Visual arts venues are unveiling new shows for the fall from one side of the Bay to the other. If you're feeling overwhelmed and are having trouble making a decision, read on.
The Arts Center opens On Becoming and Remnants, in which Lakeland resident Virginia Beth Shields explores an American South that is quickly fading from history with black-and-white photographs and installations. Santa Fe art collector Sandy Besser curates Tomorrow's Drawing Today, an assortment of works by "under-recognized" artists from his region. Finally, the 14th All Florida Juried Exhibition (juried by Dr. Donald Kuspit of ArtForum and Sculpture magazines) showcases the talents of more than 40 Florida artists. In conjunction, Dr. Kuspit hosts a luncheon and lecture at Mahaffey Theater at noon on Fri., Sept. 8. Later, a talk at the gallery begins at 5:30 p.m. with an opening reception occurring from 6 to 8 p.m. On display through Oct. 29, The Arts Center, 719 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-822-7872.
Frank Strunk III, though admittedly not a fashion designer, does indeed make wearable art. This weekend, he debuts a line of industrial metal ties and purses at his latest show, Fashionable Hard Wear. The opening reception begins at 9 p.m. Sat., Sept. 9. On display through Nov. 9, Café Alma, 260 First Ave. S., Suite 100, St. Petersburg, 727-502-5002.
After shutting down for the summer, the University of Tampa's Scarfone/Hartley Gallery re-opens with Lippo Parades: When Desperate Times Call for Desperate Measures, a provocative new exhibit featuring three UT graduates who are currently represented by galleries in New York City: Gerald Collings, David Giansante and Daniel Hesidence. The opening reception occurs from 7 to 9 p.m. Fri., Sept. 8. See this week's Visual Arts Feature for more information. On display through Oct. 12, R.K. Bailey Art Studios, 310 N. Blvd., Tampa, 813-253-6217.
The Exhibiting Society of Artists (TESA) members Boo Ehrsam, Bettina Schott, Brandy Stark and Marlene Tenorio come together to present Join the Cultural Revolution (a Sequel), an exhibit of original works by these women in addition to propaganda poster art that supports and promotes the arts. A reception with costumes, live poetry readings, live music and cadence marching begins at 7:30 p.m. Fri., Sept. 8. On display through Nov. 1, EXTRAordinAIR Oxygen Bar and Gallery 2481 McMullen-Booth Road, Suite F, Clearwater, 727-725-4340.
This article appears in Sep 6-12, 2006.