For Immediate Release February 5, 2018
Florida CraftArt presents:
LightHeaded: New Directions in Fine Craft Lighting
February 10-March 24, 2018
20 fine craft lighting artists from America, Denmark, Mexico and Tasmania light up Florida CraftArt
Florida CraftArt presents “LightHeaded: New Directions in Fine Craft Lighting” in its exhibition gallery from February 10 to March 24. More than 60 pieces of light art will be featured with a dramatic gallery redesign, crafted to show the art in the best light.
The show promises to make viewers take a new look at fine-craft lighting; it is curated by Mary Anna Murphy, a museum exhibition designer, and Catherine Woods, a nationally renowned glass and public art artist. Artists from across the globe responded to the call to artists.
“Perhaps the most unusual lights are those by Duncan Meerding, a legally-blind artist from Tasmania. He creates his found log lights by feel; they radiate dramatic shafts of light.” said Ms. Murphy. “Denmark artist Birgit Østergaard sent pieces that seem to defy gravity; and Sergio Olivares flew from Mexico City to personally deliver his exuberantly fabulous mid-Modern interpretations.”
The United States is represented by artists from eight states, including Hawaii. St. Petersburg artist, Don Gialanella has the largest piece – an astonishing full-sized sculpture of a man whose body is welded from gears, wheels, with bright lights placed where the heart would be.
An artist-team from Brooklyn are presenting miniature, lighted sheet-metal subway cars painted by well-known graffiti artists. At the opening, guests will have the opportunity to meet the subway car artist, Liz Belloivn.
“There’s even art to wear,” commented Ms. Woods. “A San Diego artist Rachel Merrill and her computer-programmer son Devon created a vest whose 96 bright lights are programmable.”
The opening reception is on Saturday, February 10 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. During the exhibition, docent-guided gallery tours are held on Wednesdays at 1:15 p.m. and are free to the public.
“As the exhibition’s title can have more than one meaning,” said Katie Deits, Florida CraftArt Executive Director, “our board has planned a wine-, food- and chocolate-tasting event on March 2. It will be a fun, as well as educational event.” Visit FloridaCraftArt.org for tickets, as space is limited.
Florida CraftArt is located at 501 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg. For more information, visit www.FloridaCraftArt.org or call (727) 821-7391. Admission is free. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. 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.
CUTLINES:
Duncan Meerding from Tasmania crafts lights from found logs – he is legally blind and crafts his lights by feel.
“Enlightened Man” is a steel assemblage by St. Petersburg artist Donald Gialanella.
Rachel Merrill (San Diego) fashions wearable vests that light up and are computer programmed.
Sergio Olivares from Mexico makes mid-Modern interpretations.
“SMASH Artisan Subway Series Lights” is by Brooklyn artists Liz Belloivn and Beth Costello.