For Immediate Release September 13, 2021
Florida CraftArt presents:
“Environmentally Engaged” exhibition of fine craft
Exhibition Dates: September 10-October 23, 2021
In the “Environmentally Engaged” exhibition at Florida CraftArt, artists express their concerns, hopes and fears about the environment, the impending effects of climate change, and human relationships with the natural world.
At the virtual opening and awards reception on September 10, the show’s judge, Howard Rutherford presented awards to 11 artists. He said, “I’d like to recognize all of the 40 artists whose art is in the Environmentally Engaged exhibition. The quality of work of the 84 pieces in the show is outstanding. The artists are from Florida and beyond in Montana. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the artists for the thought and effort expended in creating the fine craft pieces. They have expressed ideas of how we can be more aware of the changes needed to create a sustainable environment.”
Swedish-born artist Anne Andersson, of St. Petersburg, was awarded Best of Show for her life-sized, rainbow-maned lion’s head sculpture which she intricately handcrafted from fibers of the Agave sisalana plant.
Artist Lorraine Turner, of Clearwater, received First Place for an incredibly detailed fiber work of penguin parents and their chick entitled, “From the Bottom of Our Hearts.” Lorraine is a trained animal communicator who donates the proceeds of her sales to funds for endangered animals.
Second Place was awarded to Julia Galloway for a ceramic urn entitled, “Sea Turtle.” She is a University of Montana art professor who is internationally renowned for her national “Endangered Species” series. She threw and painted seven ceramic urns, each with an endangered species from Florida. Sales of her work are donated in part to Tampa Bay Watch.
Shelly Steck Reale, of St. Petersburg, received Third Place for “No More Monsters.” Her ceramic sculpture features a soulful squirrel sitting on a human skull. Shelly says, ““We are living on this planet as if our choices have no repercussions; what we fail to realize is that, in the end, the Earth will recover, it is the human race who will not.”
Honorable Mentions were awarded to Kenny Jensen, Kim Kirchman, Laurie Landry, Eileen Marquez, Casey McDonough and Ryan Moralevitz.
Roseanne D’Andrea was presented the Executive Director’s Award for “Sea Life Chess Set” on which each ceramic piece has a QR Code linking to websites where people can learn more about the species or the pollutant.
Free virtual community programming begins at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 21, with a panel led by Kristen Kusek of USF discussing environmental restoration from coral reefs to bay grasses. Paige Landsky of Tampa Bay Watch will talk about bay grass restoration and oyster reef installations – oyster balls and bags of oyster shells used to restore shorelines. The Coral Restoration Foundation from Key Largo will reveal their project of restoring coral reefs. Dr. Frazer, dean of USF Marine Science, will examine the scientific aspects. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83961225608
At 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 2, artists Kenny Jensen and Casey McDonough will give illustrated talks about how they incorporate environmental issues as part of their practices. 14-year-old activist Ryan Moralevitz will share how he has been an activist for ten years and creates sculptures from trash he collects on beach cleanups. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89935226753
On Thursday, October 21, 6 p.m., discover how everyone can make a difference. A panel on Zoom will talk about volunteer opportunities, Reduce/Reuse/Repurpose ideas, Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful and more. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88186910205
“Through the art in the exhibit, visitors will be challenged to think about their connection to the earth through their actions and, hopefully, be inspired to strive for a more sustainable world,” says Florida CraftArt’s Board President Tyler Jones. “This is a great opportunity for the public to learn more about environmental issues by visiting the show and also attending the free educational programming. People will learn how they can make a difference in the outcome of our world by modifying their actions.”
As engaging the community is part of Florida CraftArt’s mission, the public is invited to attend the exhibition and programming free of charge which is made possible with support from the exhibition’s sponsors Kathryn Howd and Edward Rucks, along with David and Becky Ramsey, Regions Bank, the City of St. Petersburg, and Florida’s Division of Arts & Culture.
This project is sponsored in part by the Florida Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council of Arts and Culture, the State of Florida and the National Endowment for the Arts. (Section 286.25, Florida Statutes).
See environmental issues through the eyes of artists through October 23 when the People’s Choice Award will be presented. People can vote for their favorite work of art in the Florida CraftArt Exhibition Gallery and on Facebook.
Florida CraftArt is located at 501 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg. Gallery hours are Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.FloridaCraftArt.org or call (727) 821-7391. 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 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. Florida CraftArt is the only statewide organization offering artists a platform to show and sell their work.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR (Visit FloridaCraftArt.org for more information):
Tuesday, September 21, 6 p.m. Learn about environmental restoration from coral reefs to bay grasses. Paige Landsky of Tampa Bay Watch will talk about bay grass restoration and oyster reef installations – oyster balls and bags of oyster shells used to restore shorelines. The Coral Restoration Foundation will discuss restoring coral reefs. Dr. Frazer, a USF Marine Scientist, will speak. Kristen Kusek of USF will moderate the panel. ZOOM LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83961225608
Saturday, October 2, 2 p.m. Artists talk about their practice: Kenny Jensen, Casey McDonough and Ryan Moralevitz. ZOOM LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89935226753
Saturday, October 9, 5-7 p.m. Second Saturday ArtWalk in the Gallery. Visit ArtLofts on our second floor.
Thursday, October 21, 6 p.m. Join us to discover how you can make a difference. Learn about volunteer opportunities, Reduce/Reuse/Repurpose ideas, Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful and more. ZOOM LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88186910205
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 Andersson, Anne Lion Rainbow. Jpg
Best of Show went to a prideful lion created from sisal by St. Petersburg-based Anne Andersson.
FCA Turner_FromtheBottomofOurHearts.jpg
First Place was awarded for “From the Bottom of Our Hearts,” by Clearwater-based artist Lorraine Turner.
FCA Galloway, Julia Green Sea Turtle.jpg
Montana-based professor Julia Galloway creates urns of endangered species such as this Sea Turtle.
FCA E. Howard Rutherford judging.jpg
E. Howard Rutherford of USF judged the “Environmentally Engaged” exhibition. He is looking at the “Sea Turtle Urn” by Julia Galloway who he awarded Second Place.
FCA Steck Reale No More Monsters.jpg
Shelly Steck Reale was recognized with Third Place for her emotionally moving ceramic sculpture and poem, “No More Monsters.”
FCA Moralevitz Hammerhead Shark.jpg
Ryan Moralevitz is a 14-year-old artist and environmental activist who creates sea-creature sculptures from trash he finds during beach cleanups.
