Derek Donnelly named Artmaker 2026<\/p>\n
CLEARWATER \u2014 The Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts at Ruth Eckerd Hall recently announced a new arts education and community engagement initiative titled Artmaker 2026. The inaugural artist selected is award-winning St. Petersburg muralist Derek Donnelly. This new program aims to uplift and celebrate artists within the local community.<\/p>\n
Artmaker 2026 will honor the work and creative process of a local visual artist, in addition to showcasing the artist themselves. Each season, an artist will be selected and offered unique opportunities to showcase their work. The artist will receive a year-long exhibit in Ruth Eckerd Hall\u2019s onsite galleries documenting the artist, their work, and their creative process. Additionally, their artwork will be featured on Ruth Eckerd Hall\u2019s annual holiday ornament, an original commissioned piece will be used on Ruth Eckerd Hall\u2019s annual membership items, and the artist\u2019s work will be recognized at Ruth Eckerd Hall\u2019s annual benefit.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are thrilled to announce this new initiative and look forward to celebrating Derek and the impact his work continues to have on our community. He embodies our shared mission to change lives through the arts, and he is truly the ideal inaugural Artmaker 2026,\u201d said Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts Vice President & Chief Education and Community Engagement Officer Sharon Reid-Kane, Ed.D.<\/p>\n
Donnelly, known as Saint Paint Arts, is a native of St. Pete whose work has helped shape the visual landscape of Tampa Bay through vibrant, large-scale murals that stretch from private homes to public institutions. His work transforms walls into stories \u2014 blending color, history, and a strong sense of place across neighborhoods, businesses, and cultural corridors.<\/p>\n
From coastal resorts to college campuses, city buildings to small businesses, Donnelly\u2019s art is woven throughout the region. His clients have included Hilton Hotels, the Tampa Bay Rays, AARP, St. Petersburg College, MLB, Fender Guitars, as well as numerous government entities, nonprofits and local municipalities. Each project reflects a connection to Florida\u2019s natural beauty, local heritage, and evolving communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m honored and grateful to be named Artmaker 2026 for the legendary Ruth Eckerd Hall. As a kid, I\u2019d tag along while my dad bartended, learning the music of the place\u2014the hush before the first note, the lobby\u2019s bright hum after the last bow. To bring my work back to a hall that helped raise me is a full-circle joy. I can\u2019t wait to add new color to its story and share it with this community,\u201d said Donnelly.<\/p>\n
To learn more about Saint Paint Arts and to see some examples of Donnelly\u2019s work, visit https:\/\/saintpaintarts.bigcartel.com\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n FloridaRAMA kicks off Happy HoliDAZE<\/p>\n ST. PETERSBURG \u2014 FloridaRAMA recently launched its holiday takeover, Happy HoliDAZE, a playful and surreal celebration that blends classic holiday cheer with the extraordinary charm of FloridaRAMA and the Sunshine State. The Happy HoliDAZE experience is included with general admission and will run through Jan. 12.<\/p>\n FloridaRAMA is at 2606 Fairfield Ave. S., St. Petersburg.<\/p>\n Visitors can explore holiday scenes shaped by Florida\u2019s unique spirit. A Christmas tree slips through a \u201cportal\u201d appearing magically in two rooms at once. The motel pool transforms into a gravity-free ice rink. Florida Panthers play the part of Santa\u2019s chaotic elves. Manatees and flamingos show off festive looks. A pirate ship ball pit waits for the brave. Dozens of themed trees feature Florida kitsch and local flair through the immersive experience.<\/p>\n Happy HoliDAZE coincides with FloridaRAMA\u2019s special installation of Lucy Sparrow\u2019s Quick Shop, an immersive art and shopping experience by world renowned felt artist Lucy Sparrow that invites you to shop at a replica convenience store made entirely of felt creations.<\/p>\n Nine glowing holes of Neon Minigolf returns for a limited time run from Dec. 11 through Jan. 5 for additional purchase. Minigolf, immersive art and holiday cheer make FloridaRAMA the perfect holiday destination for fun.<\/p>\n Cooler than a museum, smarter than a theme park and weirder than a carnival, FloridaRAMA is an indoor immersive art experience and Florida themed family attraction located in St. Pete. Designed for all ages and interests, FloridaRAMA has partnered with 80-plus artists, most of them local, to create a captivating world of playful installations that celebrate original Florida stories. Beyond the one-of-kind immersive experience, guests can enjoy a robust selection of games and calendar of events. FloridaRAMA is also Tampa Bay\u2019s most unique events venue, offering a dynamic space for private gatherings, corporate events, social affairs, kids parties and more.<\/p>\n For information, visit www.floridarama.art.<\/p>\n SPCT seeks volunteers<\/p>\n ST. PETERSBURG \u2014 Volunteers are needed for upcoming performances of \u201cA Christmas Carol\u201d at St. Petersburg City Theatre, 4025 31st St. S., St. Petersburg.<\/p>\n The show runs Dec. 12-21. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.<\/p>\n The theater is seeking ushers, help with concessions and box office, and house managers. Those interested in volunteering may visit https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/hmnupumd<\/a> or email office@spcitytheatre.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n Gallery to feature works by Cynthia Maus<\/p>\n TARPON SPRINGS \u2014 The work of artist Cynthia Maus will be featured for the month of December at the Tarpon Art Guild\u2019s gallery, 161 E. Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs.<\/p>\n Maus graduated from New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, studied Art History and other art classes in New Orleans and California. At that point, she was painting primarily portraits. Maus was also actively performing with music groups, touring, recording and marketing concert productions.<\/p>\n During the pandemic, Maus focused again on her artwork. Inspired by Turner and the impressionists, landscapes became her subject matter in an impressionistic style. She hopes her paintings inspire others to become aware of the powerful, gentle and sometimes amusing harmonies of nature.<\/p>\n Visitors can meet Maus on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 3 to 5 p.m., at the gallery.<\/p>\n Hoffman School, projectALCHEMY form partnership<\/p>\n CLEARWATER \u2014 The Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts at Ruth Eckerd Hall recently announced a new partnership with St. Petersburg-based dance company projectALCHEMY.<\/p>\n Founded by Artistic Director Alexander Jones and Executive Director Marcus Wehby, projectALCHEMY\u2019s vision aligns closely with the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts\u2019 mission to provide affordable and accessible arts education and experiences for all. As part of the partnership, projectALCHEMY will present their immersive gallery experience titled \u201cAbove\/Below\u201d on Thursday, March 26 through Saturday, March 28, in the Murray Theatre at Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater.<\/p>\n \u201cCollaborating with Ruth Eckerd Hall allows projectALCHEMY to extend its mission into new communities while remaining rooted in quality, equity, and access. This is the kind of partnership that creates lasting impact,\u201d said Wehby.<\/p>\n projectALCHEMY is a nonprofit international dance+ company based in St. Petersburg, engaging the dance community and local audiences through immersive interdisciplinary performance, affordable movement classes and dance artist development opportunities. projectALCHEMY shares the artistic talent of our community through live performance and online exchanges with dance companies around the world.<\/p>\n Jones has worked closely with the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts as a choreographer for the school\u2019s summer musicals. Through this ongoing collaboration with the school, he knows the Murray Theatre well, which is where the company will rehearse for two days per week.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have been so fortunate to have Alexander Jones on our team as a choreographer and are now thrilled to welcome his company into our family of artists. The message and mission of projectALCHEMY aligns beautifully with our own, and we look forward to bringing their beautiful work to our audiences \u2013 they are in for an unforgettable experience,\u201d said Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts Vice President & Chief Education and Community Engagement Officer Sharon Reid-Kane, Ed.D.<\/p>\n To learn more about projectALCHEMY, visit https:\/\/www.projectalchemy.dance\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n Center Stage Concert Series set at Largo Community Center<\/p>\n LARGO \u2014 The Center Stage Concert Series is back at the Largo Community Center and tickets are on sale now.<\/p>\n This concert series will showcase a selection of tribute artists and bands. Tickets are $15 per person for a single show or $42 per person for a three-show package. Tickets can be purchased at the Largo Community Center, 400 Alt. Keene Road, Largo. For more information, call 727-518-3131.<\/p>\n Following is a look at the series lineup:<\/p>\n The Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute<\/p>\n Thursday, Jan. 22, 1 p.m.<\/p>\n Singing hits like \u201cCalling Baton Rouge,\u201d \u201cAin\u2019t Going Down Till the Sun Comes Up,\u201d \u201cFriends in Low Places,\u201d and more, Kip Sweeny is a world-class showman and vocalist who channels Garth Brooks like no other.<\/p>\n Matt Stone as Elvis<\/p>\n Thursday, Feb. 26, 1 p.m.<\/p>\n Matt Stone, an internationally recognized Elvis tribute artist endorsed by the Elvis Estate and featured on SiriusXM Elvis Radio, has earned praise from some of Elvis Presley\u2019s closest friends and family. He will bring his high-energy tribute to the Largo Community Center stage.<\/p>\n Legends of Rock<\/p>\n Thursday, March 26, 1 p.m.<\/p>\n Playing Santana, Jimi Hendrix, Doobie Brothers, U2, and more, Legends of Rock offer multiple iconic tributes in one band.<\/p>\n Florida Strawberry Festival adds Legends of Love, Joan Jett<\/p>\n PLANT CITY \u2014 The Florida Strawberry Festival recently announced two major additions to its 2026 headline entertainment series.<\/p>\n Legends of Love, featuring Brian McKnight, Ginuwine and Ruben Studdard, joins the lineup, alongside rock icon Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, bringing fresh range and star power to the festival’s 91st annual event, running Feb. 26-March 8.<\/p>\n Legends of Love will showcase their smooth vocals and signature rhythm and blues harmonies as part of the festival’s commitment to offering a broad mix of musical styles for guests of all ages. Jett, known for timeless hits including “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll,” “Bad Reputation,” and “Crimson and Clover,” will deliver the Festival’s closing-night performance on March 8, capping BerryFest26 with a high-energy finale.<\/p>\n “Announcing both Legends of Love and Joan Jett is truly special for us,” said Florida Strawberry Festival President Kyle Robinson. “These artists bring two distinct musical experiences, yet both deliver the kind of talent and excitement our guests love. Legends of Love adds a soulful new dimension to the lineup, and Joan Jett closing out the Festival ensures an unforgettable finale. We’re thrilled to welcome them both to BerryFest26.”<\/p>\n For information, visit flstrawberryfestival.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n West Coast Players to stage \u2018The Humans\u2019<\/p>\n CLEARWATER \u2014 West Coast Players will present a special project: Stephen Karam’s \u201cThe Humans,\u201d running for only two weekends at West Coast Players Theater, 21905 U.S. 19 N., Clearwater.<\/p>\n The show opens on Friday, Dec. 5 and runs through Sunday, Dec. 14. Performances will be Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 p.m.; and Sundays, 2 p.m.<\/p>\n Directed by Mary Kay Cyrus, the cast of \u201cThe Humans\u201d includes Maria Barbera, Lee Catalfamo, Donne Petito, Maggie Phillippi, Gerritt Powers, and Rosalyn Savel.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Humans\u201d depicts a family\u2019s Thanksgiving gathering at the younger daughter\u2019s new apartment in lower Manhattan, exploring themes of family, anxiety, and the decline of the American middle class. The Blakes are a typical family who love each other but still wrestle with basic human fears of modern day life: generational differences, old age, abandonment, poverty and death.<\/p>\n Tickets are $25. Visit www.wcptheater.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n