Living through a pandemic is rough, which is why Clay Hollenkamp and Shelby Baerwalde’s “AIRShow,” sponsored by USF’s Humanities Institute, is particularly relevant now. It features work from 24 central Florida-based artists on the theme of recovery. That’s what the AIR in AIRShow stands for—Artists In Recovery. It can be recovery from anything—illness, a painful ordeal, or the trauma that comes with living through a pandemic.
“This is an exhibition that we have been planning since the founding of Periphery Media in 2018,” says Co-Creative Director Baerwalde in a press release. “AIRShow was planned for 2020 but was postponed due to COVID. We believe the stories of recovery told through these pieces of art are even more impactful now.”
Plant City artists Hollenkamp and Baerwalde created Periphery in 2018 out of a desire to bring conceptual art to a creative scene dominated by country landscapes and strawberry-themed artwork. They realized this goal in 2019 at Plant City’s Bing House Museum, where they hosted an exhibition featuring narrative artwork focused on marginalized communities. We look forward to seeing what the duo brings to Seminole Heights.
The gallery in which AIRShow will be presented is a converted garage and open to the outdoors. “Most of the reception will take place outdoors as well,” Hollenkamp added. “Even though, we are requesting that all who attend wear a mask.”
Opening reception with hors d’oeuvres, mocktails by Hunni Events, and live music by singer/songwriter duo Complacent Friday, Aug. 20, 6 p.m. Also open Aug. 21-22, and Aug. 28, noon-5 p.m., and by appointment Aug. 23-27. QUAID, 5128 N Florida Ave., Tampa. @QUAIDgallery on Facebook
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This article appears in Aug 19-25, 2021.