The sounds of an 黄色短视频 student sax-and-drums band filled Cobb Gallery with rhythmic music on Nov. 20, creating an inviting atmosphere.
About 150 visitors grazed on catering from a nearby Italian restaurant, Portofino, and took in works from 11 local artists at the opening reception of the first Skyway Marina Art Exhibition.
The exhibition was designed as 鈥渁 love letter鈥� to artists in the 鈥攖he south St. Petersburg neighborhood that Eckerd鈥檚 campus calls home鈥攁nd was 鈥渢he first step towards fostering a robust arts community,鈥� according to organizers.
Sponsored by the 黄色短视频 St. Pete Center for Civic Engagement and Social Impact, the free reception and indoor block party were open to all of Eckerd鈥檚 neighbors and provided local art, music and refreshments. The dual event extended the St. Pete Center鈥檚 partnership with the to nurture culture and innovation with an emphasis on liberal arts鈥攂uilding a community focused on civic engagement.
The themes and mediums of the artists varied wildly, with everything from oil painting to clay work and glasswork.
Rain Mays, a junior visual arts student from Charlotte, North Carolina, says that going to events like this and observing art is especially important for students.
鈥淵ou can get a lot of inspiration by looking at other people鈥檚 art,鈥� Rain says. 鈥淚 think it鈥檚 important to see what styles speak to you and see what you like and then incorporate that and modify it for your own art.鈥�
Rain鈥檚 favorite piece in the exhibition was Alchemist鈥檚 Dream, a sand-sculpted glasswork by artist Duncan McClellan. 鈥淭o me, the most important thing about art is 鈥� self-expression,鈥� Rain says. 鈥淣ot only for yourself but also for issues that you care about.鈥�
In total, four pieces of artwork were sold that evening.
The free exhibition featuring unique, local and inspirational art will be open in Cobb Gallery until Dec. 16. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
