Art is often a re-telling of observed moments; the artist does not wish to influence the creative encounter, but rather, gleans inspiration from the purity of its unaltered existence. Studio@620 is currently hosting an exhibit that goes against this idea of art by observation. Willful Encounters (at a bus stop) by Maria Saraceno is one-part social experiment, one part art project, an installation of video and photographs that feature hotel workers enjoying refreshments, food and hand massages while waiting at a bus stop in St. Pete Beach. Saraceno's intention with the four-month long project was to cross societal barriers and reverse the roles usually played by those in the service industry. On display through Aug 26, noon-4 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., 620 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg, free admission, 727-895-6620, www.thestudioat620.com.
This article appears in Aug 23-29, 2006.