A few intriguing new developments for Burg art lovers! St. Pete-based artist J. “Tattoo Titan” Michael Taylor has opened Black Amethyst Tattoo and Fine Art Gallery in the historic Sir Walter building at 689 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. St., St. Petersburg.
A grand opening exhibition is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 28, from 7 p.m. to midnight, featuring Taylor’s Demigods series of acrylic paintings. The gallery is now open for business with tattoo appointments available daily from noon (booking up quickly, we're told).
Taylor, known for his bold, full-color tattoo designs and paintings, is runner up on the first season of CMT’s tattoo-challenge show Tattoo Titans — hence the nickname. He earned a BFA from Columbus College of Art and Design and has been tattooing for eight years, the last five in St. Pete. Multiple award-winning artists Angelika Graca and Earl Noble work with him.
“My concept is to provide an art-first approach to the tattoo environment,” says Taylor. Black Amethyst's building offers natural light, open floorplan, high ceilings and tons of space for hanging art.
Taylor plans to maximize his new space by presenting bi-monthly group and solo art exhibits, featuring known and up-and-coming artists in various media.
Good news for BlueLucy fans: If you're like us and pine for the pop culture geniuses who used to hold court on the 600 Block, Chad Mize and Phillip Clark will be back with Shifty Tricks, a traveling skateboard deck exhibit opening with a reception on Sat., Feb. 21, at the Amsterdam. The closing party will be at Local Longboard Company on Sat., March 14 (same night as St. Pete's 2nd Saturday Gallery Walk). Art will remain on display until Sat., March 21. Artists include Derek Donnelly, Stephen Palladino, Coralette Damme, J&S Signs, Daniel Barojas, Saori, Chad Mize, Scott Hillis, Jon Stine, Laura Spencer, Phillip Clark, Mason Schwake, Quinn, Mallory Lundquist, Mike Rozak, Carol Davis, Gordon Rojo, Jedd Lancaster, Carrie Matteoli, Vanessa Culver, Kevin Nodland, Betsy Alvarez, Keturha Singleton and Travis Hise.
Co-presented by Black Amethyst and BlueLucy, Elements will feature the works of 50 artists who, supplied 12-by-12-inch panels, will create art inspired by a specific element from the periodic chart. Opening date will be Saturday, April 11, at Black Amethyst.
BlueLucy is also in talks with Green Bench for curating an exhibit at their space outside Saturday, Aug. 25. The Garden Art Party at Green Bench will feature "upcycled sculpture garden art," Mize says.
