RATical!
When: April 1 – 30, with Second Saturday Art Walk April 8, 5 – 9 PM. Studio doors are open Monday – Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m, Saturday 12 – 4 p.m.
Where: ArtLofts, 10 5th Street North, Saint Petersburg, Florida, 33702. This is the second floor to Florida CraftArt.
Contact: Brandy Stark, brandybstark13@gmail.com, text: 727-821-5759
Thousands of pet rat owners will say the same thing: rats are cute, inquisitive, loving and interactive pets. In 2002, a group of enthusiastic ratters founded World Rat Day (April 4) in order to celebrates these radical rodents. As a dedicate pet rat owner, Brandy Stark is hosting a rat-themed art show giving these little mischievous creatures their due.
RATical is a one-month show hosted by B. Stark Art Studios at ArtLofts. We will have space in the small narthex next to the main gallery with additional works at Studio #208. The show is free to enter, but must depict rats in a positive manner as it, like the holiday, is meant to fight stigmas held against rats. There will be an accompanying Facebook page for the show to host online images and allow interested parties outside of the area to see the show and purchase works.
Sales are direct to artists, though a 20% donation of sales is requested for Florida Rat Rescue, a 501C3 rodent rescue whose mission includes educating “the public on the plight of rescue rats and the need for the protections afforded to other domestic pets. A long term goal is implementing outreach and education programs to regularly promote goodwill towards domestic rat pets, fight for welfare causes, and further good husbandry practices for exotic pet owners.” This rescue team drives cross state to rescue, revive and rehome rats in need.
Checkout the works of participating artist, Alexis Ellis, on her PBS interview:
For more information on Florida Rat Rescue, check their website here: https://www.floridaratrescuers.org/ and to donate: https://www.floridaratrescuers.org/donate