Artworks by various Florida artists on display at the Fresh Squeezed 9 exhibition.
The Morean Arts Center in St. Petersburg is currently hosting the Fresh Squeezed 9 exhibition, showcasing the works of eight emerging artists from Florida. Curated by Amanda Cooper, the show highlights innovative pieces spanning various media and themes. With public access until June 26, visitors can explore the vibrant talent at Morean Arts Center and enjoy unique crossovers with the nearby Chihuly Collection.
St. Petersburg is buzzing with creativity thanks to the sensational exhibition Fresh Squeezed 9, currently on display at the Morean Arts Center. This vibrant showcase features the works of up-and-coming artists from across the state of Florida, providing a refreshing outlook on contemporary art.
For the past nine years, Chief Curator Amanda Cooper has been hard at work organizing this amazing exhibition that celebrates Florida’s emerging talent. This year, artists had to compete fiercely, as there were over 100 applicants vying for a spot in the show! With so many high-quality submissions, Cooper carefully selected just eight artists to display their small bodies of work. But here’s a fun little tidbit—some artists who didn’t make the cut may still get featured in other exhibitions throughout the year!
This year, the exhibition is particularly exciting because two of the featured artists have their works displayed at the renowned Chihuly Collection, right across the street. This clever crossover between the Morean Arts Center and the Chihuly Collection aims to boost interaction between these two cultural venues. It’s like the art world is throwing a party, and everyone’s invited!
So, what kind of artworks can you look forward to at Fresh Squeezed 9? Well, hold onto your hats because we have some truly innovative pieces. For starters, there’s Gainesville artist Caroline Crawford, showcasing her luminous paintings that depict individuals enjoying sunny days in swimming pools. Talk about a refreshing twist!
Tampa’s very own Norbert Gonsalves presents us with colorful ceramic sculptures that cleverly play with negative and positive space. His creativity flows into his work, making them fun and engaging.
On the wild side, West Palm Beach artist Ryan Toth incorporates Florida themes into his chaotic masterpieces. One of his sculptures, cheekily named “Get Off My Lawn”, features a python and a taxidermied alligator. Toth describes his art style as “Lilly Pulitzer in a hurricane”. He also showcases a mixed media piece called “Freshly Squeezed Out,” promising a feast for the eyes!
But that’s not all! A Tampa printmaker dives deep into the emotional impact of trees and their relationship with humans in their work dedicated to showing just how “sacred and precious” these organisms are—yet still threatened by deforestation.
Orlando artist brings her journey to life with a piece titled “To My Own Self I Am True,” showcasing a profound personal transformation that occurred while journeying along the Florida National Scenic Trail.
And Ghanaian artist Opoku-Mensah challenges the norms associated with gender through her unique wooden objects. Among her pieces are shoes mounted on a found bicycle and a humorous video installation that follows her crafting a wooden purse.
Sarasota’s nostalgic artist brings a collage-like effect to her paintings of American life, skillfully blending various media for a captivating result. Meanwhile, another artist named Keats examines the connection between natural and digital systems with her inventive mixed media wall hangings, sure to intrigue visitors.
The excitement doesn’t stop there! Fresh Squeezed 9 is open to the public until June 26, so there’s still time to check it out! Head on down to the Morean Arts Center at 719 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, swing by the Chihuly Collection located just a hop away at 720 Central Ave..
For more details about this delightful exhibition and the amazing artists involved, be sure to visit the Morean Arts Center’s website at moreanartscenter.org.
Don’t let this chance to revel in Florida’s artistic talent pass you by!
Artistic School Engagement at St. Petersburg’s New Exhibition
St. Petersburg to Showcase Emerging Artists at Fresh Squeezed 9
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