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Florida CraftArt Opens ’99 Bottles’ Exhibition

Visitors explore the diverse artistic interpretations of bottles at the '99 Bottles' exhibition.

News Summary

Florida CraftArt in St. Petersburg is set to reopen its gallery with the ’99 Bottles’ exhibition, exploring the symbolism of bottles in art. Visitors can enjoy diverse artistic works that reflect on themes such as celebration, preservation, and memory. The exhibition runs until July 12 and showcases pieces from nearly 400 artists across the country. A juror’s reception featuring live music and awards will also take place during the event.

St. Petersburg, Florida – Florida CraftArt will reopen its gallery with the exhibition titled “99 Bottles” on Saturday, May 24, 2025. This unique exhibition will run until July 12, 2025, and is set to explore the multifaceted symbolism of the bottle as more than just a container. The exhibition will investigate themes such as celebration, preservation, indulgence, healing, and memory through a diverse collection of artistic interpretations.

The gallery is located at 501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, Florida. Visitors can view the exhibition from Monday to Saturday between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., and on Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. This display is expected to attract art lovers from various regions, particularly given the impressive range of submissions.

Nearly 400 entries were received from artists across 20 states, reflecting a broad engagement with the theme of the exhibition. The jurying process was conducted by Rachel Saul Rearick, the executive director of Contemporary Craft in Pittsburgh, who highlighted the enjoyable yet challenging nature of selecting artworks from such a large pool of applicants. The exhibition will showcase small collections from individual artists, allowing for a personalized viewing experience.

Featured artists include Benjamin Johnson, who presents the glass bottle titled “Optic Sequence 3,” inspired by textiles and natural rhythms. Elizabeth McAlpin will display her ceramic piece “Discarded (V),” which addresses the environmental consequences of single-use plastics. Rebecca Zweibel contributes “Abstract Bottle II,” an earthenware creation known for its instinctive texture and rich sculptural form. Each of these works contributes to the overarching narrative of the bottle as a significant object in our lives.

The playful title of the exhibition references the well-known song “99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall,” infusing the show with a sense of whimsy while grounding it in the broader cultural context surrounding bottles. In addition to the main exhibition, a juror’s reception will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. This event will include live music, refreshments, and an awards presentation to honor standout contributions within the exhibition.

Florida CraftArt, a nonprofit organization founded in 1951, has a long history of supporting and promoting the local arts community. Through exhibitions like “99 Bottles,” the organization continues to foster artistic innovation and provide a platform for artists to reach a wider audience.

For more details regarding the “99 Bottles” exhibition, interested individuals can visit the Florida CraftArt website or contact the gallery directly.