News Summary
St. Petersburg, Florida is buzzing with creativity as local artists Luci Westphal and Scott Solary showcase their work across various venues. With exhibitions highlighting woodworking and photography, the dynamic couple brings fresh perspective and community engagement. Westphal’s photography series and Solary’s woodcraft pieces not only celebrate the local arts and culture scene but also foster conversations on urban development. Notably, Westphal involves students in the arts, energizing the local school community. This month, St. Petersburg promises a rich artistic experience for all.
Exciting Times in St. Petersburg’s Art Scene
St. Petersburg, Florida, is buzzing with creativity as local artists, Luci Westphal and Scott Solary, showcase their stunning work in a series of exhibitions that highlight the city’s vibrant arts and culture landscape. This artistic duo, who share a passion for both woodworking and photography, are bringing waves of fresh inspiration to the area.
Woodcraft Wonders from Man Glitter Studio
First off, let’s dive into the world of Scott Solary. His beautifully crafted pieces, created under the quirky name Man Glitter Studio, are currently on display at Sip Shop Hooray, located at 2053 Central Ave. Scott’s woodcraft designs and wall art feature a stunning blend of creativity and craftsmanship that folks are talking about. This collaboration kicked off at the end of March, and the artwork is here to stay for an indefinite period, so there’s plenty of time to stop by and check it out.
But wait, there’s more! Scott has exciting plans for the future, as he aims to curate shows that will spotlight other talented artists at Sip Shop Hooray. This means the local artistic scene keeps evolving, with fresh talent on the horizon. How amazing is that?
Luci Westphal’s Captivating Photography
Now, let’s switch gears to the phenomenal artwork of Luci Westphal. Her captivating photography series, titled “Post-Historic St. Pete,” will have you looking at the city in an entirely new light. This month, her series is being showcased across two different locations. On April 10, Luci’s work will officially open at Craftsman House, situated at 2955 Central Ave. Just a couple of days later, on April 12, another opening will take place at Forever Florida Realty, located at 2629 Central Ave. What better way to spend those warm spring days than by immersing yourself in the local art scene?
As part of her showcase at Craftsman House, Luci has organized a panel of speakers scheduled for April 17. It will be a thought-provoking discussion, touching on themes that resonate deeply in today’s ever-changing urban landscape. The closing event at Forever Florida will wrap up the exhibition on April 27, so make sure to mark your calendars!
An Artistic Journey of Love and Passion
The story of Luci and Scott is as rich and layered as their artwork. The couple first met while studying at Santa Fe College in Gainesville during the early ’90s and later continued their education at Florida State University, where Scott dived into creative writing while Luci focused on film. After several years bouncing between Berlin and New York City, they landed in Colorado before making the sunny relocation to Florida in 2018. Their decision was heavily influenced by the vibrant arts scene in St. Petersburg, a place they quickly fell in love with, especially during the heightened creativity sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Scott found his calling in the restoration of historic windows after transitioning from a previously downsized job in the marijuana industry’s distribution side. What began as a simple birdhouse-building initiative—after a neighbor cut down a tree—has blossomed into a delightful wood art practice he affectionately calls “grainscapes.”
Meanwhile, Luci’s commitment to the local art community runs deep, as she plays an active role in John Hopkins Middle School’s magnet art program. This involvement has been a very personal journey that has further ignited her curiosity about the contrasts in St. Petersburg’s urban landscape, where shiny new high-rises stand shoulder to shoulder with historic structures.
Engaging with the Community
To engage viewers further, Luci has designed an interactive experience for attendees of her April 12 opening at Forever Florida Realty. Expect to find small prints of her captivating work sprinkled along Central Avenue, inviting the community to explore and ponder the transformations happening within the city. It’s not just art; it’s a chance to spark conversation and reflect on urban development!
With all these exhibitions and initiatives, St. Petersburg is surely the place to be for art lovers this month. Be sure to support these amazing local artists and experience the rich tapestry of creativity they have woven into our wonderful city!
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Additional Resources
- Thrillist: Best Things to Do in St. Petersburg
- St Pete Catalyst: New Museum Exhibit Chronicles St. Pete Art History
- I Love The Burg: Local Panel Discusses Art Scene
- New York Times: Things to Do in St. Pete, Florida
- Google Search: St. Petersburg Florida Art Scene
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.
