ART NEWS AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL AT FMOPA Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, 400 N Ashley Drive Cube 200 in Tampa, presents Sea to Shining Sea. This exhibition starts with the premise of America the Beautiful and expands to include the playfulness and eclectic beauty of this country and its people. Artists include David Freese, Clyde Butcher, Joan Gentry, Don Kirby, Benjamin Dimmitt, Bruce Davidson, Bruce Dale, Mick Briscoe, Joan Gentry, Loren Nelson, and Bud Lee. Especially now, when so much of our natural environment feels at peril, it is good to be reminded of the beauty that surrounds us, and the expressions and interpretations that accompany it. For more information: fmopa.org.
contemplation, family, food, and fun. The Atelier invites you to come dressed for the occasion and enjoy face painting and traditional food, beverages, and music. The show features 70-plus pieces in glass, fiber, metal, wood, and paint on canvas. There are also 68 sugar skulls decorated by local artists and 50 smaller sugar skulls decorated by local children. The show will be on exhibit through October 30. Atelier de SoSi is located at 2380 6th Ave. S, St. Petersburg. For more information see www.atelierdesosi.com.
FMoPA also reminds us it’s time for its Fifth Annual Faces of Philanthropy, which coincides with the museum’s 20th anniversary as Tampa’s premier photography museum. The festivities happen from 7-10pm on Nov. 11 at The Epicurean Hotel. Guests will enjoy a cocktail hour, open bar, dinner, performances, and the presentation of awards to the FMoPA community. They look forward to welcoming you then for a beautiful evening. Purchase tickets ($150) at fmopa.org.
SHINE ON ST. PETE! Returning for its 7th year, Oct. 15-24, the SHINE St. Petersburg Mural Festival will once again amaze us with a diverse collection of public art. The festival is an outdoor art exhibition founded with a seed grant from the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs and produced by the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance (SPAA). Local, national, and international mural artists are adding 19 new murals to the art districts of St. Pete. For artist bios, map, and full event details, visit stpeteartsalliance.org/ shine-2021.
CELEBRATE LIFE at “Dia de los Muertos 2” through Oct. 30 Día de los Muertos honors and celebrates deceased loved ones, so get to Atelier de SoSi for a juried exhibition of art that is full of life,
PIECED & PATTERNED: AMERICAN QUILTS C. 1880-1930 The geometric mastery of textile art grabs me like no other, so I was honored to get a sneak peek at the Museum of
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Fine Arts special exhibit of more than 30 extraordinary quilts. The design, materials, and craft reflect the complexity and richness of American life from the brash first decades of the republic through the trauma of the Great Depression. The colors, needlework, and overall composition of these pieces is staggeringly beautiful. On display through Jan. 23, 2022, at the MFA, 255 Beach Drive NE in St. Petersburg. AMERICAN STAGE RETURNS! After the longest wait in its storied history, American Stage launches its 2021–2022 season, For the Love of Theatre, with new productions chosen by Producing Artistic Director and Resident Playwright Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj. To lift everyone’s spirits The Odd Couple, featuring a multicultural cast, will be the new opening play. This Neil Simon classic explores the relationship between two friends who, despite their many differences, must find a way to live together. In the summer, American Stage will put on Dutchman, Amiri Baraka/LeRoi Jones’s classic that premiered during the height of the Civil Rights movement. For more information and to purchase tickets click to americanstage.org. While you’re thinking about American Stage, consider subscribing. Not only do subscribers save up to 20% off on tickets, they get perks including priority seat selection, special savings on additional tickets, no-fee ticket exchange, lost ticket insurance, and more. A 3-play package, which includes all three Mainstage
productions ranges from $124 to $186. A 4-play package also includes the holiday production and ranges from $119 to $245. But wait, there’s more. Check out Season Passes at americanstage.org/ subscriptions. AFTERNOON DELIGHT AT RUTH ECKERD HALL If you love shows but hate staying up late consider Ruth Eckerd Hall’s matinee series, Adults at Leisure. Enjoy brunch, complete with adult beverages, at Upstage Dining, before the show. For information, prices, tickets (ranging from $18-$35), and brunch reservations visit www.rutheckerdhall.com.
ARTJONES OPEN STUDIO TOUR in my hometown of Gulfport celebrates its fifth anniversary Dec. 4-5 with its largest roster of fine artists to date, a growing emphasis on emerging artists, and the unveiling of a scholarship designed to welcome underrepresented voices in the arts community. The 30 artists will be spread throughout 12 working artist studios across Gulfport in an event easily navigated by driving, biking, or walking. For more information and to download a map, visit www.artjonesstudiotour.com and social media outlets: Facebook: @WeAreArtJones Instagram: @ArtJonesGulfportFl
