Near Earth Objects: New Drawings and Sculpture by Joe Griffith. Griffith, a long-time presence in the Tampa arts community, usually stays behind the scenes, programming exhibits by other artists at Flight 19 or Para Gallery. Here, the Parsons grad shows off some drawing and sculpture chops of his own in a surreal show devoted to "the search and description of dangerous celestial objects and earthbound apparitions." Sept. 1-29, Reception Sept. 1, 7-11 p.m., [5]art Ybor, Tampa, 813-245-1034.
The Artist as Inventor. Don't try this at home, kids. Artists in this exhibit take invention to new artistic heights, creating gadgets, gizmos and thing-a-ma-bobs of amazing complexity. In the main gallery, changes in heat, light and movement send pieces whirring into motion; a separate area designed especially for children includes a hands-on component. Featuring work by Dan Gunderson, Alain Salesse, Jack Dollhausen and Ensemble Robot, a collective of artists, engineers, programmers and musicians. Sept. 7-Dec. 24, Dunedin Fine Arts Center, Dunedin, 727-298-3326.
Steve McClure: Recent Work. Painter-printmaker McClure took off for the Big Apple after receiving his B.A. from USF in 1995. Since then, his work has enjoyed a warm reception, netting McClure a pair of prestigious residencies and an invitation to compete for the Rome Prize. Come see why when his latest images — dreamy translations into ink and watercolor of historic photographs taken in Depression-era dance halls — go on display. Sept. 14-Oct. 27, Bleu Acier, Tampa, 813-272-9746.
Folk Fest 2007. Don't miss the Bay area's first annual street fair showcasing folk, outsider and intuit art by 60 artists from around the country (but mainly the South). Inspired by a similar event held each year in Atlanta, this Folk Fest organized by Creative Clay will take place on Central Avenue between 11th and 12th streets in downtown St. Pete. The free, family-friendly weekend also includes performances by musicians and bands. Sept. 29-30, Creative Clay, St. Petersburg, 727-825-0515.
Skin City: the Art of the Tattoo. This edgy showcase examines the overlapping territory of fine art and tattoo from two perspectives: that of contemporary artists who reference epidermal designs in their paintings, performance and assemblage, and tattoo artists who look to art history for inspiration. Featuring D. Dominick Lombardi, Nick Bubash, Steed Taylor, Susan Jamison and Thom DeVita. Oct. 12-Dec. 31, The Arts Center, St. Petersburg, 727-822-7872.
Fall brings Arte 2007, a Bay area-wide festival of exhibitions, performances and events celebrating Latin American and Caribbean cultures. Be sure to tune into the following highlights; for a complete list, check out artefestival.org.
A New Cornucopia (Una Nueva Cornucopia). Ten contemporary Spanish-speaking artists from eight countries shine in this survey of craft-based art with a food theme. Check out Eddie Domiguez's imaginative place settings and Belkis Ramirez's magical-realist woodcuts of people savoring coffee. Events include a panel discussion on Sat., Sept. 14 and a pre-Thanksgiving feast of Hispanic food catered by local restaurants on Thurs., Nov. 8. Sept. 14-Nov. 9, Florida Craftsmen Gallery, St. Petersburg, 727-821-7391.
Cuba: the Works of Clyde Butcher and Maria Martinez-Cañas and Cuba Particulár: the Photography of David Audet. In a showcase that's all about the island nation, FMoPA juxtaposes rural Cuban landscapes by Floridian Clyde Butcher and abstract photo collages by Cuban-born, Miami-based Maria Martinez-Cañas. Tampa photographer David Audet weighs in with a portfolio of black-and-white images he shot while roaming the streets of Havana with a medium-format Hasselblad. Sept. 18-Nov. 10, Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, Tampa, 813-221-2222.
Homing Devices. The idea of "home" has become increasingly complex in the context of globalization — especially for members of the many diaspora and expatriate populations around the world. This exhibit takes a look at "home" from the point of view of Latin American and Caribbean artists, some of whom were born in one country but live in another. Featuring Tomás Saraceno, Maria Fernanda Cardoso and Edouard Duval-Carrié. Oct. 26-Dec. 15, University of South Florida Contemporary Art Museum, Tampa, 813-974-4133.
Frida Kahlo: Through the Lens of Nickolas Muray. The tumultuous union of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, whose 25-year relationship included marriage, divorce and remarriage, did not lack for indiscretions on both sides. But for Kahlo, one infidelity led to a lifelong friendship. In this series of Carbro color portraits, Nickolas Muray, a Hungarian-born photographer who was the Mexican painter's lover for a decade and a friend until her death in 1954, documents her striking beauty and commanding presence. Oct. 27-Jan. 26, Gulf Coast Museum of Art, Largo, 727-518-6833.
This article appears in Aug 29 – Sep 4, 2007.