Art + Cultural Venues
ST. PETERSBURG AREA
MOREAN ARTS CENTER
719 Central Ave, St Petersburg FL 33701
M – Sa 9 am – 5 pm;
727-896-4527-7872; moreanartscenter.org
Connecting People With Art
A premiere showcase for award-winning artists, this 35,000 square foot art center includes six galleries of art space. The Center also offers an amazing contemporary art gallery with revolving exhibits, as well as affordable art classes year-round. Not to be missed: the Chihuly Collection – a stunning, permanent collection of world-renowned artist, Dale Chihuly’s unique artwork. At the center of the collection is Chihuly’s spectacular large-scale installations including his Ruby Red Icicle. The Collection also includes popular series works by Macchia, Ikebana, Niijima Floats, Persians and Tumbleweeds, which have thrilled art lovers around the globe. FYI: Affordable art classes are also offered year-round!
MOREAN CENTER FOR CLAY
420 22nd St, St Peters burg FL 33712
W – Sa 10 am – 5 pm; Su Noon – 4 pm
727-821-7162 Ext 2311
moreanartscenter.org
The Largest Pottery in the Southwest
Located in a historic freight train depot in St Pete’s Warehouse Arts District, the Center for Clay is home to more than 50 studios of ceramic artists creating functional and non-functional clay art. It also boasts a large kiln complex, two rotating galleries, classrooms, and a beautiful 3,500 square foot event space. The building also includes a retail store with a great variety of Chihuly merchandise.
MOREAN GLASS STUDIO
714 1st Ave N St Petersburg FL 33701
M – Sa 9 am – 5 pm
727-896-4527-7872; moreanartscenter.org
Connecting People With Art
This is where you can actually go behind the scenes and watch resident glass artists create unique works of art which are also for sale in the adjacent Hot Shop glass shop. The Studio offers a variety of glass art classes, workshops and personal glass experience.
THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA
244 2nd Ave N, Suite 420
St Petersburg, FL 33701
Call For Dates And Times
727-892-3331; oridaorchestra.org
Nothing Beats Live Music
Recognized as Tampa Bay’s leading performing arts institution and one of the leading professional symphony orchestras in Florida, the TFO is one of the most vibrant and innovative orchestras in America. The Orchestra performs nearly 100 concerts annually throughout greater Tampa, Clearwater and St Pete. Concert series include the “Tampa Bay Times Masterworks,” “Raymond James Pops,” Coffee Concerts,” “Rock Concerts,” “Youth Concerts,” and a free outdoor “Pops in the Park.”
GAINESVILLE AREA
HIPPODROME THEATER
25 SW 2nd Place Gainesville, Fl 32601
352-375-4477; thehipp.org
Various Showtimes
Gainesville’s Cultural Centerpiece
As Gainesville’s only art House Cinema, this historic landmark is also home to a spacious multi-purpose, state-of-the-art performance hall that offers live theatre, films, gallery exhibits, classes, and special events over 340 days a year.
Art & Cultural Happenings
Please confirm details with event organizers or venues in case of changes or cancellations.
Monthly
Second Wednesday
Heights Night Market
Tampa: A rotating cast of artisans offer handmade goods, jewelry, art, woodwork, unique gifts, and more. Takes place from 5:30 – 9:30 pm in front of Armature Works on 7th Ave. Info: armatureworks.com.
Second Thursday
Happy Hour with the Historian
Tampa: Enjoy a fun evening of wine, words and wisdom as local experts cover topics ranging from trailblazing female pilots and St Pete’s haunted past, to artistic astronauts and bridge disasters. Kicks off at 6:30 pm at the St Petersburg Museum of History, 335 2nd Ave NE. Info: 27-894-1052; historystpete.org.
Last Friday
Artwalk Gainesville
Gainesville: This self-guided tour introduces you to local galleries, studios, breweries and eclectic performance venues. Enjoy artist demos, meet-and-greets, workshops and more. Takes place from 7 – 10 pm at various locations. Info: artwalkgainesville.com.
First Saturday
Free Museum Day
Ocala: Browse museum masterpieces, enjoy special exhibitions, visiting artists and performers, get creative in the Artspace and enjoy a selfie or two in the sculpture garden. Takes place from10 am – 5 pm at the Appleton Museum, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Info: appletonmusuem.com.
First Saturday & Sunday
Vintage Marche
St Pete: Explore more than 15,000’ of hand-picked vintage, repurposed, antique and mid-century modern furnishings, home décor, art, jewelry and more at this unique vendor-run market. Takes place on Sa from 9 am – 6 pm and on Su from 9 am – 5 pm at 2906 34th St S. Info: vintagemarsche727.com.
Second Saturday
Second Saturday Art Walk
St Pete: Explore the Sunshine City’s vibrant arts scene as galleries and studios in over seven arts districts stay open late to introduce featured artists and new exhibits. Takes place from 9 am – 9 pm. Info: stpeteartsalliance.org.
Second Sunday
Second Sunday Market & Art Walk
Tampa: Beat the heat at this air-conditioned marketplace where you can shop a wide variety of unique gifts, clothes, healthy living products and more. Takes place from 11 am – 3 pm at Armature Works, 1910 Ola Ave. Info: armatureworks.com.
SPECIAL EVENTS
December 5 – January 1
Selby Gardens Lights in Bloom
Sarasota: Stroll through a magical tropical winter wonderland filled with beautifully-lit flowers and plants, illuminated by more than two million lights. Lots of fun activities, entertainment and seasonal treats, too! Takes place from 5:30 – 9 pm, rain or shine, at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St. Info: 941.366.5731; selby.org.
February 7
Downtown Sarasota Festival of the Arts
Sarasota: Ranked among the top 100 art festivals in the nation, this spectacular outdoor event features 200+ award-winning artists who showcase their original works over five city blocks. Takes place from 10 am – 5 pm at 1718 Main St. Info: artfestival.com.
February 7 – 8
St Petersburg Fine Arts Festival
St Pete: More than 100 Florida and US artisans show off their original works at this unique plein air waterfront art gallery. Rated as one of America’s Top 10 Art Shows by USA Today. Takes place from 10 am – 5 pm at S Staub Park, 198 Bayshore Dr NE. Info: paragonfestivals.com.
February 7 – 8
Sarasota Arts Festival
Sarasota: Over 200 local and national artists exhibit original works in various mediums including sculpture, jewelry, paintings, woodwork, wearable art, and more. Takes place from 10 am – 5 pm at Points Park, 1718 Main St. Info: fairsandfestivals.net.
February 27 – 28
American Vintage Markets
Sarasota: This fun shopping extravaganza boasts a dazzling selection of carefully curated treasures, vintage-inspired home decor, up-cycled goods, collectibles, industrial salvage, furniture and more. Takes place from 9 am – 4 pm in Roberts Arena at the Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling
Blvd. Info: americanvintagemarkets.com.
February 28 – March 1
Sarasota Festival of the Arts
Sarasota: This spectacular art festival includes 200+ award-winning artists who showcase their original works over five city blocks. Takes place from 10 am – 5 pm at 1718 Main St. Info: artfestival.com.
February 28 – March 1
Gasparilla Festival of the Arts
Tampa: See works by national artists backdropped by great live entertainment and lots of kids’ art activities. Takes place on Sa from 9 am – 6 pm; and on Su from 10 am – 5 pm at Julian B Lane Riverfront Park, Tampa. Info: 813-876-1747; gasparillaarts.com.
February 28 – March 1
Sarasota Festival of the Arts
Sarasota: Over 70 artisans showcase their works in a spectacular outdoor gallery. Shop acres of original paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography, glass, ceramics, fiber and wearable art, mixed-media, metalwork, graphics, woodworking, and more. You can also commission a unique piece made specifically for you! Takes place from10 am – 5 pm at JD Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Dr. Info: 941-263-6386 paragonfestival.com.
March 14 – 15
Sarasota Fine Art & Crafts Fair
Sarasota: Explore a stunning collection of life-size sculptures, breathtaking paintings, handcrafted jewelry, mesmerizing photography, and one-of-a-kind ceramics — all created by some of the country’s most talented artists and crafters. Takes place from 10 am – 5 pm at 1718 Main St. Info: artfestival.com.