Photo by Sandrasonik
Local arts agency Creative Pinellas sprang into action after the hurricanes, offering resources such as advice on financial assistance, a list of essential resources and free office space to artists.
It’s also running a donation drive for pet and cleaning supplies for people affected by the storms. People can make donations at the Gallery at Creative Pinellas (12211 Walsingham Road, Largo); Dunedin Fine Art Center (1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin); Studios@5663 (5663 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park); Warehouse Arts District (515 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg); FloridaRAMA (2606 Fairfield Ave. S., St. Petersburg) and freeFall Theatre (6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg).
Arts Annual Hurricane Relief Fund
But most impactful was making its yearly fundraiser the Arts Annual Hurricane Relief Fund. 80% of funds raised through the sale of art and donations will go to artists and arts organizations impacted by the storms.
“Our cultural community is defined as much by its generosity of spirit as it is by the artistic excellence created here,” Margaret Murray, Creative Pinellas CEO said in a news release. “To bring both together – in support of a greater good – is truly inspiring.”
Creative Pinellas established a model for distributing relief funds during the pandemic. Those needing financial assistance must fill out an application. A panel of arts and community leaders will review the applications.
The Arts Annual exhibition, on view Nov. 29-Jan. 4, features 68 Pinellas County artists who work across all artistic disciplines. It includes dancer Alexander Jones, visual artists Elizabeth Barenis, Kate Cummins, Kenny Jensen, Michelle Gordon and John Gascot (to name but a few), musicians La Lucha and poet/photographer Thomas Sayers Ellis.
On Dec. 7, the Arts Annual Hurricane Relief Fundraiser gala happens at the Gallery at Creative Pinellas and features a one-night-only exhibition sponsored by Visit St. Pete/Clearwater. Still Shining is curated by artist Merritt Horan and features 25 Pinellas County artists who created 12-inch by 12-inch themed on the region’s resilience in the wake of the storms.
Art All Around!
The Gabber Newspaper covers live theater and art across South Pinellas. When we find something worth the drive, in the Tampa Bay and Sarasota areas.
Among the participating artists are Auraleius, known for his pop art style and affinity for robots; James Hartzell, whose mural Diversity in Democracy in St. Petersburg is more relevant than ever; Jenipher Chandley, who makes poetic figurative paintings and Perry Devick and Summer Elaine Hue, who recently presented What the Florida? in St. Petersburg.
“The recent back-to-back storms have left many area artists struggling to find their creative footing,” Horan said. “This exhibition … offers them a powerful reason to refocus and reconnect with their design processes, bringing hope and healing through art.”
After the 7th, unsold pieces will be available in the Arts Annual Pop Up Gift Shop, which showcases the work of an additional 26 artists.
From Nov. 29-Jan. 4, the Gallery at Creative Pinellas will be open Wednesdays-Sundays from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. to coincide with the Florida Botanical Gardens Holiday Lights event on the same campus, Pinewood Cultural Center.
Arts Annual Hurricane Relief Fundraiser The Gallery at Creative Pinellas, 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo. $100; $250, VIP. Music, light refreshments, bar, and a performance by Soul Mafia. Tickets: artsannual.org. More info: 727-582-2172 and creativepinellas.org.
We’re the calm during the storm. No hype, only help!
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