[image-1]Twisters may be in our backyard today, but the twister experts are at MOSI. The Museum of Science and Industry is hosting Tornado Alley Meet and Greet with the some of the team members from the Tornado Alley film, which opened at MOSI’s IMAX Dome Theatre on March 18. Guests will have the chance to have their picture taken with the movie's scientists, receive autographs and participate in Q & A sessions. The film's Doppler On Wheels rolls (pictured left) into the entrance of MOSI for the event, hosting weather broadcasts. March 31-April 2, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Included with MOSI admission; no extra fee. 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. 813-987-6300. mosi.org.
[image-2]Need some comic relief but wanna keep it low-key? Stand-up comedian Matt Conty has a comfortable, easy-going stage presence. He hosts his own show on 91.1 FM in Nashville, "Get Up Stand Up." March 31-April 3. 12938 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa. 813-960-1197. sidesplitterscomedy.com.
Live music highlights include The Old Tire Swingers, a Fresno outfit that mixes original newgrass tunes with traditional old time string band music at the Dunedin Brewery in Dunedin. Bluesy alt-rockers Roppongi's Ace and the Lambasters (featuring Ernie Locke of Ella's and Nervous Turkey) headline New World Brewery in Ybor City.
[image-3]Haven’t had your fill of fair food yet this season? The Pinellas County Fair is back after a temporary hiatus to provide bay area families with recession-proof, affordable entertainment. It will feature live entertainment, concessions and business exhibits, and more than 30 rides and attractions including a petting zoo, a local battle of the bands, a glee club competition and even a human cannonball act known as the “Italian Rocket.” The fair runs today through April 3 at Town Square Plaza Park, 5121 80th Ave. N, Pinellas Park. 813-768-6878. pinellascountyfair.com. (Text contributed by Kate Steeves).
NCECA (the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts) continues its 45th Annual Conference, Tidal Forces: The Next Wave, at the Tampa Convention Center today through April 2. More than 100 ceramic art exhibitions are being mounted in galleries, alternative spaces and museums throughout Tampa Bay to coincide with the conference. Participants have the opportunity to attend concurrent sessions of lectures and panels, live demonstrations, video screening projects related to the ceramic arts, programming on subjects specific to students, and much more.
To help you see it all, NCECA is providing an Exhibition Shuttle from the Tampa Convention Center to routes in St. Petersburg, Tampa and Sarasota, with tickets ranging in price from $25 to $59. The tours start today. Click here for schedule and other details.
NCECA gallery exhibitions with opening receptions today include the following:
Florida Craftsmen Gallery: Clay X 3. Three exhibitions on display: Sang Roberson, Hot and Humid and Fluid: The New Wave of Celadon Artists, celebrating the 45th Annual Conference of the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts. Opening reception 5:30-9 p.m. 501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-821-7391. floridacraftsmen.net.
[image-4]The Sebastian Thomas Gallery: NCECA juried competition In conjunction with the 45th Annual NCECA conference, The Sebastian Thomas Gallery presents a juried exhibition by the Savannah College of Art and Design of sculptural ceramics. There will be a discussion of sculptural ceramics, art and design by Professor Jessica Broad during the opening party this evening at 7 p.m. Some of the artists will be present to answer questions about their work. 635 Central Ave., St Petersburg. 727-258-4869. Rob Rees Alligantia pictured left. Click here for gallery website.
Bleu Acier Gallery: Ceramic Collaborations Featuring the works of Neil Bender, John Byrd and Andy Nassise. Opening reception 4-9 p.m. 109 W. Columbus Drive, Tampa. 813-272-9746.bleuacier.com.
Charlie Parker Pottery: Charlie's Got Big Bowls. This show will focus on the unlimited boundaries of form and function, featuring works of Bonnie Bravo, Kylyn Cervenka, Sean Fitzgerald, Leslie Johnson, Beate Marston, Christie Miles, Betty Perry, Diane White, Emily Silvis and Caleb Zouhary. Open house for NCECA is 10 a.m.-9 p.m. 2924 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-321-2071.charlieparkerpottery.com.
[image-5]Salt Creek Artworks: Between Here and There and Episodic, Clustered and Migrating Two highly imaginative and emotionally resonant exhibitions held in conjunction with NCECA. Maria Albornoz and Rafael S. Fonseca's explore the societal plight of immigrants, and Daniel Bare and Valerie Zimany (whose work is pictured, right) delve into the paradox of being at "the beginning and the end." Curated by Lance Rodgers. Opening reception 5-9 p.m. March 31-April 22. 1600 Fourth St. S., St. Petersburg. 727-894-2653
Creative Clay: Icons, Totems, Banalities, Emblems and Embodiments and Animals as Image and Claymates. Opening reception 5:30- 8:30 p.m. 1124 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-825-0515. creativeclay.org.
Crossroads Gallery: Visiting Artists – Islamic Influence Reception 6-8 p.m. St. Petersburg College, Clearwater Campus, 2465 Drew St., Clearwater. 727-791-2548.
