T-Pain sets BayCare Sound record<\/p>\n
CLEARWATER \u2014 Grammy-winning artist T-Pain performed on Oct. 14 to a sold-out crowd at Clearwater\u2019s BayCare Sound, setting a new record for attendance and gross tickets sales.<\/p>\n
The singer, songwriter, and producer with multiple Top 10 hits brought his fall tour to the venue, making his BayCare Sound debut. The performance went down in history as BayCare\u2019s first sold-out show, setting a new attendance and gross ticket sales record. T-Pain currently stands as the highest grossing artist based on ticket sales to perform at the BayCare Sound.<\/p>\n
T-Pain has not only changed the course of pop, hip-hop and R&B, but has reshaped the fabric of culture itself. He\u2019s sold over 50 million singles, accumulated billions of streams, racked up 10 iconic No. 1s on the Billboard Hot 100 and captivated the world with his charismatic live performances, earning a reputation as a global phenomenon.<\/p>\n
St. Pete celebrates new Sunshine City Mosaic<\/p>\n
ST. PETERSBURG \u2014 The city of St Petersburg recently unveiled the Sunshine City Mosaic during a community celebration at Sunset Park.<\/p>\n
At approximately 175 feet long and 700 square feet., the Sunshine City Mosaic is composed of more than 15,000 pieces of tile, depicting nine vignettes of Florida’s diverse wildlife.<\/p>\n
“As a City of the Arts, it’s critical to have public art represented in all pockets of St. Petersburg,” said Mayor Kenneth T. Welch. “The Sunshine City Mosaic is not just a public art installation, it’s a celebration of our community’s spirit and natural beauty. It’s exciting to see such an ambitious project come to life, connecting our vibrant artistic culture with the stunning landscapes of our parks on the west side. This mosaic reflects St. Petersburg’s commitment to creativity and unity.”<\/p>\n
The family-friendly event on Oct. 29 included mosaic-themed arts and crafts, lawn games, and food and refreshments. The event also featured remarks from the artists behind the mosaic \u2014 Laura Spencer, Alex Kaufman and George Retkes \u2014 as well as Mayor Welch and other city officials.<\/p>\n
Chihuly Collection presents \u2018Magic + Migration\u2019<\/p>\n
ST. PETERSBURG \u2014 The Chihuly Collection, presented by the Morean Arts Center, is currently hosting the debut of \u201cMagic + Migration: Nature in Contemporary Glass,\u201d a vibrant exploration of wildlife, movement, and the enduring relationship between humankind and the natural world. The exhibition, on view now through Jan. 18, brings together seven remarkable contemporary glass artists, each drawing inspiration from birds, fish, and wild environments to illuminate deeper connections to our changing planet.<\/p>\n
This exhibition is made possible through the talent represented by the Duncan McClellan Gallery. A celebrated artist, curator, and mentor, Duncan McClellan has been a driving force in shaping St. Petersburg\u2019s internationally recognized glass community. His leadership continues to uplift artists whose work expands the possibilities of glass as a medium of storytelling, emotion, and transformation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are delighted to collaborate with Duncan McClellan on this extraordinary exhibition,\u201d said Howayda Affan, executive director of the Morean Arts Center. \u201cHis contributions to the glass arts ecosystem in St. Petersburg have had a profound impact on our community. This exhibition is a joyful celebration of the creative dialogue between humans and nature, and a testament to the world-class talent that Duncan nurtures.\u201d<\/p>\n
In addition to McClellan, featured artists include Robin Grebe, Richard Jolley, Crista Matteson, Naoko Takenouchi, Stephanie Trenchard, and Hiroshi Yamano. Each artwork in the exhibition is presented courtesy of the Duncan McClellan Gallery.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am honored to have our artists\u2019 work showcased within the Chihuly Collection,\u201d said McClellan. \u201cThe Morean Arts Center has always stood at the forefront of connecting people with the beauty and innovation of glass. Our shared commitment to supporting artists and inspiring others through access to the arts makes this partnership especially meaningful.\u201d<\/p>\n
The exhibition also pays homage to Dale Chihuly\u2019s enduring passion for natural forms. Chihuly\u2019s iconic work draws deeply from the organic environments that shaped his early life. His belief that glass should appear as though it emerged from nature itself is expressed through vibrant color, fluid form, and immersive installation.<\/p>\n
\u201cMagic + Migration\u201d is included with admission to the Chihuly Collection, located at 720 Central Avenue in downtown St. Petersburg. For visitor information, call 727-822-7872 or visit MoreanArtsCenter.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n ARTicles Gallery hosts new exhibition<\/p>\n ST. PETERSBURG \u2014 \u201cUnpolished Intent,\u201d a solo exhibition of new works by Frank Strunk III, will open with a reception on Friday, Nov. 7, 5 to 7 p.m., at ARTicles Gallery & Fine Art, 1234 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N., St. Petersburg.<\/p>\n After the opening, the exhibition will show through Nov. 30.<\/p>\n Strunk is a self-taught metal artist originally from Maryland, who lived in St. Petersburg for over two decades before returning to Maryland. His artwork was inspired by his father\u2019s commercial printing plant, where as a young boy Strunk developed a fascination with machinery and mechanics. His new work was influenced by the stark industrial environment of his current home, the small railroad town of Cumberland, Maryland, in the Appalachian Mountains.<\/p>\n For information, visit www.articlesstpete.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Dave Caputo appointed film commissioner<\/p>\n Dave Caputo has been named the new film commissioner for the St. Pete-Clearwater Film Commission. Brian Lowack, president and CEO of Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, recently made the announcement.<\/p>\n Caputo will work alongside Quinn Chittenden to manage the Film SPC Marketing Incentive Program, which aims to inspire travel by showcasing St. Pete-Clearwater through film, television, and digital media productions and creating measurable economic impact. Caputo will begin his tenure on Monday, Nov. 3.<\/p>\n Caputo has more than 30 years of experience in the television and film production industry, overseeing production for more than 1,000 projects across the globe. During his long-tenured career with the QVC Group, which included roles managing video production, broadcast production, studio operations and content development, he rose to the role of senior vice president of broadcast strategy and technology where he managed more than 600 people across the company, including production teams, hosts, engineering teams, backstage staff and product services. His production and technical experience includes leadership and coordination across the globe \u2014 in London, Dusseldorf, Tokyo and Milan \u2014 as well as live broadcasts at the Cannes Film Festival and the Super Bowl.<\/p>\n \u201cDave brings with him an incredible business acumen, industry knowledge and connections, which will help us continue to build the St. Pete-Clearwater brand as a filming destination,\u201d said Lowack. \u201cAs we got to know Dave, the team and I were impressed with his focus on building awareness for our beautiful and diverse destination and his vision for how an evolving film and television industry can align with our goal to drive visitation to America\u2019s favorite beaches.\u201d<\/p>\n Caputo and his family relocated to Pinellas County in 2018. He served on the Gulfport Merchants Chamber Board of Directors in 2025 prior to accepting this role as film commissioner. In his spare time, he has worked to become a certified yoga instructor and, along with his wife, owns the Sun Sea Air Yoga & Wellness Studio in Gulfport.<\/p>\n Tarpon Art Guild Gallery presents Fran Failla works<\/p>\n TARPON SPRINGS \u2014 Oil painter Fran Failla will be featured for the month of November at the Tarpon Art Guild Gallery, 161 E. Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs.<\/p>\n A reception will be held Saturday Nov. 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. The public is welcome.<\/p>\n Born in Brooklyn, New York, Failla\u2019s personal artistic journey began at a very early age. Realizing her passion for oil painting, she attended Brooklyn College\u2019s famous art department and the Art Students\u2019 League in New York where she won a prestigious art award. After moving to the Tampa Bay area, Failla chose to study with artists, Markissia Touliatos and Shawn Dell Joyce.<\/p>\n Failla\u2019s professional affiliations include Oil Painters of America, The Exhibiting Society of Artists and Creative Artists Guild of Dunedin. She is a recipient of the Emerging Artist Grant for 2024.<\/p>\n Early Elf Art Market set<\/p>\n TARPON SPRINGS \u2014 For over 30 years, this outdoor showcase has been a cherished holiday tradition, and now, with a fresh new name, it’s back as the Early Elf Art Market, set for Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 22-23, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 1 N. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs.<\/p>\n The Early Elf Art Market is sponsored by the Tarpon Springs Chamber of Commerce. It offers an opportunity to get some early holiday shopping done while supporting small and local businesses in downtown Tarpon Springs.<\/p>\n This two-day event features the original works of both new and upcoming talent, alongside beloved established artists and crafters. Browse everything from intricate folk art, stunning earthenware, and captivating paintings to wearable art, luxurious body products, delightful pet accessories, and personalized gifts. Many food and beverage vendors will also be on hand.<\/p>\n Admission and parking are free.<\/p>\n Creative Clay to host Good Folk Fest<\/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 held 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, guest fine artists, make-and-take art projects, an album release and an art auction. Tampa Bay Food Trucks will be in the Coliseum parking lot. Tickets are pay-by-donation.<\/p>\n Scheduled musicians include Christie Len\u00e9e, Kristopher James, the Burke Brothers, Rebekah Pulley, Ella Jet, Hibernacula, and The Good Folk Band.<\/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