Wearable Art To Enliven Vacant Storefront In Clearwater

CLEARWATER, FL — The city of Clearwater is bringing back the artistic sensation first introduced to downtown Clearwater in December.

The latest wearable art exhibit showcasing the work of local artists will debut this week in vacant storefronts throughout downtown Clearwater.

In January, the city of Clearwater's Community Redevelopment Agency commissioned artists to create eye-catching artistic displays in vacant storefronts throughout the year to add to the experience of downtown visitors and fight the blight that often accompanies abandoned buildings, according to Rosemary D'Amour, Community Redevelopment Agency public relations and programs manager.

The first wearable art exhibit in December was met with rave reviews.

Six storefronts in the 500 and 600 blocks of Cleveland Street were decorated garments made from reusable materials including hats fashioned from flowers, dresses made from paper and fruit, recycled metal bras and other imaginative creations by artists Julian Hartog, Ivanka Ska, Frank Strunk III, Lina Teixeira and Beth Warmath.

"In addition to the CRA's efforts to stimulate our local economy, we are finding creative ways to address blight and vacancy in downtown, as well as support local artists through a challenging period during COVID-19," said Amanda Thompson, CRA director. "And wearable art is unique and a distinctive attribute that we hope to see define our downtown in the years to come."

Funded by the CRA, local artist and business owner Lina Teixeira recruited artists to fashion the creative fashions and the CRA reached out to local property owners for permission to use empty storefronts.

The latest exhibit will feature the work of artists Demeree Barth, Adrianne Butler, Mark Byrne, Judy Ginader, Ungala Grace, Terri Gray, Bobbi Halverson, Michael Montini and Lina Teixeira.

The art exhibits include jewelry, garments, and flowers, all made using various wearable materials such as newspaper, metal, Styrofoam, balloons, paints and brass bells.

"I am thrilled and honored to combine my passion for Clearwater and that of wearable art," said Teixeira. "It is a unique opportunity to showcase this art form and visually stimulate this stretch of downtown. I hope everyone will visit Cleveland Street and enjoy these installations by these talented artists."

The address locations are 525, 527, 531, 533, 615 and 617 Cleveland St.

The art exhibits will also be featured on the CRA's virtual art map, which highlights more than two dozen murals, sculptures, art and placemaking sites throughout downtown.

See related story: Vacant Storefronts Transformed Into Works Of Wearable Art