St. Pete June Art Shows Celebrate LGBTQ+ Expression, Identity

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Artists across St. Petersburg are celebrating queer expression and identity for LGBTQ+ pride month, which is recognized every June.

Here are some upcoming pride-themed art shows to add to your calendar:

“Royal Tea Art Show” at St. Petersburg City Theatre

Curated by artist Rachel Covello, the Royal Tea Art Show is on display in the lobby of St. Petersburg City Theatre, 4025 31st Street S., throughout June. The opening reception takes place June 4, 5 to 8 p.m.

That whole concept of the theme royalty, I just wanted to do something different, instead of just doing more of a generic pride show, doing something that, I think, speaks to a lot of different people in different ways,” Covello told Patch. “So, for me, royalty and the LGBT community, you know, royal could mean drag; it could mean talking about ‘No Kings’ [anti-Trump demonstrations]. And then the ‘-ty’ - could be t-dances, the ‘t’ from transgender. There’s lots of ways that people can interpret it.”

The opening night reception will feature live performances by pianist Eddie Garrido and drag artist Mister E.

It features artwork by both established and up-and-coming artists, including a colorful rainbow chandelier by artist Jodi Adams, who creates under the name The Chandelier Queer.

“In a time when queer people are being told to make themselves smaller, this exhibition is a reminder of just how vibrant, creative, and resilient our community is,” Adams told Patch. “My chandeliers take up space, celebrate color without apology, and invite people to experience joy as something powerful. What excites me most about this show is being surrounded by so many talented queer artists, each bringing their own voice, perspective, and lived experience to the conversation. Creating visible queer art feels both like an act of resistance and an act of hope, and I’m honored to share space with artists who are doing the same.”

Covello plans to coordinate other events in the space in conjunction with the art show, including bringing in a queer book fair, and hosting game nights and other gatherings.

“Joy: Be Yourself and Be Proud” at The Werk Gallery

The opening for the “Joy: Be Yourself and Be Proud” art show, featuring pieces submitted to a call-for-art around the theme, takes place June 5, 5 to 9 p.m., at The Werk Gallery, 2210 1st Ave. S.

“Joy is more than mere happiness; it is a deep and enduring state of contentment. Joy comes when one finally allows themself to live their truth,” according to a news release from the gallery. “With this exhibition, we want to celebrate the strength and resilience of the LGBTQ community and the things that bring us all that deep inner joy that no one can take away, even when it seems like the world is against us.”

“ArtOUT” at the Gulfport Public Library

Out Arts & Culture’s month-long “ArtOUT” exhibit is on display at the Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S.

Award-winning pieces from the show are also on display throughout June at The James Museum in downtown St. Petersburg.

The showcase, featuring works by more than 50 artists, is a “celebration of visual art through an LGBTQ+ lens,” according to the organization’s website. Works represent a diverse array of mediums including painting, sculpture, photography and mixed media.

An artist meet-and-greet takes place June 6, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the library.

"Soirée: Art of David Kafer" at Bayboro Brewing

The art of David Kafer will be on display at Bayboro Brewing, 2390 5th Ave. S., throughout June and July for the brewery’s first-ever pride-themed exhibition. The opening celebration for the exhibit, "Soirée,” is scheduled for June 7, 2 to 6 p.m., with a closing reception taking place July 26.

“David’s vibrant and effusive portraits burst with a joyous, playful and retro style of visual expression,” artist James Hartzell, who curated the show, told Patch. “They remind me of folk and outsider artists like Howard Finster but much more flower power influenced.”

He added, “Given our current political climate where it feels like the world is in a dire place, rife with division, David’s paintings bring me hope and happiness. Diversity, self-expression and love for community are more important now than ever as many cities drastically downsize or cancel their pride events all together.”

“Radiant Perspectives” at Creative Clay

The “Radiant Perspectives” summer exhibit at Creative Clay, 1846 1st Ave. S., celebrates pride, Juneteenth and the start of summer during the June 13 Second Saturday Artwalk, 5 to 9 p.m.

The exhibit presents recent paintings, sculptures, and ceramics alongside older works from Creative Clay’s folk art collection.

The venue asks visitors to “embrace equality and inclusivity in our studios, the community and the world,” according to its website.

During the artwalk, guests can tour the Creative Clay studios and visit the Creative Thrift store for artists’ supplies and treasures.

There will also be portrait drawings by the artists of Creative Clay and live music by Deb Ruby.