[EDITOR'S NOTE: Organizers have made changes to this event since CL first posted info about it. Note that admission is now free for anyone who brings art to exchange. The art swap itself has also been simplified.]
Art Exchange for the ArtsXchange will take place Thurs., April 30, 6:30-9 p.m., at 515 22nd St., St. Petersburg, Fl., Admission: Free (if bringing artwork to exchange) or $10 donation.
Within the concrete walls of warehouse spaces near downtown St. Petersburg, visual artists, photographers, sculptors, glass blowers and woodworkers exist in a constant state of creation. It is a creativity which (refreshingly enough) is being supported by the community in a huge way.
Created in 2012, the Warehouse Arts District Association is a non-profit organization that has created a forum for the visual arts in St. Pete. It is a magical collaboration between art supporters, art suppliers, galleries and the artists themselves. The result is an encouraging and interactive environment for local artists, and an opportunity for St. Pete’s culture to flourish endlessly.
One of WADA’s most extensive and ambitious endeavors is ArtsXchange. The ongoing project has set out to renovate 50,000 square feet of warehouse space on almost 3 acres of land. The renovations will alleviate the heavy burden of expense that comes with owning a creative workspace. ArtsXchange will allow artists to rent studio space at below-market rates. When fully realized, the expansive project will include classrooms, galleries, studios, sculpture gardens, a micro-brew pub and café.
Bringing this uber-cool vision to life will require some collaboration and support from the local arts community. A stepping stone in fundraising, the Art Exchange for the ArtsXchange will take place on Thurs., April 30, from 6:30-9 p.m. Proceeds will benefit warehouse renovations for ArtsXchange.
The Art Exchange is an opportunity to take a piece of art from your own personal collection that you may have tired of and exchange it for a fresh piece. Your ticket is the art you bring (one or more pieces you would like to exchange). If you don’t want to exchange art, come and make a $10 donation in support of the renovations at the ArtsXchange. Only people that bring art can participate in the exchange, but everyone is welcome to take part in silent and live auctions of new art in many mediums.
Food and beverages available from The International Dumpling Truck and The Amsterdam St. Pete.
Art Exchange — If you have art in any medium you want to swap, bring your art to the event on April 30th before 7 p.m. The swap will begin at 7:15 p.m. Getting there sooner than later increases the chances of seeing what’s available to pick from during the swap period.
Live and Silent Auctions — If you wish to donate art for the auctions (art valued at $250 or more) call Larry Biddle at 813-417-1225 or email him at larryjbiddle@me.com and register with him. Art donors are admitted free and can receive a portion of the winning bid amount up to 50%.
This article appears in Apr 9-15, 2015.