Spring Exhibitions at the Arts Center
Open March 23rd, 2007
Gallery Talk, 5:30pm, March 23rd
Opening Reception, 6pm - 8pm, March 23rd
(Media Invited to Attend and Cover)
St. Petersburg, Florida, March 5, 2007 - The Spring Exhibitions at the Arts Center open March 23, 2007, located at 719 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg. The Exhibitions run until May 27, 2007. The exhibitions are as follows:
The Wild Bunch: Cowboys in Contemporary Art
Hough & Synovus Galleries
In anticipation of the Arts Center's migration one block west of its current site, this exhibition focuses on artwork referencing images and themes of the American West, particularly the cowboy as a symbol. Many contemporary artists rework the stereotypical iconography of the cowboy into works of art that are fresh and unexpected. Artists include Jenny Rogers, NYC, Jennifer Zackin, Brooklyn, NY; Gordon McConnell, Billings, MT; Fort Guerin, Washington DC; William Schenk, Santa Fe, NM; David Rathman, NYC; and Bernard Williams, Chicago, IL. The exhibition will feature installations and video work, as well as painting and sculpture.
Cracker Country: Florida's Cowboy Culture
Stanley & Everett Galleries
This exhibition features the work of three local photographers, Beth Reynolds, Carlton Ward, Jr. and Rachel Turner, each of whom have documented some aspect of the Florida Cracker cowboy culture. Beth Reynolds focuses upon 13-year-old Laci Whaley, an 8th generation cattle rancher who is the current Junior National Barrel Racing Champion. Carlton Ward, Jr.'s Vanishing Heritage series combines beautiful landscape photography with a visual exploration of Florida's enduring ranchlands. Rachel Turner visually records the daily activities of cowboys at one of the largest ranches in Florida near Lake Okeechobee.
Project Creo: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
May 11 – June 2, 2007
Progress Energy Gallery
Artists from all over the country create work that investigates the cross-cultural fascination with the Great American West. Installation, video and interactive artwork will be included.
Other Spring Exhibitions include:
Just Like Me: Word & Image Elementary and Middle School Exhibition
February 23 - April 15, 2007 (elementary)
April 20- May 20, 2007 (middle)
Risser Gallery
Work by Pinellas County school students is displayed in this exhibit. The theme of the show -- "Just Like Me" -- challenges students to create a self-portrait and explain in writing what makes them unique. The theme of this exhibition is based on the book Just Like Me: Stories and Self-Portraits by 14 Artists, edited by Harriet Rohmer.
PEL Senior Thesis Exhibitions
April 14 - May 5, 2007
Progress Energy Gallery
Rotating senior thesis exhibitions from Eckerd College's Program for Experienced Learners (PEL)
Shadow Forms
May 1 – 31, 2007
Risser Gallery
John M. Sexton Elementary students look at the Cracker Cowboy and Cattle though the abstraction of shape, color and patterns. A program of the Pinellas County Cultural Affairs Department and the Art in Education Art Centers and Schools-Partnership for Student Success.
About The Arts Center
The Arts Center is a 501 c 3, non-profit, located in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. The Arts Center inspires, educates, and engages a diverse population in the creation of contemporary visual art by providing a dynamic, professional environment to foster the creative process, allowing artists and the community to meet and exchange ideas. We offer extensive studio arts classes at all levels across a wide variety of media, and we exhibit outstanding recent contemporary work by local, regional, national and international artists through an extensive program of rotating exhibits created by student, emerging, mid-career and established artists.
About the Lightning Foundation
The Lightning Foundation is dedicated to the support of local organizations that enrich and enhance the lives of those living throughout the Tampa Bay community. In gratitude for the support and passion of the community, the Foundation will focus its unique resources to advance amateur hockey and educational enrichment opportunities for children and families, along with medical research and treatment for those in need. Our "GOAL" is to make Tampa a better place to live, work and play!
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