The Artisan Magazine - Tampa Bay, March/April 2024 Edition

EQUALITY THROUGH ART SINCE 1995.

CREATIVE CLAY

Visit this amazing art center in St. Pete’s Grand Central District to explore Good Folk Gallery, Creative Thrift art supply store and the working studios of flourishing local artists. Marvel at art, meet the makers and even have your portrait done. Learn more at CreativeClay.org

8 Culinary Arts - Sonata @ Mahaffey

10 DEKKERS LIBATIONS - Crafty Spirits

14 Musical - The Opera

16 sculpture - Mark Aeling/MGA Sculpture Studios

18 photographer - Thomas Sayers Elllis

20 photographer - Charlie Krusac

22 photographer - Geoffrey Baris

24 photographer - Tracy Kennard

26 photographer - Brian James

ISonata Restaurant & Lounge

At The Mahaffey Theater

love going out for dinner. Even better is dinner and a show! Sonata makes that easy. Located in the Mahaffey Theater, it’s the perfect place for an excellent dinner prior to a concert… whether it be the Florida Orchestra, Randy Rainbow, ABBA, or Lewis Black (to name a few we’ve been to recently). Park once, have dinner, and walk across the lobby to your seat. The restaurant is open on non-performance days as well.

And there’s the moon! Inside the building! Go see for yourself…

Sonata opened in late 2023, the brainchild of Bill Edwards, whose company has managed the Mahaffey for over 15 years, and Chef Ted Dorsey, former owner/chef at The Mill (for 10 years). I’m a little surprised Bill hadn’t opened a restaurant here earlier…waiting for the right Chef, perhaps?

After The Mill closed, Bill hired Ted as Chef/Manager for The Club at Treasure Island, and when that property sold, Sonata at the Mahaffey was a natural transition for the pair.

Please remember Sonata is a fine-dining restaurant. Give yourself a couple of hours before a performance to enjoy dinner and to be fair to the kitchen which is preparing meals for a hundred or more diners. The restaurant currently seats 145, but when the lounge and patio are activated, it will seat 350.

You’re probably asking: “What about the food and service?” In a word: Terrific! There’s also a well-curated list of wines by the glass and bottle…and some really interesting cocktails!

We’ve eaten there 3 times, the first time on Sonata’s first night open to the public. The food and service were on point…as if Sonata was a restaurant that had been around for a long time. Among us, we had the Wagyu Beef Tartar & Braised Bone Marrow, the Gasparilla Salad (a meal in itself), and the Seared Diver Scallops. The scallops were tender and meaty. The accompaniments perked up the scallops, with their diversity of flavors & textures. The salad was generously loaded with perfectly cooked seafood. The Tartar/Bone Marrow starter was the most unique preparation for Steak Tartar I’ve

tasted. It was excellent, likely to become a signature dish.

Our next visit was just a couple of weeks later…I expect we will have dinner at Sonata whenever we have a performance at the Mahaffey. Chef Dorsey has found a source for amazing Australian Wagyu Beef. He uses it in the Tartar/Bone Marrow dish and in his Burger. However, the best way to enjoy it is as a STEAK! Willi (my spouse) and I shared a 14oz Australian Wagyu Ribeye…juicy, unbelievably tender, and very rare, as requested. It arrived cut in large slices, making it easy to share. It came with a Red Beet Sweet Potato Pave…a layered bit of delicious. We ordered a side of Edamame Corn Succotash. We had no room for dessert, but we “forced” ourselves to have an overly-generous slice of Chocolate Cake. High, moist, and more than we needed.

Our most recent visit included a plethora of dishes. We started with the Char Grilled Octopus. The accompanying lemon dill red pepper hummus and Moroccan spices made this different from similar dishes on other menus around St. Petersburg. It was also a larger portion and delicious…very tender! Chef Dorsey told us he cures the octopus to dry it out, confits it in duck fat, and then cooks it to order…a lot of work, and worth it.

We also had the Burger, made of the Australian Wagyu Beef, the ample Osso Bucco Bourguignon, the Day Boat Gulf Fish with the Saffron Risotto on the side to accommodate Willi’s dairy allergy, and two (2) awesome desserts, a DARK Chocolate Pot de Crème and one of the most beautiful desserts I’ve ever had: a Panna Cotta and Raspberry Gelee “sculpture” that was as good as it looks!

Chef Dorsey prides himself on fresh, high-quality ingredients, many sourced locally. He puts a lot of thought and planning into what he prepares. As an example, he told me he uses kennebec potatoes for his fries. They are a more expensive, higher-starch potato, but they make a better fry. It’s all about attention to detail.

Bottom line, I would order any of these dishes again. Sonata and its Moon are winners!

By Hal Freedman

Hal Freedman, Chef Ted Dorsey & Willi Freedman

Dinner Menu

A BITE OF FASHION

HOT TICKET

Tampa Museum of Art and Saks Fifth Avenue Celebrate Fashion and Art with Carolina Herrera at CITY: Fashion+Art+Culture 2024.

The Tampa Museum of Art and Saks Fifth Avenue are delighted to announce TMA’s most anticipated fashion event of the year, CITY: Fashion+Art+Culture, taking place on Saturday, April 20, 2024. Now in its thirteenth year, this signature event spotlights the iconic designs of Carolina Herrera, showcasing the world-renowned luxury fashion house’s distinct blend of classic elegance and modern sophistication.

Guests attending CITY will be treated to an exclusive runway show featuring Carolina Herrera’s latest collection. Known for impeccable designs that have graced red carpets and royal events worldwide, the brand is a symbol of timeless elegance. The designs are a perfect complement to the Museum’s approach of presenting innovative and engaging art forms.

Carolina Herrera, a name synonymous with refined grace and bold simplicity, has been shaping the

fashion industry over the last four decades. The exquisitely crafted designs are celebrated for their classic refinement and touch of modern flair. The event at the Tampa Museum of Art will showcase Carolina Herrera’s latest collection and celebrate her artistic spirit that drives the fashion house’s Creative Director Wes Gordon to lead the brilliance of the brand.

CITY: Fashion+Art+Culture is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Presenting Sponsor, the Vinik Family Foundation. The event is also made possible thanks to Fashion Sponsors Mary and Bryan Crino, Straz Family Foundation and Vera and Cortland Reilly.

The vision for CITY 2024 is brought to life by the collective efforts of co-chairs Mary Crino and Vera Reilly, the Tampa Museum of Art and Saks Fifth Avenue. Proceeds from the event support the Museum’s educational programs and exhibitions, which are integral to nurturing accessible learning experiences for children, teens, and adults in the region. •

By Carol Dekkers

Crafty Spirits

“Liquid Art”

FORESHOTS HEADS, HEARTS, AND TAILS

By Carol Dekkers

St Petersburg historians and tour guides love to regale visitors with tales of Prohibition-era bootlegging and smuggling, often weaving in intriguing rumors of Al Capone's prohibition era rum-running and floating speakeasies with colorful characters. Fast forward to the modern-day, where until 2021, our state’s stringent laws restricted sales out of our craft distilleries to six individual containers per customer per year, and strictly for off-site consumption.

That year, the enactment of the Florida Craft Distilleries Law, paved the way for a sustainable future for the state’s craft distilleries by granting distiller authority to sell unlimited quantities of their own branded products directly to consumers, both by the drink for on-site consumption, and in factory-sealed containers for off-site indulgence. The landmark decision also ushered in a new era for Florida consumers to experience tastings of local spirits at events ranging from trade shows to farmers markets to expositions and festivals.

Interestingly, just the year before, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made the surprising announcement that all distilled spirits in the U.S., regardless of their ingredients, could be labeled as "gluten-free”. While this is not mainstream knowledge even today, the announcement sparked innovative marketing by one Texas vodka maker who capitalized on the ruling despite its universal applicability.

Defining a "craft distillery" parallels the criteria observed in the craft beer industry (as explored in the Jan/Feb issue of The Artisan), emphasizing independence in ownership and modest annual sales volumes.The production process can range from "seed to glass," where every aspect is managed in-house, to "grain to

glass" or "farm to glass," indicating involvement from raw materials to bottling to “pre-mashed” whereby partially distilled product is purchased for finishing at the distillery.

The distillation process for craft spirits itself is complex, involving multiple stages to purify the mash and remove impurities. Each "spirit run" passes through four stages – foreshots, heads, hearts, and tails – to ensure the removal of toxic alcohol. Talent and expertise are critical in determining the optimal stages for distillation.

In the heart of our own warehouse arts district stands the St. Petersburg Distillery, Florida's largest craft distillery, fully operational and set to become a full "grain to glass" operation by the end of 2024. Noteworthy features also include their exclusive use of ingredients with natural colors and flavors, boasting rights that their master distiller is the only African American in Florida to hold that title, and experimental “limited-time offer (LTO)” products launched for special events. (Watch for their Muralist Bourbon release in October.)

Other notable craft distilleries in our area include American Freedom Distillery producing limited runs of vodka, gin and rum onsite at the Urban Stillhouse, Kozuba and Sons Distillery (Pinellas Park), Big Storm Distilling (Clearwater), Cotherman’s Distilling (Dunedin), and others.

Today, there’s even a free mobile app for consumers interested in exploring our local craft distilleries: “The Florida Distillery Trail” developed by the Florida Craft Spirits Association.

From its humble beginnings as “God’s waiting room” to a modern-day artistic metropolis, St Petersburg’s reputation as a home for “liquid art” is becoming well-deserved.

Raise a Glencairn!

Carol Dekkers, a certified Cicerone at level 1 (Beer Server), is the owner of Curated Craft Experiences, LLC. Her craft beer involvement includes service with both the Tampa Bay Beer Week (TBBW) board of directors and the Tampa Bay chapter of the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE). Through her initiative, VolunBEERs, (comprising a robust 500-person community), she coordinates volunteers for local brewery/charity events. Carol writes, blogs, and speaks on craft beer nationally, and teaches responsible alcohol service as a certified TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) program trainer.

1. Discounted ticket pricing for classes, concerts, movies, and shows.

2. Access to quarterly Member Social events.

3. Call to Artists: art submissions for the gallery exhibitions.

4. Participating in Second Saturday ARtWalk through tent space rentals or the WADA member store.

MUSICAL PERFORMANCE

THE

OPERA

A grand musical and performance arts genre.

What better medium to express the human story than the human voice? It’s THE original instrument to communicate thoughts and emotions. As an art form, Opera has used the human voice as its primary instrument and other musical instruments to support it since 1600. Now, with the aid of studies in voice perception, we know how the sound of the human voice has a unique way of capturing our emotional attention to its core through its colors and subtleties - something early humans and opera lovers recognized all along. A study shared in 2012 article in Evolution and Human Behavior entitled “Instant Messages vs. Speech: Hormones and Why We Still Need to Hear Each Other” found that merely hearing the voice of our loved ones versus a text conversation reduces our blood cortisol levels, which are a marker of stress, and heightens the release of oxytocin, the feel-good hormone associated with bonding. Researchers found it’s likely the prosodic auditory cues (tone) that produce the positive feel-good hormonal effects, (The Power of Connection Through Voice, Andrea Luoma, Forbes Coaches Council, 2020)

If that’s what happens with a phone call, imagine the positive effects of spending an evening at the opera! Opera performers capitalize on this. They practice and refine techniques that give them the ability to “characterize” their vocal tone. They learn to modify their voice to effect its acoustic properties to intensify volume, widen pitch range, and bring agility and sustainability. Then, they employ these properties or skills to create vocal colors that communicate the character’s emotions, economic class, dialect, age, size and attractiveness through the acoustical cues of the voice. “The music of opera embraces the full sound and intensity of an orchestra and the singing stretches the limits of the human voice,” says Dewey Davis-Thompson,

opera lover and librettist in St. Petersburg. Vibrato (the naturally occurring wavering of the sung voice) and coloratura (rapid movement over a range of pitches), common in opera, provide layers of "extra" aural sensations rarely experienced in most theatrical productions.

Operas are often sung in the language of the composer, typically Italian or German. Opera companies project the English translations on a screen over the actors. Opera can also be experienced without needing specific meaning for words. “The music and voices can wash over you just as they are, foreign and disconnected from language, yet still ripe with intent and emotion,” says Davis-Thompson.

In Tampa Bay, opera students, teachers, performers and companies engage in this art form in new and exciting as well as more traditional ways.

Opera Tampa

Opera Tampa’s elaborate, full-scale productions feature world-class conductors, including Florida Symphony Orchestra’s Michael Francis, vocalists from around the US and locally, and award-winning designers who collaborate to produce and present the highest caliber of grand opera, complete with all the spectacle and grandeur that makes opera “the queen of the performing arts.” This season Opera Tampa is mounting (3) productions in Morsani Hall at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. These traditional “war-horses,” Verdi’s La Traviata, Mozart’s Don Giovanni, and Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel offer something for performing arts lovers of all stripes: love, death, tragedy, comedy, dance, kids and sweets! Learn more about their season at strazcenter.org

St. Petersburg Opera

Since Mark Sforzini founded The St. Pete Opera in 2007, the company has focused its vision on sharing quality

By Stacie Steinke

By Stacie Steinke

www.staciesteinkemusic.com

musicianship that enhances the cultural life of Tampa Bay and provides opportunities for professional singers, orchestral players, dancers, directors, choreographers, and designers both locally and abroad. Maestro Sforzini is devoted to the mission to make opera accessible and enjoyable for all. Collaboration with key artistic organizations and free concerts throughout the community allow people of all ages and from all walks of life to experience and learn that they love opera. St. Pete Opera is mounting 2 full-scale productions this season at the Palladium in Downtown St. Pete - Puccini’s Turandot, and Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermor - as well as Opera Scenes, Broadway Cabaret and Mornings with the Maestro talks about opera.

Dee Perconti, an expressive mixed media collage artist and St. Petersburg resident is a huge fan of St. Pete Opera. She says, "I am an expressive artist so what speaks to me is the power and beauty of the performers. The singers, dancers and musicians are carefully selected from national auditions. They are young, vibrant and sexy. The costumes are gorgeous, and the music hits me in the gut. I am a wreck every time I hear “Nessun Dorma” [the wellknown tenor aria in Turandot.] And besides that, Maestro Mark Sforzini is a creative genius. I didn't grow up with Opera, so I was delighted to learn that I didn't need to speak German or Italian. English translations are on a big screen above the stage in the Palladium where SPO performs. And the program has a synopsis of the plot act by act."

Learn more about their season @ stpeteopera.org

St. Pete Opera is where Davis-Thompson got hooked on the medium. Even though he was a very experienced thespian and lyricist/ playwright, he was trepidatious when Maestro Sforzini asked him to be a supernumerary, or nonspeaking extra, in an opera many years ago. The overt

drama, musical beauty and willingness to explore difficult subject matter made opera a very attractive medium to him. “I suppose it was only a matter of time before I began to write my own short operas, [operettas]” says Davis-Thompson. His work, “The Triumph of Spring,” had its world premiere for audiences in St. Petersburg - first at the St. Pete Opera Guild luncheon then at freeFall Theatre as part of a larger variety show, “Pirates & Angels,” which he produces.

This short operetta explores one of the most controversial and heinous practices of early opera - castration - alongside modern definitions of gender. Due to social norms of the 17th C, women were not allowed to perform on stage. Young boys of vocal promise were subjugated to castration to preserve their soprano, pre-puberty voices indefinitely, and provide acoustically strong high pitches for the art form. Moving into the 19thC, this practice started to fall out of favor, and women then appeared in some of the more gender-fluid roles (i e. Cherubino, the young male page, in ‘The Marriage of Figaro’).

These "pants roles," instituted a further development of gender swapping. In our post-modern era, with elective gender adjustment and medical alteration becoming more common, Davis-Thompson says, “I began to muse about the possibility of a new castrato singer. And then the muse began to work on me, pushing me to write lyrics and seek out composer Chris Romeo, the star tenor of St. Pete Opera Company, to complete this short work.” The story of “The Triumph of Spring” brings full circle the use of the voice as THE instrument to tell the human story. It is the most flexible and emotionally driven instrument, and housed in the human form that struggles and groans to respond to individual and social change. •

Stacie Steinke is a vocal professional who teaches, directs and produces shows with a nostalgic bent in the Tampa Bay Area with her ensemble, Festive Florida Singers. Since studying opera in Washington, DC at the Catholic University of America, Stacie has performed in opera, musical theater and oratorio regionally and throughout the US and in Mexico.

Mark Aeling - SculptorSCULPTURE

By Lisa Lippincott

A WORK IN PROGRESS

Alooping thrum fills the air as a jet of water and crushed garnet slices through a sheet of stainless steel, steadily carving the metal into a multitude of bird silhouettes. 1600 shapes in all, representing avian species native to western Texas, are being cut to create Convocation, the latest sculpture by Mark Aeling and his team at MGA Sculpture Studio to begin assembly. Commissioned for a police station in El Paso, Texas, the monumental work, which takes the overall form of a massive wing (a recurring design in Aeling’s sculptures), will be his tallest free-standing sculpture to date, stretching forty feet from base to tip. It’s also his favorite. The current piece in progress, Aeling says, is always his favorite—and he fully means it. Which is exactly how you’d want the creator of your very large, very expensive sculpture to feel about it. As such, it’s little wonder that he and his work are in such demand. With little to no downtime between commissioned projects, the studio has been turning out an impressive number of works –

more than a dozen since the start of 2020 alone. Many of his projects are spread around the country, but several are local and publicly viewable, including the First Flight monument at the St Petersburg Pier, and Gladiolus and Shielded at the St Petersburg Police Station.

Aeling took early to the creative process, learning he could both lose himself in art making, and connect through it to something larger than himself. His earliest professional aspirations leaned towards football, however, but by the age of seventeen a rethinking was in order, and he returned to art filled with determination. To help pacify any misgivings his parents might have had, he studied graphic design alongside sculpture, but he detested his design classes every bit as much as he loved creating artwork, and sculpture won out. Three years out of grad school in St Louis, Missouri, he founded MGA, and in 2005 he moved the studio to its present location in St Petersburg, Florida.

When he was younger, Aeling says, he had “romantic” notions of what it

Mark

meant to be a sculptor. But life demands a certain amount of practicality, and it has been an art in itself to negotiate a path that has allowed him to continue to do the very thing he loves doing. It has required both tenacity and clarity of vision, he says. Making public sculpture is complicated. There are technical requirements, and political considerations of a sort. It involves committees, and approvals, and budgeting, and there are all sorts of unsexy, unglamorous parts to it. But ultimately, for Aeling and for others like him, the result is incredibly gratifying.

Also gratifying, he says, is the interest the public has shown in his work and his process. Ordinarily closed to visitors for safety reasons, MGA is open to tour during ArtWalk each month, and it has proved a highly-popular stop on the Second-Saturday circuit. Next door is another popular stop, Soft Water Gallery, of which Aeling is a co-owner. The entire proper-

ty is abuzz on these nights, in no small part due to Aeling. For 12 years he has helmed the board of the Warehouse Arts District Association. He spearheaded the purchase and development of the multi-disciplinary ArtsXchange campus, which is now home to dozens of art studios, classroom space, a dance studio, community space, and a gallery. It is also home to an open air stage backed by Aeling’s 9/11 monument, Rise. Live/work studios are also in the planning. He feels an incredible sense of gratitude for the career he has been able to build here, and he feels a duty to help ensure a safe haven for the arts going forward. He likens the entire project to a multi-phase sculpture — one far larger and more complex than the one destined for El Paso. While discussing the progress that has been made and the ongoing plans, Aeling becomes visibly emotional—the work in progress is always his favorite, after all.

Thomas Sayers Ellis

TO WATCH

In 2022, Conde Nast Traveler magazine called St. Petersburg a small city with a big-time art scene. Part of the delight of becoming an arts destination is that the area’s draw for creatives to move and live here is expanding. On a regular basis I meet truly talented people who have decided to call St. Petersburg home.

One such person has not only moved to the area but is little by little becoming an integral part of the arts scene here. His name is Thomas Sayers Ellis, and if you haven’t heard of him yet, you soon will.

Ellis won the competition to be named by the St. Pete Month of Photography as the first Photo Laureate of St. Petersburg. This honor will culminate with an exhibition in May of 2024. He has also been given a grant and named as a 2023/2024 Emerging Artist with the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance, an honor given to mid-career artists to enable them to augment their careers with a specific goal, a mentor, and funds to do so. Ellis’s career is well beyond the mid-career benchmark, but it is wonderful that Pinellas County is helping this artist to thrive where he lives.

Ellis first visited the Tampa Bay area in 2002 as a guest poet at the University of Tampa and part of his introduction to the area included a trip to St.

SPMOP - PHOTO LAUREATE '23-'24

https://tsellis.com

By Robin O'Dell

Petersburg. He moved here in 2016 after meeting someone who lived here and now considers this his permanent home, although currently most of his work still takes place in other cities around the world. He is a successful and talented poet, photographer, and band leader. “The real deal,” one might say.

He comes with an impressive history. The fact alone that he has an MFA from Brown University and studied poetry at Harvard University with Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney makes me a bit intimidated. He worked for six years as an Assistant Professor of Writing at the esteemed Sarah Lawrence College and for nine at Case Western University. While working as a projectionist at the Harvard Film Archive, he assisted filmmaker Spike Lee and film historian Thomas Cripps and worked at the famous Grolier Poetry Bookshop.

A recipient of the Guggenheim Fellowship for Poetry, he co-founded the Dark Room Collective and Reading Series, a Boston area organization that gave greater visibility to writers of color. His work has been featured in many journals including The Paris Review, The Nation, and Best American Poetry (1997, 2001, 2010, 2015), not to mention his own books of poetry including but not limited to Maverick

Room (Graywolf Press), The Genuine Negro Hero (The Kent State University Press), and Skin, Inc.: Identity Repair Poems (Graywolf Press).

In 2015, he co-founded Heroes Are Gang Leaders (HAGL) with saxophonist James Brandon Lewis, a literary Free Jazz band who were awarded the American Book Award for Oral Literature in 2018 and have performed all over the world and recorded a half dozen CDs.

His photographs have been exhibited at the Studiottantuno in Mantova Italy, at Howard University in Washington DC, and at the Leica Fotografie International Gallery, as well as others. He is the author of two photo books: “Mexico”, which features 88 of his photographs, and “Crank Shaped Notes,” which features 52 photographs, poetry and prose.

Ellis has an extraordinary ability to see and uncover aspects of the world around us that most of us overlook. He gives voice to the human condition in a delightfully organic and timeless way. His photographs are current while having an ageless feel. Sometimes it is difficult to date them, as though Ellis has somehow time traveled to the past and brought us all with him to witness the present through his artistic lens.

Once you meet him in person, you

will not forget him. He has a stylish urban way of dressing and a keen inquisitive intellect. Yet, he has somehow been able to walk the streets of St. Pete for the last seven years without much of anyone taking notice. It probably does help that he spends much of the year working in other cities around the world, yet you can tell by the massive collection of photographs he has created of this area, he spends plenty of time seeing and watching the light and people that make this place distinctive. The quality of light is one of the things he says drew him to this area.

The fact that he has decided to participate in some area competitions and arts events should give us hope. Hope both for the longevity of Ellis staying in our area (which would be a very good thing) and for the possibility that other talented artists and creatives will also continue to figure out how to thrive here. This support is necessary if we are to continue to consider ourselves an arts destination.

Keep your eye out for the beautiful work of Thomas Sayers Ellis: poetry, spoken word, photography. He does it all very, very well. We should all look forward to seeing more. •

KRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY

My name is Charlie Krusac. One night in 1984, my wife (Margo) and I were having dinner with our best friends. Margo loves deep conversations and asked us all a question; “If you could do anything with your life, what would it be?” Everyone shared what their dream job would be and when it was my turn, I said I wanted to be a movie director. We all laughed and thought it was great fun.

Over the next few weeks, I couldn’t get the “what ifs” out of my head. Video production was evolving into the next big thing at that time and a local school had a two-year program specifically for Video Production. With Margo’s encouragement, I followed my heart and decided to go back to school. Several weeks into the program I had to take a mandatory photography class. It was as if a magical door opened for me. I knew nothing about photography but excelled at it as if I had been doing it for years. At the end of the program, my instructor asked me to go into business with him and I drove home with tears streaming down my face. I began shooting weddings, portraits, events, and boudoir-style images and enjoyed every minute of it.

One of the women I photographed was an executive at Estee Lauder and we became close friends. She started hiring me for her corporate work which led to working for Tommy Bahama, Macy’s, Mary Kay Cosmetics, and several other commercial accounts, as well as my normal clientele.

I hadn’t learned the importance of balancing work and home life, and sadly I was getting burned out. During this same period, I was offered an incredible job with benefits and health insurance, and I accepted it. I still kept my regular photography clients and it was a great mix.

In 2015, my employer moved me to Florida for a special proj-

FORM OVER FUNCTION

ect and when it was done, I decided it was time to retire and get back into photography full-time. This time I wanted to emphasize work that fulfilled me creatively.

I told a friend that I was thinking about getting into fine art photography and she volunteered to help me make that transition. She was, and is, an athlete and wanted to create images similar to the Sport Illustrated Body Issue images and I thought that was a great place to start. We had our first test shoot in my home studio and despite it being a new experience for us both, we created a powerful photo with our first shot of the first pose. I submitted this first “fine art” photograph to an art show called Nude Nite. It was accepted and sold on the first night of the show. We were elated and I was hooked. I have been creating fine art images ever since.

In late 2019, I got the idea of working underwater and it has become my new passion. Now I create fine art images in my studio, in nature, and underwater.

I strive to create images that reveal the strength, positivity, and natural beauty of all that surrounds us, especially the beauty of the human body. At a time when many around us see the human body as something from which we need to be protected, or at the very least hidden from view, I want to join the voices of those who love who we are, what we are, and how we look. I have been fortunate in finding many like-minded people who give me the love, support, and inspiration I need to continue this journey and find fulfillment in my life.

My work can be seen in galleries, pop-up art shows, and homes across the United States.

I also do commissioned work, which has brought a myriad of new opportunities and people into my life. At a time when most people are slowing down and relaxing, I’m doing the exact opposite. I’ve never been busier, and never been happier.

GEOFFREY BARIS

AHIS WORDS

s I approach a significant birthday, I find myself reflecting on my remarkable 50-year journey as a photographer. Little did I know that a twist of fate at 20, involving an auto accident and a six-month arm cast, would steer me from a union carpenter job to studying photography in Junior College. I honed my craft being a photo assistant and working for top fashion photographers in LA and NY before establishing my own studio in NYC. Following an exciting five-year stint in the Big Apple, a pivotal assignment for Cosmopolitan Magazine brought me to the picturesque San Francisco where having just spent a hot sweaty summer in NYC prompted me one week later to pack up and move back to SF.

I started working for renowned clients like Victoria’s Secret, Macy's, Nordstrom, and others. Venturing to Seattle for Nordstrom, I eventually moved there and shot for most of the local clients and became the principal photographer for Eddie Bauer. Embracing a lifestyle approach to fashion photography, I started working for LL Bean, Lands End, Pendelton, Orvis, Eastern Mountain Sports, Speedo, JC Penny, Target and many others. With 95% of my work being location photography, I had the privilege of traveling all over the world.

After 35 years in fashion photography, I honed my fine art abstract nature photography during my fashion travels and soon landed a solo show in Soho. This marked a turning point, leading me to leave the fashion business and its demanding pressures and travel schedule. I eventually was represented by Galleries in NY, CT, Hamptons, Palm Desert, LA, Seattle, and Miami. About seven years ago, I relocated from Miami to welcoming St. Petersburg, where I rented a studio at Five Deuces Galleria. Empowered by the building owner's vision, I curated shows, transforming the space into an award-winning gallery alongside fellow artist and curator Julie Haura. Specializing in showcasing local talent, we've turned Five Deuces into a recognized gallery.

In addition to selling my fine art photos in my gallery I collaborate with interior designers on custom homes and art consultants for hospitality projects, with my artwork in over two hundred hotels globally. My love for photography keeps me working almost every day, capturing beautiful portraits in my natural light studio and shooting new fine art photographs. If I could pass on advice to an upcoming photographer or artist it would be to always push yourself to create new techniques and styles that look different and unique from others, continuing to always reinvent yourself. •

TRACY KENNARD INTO THE

Follow me on Instagram!

@LIBRAGIRLTRACY INSTAGRAM

MLIGHT

y journey as an artist is relatively short, tracing back to my beginnings on Instagram in October 2012 as an amateur iPhone photographer. It took time for me to capture a truly noteworthy photo – and even that initial achievement is debatable!

The allure of taking photos spontaneously (literally “on the run”) coupled with the advancement of iPhone technology, encouraged me to continue experimenting with this medium.

Contrary to a background rooted in creativity, I spent the

last 13 years as a social media marketer and arts administrator. Now, as the Arts, Culture & Tourism Coordinator for the City of St. Pete, I continue to be surrounded by creative souls and supportive friends who inspire me to explore my “eye for photography”, but I often perceive it as a blend of luck, good timing and patience.

Lacking formal artistic skills and uninterested in traditional photography equipment, I sought to elevate my craft by enrolling in iPhone Photography School in 2018. Complet-

ing courses such as the iPhone Photo Academy, iPhone Landscape Mastery, and the iPhone Editing Academy marked the beginning of my exploration. The journey doesn't end here – there's more to come! My plan is to continue learning and experimenting with diverse perspectives. In a world where everyone possesses a smartphone, I aim not just for beautiful photos but for exceptional ones. The quest for uniqueness and excellence is an ongoing adventure that I'm excited to embrace.

BRIAN JAMES

A STYLE OF LIFE

https://photography.brianjamesgallery.com

As I finish a photoshoot at my studio in downtown St. Petersburg, I sit and marvel at the natural lighting pouring in from these beautiful french doors in this 100+ year-old building. I have been making photos here for 14 years and it feels like it all started just yesterday. In reality, my start goes all the way back to that dimly lit high school darkroom. Enamored with the magic of photography watching my first print develop right in front of my eyes.

When I first opened my studio, I did not imagine my career would take me all over the world doing photoshoots in iconic cites from London to Paris, Milan to Montreal, and all over the United States. I’ve created fashion editorials and ad campaigns for some of the largest brands and publications. I have been the photographer on productions of numerous films, reality shows, and national commercials. I actually ended up in a movie once when they needed someone to play, well, a photographer. It was a small scene, but somehow I made the trailer.

With all of the travel and adventure my camera has afforded me, it is nice to share I was born and raised in Tampa Bay. I am also grateful to have established my business here in 2010. Having a photography studio and gallery in St. Pete is something many people may dream of. I pinch myself sometimes to make sure this is real.

When asked if there is a blueprint for my success, I say be dependable, be consistent, be kind, and be passionate about your work. Communicate with your subjects and give direction to accomplish the look they set out to achieve. Each client deserves a fun experience and quality results. If you can make it enjoyable AND produce excellent work, you will succeed.

Nothing makes me feel more accomplished than seeing my work published. Whether those photos are a musician’s album cover on Spotify, a professional headshot on LinkedIn, a law firm splashed on a billboard, creative marketing images on a company’s website, or a full blown fashion editorial spread and cover of a magazine.

I believe my greatest strength as a photographer is my ability to make people comfortable on set. Many people do not enjoy being in front of the camera and it can be intimidating coming into a professional studio. With my main body of work being edgy high fashion, you may assume that I am serious, or even bossy, when in reality I’m just gonna make you laugh. That is also how I capture your actual smile. •

Saint Petersburg Month of Photography (SPMOP)

Every year, the city of Saint Petersburg will be transformed into a photography wonderland as the Saint Petersburg Month of Photography (SPMOP) kicks off in May. This annual celebration of the art of photography offers exhibitions, events, and workshops for everyone who loves photography and is interested in learning more about the art and the techniques involved. During this month, SPMOP showcases the works of talented photographers and artists from the local community and beyond, in different venues throughout the city and the Tampa Bay region. Photography-loving audiences are encouraged to dive into the world of visual storytelling with exhibitions featuring a diverse range of photographic styles and themes. This year SPMOP will organize even more exhibitions than last year, to name a few: the Photo Laureate Nominees exhibition will return to the Morean Arts Center, Mother Lens: Four Visions of Motherhood will be curated and produced in collaboration with the Museum of Motherhood and PARADISE ǀ PARADISE layered will be on view at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMOPA). This last exhibition will show the culminating work done by SPMOP’s first Photo Laureate: Thomas Sayers Ellis. As one of the main events of SPMOP, the Photo Laureate program is set up to identify local talent, showcase their work and encourage creativity and storytelling by mentoring the photographer for a whole year in creating their own vision of Saint Petersburg and Tampa Bay. The Photo Laureate tenure ends with a solo exhibition at FMOPA with an accumulated work, a photo book and hopefully a career boost for the artist.

Besides exhibitions, aspiring pho-

tographers and enthusiasts can also update their skills through interactive workshops and events led by professionals: for example, they can have their photographs reviewed by professionals during the Portfolio Reviews, sign up for guided photo walks and photography classes or visit other events in participating venues. However, SPMOP isn't just about showcasing art, it's also about fostering a sense of community. Besides seeing all the professionally curated photography exhibitions and events throughout the city, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with fellow photography enthusiasts, exchange ideas, and build lasting connections.

SPMOP was founded in January of 2023, by Marieke van der Krabben and Ȧgueda Sanfiz, two art professionals with a history in working with photography and organizing photography related events. They noticed a cultural gap in the region when it came to photography and set out on a mission to fill it. Hailing from different art backgrounds—Marieke as a Dutch photography historian, curator and former creative director at a photo festival, and Agueda as a former cultural attaché for Spain, a professional photographer and organizer of art events in Africa and the US — their shared passion for the visual arts has become the catalyst for the birth of the Saint Petersburg Month of Photography. As a non-profit organization, SPMOP is driven by a dedicated team of volunteers, committed to bringing the world of photography to the community. Volunteers with a wide range in background, each with their personal skills, are the engine behind this organization. It is their enthusiasm, dedication and insights that make SPMOP a success. •

FMoPA

Florida Museum of Photographic Arts

The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts was founded in 2001 by a group of visionary friends who understood the importance of exhibiting photographic art in a formal Museum setting. FMoPA emerged as a captivating sanctuary, preserving the artistry and chronicles of human existence through the lens in the Tampa Bay area. This immersive institution transcends mere exhibits, inviting patrons to embark on a mesmerizing journey through visual history.

In the spring of 2001, Cynthia L. Flowers (a business owner) put forward the idea of starting a photography museum in Tampa. Shortly thereafter, Charles J. Levin (an attorney), Vincent Sorrentino (an art dealer from New York) and Cynthia established the Tampa Gallery of Photographic Arts, a gallery dedicated exclusively to photography. Working in close cooperation with Madison Marquette, the owner of Hyde Park Village, exhibition space for the gallery was secured. “Masters of Black & White,” its’ first exhibition, consisted of 50 iconic black and white images borrowed from private collections. With many of the early shows curated by Vincent Sorrentino, critical acclaim followed.

graphic talents and develop a deeper understanding of the medium.

In the summer of 2006, the Museum was renamed the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, or FMoPA, and relocated to downtown Tampa. After years of continued growth, it then moved to the Waterfront Arts District in Rivergate Plaza’s architecturally significant Cube Building. Most recently, FMoPA embarked on its latest relocation to the historic Kress Building in Ybor City. Situated next to other vibrant art communities, this move has placed FMoPA at the heart of this artistic hub, fostering collaborations with neighboring art communities, galleries, and cultural organizations.

FMoPA has hosted a multitude of significant exhibitions featuring renowned photographers whose works have left indelible marks on the art world. Iconic names such as Ansel Adams, Man Ray, Diane Arbus, Herb Snitzer, Berenice Abbott, Dorothea Lange, Clyde Butcher, and so many more.

The Museum will soon exhibit works by influential artists Joel Meyerowitz and Gary Monroe, coming March 2024.

In the fall of 2001, Cynthia began the Museum’s first children’s outreach program. This initiative involved educating under-served children on photography as a creative outlet at the USF/ Patel Partnership Elementary School located at the University of South Florida in Tampa. Since this partnership, education and engagement have since remained at the core of FMoPA’s mission. Through its innovative programming, including workshops, lectures, and guided tours, the museum seeks to demystify the art of photography and make it accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. By offering opportunities for hands-on learning and creative expression, FMoPA empowers individuals to explore their own photo-

As FMoPA looks towards the future, its mission remains steadfast – to celebrate the art of photography and inspire creative expression in all its forms. Through its dynamic exhibitions, educational programs, and community outreach efforts, the museum continues to serve as a beacon of artistic excellence and a catalyst for cultural dialogue.

From its humble beginnings to its current status as a cultural landmark in Tampa, FMoPA has played a vital role in preserving the rich history of photography while also pushing the boundaries of artistic innovation. As it embarks on its next chapter in Ybor City, the museum remains committed to its founding principles of artistic excellence, education, and community engagement, ensuring that the art of photography continues to thrive for generations to come. •

Helga Madajova, Slovakia, ConnectionLower

St. Petersburg Jazz Festival

David Manson Director St. Petersburg Jazz Festival mansond@spcollege.edu

Jazz Vocalist Workshop with

Alexis Cole - FREE!

Monday, April 1

12:30 – 1:30 in HS 109 at St. Petersburg College located at 6605 5th Ave. North in St. Petersburg

Alexis Cole & Helios Jazz Orchestra

Tuesday, April 2 7:30 PM

Palladium Side Door

Called “one of the great voices of today,” Alexis Cole has been compared to classic jazz singers such as Sarah Vaughan and Anita O’Day. Her luxurious voice and innovative interpretations make her an instant favorite with audiences of all ages. Cole is the recipient of a Swing Journal Gold Disk

“We’ve been waiting for the next great singer to come along, and finally…Alexis” –Swing Journal Japan

award and was a winner of the NY Jazzmobile and Montreux Jazz Festival vocal competitions, and a finalist of the Sarah Vaughan Competition. She records for Motéma Music, NY, Chesky Records, NY and Venus Records, Japan. The 18-member Helios Jazz Orchestra, directed by Dr. David Manson, has been featured on the Clearwater Jazz Holiday, St. Petersburg Jazz Festival, and Ybor Jazz Festival. It is comprised of top area jazz musicians who love the sound of a roaring jazz big band!

Mauricio Rodriguez & The Latin Jazz Project

Wednesday, April 3 at 7:30 PM

Palladium Side Door

This performance will mix original work composed by Mauricio J. Rodriguez with a mixture of the new Cuban contemporary music and some Latin jazz staples. Bassist, composer, producer, and educator, Mauricio J Rodriguez is one of the finest musicians of his generation in Cuba. He was member of Fervet Opus jazz quartet, one of the most important Latin jazz bands in Cuba in the 80’s, touring around the world to many festivals and concert including The Havana Latin Jazz Festival, Jamboree, Bratislava, Spain, and Moscow, among others. He now teaches at Saint Leo University. Joining this performance will be Zachary Bornheimer- saxophone, Pablo Arencibia - piano, Andy Fornerdrums, Mauricio Rodriguez- bass.

Markus Gottschlich Trio

Thursday, April 4 at 7:30 PM

Music Center at St. Petersburg College

“His compositional skills and his dazzling pianism give full rein to his expressive spirit, as heard on his lat-

est recording, Found Sound–Musically Speaking.

Embark on a highly entertaining evening with the MarkusGottschlichTrio, led by the internationally acclaimed pianist hailing from Vienna, Austria. Described by Albuquerque Magazine as "a lyrical, high-energy, and risk-taking artist," Markus Gottschlich, a distinguished Steinway Artist, infuses his performances with “melodically remarkable ideas“, as applauded by The Standard, Austria.

Making a St. Petersburg Jazz Festival debut, the Trio unveils premieres alongside selections from the albums "Found Sounds" and "Of Places Between." With a global presence on festival stages from Europe to the US to Asia, Markus Gottschlich’s Trio promises an evening of jazz that transcends borders, showcasing a distinctive artistry that resonates across continents.

For tickets

Brazilian Percussion Workshop with Rafael Pereira - FREE!

Thursday, April 4

12:30 – 1:45 PM at SPC-Gibbs campus in room HS 109 at St. Petersburg College located at 6605 5th Ave. North in St. Petersburg

Friday, April 5 at 7:30 PM

O Som Do Jazz with special guests Rafael Pereira & Jose Valentino Ruiz Warehouse Arts District (WADA)

Som Do Jazz features Rio de Janeiro singer Andrea Moraes Manson and a crew of experienced musicians performing samba-jazz, Bossa Nova, Balanço, Baião and MPB. O Som Do

Jazz (the sound of jazz in Portuguese) recaptures the grace, energy and spirit of Brazilian music. With 4 CDs and original music placed on BBC, Fox and HBO, O Som Do Jazz is a Florida favorite with performances on the Miami International Jazz Fest, DTO Jazz Fest, Clearwater Jazz Holiday, Mod Miami, Pensacola Jazz Fest and more. Special guest Rafael Pereira's (percussion). Performing resume includes the Grammys, SNL, Janelle Monae, Prince, Bruno Mars, and many more. Jose Valentino Ruiz is an EMMY Award Winner, a multi-GRAMMY Award Nominated artist-producer-engineer, a multi-instrumentalist, composer and professor at the University of Florida.

Hot Club SRQ

Saturday, April 6 7:30 PM

Museum of American Arts and Crafts Movement

Hot Club SRQ plays Gypsy Jazz that is deeply rooted in the style of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli. This music simply swings and is full of beauty and romance! The quartet emulates the style of what the French call "Jazz Manouche" and "Le Jazz Hot" in the style of Sinti virtuosos and the "Quintette du Hot Club de France." The heart of this ensemble is the violin and vocals of Keven Aland, the guitar of Jon McLaughlin, bass playing of Glenn Stevenson and world renowned Brazilian valve trombonist François de Lima. Their string jazz ensemble has been thoughtfully cultivated and crafted for over a decade. There is a genuine warmth and connection that is unique to this ensemble. •

For tickets

www.stpetejazzfest.com

O

Art of the Party Mastering The

Insights from Frank Clemente, Creative Director of FrankLynn Visual Marketing

As someone deeply entrenched in the world of visual marketing and event planning, I've learned a thing or two about creating memorable experiences. From corporate galas to intimate gatherings, the essence of successful event design boils down to a delicate balance of creativity, organization, and attention to detail. Here are some invaluable do's and don'ts to consider when orchestrating your next soirée:

Do: Define Your Vision

Every great event begins with a clear vision. Take the time to articulate your goals, theme, and desired atmosphere. Whether it's a sophisticated cocktail affair or a whimsical garden party, a defined vision will serve as your compass throughout the planning process and help ensure your guests depart with the message you wish to give.

Don't: Underestimate the Power of Timing

Timing is everything in the world of events, especially in Florida. Be mindful of key dates, holidays, and competing events that could impact attendance. The Florida party season from September to May is a small window of opportunity, so plan accordingly. Additionally, create a comprehensive timeline outlining tasks and deadlines to ensure a seamless execution on the day of the event.

Do: Set a Clear Budget

Setting a firm budget from the start allows you to maximize funds for all event elements. Detailing expenses ensures that you direct your funds towards the most important aspects of your party and are able to add your unique “stamp” or personality to everything from food to decor without overspending.

Don’t: Bring Gifts

More and more people are shifting away from traditional gifts towards philanthropic giving. Encourage attendees to contribute to a chosen non-profit organization or cause, communicated clearly in event invitations and promotional materials.

Do: Curate an Inviting Atmosphere

The ambiance of your event sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. Pay attention to lighting, décor, and music to create a cohesive atmosphere that resonates with your guests. Thoughtful touches such as fresh flowers, ambient lighting, and curated playlists can elevate even the simplest of gatherings.

Don't: Neglect the Guest Experience

Ultimately, the success of your event hinges on the satisfaction of your guests. Anticipate their needs by

providing ample seating, signage, and amenities. Additionally, consider interactive elements such as photo booths or themed activities to keep guests engaged and entertained throughout the evening.

Do: Prioritize Quality Over Quantity

When it comes to guest lists and refreshments, quality always trumps quantity. Focus on inviting individuals who will contribute positively to the atmosphere and vibe of your event. Similarly, opt for high-quality food and beverages that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Don't: Forget to Plan for the Unexpected

No matter how meticulously you plan, unforeseen circumstances are bound to arise. Be prepared to adapt and problem-solve on the fly, whether it's unexpected weather changes or last-minute cancellations. A calm and composed demeanor will reassure guests and ensure a smooth transition.

In essence, successful party planning is a delicate dance of creativity, organization, and flexibility. By adhering to these do's and don'ts, you'll be well-equipped to orchestrate a truly unforgettable event that leaves a lasting impression on your guests. Cheers to the art of celebration! •

Frank Clemente

FrankLynn Visual Marketing

"We believe great events have the power to forge lasting connections and memories. With over 20 years of experience, FLVM specializes in crafting unforgettable balls, galas, corporate events, and upscale private parties. Our passion lies in creating experiences that endure beyond the moment."

For more information, visit the FLVM website https://franklynn.org/

Three Perform-A-Forms for Jean-Michel Basquiat

Imported Meat Farm

Fame-milked, scratched and remixed like a cow in cash, opiate arrangements by a barefoot trumpet with an improvised sword, early sound film so bright it bleeds a whole Republic of one tantalizing fly in the larynx eatery. To chew the barren tree, to paw the VHF, you needn’t a clown’s pup with a zydeco key. In the name of Falso five times five times Fab Five Fred Flintstone, BANG! Madonna like the King of the Zulus. Over by the well there’s a Chinaman, air-cooled in clarinet, with a mile of blown ear,

Be Bop Tongue Stir-fry optional.

Yo Galileo of the Mississippi, if it isn’t Venus it’s Rammel Dizzy. Jazz History ain’t nothing but sugar-coated corn in a goat’s horn, and Gray Boys wishing they were Cartoon Crooners in the hard water.

Count the Basie by the barn, a face cactus for every jawbone of lubricated dogfood. Garden, like a microphone, blooming oil.

A recipient of the Guggenheim Fellowship for Poetry, he co-founded the Dark Room Collective and Reading Series, a Boston area organization that gave greater visibility to writers of color. His work has been featured in many journals including The Paris Review, The Nation, and Best American Poetry (1997, 2001, 2010, 2015), not to mention his own books of poetry including but not limited to Maverick Room (Graywolf Press), The Genuine Negro Hero (The Kent State University Press), and Skin, Inc.: Identity Repair Poems (Graywolf Press).

Thomas Sayers Ellis

Subterranean

Sometimes when I am Seeing Loud Jean-Michel’s voice, I hear a deep kinship to Jimi Hendrix, the hyphen of lineage buried in the radiant Wise Shy of Interview Ambush. With the bulging Bebop of Baldwin’s eyes, I be seeing every endnote of the sly attack not in Sanskrit Kitsch, but in the raw time signature of Boogie Down Graffiti & Boom boxes that hate Disco like the Stone Age Code of defaced color.

Like the circle I cut around Schlomoff’s photograph of Jean-Michel, styles takes turns through a turnstile before ripping open a box of Lucky Charms like a manchild in programmable sugar land ––half expecting one of Bill Traylor’s lil’ drunk archons to be chasing a leprechaun

across tan cardboard territory for a jug of moonshine.

So be the first B-Boy to top rock the Empire State of Art with an Airflare Propeller Kick Parachute Drop, Kiss my Buttslide ––jump overs, cork steps and bicycle pumps for the Underground’s soil of charcoal railroads ––another signifying rhetorical hole in the vinyl of radical tradition like a roomful of buyers circling the turntable’s spindle, Jean-Michel skips like a scratched 45, famous for being guided then shredded by a North Star Stylus that was once a blood diamond.

Samo Orpheus as before Langston’s River, stereo-possessed, counterculture clutching the Jack like an Orisha Aristide, a trans Kerouac, noire and black.

New York Times Bestseller List

WEEK OF MARCH 3, 2024

Creativity Never Dies

A story of healing and growth

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”

- Maya Angelou

By Mary Khosh and John Curtis

In her early 90’s Rhee Lyon is still painting, showing, and lecturing: a remarkable nonagenarian.

Art lessons began at age nine, coming by bus from Indiana, to the Art Institute of Chicago. She was placed in a high school group and turned loose in the building to copy anything she pleased with her pastels. The world was her palate. As Einstein said, “Creativity is seeing what others see and thinking what no one else ever thought.”

The problem was that she did think. An art career: financially risky. Afraid she could not earn a living, she stopped painting and instruction, got her doctorate in psychology from Northwestern University, and taught at National College for 10 years.

In her mid 30’s she contracted a severe autoimmune disorder that frightened her into going back into painting and working in clay. Her ‘outlook’ animal sculptures sold so well in Lake Forest, a wealthy suburb of Chicago, that she resigned from teaching and focused full time on art, eventually adding printmaking to her repertoire. Her clothing work was influenced by the “floating world” of Japanese art, where every little ribbon has a meaning of its own. Now it was the Art Institute that was selling her work.

It is no exaggeration that she saved her life: her autoimmune disorder disappeared. Rescuing yourself from a deadly disease by changing your life course has a long honorable history, one of the more famous being a pioneer in the field of anxiety. Hans Selye was told cancer gave him six months to live. He decided he had

spent a life doing what others wanted, and sat down to write the book he wanted. He lived eight years.

Rhee describes herself as lucky, but to this writer she seems to have an astute awareness of trends and opportunities. She is still creating art, and a retrospective of her work was displayed at Westminster Shores during the month of February. She also presented an educational workshop featuring famous artists as they aged and compensated for various frailties.

• Matisse made paper cutouts and collages in his bed.

• Georgia O’Keefe looked down at clouds from an airplane and decided to paint them from above. When she developed dementia she moved on to producing ceramic pots with an assistant.

• Monet, struggling with poor vision, strapped a paint brush to his hand.

• Louise Nevelson procured ‘stuff’ off the streets of New York and built great walls of textures and wood.

• Alice Neil in her 60’s did a life sized nude of herself.

• Francoise Gilot, Picasso’s postwar mistress, lived to 101 (died June, 2023) and painted up to the end in giant color blocks.

The theme that runs through her life: “Here I am…Living!”

John Curtis and Mary Khosh are supporting the St. Petersburg Art’s Alliance and promoting the benefits of arts for seniors in the community. They are working to encourage St. Pete’s artistic seniors to join the St. Pete Arts Alliance.

Scan QR codes to find your next favorite artist

ARTIST REGISTRY

FINE ART/CLASSES

Shelby Dillon

hello@shelbydillonstudio.com

919-886-7046

Coastal paintings, fine art prints, and online painting classes for all levels.

FINE ART - PAINTERE

Patricia Tierney Moses

The Factory St. Pete 2622 Fairfield Ave. S.

727-599-7144

IG: @pangelatierney Tricia@ptierneymoses.com

FINE ART/CLASSES

K.R. Porter Krporter@centralartclasses.com

727-481-6612

Central Art Classes: The Downtown destination for art classes. All ages. Taught by professional artist K.R. Porter at the ArtLofts.

Carrie Jadus cjadus@gmail.com

727-318-3223

Jadus is a Tampa Bay Artist, her work is exhibited in galleries and private collections all over the world.

PAINTER

Janie Haskins janie@janiehaskins.com

614-330-5463

Colorful, impressionist oil paintings of coastal scenes, shorebirds, and Florida life.

Lance Rodgers lrodgersart@yahoo.com

727-365-4662

Lance Rodgers’ thoughtful narrative paintings have been displayed in numerous galleries and museums.

PAINTER

Blaquejack Studios

Artmosphere Studio 21

327 14th Ave S St Petersburg FL 33701

727-273-5011

www.blaquejackstudios.com

IG: @blaquejackstudios blaquejackstudios@gmail.com

PAINTER

Nancy Cohen

Nancycohenstudio.com

917-921-6821

Classical fine art paintings, studio visits welcome. 515 22nd Street South Studio 113

PAINTER

Jim Kammerud

Warehouse Arts District St. Pete

614-353-9556

Contemporary figure paintings and portraits

PAINTER

PAINTER