Local Artist Runs Off At The Mouth

In conjunction with the exhibition In a New Light, Selections from the Gulf Coast Museum of Art Collection, Florida International Museum at St. Petersburg College is beginning a Saturday Artist Series.

Curator Christine Renc-Carter has asked me to kick off the Series with her on Saturday, August 8th, 11am – 12 noon. Our point of departure will be a discussion of A Close Shave, my piece in the exhibition. After that, any and all art subjects will be fair game.

Please join us for an hour of casual conversation in the intimate setting of the Florida International Museum galleries. RSVP (727) 341-7918. Coffee and pastries will be provided by Panera Bread.

Florida International Museum is located at 244 2nd Avenue North in St. Petersburg, (727) 341-7900. www.spcollege.edu/FIMuseum

This event is complimentary with price of museum admission.

Nighthawk by Edward Hopper

Edward Hopper and Tom Waits - two American masters.

Late Night Tasty Bites

All work and no Saturday sit-down dinners makes this writer a cranky chap, so recently I gladly accepted friends' invitation to a dinner based on the cookbook Nigella Bites. Nigella Lawson is a British best selling author and host of Nigella Feasts and Nigella Express.

Our hosts, David and Carol Cortright, opened their wonderfully eclectic home and provided an assortment of creative cuisine. Carol Cortright, accomplished chef and writer herself, started the evening with watermelon daiquiris and Elvis Presley Sandwiches - great little appetizers of peanut butter and sliced bananas on white bread, all fried to a golden turn.

Kicking caution into the humid night, I promptly overindulged, leaving just enough room for the main course - eggplant ratatouille, a sublime mix of vegetables, herbs and garlic. A double helping and plump strawberry trifle for dessert sent this gourmand home sated and ready for the sack.

Pictures At An Exhibition

Here are a few of the artists who made Cool Art Show 2009 a rousing success. A record number of visitors came, saw and bought outstanding art from 80 talented artists. St. Petersburg's fabulous Coliseum became the perfect backdrop for a weekend that Florida thunderstorms could not even dampen.

Thanks to all who made it possible.

Artists from top: Lisa Glaser, Lee Jones, James Michaels, Jack Bond, Candace Ripoli, Barbara Hanson

In Honor Of Three Alive Artists

This weekend a simultaneous art experience will happen for three renowned artists/pava members. Jack Breit, Denis Gaston and James Michaels will have their current work on display at the Cool Art Show and also have their collected work on display at the “In a new Light “ exhibition at the Florida International Museum at St. Petersburg College. This will give the public the rare opportunity to meet celebrated artists in the community and purchase their latest creations.

In honor of the artists and the concurrent show at the Florida International Museum (FIM) patrons visiting the Cool Art Show will receive discounted passes to view the “In a new Light” exhibition.

The Cool Art Show runs Saturday and Sunday, 10a.m. to 5p.m. inside the Coliseum, 535 4th Avenue North in downtown St. Petersburg. Admission and parking for the show is free.

Hot Town, Cool Art

The 21st annual Cool Art Show returns to the historic Coliseum in St. Petersburg, July 18, 19, 10am-5pm. Featuring 75 statewide artists working in all media, Cool Art will please the eyes and engage the mind. Check art writer Megan Voeller's Creative Loafing story for more information.