Florida CraftArt To Exhibit Works Of ArtLofts Artists

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Florida CraftArt will present The Artists of ArtLofts in its exhibition gallery from Jan. 7 to 18. The 19 award-winning and emerging artists will present recent artwork including drawings, encaustic, glass, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography and sculpture.

ArtLofts is on the second floor of Florida CraftArt and has working artists’ studios. The studios are usually open for the Saturday ArtWalks or by appointment.

This exhibition will give the public an opportunity to see the artists’ work and to meet them in person at the reception on Friday, Jan. 10 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Artists in the exhibition are Javier Dones, Julie Dye, Mavis Gibson, Susan Hess, Brian James, Gilbert Johnson, Beth Kauffman, Betsy Orbe Lester, Carol O’Bryon, Kirk Palmer, Karen Porter, Amanda Pratt, Rebecca Skelton, Brandy Stark, Kas Turner, Joe Walles, Lee West, Rick Whalen and Donna Winchester.

“We are excited to display the art of the talented artists of ArtLofts,” said Katie Deits, the executive director of Florida CraftArt. “They have such a profound level of experience and a diversity of styles. Several of the artists teach at colleges and universities, and have undoubtedly influenced many artists in Florida. While Florida CraftArt is based on fine craft, we support fine art with these artists’ studios and exhibits. Of course, the line between fine art and fine craft is getting more and more blurred in the art world. This is an opportunity for people to explore a variety of mediums by top-quality artists.”

Florida CraftArt, located at 501 Central Ave. in St. Petersburg, is a nonprofit organization founded in 1951 to advance Florida’s fine craft artists and their work. Fine craft art is presented in its 2,000-square-foot retail gallery and a large gallery features curated exhibitions.

Admission is free. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.