News Summary
St. Petersburg is set to celebrate the life and artistry of local legend Joe Tonelli with a retrospective exhibit, ‘Illustrating the News.’ Opening on February 22 at the Morean Arts Center, the exhibit will feature his award-winning works and the remnants of his creative workspace. With the public reception on March 8, this event promises to honor a prolific career that significantly impacted local journalism and arts.
Celebrating a Local Legend: Joe Tonelli’s Artistic Journey
St. Petersburg is buzzing with excitement as it gears up for a remarkable retrospective exhibit celebrating the life and artistry of Joe Tonelli! This highly anticipated exhibit, titled “Illustrating the News,” will be unveiled at the Morean Arts Center and is set to open its doors on Saturday, February 22. It will run until March 27, giving art lovers and those new to the scene plenty of time to explore.
A Glimpse into a Prolific Career
For those unfamiliar with Tonelli, he was not just an artist; he was a prolific creator who dedicated over three decades to the art department at a local newspaper, serving as its director from 1961 to 1991. Under his guidance, the art department won numerous awards, elevating the visual standards of journalism. He was known for introducing artistic flair to ordinary newspaper pages, transforming them into canvases brimming with life.
Innovative Spirit in Journalism
During his time, the newspaper, influenced by owner and publisher Nelson Poynter, became one of the first in the region to spice up its layouts with color illustrations. In the 1960s, when most papers remained monochromatic, Tonelli embraced the challenge, adding vibrant sketches to the features, sports, religion, and news sections. Thanks to his creative vision, readers were treated to a much more dynamic way of consuming the news.
A Legacy of Collaboration and Friendship
One of Tonelli’s close colleagues was fellow artist Jack Barrett, who joined the team in 1970. Their friendship blossomed in the creative environment, and their shared passion for artistic expression enhanced their work. As a testament to their legacy, Barrett’s contributions were also celebrated in a past exhibit at the Morean Arts Center when he passed away in 2008, and now it’s time to honor Tonelli’s incredible journey.
Discovering Hidden Treasures
After retiring in the early 1990s, Tonelli lived to the impressive age of 96, passing away in 2023. Following his passing, his daughter, Maria Tonelli Smith, stumbled upon a treasure trove of his artwork while cleaning out the garage—a collection that had gathered dust since his time at the newspaper. Alongside her family, she curated this impressive exhibit, showcasing the very best pieces from his career that were dear to his heart.
What to Expect at the Exhibit
Visitors to the Morean Arts Center will have the chance to not only admire Tonelli’s framed artwork but also experience remnants of his creative workspace. The exhibit will feature the original desk and chair he used, providing a nostalgic glimpse into his artistic world. Additionally, attendees can explore original sketches and portfolio books that illustrate the progression of his work—from initial concepts to final masterpieces.
Join the Celebration
Mark your calendars for the public reception on Saturday, March 8, from 5 to 8 p.m. during the Second Saturday ArtWalk. It promises to be a joyful event celebrating an inspiring career that impacted both the art community and local journalism.
Plan Your Visit
If you’re eager to dive into this artistic celebration of a local legend, head over to the Morean Arts Center, located at 719 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about the stories behind the art, this exhibit offers a wonderful journey into the creative life of Joe Tonelli.
Don’t miss out! Experience the magic of art and journalism intertwining in this wonderful retrospective that pays tribute to an artist whose work has touched countless lives.
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Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst: Joe Tonelli Exhibit
- Wikipedia: Art
- St. Pete Catalyst: New Food Pantry
- Google Search: Food Pantry
- Daily Cartoonist: Joe Tonelli RIP
- Google Scholar: Joe Tonelli
- St. Pete Catalyst: Pinellas County Rebuilding
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pinellas County
- St. Pete Catalyst: Stageworks Farewell
- Google News: Stageworks
- St. Pete Catalyst: Iconic Restaurant for Sale
- Google Search: Restaurant News
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
