Paula Abdul and regret. Ellen DeGeneres and opportunity. Kanye West and unwarranted opinion. Beyonce and PR. Peanut butter and jelly. Jelly and John Goodman.
Some things just go together – like vintage clothing and artwork. Don't believe me? Just ask those in attendance of St. Pete's ARTpool's monthly gallery opening, Heroes & Heroines. Or any of the locals who frequent the shop for a have-to-have creation in fabric or frame, Tuesday-Saturday, 12-5 PM.
ARTpool opened in April of 2008 and has been making waves ever since.
Its mission statement is to "partner with the community to form an organic, evolving cooperative of artists that will work together to build a sustainable and a mutually beneficial artistic environment that promotes creativity, originality, and forward thought." It's done just that, holding events ranging from fashion shows to children's installation events.
In its latest opening, inspired by decades of comic book art, owner Marina Williams and local artists banded together to celebrate the finest fashions and fantasies on September 12th. Live entertainment and artistry complimented the creation-lined walls as superhero and civilian alike answered the bat signal to enjoy St. Pete's finest fusion.
"No one in the area had done anything celebrating graphic novels, and it is an art form," Williams said, dawning tights herself for the event. Watercolor, pencils and brush replaced web-shooters, punches and batarangs, and for one evening in St. Petersburg, heroes gathered together.
If you weren't there, don't worry: the work is on display until September 24th, so you have until then to find that one-of-a-kind superhero sensation for your living room. (Are you ever going to hang something there?)
And if capes and cowls aren't your thing, you can stop by to find the perfect outfit for the September 25th opening of Record Remix, showcasing artwork on vintage vinyl records. The event will include an LP Fashion Show and a record sell off.
Check out artpoolrules for more information.
This article appears in Dec 2-8, 2000.