From left, the work of Babette Herschberger, Matthew Drennan Wicks and Elizabeth Barenis are in the Made in the Shade exhibition. This is part of Creative Pinellas’ gallery at the St. Pete-Clearwater Airport.Photo courtesy of Creative Pinellas
In a move emblematic of the connection between the arts and tourism in Pinellas County, a new art gallery is opening at the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE).
Sightline Gallery is a partnership between the airport and Creative Pinellas. The gallery will rotate three exhibitions per year and might also include performances.
According to a news release, Sightline Gallery is “designed to showcase the unique cultural experiences and art offerings available to Pinellas County visitors and residents, while providing connections and engagements to PIE’s 2.5 million passengers each year.”
“Whether welcoming or sending off passengers from PIE, we want to surround them with one of the reasons Pinellas is so special, our amazing arts scene. Adding to our vibrant art collection with exhibitions by Creative Pinellas is the cherry on top of our PIE!” Michele Routh, airport public relations director, said in the release.
Creative Pinellas and St. Pete-Clearwater Airport
The opening exhibition, Made in the Shade, opens on April 29 and runs through August 15. It’s curated by Katherine Gibson of ArtHouse3 and features the work of Florida-based artists who are responding to the environment they live and vacation in.
Artists include painter Elizabeth Barenis, sculptor Matthew Drennan Wicks and ceramicist Babette Herschberger.
Creative Pinellas will also oversee the County’s public art collection at PIE.
“We’re proud to unveil Sightline Gallery as a vibrant gateway to the region’s creative spirit. PIE, with its murals and thoughtful stewardship of the County’s public art collection, is more than just a transit point — it’s a cultural touchpoint,” Margaret Murray, Creative Pinellas CEO said in the release. “With Sightline, we are able to further celebrate local artistry and offer travelers a unique and inspiring welcome to our region.”
For more information, visit creativepinellas.org.
Arts All Around!
The Gabber Newspaper covers live theater and art across South Pinellas. And, when we find something worth the drive, we cover art in the Tampa Bay and Sarasota areas.
Your donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. The Florida Community News Fund is a program administered by the Florida Press Foundation, tax ID #59-2449377, a 501 (C) (3) organization. All donations made at this link go to The Gabber Newspaper through the Florida Press Association, a 501(c)(3).
