What: Valentwe’en 2021: Word of Mouth
Where: Art Lofts Studio, 10 5th Street North, St. Petersburg (above Florida Craftart).
When: Please send inquiry of interest/image of piece by Jan. 30. Drop off: Feb. 7, 8 10 – 12 or by appointment. Pick up: March 1, 10 – 12 or by appointment.
Contact: Brandy Stark
Phone: 727/821-5759
Email: brandybstark13@gmail.com
Details: There is never enough Halloween to last the year. Valentwe’en is an attempt to adjust for that by offering a fun and spooky new spring holiday. It is a mash up of holidays and combines elements of Hallowe’en and Valentine’s Day. It is heralded by the Grim Cupid and is a dark romantic holiday. Give your sweetheart a black calla lily and take a stroll on the local ghost walks. Give those you love your heart — (made of chocolate and sweets, of course). Create a Valentwine in the vein of the classic poem: Roses are red, violets are blue, blood is sweet and so are you! Dress as your favorite couple — Mortica and Gomez, Audrey and Seymore, Bella and Edward…you get the idea. If your Valentwe’en is solo, wear your best goth to the party.
Now in its 6th year, 2021 features the theme of “Word of Mouth” – the one part of the body that we have, largely, not seen since March 2020. Artists should submit works for jury approval to Brandy Stark. Up to five works may be submitted, though only 1 work per artist will be shown. Cost of entry is $10 for each participant, and the entry fees will be used to fund cash awards for First, Second, and Third places, and a Most SPIRITed (most on theme) Award. Art sales are direct to artist and no commission is taken.
In addition to art, we are looking for the following:
• Artists who make and sell masks may inquire about setting up a small table to sell their wares to anyone who wishes to purchase a mask.
• Literary artists are also encouraged to apply this year. As part of the word of mouth element, we wish to bring in the spoken word. Entrants must be willing to have a printed copy of their poem placed with the show, and to read the poem during the reception.
• A secondary element may be included with this year’s event: customized poems written for patrons. Literary artists willing to create spontaneous poems may set their own prices per poem.
Selected participants should also prepare at least 1 “Valentwine” – a small poem or artwork (sticker, miniature print, doodle, sketch) along the Valentwe’en theme to give to a patron. Participants may select anyone to whom they wish to give their Valentwine.
The show will run from Feb. 12 to March 1, with an opening reception coinciding with the art walk, 5 – 9 Feb. 13. In order to maintain social distancing standards, we will have part of the reception outside. Artists who submit works should indicate if they have a way to display their work outside (via easels or pedestals; and any form of lighting) for the reception period ONLY. After the reception, all works will be brought back into the ArtLofts gallery.
To keep up additional standards of social distancing, there will not be food or beverages served this year. All attendees are REQUIRED to wear masks and numbers of people inside the building will be limited to allow for a steady flow of individuals. Hand sanitizer stations are available inside ArtLofts, and artists are encouraged to bring their own supplies as well.
To follow more on the event, please check out the Grim Cupid’s Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/theGrimCupid/?modal=suggested_action¬if_id=1545876331651639¬if_t=page_user_activity
We lurk forward to working with you! Help make Valentwe’en a St. Petersburg tradition!