Exhibition Dates: July 9-August 28, 2021
Opening Reception: July 9, 6 p.m.
“Oh, the places we can go!” is a juried exhibition of handmade fine crafts where artists have created imaginative pieces inspired by places they’ve been or would like to go. From around the state, 37 artists created more than 80 pieces in ceramics, fiber, glass, metal and wood. At the opening and awards reception on Friday, July 9 at 6 p.m., people will have the opportunity to meet many of the talented artists and the show’s judge, Desmond Clark of St. Cate Fine Art.
Community programming includes textile artist Elizabeth Neily in costume telling the story of travel clothing from 1528 to today, an art-inspired ekphrastic performance by writers with Keep St. Pete Lit, and “Mad Traveler” author Dave Seminara revealing the pleasures and perils of wanderlust.
Artist Alicia Diem sculpted a Louis Vuitton suitcase in the shape of a fish with wheels. She fashioned it from clay, leather and gold luster glaze. The one-of-a-kind 10-inch-high artwork is priced at $890.
“Wufulla Tree Purple” is a blown borosilicate glass piece by St. Petersburg artist Jack Adlen. It is 12” high and priced at $840. He says, “My goal is to transport the viewer into another, glassy world, even for only a moment, where anything is possible — healing for our oceans, trees and landscapes that inspire and transport, and a sustainable world where materials are reused, transformed and reimagined.”
Joyce Curvin of Palm Harbor uses recycled materials in her entertaining artwork. She says, “My piece in the exhibition is called “Travelin’ Trixie” and she moves when the handle is cranked. It is a traditional papier-mâché puppet with a modern theme. She celebrates the lesson that so many have learned from the pandemic: working from home can mean working wherever you make your home on any given day. Trixie can do what she wants, dress the way she wants, live the way she wants….if she has Wi-Fi.” (Watch the video of the animated sculpture.)
Karen Woods, of Tarpon Springs, is both an award-winning basketry artist and polymer-clay jewelry maker who created kimono-inspired necklaces for the exhibition. She says, “In 2009, I had the opportunity to travel to Japan with other weaving instructors to study bamboo basketry techniques. I brought along an empty suitcase in anticipation of filling it with baskets, but instead I carried home many vintage shibori-dyed kimonos.”
“This exhibition’s programs are fascinating from artistic, intellectual and historical levels. Also, many of our programs are recorded on our website for people to watch,” says Florida CraftArt’s Board President Tyler Jones. “As engaging the community is part of Florida CraftArt’s mission, the public is invited to attend the exhibition and programming free of charge which is made possible with support from the exhibition’s sponsor Elizabeth Reilinger, along with David and Becky Ramsey, Regions Bank, the City of St. Petersburg, and Florida’s Division of Arts & Culture.”
The show runs through August 28 when the People’s Choice Award will be presented. People can vote for their favorite work of art in the Florida CraftArt Exhibition Gallery and on Facebook.
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, visit www.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:
Friday, July 9, 6 p.m. Meet the artists and judge Desmond Clark at the opening reception.
Saturday, July 17, 1 to 3 p.m. Writing class inspired by the exhibition with Keep St. Pete Lit $15. Register on KeepStPeteLit.org. Ekphrastic writing from the class will be performed on August 5.
Saturday, July 31, 2 p.m. Textile artist Elizabeth Neily tells the story of travel clothing from 1528 to today.
Saturday, August 14, 5-9 p.m. Second Saturday ArtWalk in the Gallery. Visit ArtLofts on our second floor.
Thursday, August 5, 6 p.m. Ekphrastic performance by writers who share stories inspired by the art.
Tuesday, August 17, 6 p.m. “Mad Traveler” author Dave Seminara talks about the pleasures and perils of wanderlust.
ARTISTS IN THE FLORIDA CRAFTART “Oh, the places you can go” EXHIBITION
Jack Alden, St. Petersburg
Dan Alexander, St. Petersburg
Gerri Aurre, Jupiter
Karen Brown, Tampa
Joan Carew, Coral Springs
Joyce Curvin, Palm Harbor
Terry Demaline, St. Petersburg
Alicia Diem, St. Petersburg
Eric Folsom, Gulfport
Peggy Gallaher, Lakeland
Sue Allen Griggs, Sarasota
Susan Hess, St. Petersburg
Diana Hirschhorn, Bradenton
Kristin Holeman, Ft. Lauderdale
Mary Jenkins, Lake Mary
Amy Kluth, St. Petersburg
Leeann Kroetsch, Tampa
Betsy Lester, St. Petersburg
Jill Lindsay, Port Charlotte
Vadim Malkin, Orlando
Eileen Marquez, St. Petersburg
Victoria Rose Martin, Lake Worth
Joyce McAdams, Edgewater
Melissa Menzer, Spring Hill
Natty Moss Bond, St. Petersburg
Elizabeth Neily, Gulfport
Suzy Pease, Gulfport
Nick Reale, St. Petersburg
Jan Richardson, St. Petersburg
Maria Saraceno, St. Petersburg
Jeryldine Saville, St. Petersburg
Ellen Simon, Parrish
Jennifer Sutton Roe, Altamonte Springs
Kim Tatlick, St. Petersburg
Lorraine Turner, Clearwater
James Woodfield, St. Petersburg
Karen Woods, Tarpon Springs