March 10 – April 22, 2017
The exhibition features art works by four established Florida artists: Edgar Sanchez Cumbas, Kendra Frorup, Babette Herschberger and Charles Parkhill.
Round Square may seem like an oxymoron, but guest curator Katherine Gibson has created an exhibition that offers visual connections and conversations throughout – some obvious, many implied, and others for visitors to discover as they experience the art in Florida CraftArt’s exhibition gallery.
“Although the concept may sound deceptively simple,” says Ms. Gibson, “Round Square highlights the conscious and subconscious relationships between shape, color, scale and design across mediums, while offering visitors opportunities to discover unique characteristics of craft conversing around the gallery.”
Tickled Pink, an installation piece by Tampa-based artist Kendra Frorup, is an audience participation piece involving a 15’ merry-go-round-like structure, powered by a hand-crank for visitors to turn, creating the lyrical sound of a child’s laughter.
Round Square places simple shapes and colors in relationship to each other, and in some areas work is displayed in unexpected ways. For example, sculptural floor pieces by Tampa sculptor Charles Parkhill, created in wood and found materials, may exhibit on a raised surface or platform instead of the floor. Miami-based artist Babette Herschberger reconfigures cardboard boxes that are normally stacked or on the floor into beautifully designed wall pieces. In his series titled “Cabinet of Curiosities,” Edgar Sanchez Cumbas, from west Tampa, combines three-dimensional forms into a medley of sculptural creations that may be splayed on a large table rather than arranged in an actual cabinet.
“Seeing work at new angles provides a fresh perspective,” says Ms. Gibson, “as well as a deep appreciation for each of these carefully selected artists and their meticulous, elegant creations.”
As a collector, Ms. Gibson has a special interest in regional art and southern folk art. Through her company, Arthouse3, she is active in the Bay Area art community as a guest curator, regional art advisor and occasional pop-up gallery creator.
The opening reception is Friday, March 10, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Florida CraftArt located at 501 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg, Florida. A brief gallery talk, with the artists and curator, will be presented at 6 p.m. The curator will guide gallery tours on March 22 and April 12 at 1:15 p.m. The exhibit will run through April 22.
Florida CraftArt is located at 501 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg. For more information, visit www.FloridaCraftArt.org or call (727) 821-7391. Admission is free. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
Florida CraftArt is a nonprofit organization founded in 1951 and headquartered in St. Petersburg. Its mission is to grow the statewide creative economy by engaging the community and advancing Florida’s fine craft artists and their work. Fine craft art is presented in its 2,000-square-foot retail gallery and a large gallery features curated exhibitions. Florida CraftArt is the only statewide organization offering artists a platform to show and sell their work.