ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — This summer, a brand new apartment complex opened up in St. Pete with a brand new art gallery located inside.
“I just wanted to do some fun jungle theme, very Florida,” said Tampa Bay artist Cheryl Weber.
Walking past her 40-foot-long, ten-foot-tall mural at the Artistry St. Pete swimming pool, Weber said she never expected to get this type of exposure during a pandemic.
“I love that they chose a lot of local artists because they are putting money back into the community and supporting us as a whole and like giving us opportunities that normally wouldn’t be available to us regularly,” said Weber.
So far, 75 pieces from 15 different artists can be found throughout the common areas of Artistry St. Pete.
“They specified that we want local artists and artists that show the vibe of this unique community,” said curator Amanda Cooper.
She said every piece has a purpose and, in some cases, tells a story.
“For example, Chad Mize, who has a series of pelicans, the pelican just became the official bird of St. Petersburg, it’s a big deal,” said Cooper.
Along with the permanent collection, Artistry St. Pete also has a rotating gallery for local artists that residents and members of the public can enjoy, and if they like, even make a purchase.
“And some of them are really struggling right now so this is a great shot in the arm for them,” said Cooper.
Artists say when you add up all the residents signing leases and guests who will be coming and going, Artistry St Pete should become the up and coming spot to get noticed.
“The Artistry bringing in local talent is really key because a lot of people moving in aren’t from Florida,” said Weber. “So I feel bringing us in is a really good breakthrough for them and then they can seek out all these different artists.”
