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Art
The auction's the thing
Fun and fine art remain hallmarks of ''Much Ado About Art'' after more than a decade.
By LENNIE BENNETT, Times art critic
© St. Petersburg Times
published March 27, 2003
Dodie O’Keefe, Hermione and Perdita Again, ceramic tile table top
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ST. PETERSBURG -- Twelve years ago, it was a novel idea. Invite artists to submit creations based on a work by William Shakespeare for a live auction. Proceeds (artists could set their own reserve prices) would be split between the artists and American Stage for its annual Shakespeare in the Park production.
It was an immediate hit both because artists weren't asked, as they usually are, to donate their work -- they get some proceeds from the sale -- and because the arts community had such fondness for American Stage and its then-directors, Victoria Holloway and John Berglund. Artist Lance Rodgers helped spearhead the event, along with a cadre of loyal volunteers. Berglund and Holloway have been gone for years, but Much Ado About Art still chugs along.
It's no longer a freebie event at the Galleries at Salt Creek, where Rodgers' pal Tom Prichard of Salt Rock Grill would make crab cakes by the hundreds for hungry patrons. It was relocated several years ago to the Sunset Ballroom on Snell Isle, with catering by the Vinoy and a ticket price that has eliminated the tire-kickers that came only to nosh.
Packard/de la Vega, William Shakespeare, mixed media
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But quality art and spontaneous fun remain hallmarks of the event.
More than 50 artists will be represented, including Tony Eitharong, Rocky Bridges, James Michaels, Denis Gaston, Jack Breit, bask, David McKirdy, Joe Walles and Betsy Orbe Lester.
Tickets are on sale for American Stage's Shakespeare in the Park, this year a musical adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, April 11 through May 11. For information about the auction or the Park production, call (727) 823-1600, ext. 201.
ART PREVIEW
Rachel Stewart, What Remains, carved wood with found objects
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"Much Ado About Art" is today at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort's Sunset Ballroom, 600 Snell Isle Blvd. NE, St. Petersburg. Preview at 6 p.m.; live auction at 7 p.m. Admission is $25 with complimentary hors d'oeuvres and cash bar. (727) 823-1600, ext. 201.
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