Creatures: Wild and Wooly
June 30 to August 12, 2017
This exciting juried exhibition of original artwork by more than 35 artists showcases work based on creatures-wild, exotic, domesticated, imaginary and mythical.
This exhibition is dedicated to the late sculptor Paul Eppling who created amazing wild creatures.
More than 35 artists from Florida, California and Chicago created pieces from ferocious dragon heads to wistful, wide-eyed ceramic rabbits and intricately beaded statement necklaces for Florida CraftArt’s exhibition “Creatures Wild and Wooly.” Awards were presented at the opening reception on June 30, attended by 250 art lovers.
The judge for Creatures: Wild and Wooly was Michael Killoren, the new executive director of the Morean Arts Center. “The works are so imaginative with gorgeous detail,” he says of the first-place winner Marilyn Rackleman’s mixed-media sculpture which sold to a collector at the opening. I love the narrative on Vadim Malkin’s ‘The Joy Ride’,” he adds. “There are layers of meaning, and the craftsmanship is beautiful.”
‘The Joy Ride’ won third place and is a playful 27-inch tall ceramic sculpture of a cow balancing a pig on its back, who has a mouse on his head.
The national juried exhibition showcases 74 works of original art based on creatures—wild, exotic, domestic, imaginary and mythical. Best of show was given to Diane Lublinski of Pembroke Pines for “Remember Your Path,” an intense, dramatic ceramic sculpture measuring nearly four-feet high.
Second place went to Ray Bennett of Riverview, Florida, for a terrifying dragon-head trophy he sculpted in papier mâché, clay and mixed media. “I wanted to capture the essence of a dragon through sculpture, and needed them to look as lifelike as possible,” he says. “I want you to feel like one of these dragons will take a snap at you.”
Honorable mentions were awarded to Sarasota artist Taylor Robenalt for ‘The Wall of Lies Between Us,’ and St. Petersburg artists Alicia Diem for ‘My home is my castle,’ and Chomick + Meder for ‘Avine Degas.’
A full awards list, press release, artist bios and photos can be found here.
Creatures Wild and Wooly Events
Friday, June 30, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Meet the artists at the opening and awards reception.
Docent Tours: Wednesdays at 1:15 p.m. Group tours by appointment.
July 8, 22, 29: Learn to paint creatures on rocks (materials are provided): $5.
Space is limited. Register here or call (727) 821-7391.
Sat., July 15, 1 to 3 p.m. Writing class inspired by the exhibition with Keep St. Pete Lit $10.
Writing from the class to be performed on Sat., August 5. Register on KeepStPeteLit.org.
Sat., August 5, 5:30 p.m. Keep St. Pete Lit’s Ekphrastic where 12 visual art pieces are interpreted by a dozen
local writers, presented in dramatic readings.
Sat., August 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Closing reception and People’s Choice Award presentation.
Meet Southeastern Guide Dogs and the Superheroes making an impact on our community.
Second Saturday ArtWalk – open until 9 p.m.