Four Must-See Arts Experiences in Tampa Bay

Connection remains a central theme in the works of regional artist Ya La’ford, whose solo exhibition, titled “Survey the West: A Cross-Continental Reflection,” is currently on display at The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art. This exhibit will be open to the public until May 18. In 2022, La’ford embarked on her inaugural journey to the American West as part of a residency program at Ogden Contemporary Arts in Utah. The experience sparked her creative response to the dramatic landscapes of the region, inspiring her to abstractly represent the rugged mountains, rich red clay earth, and expansive skies that characterize the area.

“Survey the West” serves not only as an exploration of La’ford’s experiences during the residency but also as a retrospective that features both previous and subsequent works. Additionally, the exhibition broadens its scope to include video art, featuring two pieces, one of which is an immersive installation crafted within a designated gallery space.

La’ford is well-known in the St. Petersburg art community for her vibrant murals that adorn various locations throughout the city. In an interactive component of the current exhibition, visitors are encouraged to contribute to a collaborative mural in the museum’s community room, reinforcing the exhibition’s theme of connection among participants.

The art scene in St. Petersburg is also vibrant outside of La’ford’s exhibition. The Dalí Museum is currently showcasing “The Subversive Eye: Surrealist and Experimental Photography from the David Raymond Collection,” which runs until May 4. This extensive exhibit includes over 100 works from 50 artists, portraying the global influence of surrealist techniques from figures such as Man Ray, Lee Miller, and more contemporary photographers. In addition to the visual display, the museum offers an interactive photo studio where visitors can engage creatively with the surrealist theme.

Further enriching the local artistic landscape is Nathan Beard’s exhibition, “Ten Measure Tune,” on display at The Werk Gallery through May 11. Beard’s works are informed by themes of music, mythology, and cosmology, integrating these concepts into intricate patterns and surfaces created through a layering technique. His highlighted piece, a 70-piece sculptural installation inspired by Miles Davis’ “Blue in Green,” demonstrates his innovative approach to visual storytelling.

In the realm of performing arts, American Stage in the Park delivers the iconic musical “Hair” at Demens Landing Park until April 27. The performance captures the spirit of the 1960s, reflecting on the countercultural movements amidst the backdrop of the Vietnam War. This beloved event, a staple in the community for nearly four decades, faces uncertainty for future seasons. To counterbalance escalating production costs, which range between 0,000 and 0,000, the theater has initiated the Save the Park fundraising campaign.

For art enthusiasts and community members alike, these exhibitions and performances highlight the rich tapestry of creativity and expression prevalent in St. Petersburg, reaffirming a commitment to connection through the arts. For more information, please visit Media News Source.