on memory, emotion, and presence. Her paintings are known for their quiet elegance and emotional depth, inviting viewers to pause and reflect on the beauty of the ordinary. Her compositions \u2014 often featuring vases, fruit, and garden elements \u2014 are rich with poetic nuance and painterly precision.<\/p>\n Beyond her studio, Failla is a passionate advocate for the arts and her community. She recently donated artwork to support hurricane recovery at the Beach Arts Center in Indian Rocks Beach, and will once again contribute to Martinis and Matisse, a charitable event benefiting healthcare access for underserved populations in Clearwater. A portion of her painting sales has also supported the Belleair Garden Club, reflecting her commitment to environmental and civic engagement.<\/p>\n St. Thomas Art Project to host exhibit<\/p>\n ST. PETERSBURG \u2014 The St. Thomas Art Project will present \u201cFire & Form,\u201d a Florida wax show. An opening reception will take place on Friday, Nov. 7, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 1200 Snell Isle Blvd., St. Petersburg.<\/p>\n The reception is free and open to the public.<\/p>\n The exhibit will feature works by the Florida Encaustic Artists. Founded in 2017 by Shelley Jean, the group has 15 members who share their love of encaustic painting. This ancient medium \u2014 which literally means \u201cto burn in\u201d in Greek \u2014 uses beeswax and heat to create luminous, layered art.<\/p>\n The exhibit can be viewed through Nov. 30 by appointment. For information, call Gina White at 727-278-9404.<\/p>\n Good Folk Fest set<\/p>\n ST. PETERSBURG \u2014 In celebration and support of Creative Clay’s 30 years advocating and supporting artists with disabilities, Good Folk Fest will be presented Sunday, Nov. 16, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N., St. Petersburg.<\/p>\n The event will include live music performances, featured fine artists, make-and-take art projects, an art auction, and the Stuart Hyatt vinyl re-release of \u201cShrimp Attack.\u201d Tampa Bay Food Trucks will be in the Coliseum parking lot. Tickets are pay-by-donation.<\/p>\n Missionary Mary Proctor will be a featured artist, returning for her 15th appearance at Creative Clay events. Her art has been exhibited at the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore and is held in numerous museums and private collections across the United States. In 2005, Proctor\u2019s work was featured in On Their Own: Selected Self-Taught Artists at the Smithsonian Anacostia Museum. She has also been recognized internationally, appearing on the cover of Raw Vision, the leading magazine for contemporary folk and outsider art. Her artwork is included in permanent collections throughout the southeast, as well as in New York City and Los Angeles.<\/p>\n Good Folk Fest will also feature the artists of Creative Clay with the exhibit and sale of iconic landmarks of Tampa Bay.\u201d Since 2020, Creative Clay member artists have created, exhibited, and sold paintings inspired by this theme at Creative Clay\u2019s annual fundraising events. This anniversary year, the newest iconic landmark paintings are on exhibit and for sale in the Good Folk Galley alcove at the Coliseum during Good Folk Fest.<\/p>\n Good Folk Fest is a celebration of Creative Clay\u2019s 30 years of advocating and supporting artists with disabilities. Featuring artists of all abilities is paramount to highlighting Creative Clay\u2019s value of inclusion. This year, under the name Good Folk Fest, Creative Clay hosts the event at the Coliseum, bringing folk art patrons and music lovers together to celebrate 30 years of equality through art.<\/p>\n For information, visit www.creativeclay.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n Ruth Eckerd taps Brianna Roberts as event operations VP<\/p>\n CLEARWATER \u2014 Susan M. Crockett, Ruth Eckerd Hall president and CEO, recently announced the promotion of Brianna Roberts from director of operations to vice president of event operations of Ruth Eckerd Hall Inc., to support its namesake venue, The Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts, The Murray Theatre, The Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre and The BayCare Sound located in downtown Clearwater.<\/p>\n Roberts joined Ruth Eckerd Hall in 2014 as the Bilheimer Capitol Theatre Manager. In 2019, she was promoted to director of operations and oversees ticketing, patron services, security, theater administration, ticketing and festival execution with seven direct reports.<\/p>\n \u201cBrianna has been a phenomenal director of operations, taking on many of the duties I vacated when I was hired as CEO in 2019,\u201d said Crockett. \u201cAs we\u2019ve grown, so have her responsibilities and achievements. Brianna\u2019s leadership, passion and commitment to our organization\u2019s success is incredible.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue to grow within an organization that champions live entertainment and enriches our community through the arts,\u201d Roberts said.<\/p>\n Roberts\u2019 first job in live entertainment was as box office associate at the UCF Arena while attending school at the University of Central Florida. She was quickly promoted to ticket office supervisor while completing an event management internship with Global Spectrum in the administration office and alongside the event management team. Upon earning a Bachelor of Science in Event Management and Hospitality Management at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida, Roberts joined Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee as the box office manager for the Silver Spurs Arena & Events Center, where in addition to leading a team of box office associates, managing ticketing for concerts and youth sports events, she also contributed to the venue\u2019s marketing and event operations departments.<\/p>\n ArtJones Open Artist Studio Tour to feature 23 artists<\/p>\n GULFPORT \u2014 The ninth annual ArtJones Open Artist Studio Tour will take place on Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., in Gulfport.<\/p>\n This year, the tour features 23 talented artists across nine locations in Gulfport. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the participating artists in person and learn more about their creative processes at each location on the tour.<\/p>\n Since its inception in 2017, the ArtJones Gulfport Artist Studio Tour has established itself as a must-see and must-shop holiday arts event on the region\u2019s abundant holiday arts calendar. Through live artist demonstrations, musical performances, and a unique design that welcomes visitors into the private studios of working artists, the tour has set itself apart as a premier winter destination for art buyers from throughout the southeast.<\/p>\n Seeing artists creating in a studio setting invites visitors to experience a more holistic understanding of both the artistic process and the artist, says ArtJones founder Brenda McMahon.<\/p>\n “Art lovers tell us each year that seeing the creative process alongside the finished work deepens their interest in both the work and the artist,” McMahon added.<\/p>\n The work on this year\u2019s tour represents a variety of artistic mediums, including painting, ceramics, jewelry, fiber art, illustration, and mixed-media art, and nearly all mediums will be featured during live demonstrations at one of the nine stops. Of the 23 artists on this year\u2019s tour, 10 are making their ArtJones debut, including painters Marisa Tiberi, Luisa Costa, Laurie Edwards, Natalie Rafeedie, and Barbara Fallenbaum, mixed-media artists Rebecca Schlabach, Melissa Rogolino, and Marianne Evans, fiber artist Leeann Kroetsch, and illustrator Cindy Rodella Purdy.<\/p>\n In addition to the new artists, returning artists include Brenda McMahon, Nancy Poucher, Debra Campbell, Kiersty Long, Daphna Bowman, Ray Domingo, Monika Watson, Deserie Valloreo, Amy Howell, Jack Providenti, Paula Roy, Cynthia Dugat, and Puma Love.<\/p>\n ArtJones is sponsored locally by the Enroy Foundation, Kathleen and Peter Forde, Stella\u2019s, Tommy\u2019s Hideaway, Sumitra Espresso Lounge, and the Gulfport Merchants Chamber. For information on the artists and to download a brochure with a map of this year\u2019s ArtJones Open Studio Tour, visit ArtJonesStudioTour.com<\/a> and follow the group on social media outlets @weareartjones on Facebook and @artjonesgulfportfl on Instagram.<\/p>\n Veterans Day Celebration in Largo<\/p>\n LARGO \u2014 Rockin\u2019 for Heroes, a special celebration in recognition of Veterans Day and the United States Marine Corps 250th anniversary, will take place on Sunday, Nov. 9, at Indian Rocks VFW Post 10094, 14450 Walsingham Road, Largo.<\/p>\n Gates will open at 2:30 p.m. General admission is $35 for adults and $30 for veterans. Reserved seating and VIP add-ons also are available for purchase. For tickets, visit https:\/\/vfwpost10094.simpletix.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n The event will feature a performance by legendary Southern rock powerhouse Molly Hatchet.<\/p>\n Known for multi-Platinum hits like, \u201cFlirtin\u2019 with Disaster,\u201d \u201cGator Country,\u201d \u201cWhisky Man\u201d and \u201cDreams I\u2019ll Never See,\u201d the Jacksonville based group has a reputation as supporters of America\u2019s military and veteran community.<\/p>\n Opening for Molly Hatchet will be Nashville recording artist Derek Stoner, who is an up-and-coming country music star, and retired Army Green Beret with 16 combat tours. And kicking the celebration off will be Gulf Coast favorites The Surfin\u2019 Raccoons of Clearwater.<\/p>\n The musical entertainment schedule is as follows:<\/p>\n \u2022 Gates open \u2014 2:30 p.m.<\/p>\n \u2022 The Surfin\u2019 Raccoons \u2014 3:30-4:15 p.m.<\/p>\n \u2022 Derek Stoner \u2014 4:45-5:45 p.m.<\/p>\n \u2022 Molly Hatchet \u2014 6:30-8 p.m.<\/p>\n Werk Gallery to present \u2018Summoning Saraswati\u2019<\/p>\n ST. PETERSBURG \u2014 An opening reception for \u201cSummoning Saraswati\u201d will be presented on Friday, Nov. 7, 5 to 9 p.m., at the Werk Gallery, 2210 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg.<\/p>\n Featuring large paintings by Minakshi De, ceramic sculpture by Karen Mullendore, ceramic vessels by Xan Peters and stained glass by Jodi Chemes + Veronica Dunn, the exhibition will run Nov. 7-30. Works are inspired by Saraswati \u2014 an ancient and revered Hindu goddess of knowledge, learning, language, music and the arts \u2014 and all the beauty and balance she ushers into being in a violent world often led by envy, lust and greed. Saraswati also refers to the holy river in India upon whose banks the Vedic scriptures are said to have been written, and so it is that we look for guidance in the world\u2019s ancient wisdoms to bring us back to peace.<\/p>\n Minakshi De, originally from India, lives and works in Vero Beach. Her work has recently shifted to a stream-of-consciousness expression that ties together her observations of contemporary life with her Indian roots. Drawing heavily upon her Hindu beliefs and Hindu imagery, and utilizing line as a central aesthetic element, her \u201cSmall in a Big\u201d paintings are the outcome of a meditative practice she developed to battle the depression brought upon by her struggles with COVID-19.<\/p>\n Karen Mullendore is a life-long resident of St Petersburg who works out of the Morean Center for Clay. Having retired from a successful career in interior design, her hand-built clay sculptures are a return to the creative pursuits fostered by her parents \u2014 her mother an accomplished painter and her father a woodworker. The figurative sculptures included in \u201cSummoning Saraswati\u201d not only embody the concept of the goddess coming forth from the waters but also represent for Mullendore the opportunity to begin life anew.<\/p>\n Xan Peters is well-known for ceramic vessels and sculptures that fuse his aesthetic and paleontological interests. For this exhibit, Xan is creating a new series of Urns that delve deeper into the ways we honor and remember our relationship with the natural world. Originally from Clearwater, Xan grew up in his mother\u2019s art gallery and studio.<\/p>\n Jodi Chemes + Veronica Dunn are creating unique, circular stained-glass wind chimes for this exhibit that directly reflect the animal life found in \u201cFive Elements of Life\u201d by Minakshi De.<\/p>\n For information, visit thewerk.gallery.<\/p>\n Heritage Village Artisan Festival set<\/p>\n LARGO \u2014 The Heritage Village Artisan Festival will be presented on Saturday, Nov. 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Heritage Village, 11909 125th St., Largo.<\/p>\n The festival will provide visitors with an opportunity to view artisans demonstrating their skills and to purchase items from the local craftsmen. Guests also can enjoy the parklike setting and historical buildings and indulge in a variety of foods. Admission is free though donations are appreciated.<\/p>\n Presented by the Pinellas County Historical Society, the festival assembles crafters and artisans displaying a wide selection of upscale crafts, handcrafted jewelry, pottery, fused and stained glass, home d\u00e9cor, carved and turned wood, crocheted, knitted and other fiber items, brooms, basket weaving, candles and more.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Artisan Festival is more than just crafts \u2014 it provides a perspective of life skills used at the turn of the century with a current day slant,\u201d said Sandy Bozeman, co-chair of the event.<\/p>\n Multiple blacksmiths will fire up the forge and demonstrate their skills. Whip cracking and construction will be demonstrated. Visitors also can:<\/p>\n \u2022 Learn how indigo dyeing of fabric and other materials is done.<\/p>\n \u2022 Observe a telegraph operator in action.<\/p>\n \u2022 Engage in hands-on activities such as rope making and corn shelling.<\/p>\n \u2022 Watch bees in a contained hive and see a short play that emphasizes the need for sustaining bees.<\/p>\n \u2022 Listen to a group of storytellers who will provide humorous glimpses of Florida history.<\/p>\n \u2022 Visit with rescued and nonreleasable birds from the George C. McGough Nature Park.<\/p>\n \u2022 Check out area history tours at the Discover Florida booth.<\/p>\n \u2022 Chat with local authors Linda Smock and Dick Powell.<\/p>\n \u2022 Sit a spell and listen to the Dunedin Dulcimers.<\/p>\n \u2022 Watch an artisan make canes and walking sticks from the queen palm.<\/p>\n Parking will be available at Heritage Village, the Florida Botanical Gardens north and south lots and along 125th Street. The festival is both family friendly and pet friendly.<\/p>\n The festival is one of several events that the Pinellas County Historical Society hosts during the year to provide funds for maintaining Heritage Village. For information, visit www.heritagevillagefl.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n