A Celebration of Life
April 6 – May 26, 2018
Presenting Sponsor
A Celebration of the Life of Coralie Graham
Curated by Mark Noll
Artists explore remembrance and celebration of those who have left us but not restricted to traditional motifs.
Exhibition and Reception Gallery
Scroll down for exhibition programming that includes artistic workshops, lectures and performances, or click here!
Awards
Best of Show was awarded to Pamela Trow (St. Petersburg) for her elaborate woven wall hanging, “Death of Venus.” Jessica Perez Bianciotto (Tampa) won First Place for “Angelito.” Brianna Galmiche (Pinellas Park) won Second Place for her ink drawing “Skull.” Ceramic artist Calan Ree (St. Petersburg) won Third Place for ““Memento Mori Death Rattle.” Honorable Mentions were awarded to Coralette Licorice Chalk Damme (St. Petersburg) for her linoleum cut “Humilis” and to Jennifer Kosharek (St. Petersburg) for a small embroidery entitled “Half Dead.”
Exhibition curator Mark Noll awarded Curator’s Choice to Carolina Cleere (St. Petersburg) for “Frida’s Child,” a large mixed-media mobile.
A section of the exhibition showcases 160 sugar skull-shaped wood plaques decorated by invited artists to raise funds for children’s programs at Florida CraftArt. These all started with the same plywood skull-shaped forms, but each artist brought his or her own unique vision, some fun and playful while others were imbued with deep personal meaning.” Forty-five percent of the proceeds from the sale of these skulls will go directly to the children’s programs and many of the artists have also donated their commissions to the fund. Florida CraftArt also produced a 170-page book documenting the Sugar Skulls.
Read the full Awards story here
Closing Reception: May 26, 5:30-7:30 p.m.: Closing reception and People’s Choice Award presentation. Skull-shaped chocolates and cookies will be served.
Departing from the confines of the traditional motifs, artists explore remembrance and the celebration of those who have left us. The exhibition is a study of the past from a place in the present. A requiem for our loved ones and friends.
The artists in this exhibition are diverse in both medium and style, each bringing a unique perspective to express it in their own style. It is our hope that you not only gain a better understanding of the traditional holiday, but that you can also view death with a new perspective.
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died, and help support their spiritual journey, the show is about celebration of the lives of those passed.
The Aztecs developed the ritual some 3,000 years ago because they believed one should not grieve the loss of a beloved ancestor who passed. Instead, the Aztecs celebrated their lives and welcomed the return of their spirits to the land of the living once a year. They celebrated with food, drink and music ofrendas, or offerings.
During the Día de los Muertos celebration, mourning was not allowed because it was believed the tears would make the spirit’s path treacherous and slippery. “This day is a joyous occasion; it’s a time to gather with everyone in your family, those alive and those dead.”
Exhibition programming schedule, sign up early!
Please let us know you would like to participate, sign up or rsvp below.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE.
IMPORTANT DATES and LINKS:
Artist(s) bio, headshot and artist statement to FCA: March 12, 2018
Selected artwork due at Florida CraftArt: March 21, 22 and 23, 2018
Opening reception and award announcements: Friday, April 6, 2018 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Closing reception: Saturday, May 26, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.Unsold work picked up by artists by appointment: Sunday, May 27 from 12:30 to 4 p.m. and Tuesday, May 29 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.For general exhibition information or questions related to the call to artists, contact us at: exhibition@FloridaCraftArt.org, or call the curator, Mark Noll at (727)515-6352.