Exhibition runs through May 8, 2021
Epicurean Delights is a juried exhibition showcasing 80 deliciously handmade fine craft objects by 32 artists that will delight the foodie in all. At the opening, the show’s judges Dr. Jennifer Hardin and Emmanuel Roux presented the awards and commented on the work.
“Greek philosopher Epicurus taught that the way to a happy life was about sensation – a communal way of getting together – dining and conviviality,” Dr. Hardin said. “The works in the exhibition deal with what you put on the table, what you have on the wall that relates to food, and friendship. Common meals were very important to Epicurus and I think we all look forward to dining with our friends in the very near future. Our criteria for the awards was originality and craftsmanship.”
The beautifully crafted blown-glass orange by Portland, Oregon artist Steve Hagan was awarded Best of Show. “This is such an exceptional piece,” said Emmanuel Roux, “and it is a symbol of Florida. The technique is stunning.”
Steve Hagan was an Artist in Residence at Duncan McClellan Gallery and created the orange using individual canes that he pulled 40-feet to create murrini to combine in the piece.
First Place went to Tampa-based ceramicist Kimberli Cummings for a beautifully painted majolica tureen featuring prancing roosters from Ybor City.
“Electric Tea Party Jacket” by Gulfport artist Elizabeth Neily won Second Place. The judges said that it was the kind of jacket that one would wear to a dinner party to be noticed, as if you were with Gertrude Stein.
Third Place was awarded to Eric Folsom of Gulfport for a hand-forged brass and copper serving set with a hanging bracket.
Honorable Mentions were given to Diana Hirschhorn (Lakewood Ranch) for a necklace “Sea Cabbage,” Nick Reale (St. Petersburg) for wooden “Dinner Seating for Two,” Jennifer Rosseter (St. Petersburg) for a ceramic plate “Coyote Woods,” Karyn Kozak (Gulfport) for “Wide Millefiori Teapot,” and Mei Ling St. Leger (Clearwater) for “Double Sided (Reversible) Stitched Shibori Table Runner.”
In the gallery are also fiber works by Tampa Bay Surface Design Guild members who have stitched, painted, embroidered and quilted abundant aprons, napkins, and fiber objects for sale as a fundraiser for its scholarship program.
“As engaging the community is part of Florida CraftArt’s mission, the public is invited to attend the exhibition and programming free of charge,” said Florida CraftArt’s Board President Tyler Jones. “For instance, on April 20, Dali Museum Curator of Education, Peter Tush, will present “Dining with Dali” based on Dali’s cookbook.”
Widely renowned for his award-winning chocolate, Bill Brown, the owner, chef and artist of William Dean Chocolates, will lead a virtual taste-bud tour during the virtual chocolate tastings on April 27. From Madagascar chocolates to French gourmet blends, the chef will explain the wildly different flavors and origins. Prior to the event, people can purchase gourmet chocolate samples at Florida CraftArt or William Dean Chocolates, 2790 West Bay Drive, Belleair Bluffs, Florida.
The show runs through May 8. People can vote for their favorite work of art in the Florida CraftArt Exhibition Gallery and on Facebook. The exhibition’s sponsors are Mark Anderson and Keith Bucklew, William Dean Chocolates, along with support from Perry and Lisa Everett, the City of St. Petersburg, and Florida’s Division of Cultural Affairs.
Florida CraftArt is located at 501 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg. Gallery hours are Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. For more information, visitwww.FloridaCraftArt.org or call (727) 821-7391. Fine craft art is presented in its 2,500-square-foot retail gallery and curated exhibitions are featured in its adjacent exhibition gallery. 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. Florida CraftArt is the only statewide organization offering artists a platform to show and sell their work.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
Tuesday, April 20, 6 p.m. Dali Curator of Education Peter Tush lecture: “Dining with Dali.” Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83641081277
Tuesday, April 27, 6 p.m. Chocolate tasting with William Dean Chocolates founder.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86210456438 Prior to the event, purchase gourmet chocolate samples at Florida CraftArt or William Dean Chocolates, 2790 West Bay Drive, Belleair Bluffs, Florida. Visit WilliamDeanChocolates.com.
ARTISTS IN THE FLORIDA CRAFTART EPICUREAN DELIGHTS EXHIBITION
Gerri Aurre, Jupiter, Florida
Travis Blanton, Vero Beach, Florida
Sue Cannon, Apopka, Florida
Kimberli Cummings, Tampa, Florida
Joyce Curvin, Palm Harbor, Florida
Tom Davis, St. Petersburg, Florida
Eric Folsom, Gulfport, Florida
Brenda Gregory, Tampa, Florida
Steven Hagan, Portland, Oregon
Lauren Hill, St. Petersburg, Florida
Diana Hirschhorn, Bradenton, Florida
Tyler Jones, St. Petersburg, Florida
Annette Kapfer, St. Petersburg, Florida
Karyn Kozak, Gulfport, Florida
Carina Krehl, St. Petersburg, Florida
Pat Lafaye, Safety Harbor, Florida
Laurie Landry, St. Petersburg, Florida
Victoria Rose Martin, Lake Worth, Florida
Elizabeth Neilly, Gulfport, Florida
Victoia Nikkel, Pinellas Park, Florida
Suzy Pease, Gulfport, Florida
Susan Peloubet, Tampa, Florida
Joseph Poltorak, St. Petersburg, Florida
Nick Reale, St. Petersburg, Florida
Shelly Steck Reale, St. Petersburg, Florida
Jan Richardson, St. Petersburg, Florida
Jennifer Rosseter, St. Petersburg, Florida
Carol Shelton, Tampa, Florida
Mei-Ling St. Leger, Clearwater, Florida
Deborah Thorton, St. Petersburg, Florida
Pamela Joy Trow, St. Petersburg, Florida
Mary Ann Ziegler, Largo, Florida