Gulfport has a well-earned reputation as a magnet for creative types who value funky surroundings, a diverse community and the (paradoxical) feeling of living tucked away in a corner of old Florida while enjoying a growing restaurant row of trendy cafés along Beach Boulevard S. near the waterfront. Now, plans are afoot to raise Gulfport's creative profile even more with 49/1, an ambitious festival of contemporary art that began earlier this month and continues through the end of February.
The festival includes screenings of experimental films and videos, a series of site-specific installations along 49th Street and events featuring an eclectic combination of art, music and performance each weekend in February at the Blueberry Patch, a Gulfport institution. Festival organizer Frank Hibrandt says the aim of 49/1 is to promote true cutting-edge contemporary art made by local artists.
An exhibit, called Shape and Subject, of artwork by Gala Corina founder John Langley, Bill York, Andy Kroslak, Nancy Cervenka and others is on view through Feb. 29 at Dream, Inc., 2321 49th St. S. For more information on the ever-growing roster of events, go to cityofimagination.info.
This article appears in Jan 23-29, 2008.