Art enthusiasts at the Joe Tonelli retrospective exhibit at the Morean Arts Center.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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