Art

Hot Ticket: Mixed media at Salt Creek

[Galleries at Salt Creek]

The Galleries at Salt Creek, 1600 Fourth St. S, St. Petersburg, celebrate their 10th anniversary with an exhibition of 21 artists in many media. It's an uneven affair, with works by pros such as Jack Barrett and Herb Snitzer alongside other artists of varying abilities, some of whom might want to reconsider their calling. I'm all for egalitarianism in members' shows, but an anniversary occasion implies, and should require, a stricter code for inclusion.

Still, there are some notable entries. Among those worth a closer look are Yoko Nogami's adroit oil paintings of women who have an earth-mother heft that is both monumental and intimate. Michael Pietrocatelli's pen and ink drawings distinguish him as a good draftsman and one in particular, Winter Meditation, hints at more possibilities. And Lucy Karl's torn, painted and woven strips of canvas looking like bloody bandages, shown above, isn't so much novel as really well conceived and executed.

Salt Creek was converted to an arts venue from a furniture store in 1993 by owner Azell Prince, and he and his family still own and operate it. The serious illness of longtime cheerleader and curator Lance Rodgers during the summer struck it a serious blow and may have had something to do with this show's disappointments. Given that and the difficult ride artists and galleries have had during the last two years, I sound like an old curmudgeon, so perhaps we should just focus on congratulating this place and these people for surviving.

And if you plan a visit, consider Nov. 1, when the gallery will host an evening reception for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and 50 percent of all sales between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. will be donated to that organization. (I've learned over the years that even in hard times, artists as a group are among the most generous folks.)

Regular hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday or by appointment, (727) 894-2653. A number of artists have their studios at Salt Creek, and most will be open for the SPCA benefit. Salt Creek is also home to the Academy, which offers art classes. Additionally, the galleries will be open during the second Friday of each month as a participant in the Downtown Art Association's monthly "walks." Check the place out. And happy anniversary, with many more ahead.

- LENNIE BENNETT, Times art critic