MORE OF CHIHULY IN ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA, CITY OF THE ARTS

 THE BOAT IS FILLED WITH COLORFUL BRIGHTLY COLORED BRIGHT SPHERES.  

It is set on a smooth highly reflective black glass that makes the colors almost florescent.

A visual delight beyond compare, eye candy for certain.  Treat yourself to a treat, a treasure, a master talent with creative genius.

 Video of installation of fishing floats

One of the nicest things about the St.Pete Chihuly collection is they don't discourage photos, they encourage them!  It is hard to take a bad photo, each shot is so beautiful and almost any camera or camera will pick up the light, color and contrast.

The Methane Gas that brought artists to the mountains.

EnergyXchange is a non profit organization that uses methane gas from   the land fill it sit on. The gas is piped in from the field below. Following are  photo's of two artist in residency. A three year residency is offered by review of a panel of judges.  Artists from all over the USA apply and then a selection process narrows them down to to the selectees. 

 The idea was born of   several   companies that were ecologically concerned, joining  together to find a way to use methane gas that is a by prouduct  in land fills.  The companies decided they wanted to use this energy in a way that would help sustain a community and bring artists into the areas. It has achieved both and been an active agent of change for the community.

Pottery Artist in Residence

 They formulated a  program that would offer  three year residencies to artist that would work on site and teach classes. The program has been very successful. The two artists below are just finishing up their program.  One is buying a house in the area and does  not want to leave the area.  She says the sense of community is so strong among the artists in the area.                              

Potter's Studio sits along side Glass Studio and Plant Nursery Buildings 

Glass blowing studio uses methane gas for hot shop

Glass Art from glass studio

Potter in residence

Finished work in the Potters Studio

A program of growing native plants to be shared in the community is also part of this program.  There are three hot houses that grow native plants.  Some plants are to help farmers whose business revives around growing Christmas trees.  

A NIGHT OF ART, A SUPER NIGHT OF ART!

The Art Walk

The Glass Art of Steven Rolfe Powell

I promised you pictures and here they are.  It was a super bowl night of the arts in St. Petersburg!  Dale Chihuly spoke, Morean Art show of master teachers from the Pinellas Center for the Arts and students was a block buster, Michelle Tuegel's gallery opening, the Train Depot Pottery complex, and Duncan McClellen's huge fancier than ever, studio and ever expanding hot shop!!!  Duncan had two visiting artist that knocked it out of the park with their collections and demonstrations : Steven Rolfe Powell and Joseph Cavalieri. 

Stadium Seats to View Art!!!  That is Big!  

You would think it was a rock star, but no, it is a glass star!!!  Steven Powell is a start in the glass blowing world and here he wows the crowd with his awesome talent.  I am trying to think when I ever saw stadium seats set up for the viewing of art. It is just so impressive there are almost no words.  If you doubt for one minute the power of art, the just look at these pictures. Now imagine what your community might do.  This was once a dream in Duncan Mc Clellen's mind...only a thought, only an idea.  But then with vision and leadership he made it a reality.  It is evidence of what one person can do, when they have passion and persistence.  Of course there are many others supporting and helping, many who have become partners along the way...but first there must be the spark that catches flame.  I am not sure how this community will ever thank Duncan for all he has done.  I hope you have a Duncan in your community or perhaps, with his example, you will become a leader of the arts.

Pack crowds, standing room only left!

The fire is roaring hot, the glass is molten, art is about to
happen!

Steven describes the process of glass blowing

Viewing Joseph Cavelieri's Awesome stained glass art

Stunning Decks at Duncan Mc Clellen's Studio

The night is set for art and the crowds are coming

Duncan has a flare for style with his designs etched on the bar!

Studio living Room and hall gallery

Entering the huge doors of Duncan's expansive studio