Falling for art
By LENNIE BENNETT
Published November 10, 2005
This is the time of year that brings openings of new galleries and shows every week. This weekend also offers the monthly art walk in St. Petersburg and the once-a-year Gala Corina in Tampa. There's lots of gallery action, too, from south Pasco to southern Pinellas. Go to our calendar listings for a complete rundown; here are some highlights.
- LENNIE BENNETT, Times art critic
Tampa's art jamThe big art party known as Gala Corina returns to Tampa for its seventh annual reprise beginning Friday and continuing through Nov. 19. Every year, the Tampa-based group of volunteers puts together a wonderful mix of visual and performance art in a different venue, usually a down-at-the-heels building they transform into galleries. This time, they're working their magic on a warehouse at 120 S 11th St. in the Channelside district. The show's moniker is, appropriately, Nueva Vida, or new life.
More than 100 artists, architects, musicians, poets and other creative types will participate during its eight-day run. Shown here is painter Bradley Valentine's Ecstasy.
The opening night party, always a great time, is 5 to 11 p.m. Friday. It's free, but organizers request a $2 donation at the door. A more generous one would be a nice gesture.
The party will be packed with a full schedule of events beginning at 5:15 p.m., including live music by Palmino (formerly Fullerton) and Chained to Waves; performances by Jobsite Theatre; and a "4-D Movie and Fashion Show." Plus lots of art.
Artists not participating are invited to Slide Slam on Monday at 7 p.m. Bring your slides to show and discuss with other artists. (If your work is on a CD, bring it to the opening party and drop it in the box at the door. Please download the form to accompany your CD as a Word or PDF file.) Interested nonartists are invited to Slide Slam, too.
For gallery hours Saturday through Nov. 19 or for more information, go to www.galacorina.org
"Riled Life Refuge'The beady-eyed creature staring us down is Jeff Whipple, looking both angry and bemused, which can also be said of much of his art. "Riled Life Refuge," new work by Whipple, will be on view at the Galleries at Salt Creek, 1600 Fourth St. S, St. Petersburg, Friday through Dec. 10.
You're invited to a free opening night party from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, with snacks by Fresco's.
Salt Creek is also home to a number of artists who rent studio space. Those studios will be open to the public during the party.
Regular gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. (727) 894-2653.
North Pinellas newcomerThe Tarpon Springs Historic Downtown District welcomes a new art venue. Blue Moon Gallery, 204 E Tarpon Ave., opens its doors on Saturday with a reception from 7 to 10 p.m. Featured artists working in many media include Rocky Bridges, whose untitled work is shown here. (727) 485-8063.
One exhibit, 40 artistsThe Beck Gallery, 1720 Land O'Lakes Blvd., Lutz just south of the U.S. 41 and Dale Mabry Highway apex, is one of many local galleries that combine exhibition space with a framing business. Its newest show, "Verve," is a roundup of 40 artists in painting, sculpture, photography, stained glass and drawings, including Carmen by Ron Pieniak, shown here. Visit www.thebeckgallery.com and you'll see it has a little bit of everything going on. You're invited to a free opening reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday. "Verve" continues through January. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. (813) 949-6557.
Walk and shopYes, it happens every month, but Saturday's Art Walk, sponsored by the Downtown Arts Association in St. Petersburg, has some twists. Many galleries have new shows, and the Arts Center launches its Peter Max exhibition along with the annual holiday show of fine arts and crafts. Florida Craftsmen also offers loads of gift possibilities. All will be open from 5:30 to 9 p.m. At ArtSpace, artists have donated holiday ornaments, such as the cloisonne angel by Mary Klein, shown here, all priced at $5, every dollar of it going to the Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. The benefit sale is in Klein's gallery (see ArtSpace address below) and begins Friday from 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Participating Art Walk galleries are:
Alla Prima Fine Arts, 695 Central Ave.
Artists Gallery Royale, 200 Second Ave. N
Arts Center, 719 Central Ave.
ArtSpace, 10 Fifth St. N
Caribbean Art Works, 203 First St. N
Central Gallery, 540 Central Ave.
Crystal Mirage Gallery, at the Pier
T.W. Curtis Gallery, 111 Second Ave. NE
Florida Craftsmen, 501 Central Ave.
Glass Canvas Gallery, 146 Second St. N
Interior Motives, 1110 Central Ave.
Kellusion Art Gallery, 701 First Ave. N
Lynn J. Merhige Gallery & Studio, 216 Fourth St. N
M. Petty Photography, 538 Central Ave.
Red Cloud Indian Arts, 208 Beach Drive NE
Scalzo Gallery, 260 First Ave. S, No. 102
Shapiro's at BayWalk, 185 Second Ave. N
Studio Encanto, 209 First St. NE
Trinity Gallery, 214 Beach Drive NE
Vladimir's Collection, 111 Second Ave. NE, No. 102.