By Julie Garisto, Alive Tampa Bay Correspondent
Downtown St. Petersburg and its surrounding areas will once again lure art lovers to the Second Saturday ArtWalk on Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m.
Because it is impossible to visit all of the 40 or so participating galleries and studios, AliveTampaBay has combed through the events to help you narrow down your choices.
Here are a few must-see shows to put at the top of your list:
Intersection: Bryce Hudson — Taking cues from modernism, minimalism, and pop art, artist Bryce Hudson has created large-scale abstract paintings with bold colors and geometric patterns to convey multidirectional perspectives that could be surmised as sensory dynamics in today’s hectic times. The show also features Hudson’s works on paper and canvas, accompanied by a sampling of art that inspired the series. 6-9 p.m. Leslie Curran Gallery, 1431 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Click here for event page
“Untitled Composition #48 acrylic & oil on paper 22″ x 30″ 2015″ by artist Bryce Hudson.
Delusional Obscure Characters — Artist Spencer P. Meyers, who also happens to be a critically acclaimed actor on local stages, had created 20 sensuous, sinister and evocative portraits that conjure at once the Gothic illustrations of Edward Gorey, the world-weary figures of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and the fanciful flair of Alphonse Mucha. Meet Meyers at Creative Soul Studio from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Coffee, beer, and wine will be for sale, too. 2425 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Click here for event page.
Spencer P. Meyers’ “Aqua Elise” watercolor.
Strands of Sunshine: Crow & Lion Pop-up Shop & Vintage Neon Project Couple/artist team Calan Ree — an acclaimed abstract sculptor who instills in her figures childhood innocence with dystopian dread — and local musician/maker Jim Morey will be showing uncannily repurposed and functional objects d’art at Strands of Sunshine. The gallery-cum-gift shop will also be featuring the Vintage Neon Project by photographer Todd Bates, who’s photographed, printed and sometime reinterpreted lighted vintage signs from Tampa Bay and beyond. Both feature affordable items for sale ideal for Father’s Day gifting.
633 Central Ave, St. Petersburg. Click here for event page
Calan Ree and Jim Morey’s upcycled wood with ceramic sculpture.
The St. Petersburg Arts Alliance coordinates the St. Petersburg’s Second Saturday ArtWalk encompassing the Waterfront Arts, Warehouse Arts, Central Arts, EDGE and Grand Central districts.
Plan to drive, walk, or take the trolleys so you can take in as much as possible. Free parking can be found on First Avenue North and First Avenue South from 15th to 20th streets, as well as at cultural landmarks such as the The Clay Center of St. Petersburg, MGA Studios and the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum. Download a map and list of participants at stpeteartsalliance.org.
Julie Garisto is a correspondent for Alive Tampa Bay.
Photos courtesy of Bryce Hudson, Creative Soul Studio and Strands of Sunshine.