News Summary
Art enthusiasts in St. Petersburg are invited to experience the ‘Spaces Between’ exhibition at Florida CraftArt. Featuring a diverse array of textile art, this exhibition explores the nuanced themes of edges and borders through the works of talented national and international artists. Curated by esteemed fiber artist Akiko Kotani, the exhibition showcases award-winning pieces that delve into societal issues and invite reflection. The ‘Spaces Between’ exhibition runs until May 17, 2025, promising a thought-provoking experience for all attendees.
St. Petersburg Welcomes the ‘Spaces Between’ Exhibition at Florida CraftArt
Art lovers, get ready! The bustling city of St. Petersburg is currently buzzing with excitement as Florida CraftArt hosts the captivating exhibition titled “Spaces Between.” This fabulous showcase features a stellar collection of textile art from talented national and international artists, all united by a thought-provoking theme. The exhibition stems from a fantastic partnership with the Surface Design Association and has become a must-visit for anyone who appreciates creativity and cultural commentary.
A Journey Through Edges and Borders
At the heart of this exhibition is a compelling exploration of what it means to navigate the “spaces between.” This theme cleverly tackles various concepts related to edges and borders—be they cultural, psychological, or physical. The beauty of this show lies in how artists interpret these complex ideas in their unique ways, creating a vibrant tapestry of styles and messages.
The rigorous selection process saw the works chosen by the esteemed juror, Akiko Kotani, a celebrated contemporary fiber artist hailing from Gulfport. With her keen eye for detail and understanding of the artistic landscape, Kotani has curated a collection that truly represents a myriad of perspectives on the theme.
And the Awards Go To!
Among the standout pieces in the exhibition, a few award winners have shone particularly bright. Leading the charge is South Carolina artist Susan Lenz, who snagged the first-place award with her impactful artwork titled “Cemetery Flags.” This poignant piece cleverly stitches together small American flags sourced from cemeteries, aiming to breathe new life into forgotten symbols and more importantly, to remind us of their significance.
Next up, second place was awarded to Barbara Schulman from Pennsylvania for her emotionally charged piece, “The Black Plague.” Using altered jeans, this striking artwork showcases the names and locations of Black individuals tragically killed by law enforcement, evoking deep reflections on societal issues and inspired by recent events.
Coming in third place, Julie Reuben from Cambridge, MA, displayed her artistic prowess in her piece “Ovum,” recognized for its intricate stitching techniques that elevate the overall aesthetic.
Other Noteworthy Contributions
Beyond the award-winning pieces, the exhibition showcases a delightful variety of art that encourages viewers to ponder profound societal messages. One such notable work is Michele Heather Pollock’s hand-embroidered artist book “To Know This Place,” where she intricately depicts nature scenes that will leave you in awe. Then there’s Paule Hewlett’s thought-provoking work “Borderline Humanity,” featuring a haunting depiction of a woman encircled by the harsh words “illegal criminal.” This piece truly embodies the intersection of art and social commentary.
France’s Tina Marais contributed with her evocative piece “Sleep in the bed that you made III,” which portrays tattered bed sheets with unsettling gaps, further highlighting the theme of introspection within the exhibition.
Mark Your Calendars
The “Spaces Between” exhibition runs until May 17, 2025, giving you ample time to immerse yourself in this powerful display of creativity and commentary. And don’t forget, a special virtual Textile Talk with Akiko Kotani and the award winners is scheduled for April 30, 2025, at 2 p.m. It’s a wonderful chance to hear directly from these artists about their inspiration and processes.
You can find Florida CraftArt conveniently located at 501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. If you need further information, feel free to reach out at 727-821-7391. Prepare yourself for a thought-provoking and visually stunning visit that will have you reflecting on the spaces between us all.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Weekend Events in St. Petersburg and Gulfport
Engaging Dialogue on Economic Inequality in St. Petersburg
Additional Resources
- The Gabber: Contemporary Textiles in Florida CraftArt’s Spaces Between
- St. Pete Catalyst: 10th Annual Gulfport Fine Arts Festival
- ABC Action News: Artists and Non-Profits Team Up in Gulfport
- Fox 13 News: New Exhibit in Gulfport Tackling Book Removal
- Wikipedia: Art Exhibition
- Google Search: Art Exhibitions in Florida
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Exhibition
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.
