SKYWAY: A CONTEMPORARY COLLABORATION

This past December, curators Christopher Jones from The Ringling, Robin Odell and Katherine Pill from the Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg, Seth Pevnick and Joanna Robotham from the Tampa Museum of Art, and guest juror Diana Nawi from the Perez Museum in Miami scrutinized hundreds of entries submitted by artist-residents in Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas, and Sarasota County. Submissions of every medium, genre, and size were allowed, as were proposals for installations and performances. The only caveat was that all works of art must be new—nothing created before 2016 was accepted. The intent was to highlight what is happening right at this moment in the area’s burgeoning art scene.

In all, 57 different artists have been selected to exhibit, and from June 24 to October 15 their work will be displayed at one of the three Tampa Bay area institutions as part of the exhibition Skyway: A Contemporary Collaboration.

Artists from each area will be highlighted at all three museums, showcasing the diversity of talent and work in the region. “This region is home to several premier arts organizations and schools, which create a nurturing environment for contemporary art practice. I have long been aware of the significant community of artists here, but was extremely impressed with the level of work submitted,” said Christopher Jones, Associate Curator of Photography and Exhibitions at The Ringling.

The show is not only a celebration of contemporary art in the Tampa Bay area but also an exercise in collaboration among the museums, fostering a sense of a greater network and community. It is the very first time that the three leading art museums in the area have worked in such close collaboration to simultaneously provide a single exhibition. “This is a wonderful opportunity to connect our institutions across the bridge and bring together a broader audience,” reflected Steven High, Executive Director at The Ringling.

Special thank you to Douglas B. Thweatt for the establishment of the Paul Grootkerk Memorial Endowment for exhibition support.