Florida CraftArt

For Immediate Release February 1, 2021
Florida CraftArt presents:
Award Winners in the Members’ Show: Contemporary Craft at its Finest
Exhibition runs through March 20, 2021
Virtual Opening Artists’ Talks: February 9, 6 p.m.

Members’ Show: Contemporary Craft at its Finest is a juried exhibition showcasing original art that showcases the best of handcrafted work by Florida CraftArt members. From across Florida, 46 artists created 79 pieces from intricate jewelry to glass sculptures. The show’s judge, Susana Weymouth, presented the awards at the opening reception on Friday, January 29 at 6 p.m. A recording of the presentation can be viewed on FloridaCraftArt.org/videos.

Ms. Weymouth and her husband, Yann Weymouth, have long been involved with international education, culture and the arts. She said, “It was a challenge to choose the awards. Every artist in the exhibit deserved one. What one expects from Florida CraftArt is a level of excellence and variety and self-expression by many talented artists.” 

“I congratulate Florida CraftArt for its strong support of artists, particularly during these difficult times,” she added.

Ms. Weymouth awarded Best of Show to Sue Griggs Allen of Sarasota for “Three Muses,” a ceramic and mixed media sculpture. 

First Place went to Gulfport artist Dawn Waters for a 38-inch by 27-inch hand-felted portrait of Frieda Kahlo entitled, “I Want to be Your Darkest Everything.”

St. Petersburg jewelry artist Maureen Shankey received Second Place for “Cuff Dream,” an unusual bracelet created in sterling silver with 24-Karat gold accents and faceted white topaz.

Jorie Berman of Tampa won Third Place for her sensuous abstract ceramic sculpture “Shy-da.”

Honorable Mentions were presented to Joyce Curvin (Palm Harbor), Suzy Pease (Gulfport), Emilie Pritchard (Panama City), Nick Reale (St. Petersburg) and Maria Saraceno (St. Petersburg). The Executive Director’s Award was given to Shelly Steck Reale (St. Petersburg) for a ceramic sculpture, “Ready for a Spree.”

“Our members are the foundation of our nonprofit statewide organization,” says Florida CraftArt’s Board President Tyler Jones. “Artists define a community, and we are very proud of the talent, skill and craftsmanship of our dedicated members.”

On Tuesday, February 9 at 6 p.m. the artists will be talking about their work on Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81389878999. The show runs through March 20 when the People’s Choice Award will be presented at the closing reception. People can vote for their favorite work of art on Facebook and in the Florida CraftArt Exhibition Gallery.

Florida CraftArt is located at 501 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg. For more information, visit www.FloridaCraftArt.org or call (727) 821-7391. Florida CraftArt is a nonprofit organization founded in 1951 and headquartered in St. Petersburg. Its mission is to grow the statewide creative economy by engaging the community and advancing Florida’s fine craft artists and their work. Fine craft art is presented in its 2,500-square-foot retail gallery and curated exhibitions are featured in its adjacent exhibition gallery. Florida CraftArt is the only statewide organization offering artists a platform to show and sell their work. This week, hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Starting on February 8, the gallery will be open seven days a week: Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

Contact:
Katie Deits, Executive Director

Florida CraftArt
501 Central Ave.,
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
727-821-7391
FloridaCraftArt.org

CUTLINES (More images of work available on request.)

FCA Dawn Waters I want to be your darkest everything.jpg 
Gulfport artist Dawn Waters was awarded First Place for a hand-felted portrait of Frieda Kahlo entitled, “I Want to be Your Darkest Everything.”

FCA Maureen Shankey Cuff Dream.jpg
St. Petersburg jewelry artist Maureen Shankey received Second Place for “Cuff Dream,” an unusual bracelet created in sterling silver with 24-Karat gold accents and faceted white topaz.

FCA Sue Grieg Allen Three Muses.jpg
Best of Show was presented to Sue Griggs Allen of Sarasota for “Three Muses,” a ceramic and mixed media sculpture.

FCA Members Show 2021-s.Jpg
Florida CraftArt’s Members’ Show: Contemporary Craft at its Finest runs through March 20.

ARTISTS IN THE FLORIDA CRAFTART MEMBERS’ SHOW

  1. Sue Griggs Allen, Sarasota
  2. Bobbi Baugh, Deland
  3. Jorie Berman, Tampa
  4. Wade Brickhouse, Chattanooga, Tennessee
  5. Joanne Taylor Brown, Holmes Beach
  6. Sarah Butz, St. Petersburg
  7. Pamela Carman, Palm Beach Gardens
  8. Kimberli Cummings, Tampa
  9. Joyce Curvin, Palm Harbor
  10. Renee Davis, Palmetto
  11. Tom Davis, St. Petersburg
  12. Barbara Demaire, Gulfport
  13. Terry Demaline, St. Petersburg
  14. Melissa Fair, Tampa
  15. Eric Folsom, Gulfport
  16. Judy Freeman, Ocala
  17. Diana Hirschhorn, Bradenton
  18. Alan Johnson, St. Petersburg
  19. Anne Kantor, Tampa
  20. Edmund Knudsen, Tampa
  21. Laurie Landry, St. Petersburg
  22. Shaw Lane, Dunnellon
  23. Nancy Lauby, Palm Harbor
  24. Betsy Orbe Lester, St. Petersburg
  25. Jill Lindsay, Port Charlotte
  26. Diane Lublinski, Pembrooke Pines
  27. Sandy MacNeill, St. Petersburg
  28. Vadim Malkin, Orlando
  29. Teresa Mandala, St. Petersburg
  30. Candace Cloud McLean, Lecanto
  31. Melissa Menzer, Spring Hill
  32. Wolfgang Mueller, The Villages
  33. Peggi Naddeau, Mount Dora
  34. Fred and Kate Pearce, Treasure Island
  35. Suzy Pease, Gulfport
  36. Stuart Peterman, Odessa
  37. Emilie Pritchard, Panama City
  38. Nick Reale, St. Petersburg
  39. Shelly Steck Reale, St. Petersburg
  40. Jan Richardson, St. Petersburg
  41. Nadine Saitlin, Boca Raton
  42. Maria Saraceno, St. Petersburg
  43. Maureen Shankey, St. Petersburg
  44. Dawn Waters, Gulfport
  45. Kathy Wilcox, Tallahassee
  46. Mary Ann Ziegler, Largo
Join Waitlist We will inform you when the product arrives in stock. Please leave your valid email address below.