Local glass artists make waves at the Chihuly Collection
ST. PETERSBURG — The Chihuly Collection will present “Pattern and Pause,” a special exhibition featuring new works by Morean Glass Studio artists Matthew Szidik, Kailey Carleton, and Kimberly Fahey, opening Saturday, July 25.
Inspired by the rhythms, patterns, and quiet beauty of the natural world, the exhibition invites visitors into moments of reflection through contemporary glass art that explores movement, stillness, and transformation.
Presented annually, the Chihuly Collection’s featured artist exhibition highlights the work of artists who create and teach at the Morean Glass Studio, underscoring that exceptional glass art is not only made in the Pacific Northwest, where Dale Chihuly built his legacy, but also here in St. Petersburg through the thriving community of artists shaping the region’s creative landscape.
Originally from Illinois, Matthew Szidik is a demonstration artist, narrator and instructor at the Morean Glass Studio, where he teaches summer camp, intermediate glassblowing, and flameworking workshops. He holds a BFA from Southern Illinois University. Szidik describes his work as an invitation to imagination and reflection, aiming to transport viewers “out of their everyday routine and into a place of meditation.”
Kimberly Fahey, who joined the Morean Glass Studio in 2025 from New Jersey, serves as an introductory glassblowing instructor and assistant demonstration artist. She holds a BFA in photography with a minor in glass from Jacksonville University. Inspired by sacred geometry and mandalas, her work combines glass and painting to explore meditation, movement and material connection.
Hailing from Massachusetts, Kailey Carleton is a beginning glassblowing instructor and demonstration artist in the Morean Glass Studio. She holds a BFA in glass from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston. In describing her work, Kailey states: “It explores the relationship between organic growth, memory and transformation … I am drawn to the stillness found in small, often-overlooked moments in nature and seek to evoke that quiet sense of presence within my work.”
“Pattern and Pause” will be on view from July 25 through Nov. 29, at the Chihuly Collection, 720 Central Ave. in St. Petersburg. The exhibition is included with admission. For information, visit MoreanArtsCenter.org or call 727-822-7872.
ArtsXchange exhibition now open
ST. PETERSBURG — A new exhibition is on display this month at the Tully-Levine Gallery on the ArtsXchange campus in the Warehouse Arts District. The gallery is at 515 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg.
The exhibition showcases on-site creatives. Pieces chosen for the exhibition will be from ArtsXchange artists. The theme is broad and open to their own artistic vision. It’s our way to show the community what is happening at the ArtsXchange campus on the Deuces Corridor.
The exhibition will run July through August. Gallery Nights will take place on Saturday, July 11 and Aug. 8, 5 to 9 p.m.
Palladium to host Al Downing Honors
ST. PETERSBURG — In celebration of Al Downing Day, the Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association will present the 2026 Al Downing Honors on Sunday, July 19, 4 p.m., at the Palladium Theater’s Side Door Cabaret, 253 Fifth Ave. N., St. Petersburg.
Tickets may be purchased online at https://www.aldowningjazz.com/.
By proclamation in 2023, the city of St. Petersburg Arts, Culture and Tourism recognizes July 19 as Al Downing Day. Alvin Joseph Downing (1916-2000), 2025 Florida Artist Hall of Fame inductee, jazz music icon, was a Tuskegee airman, a professor of music at Gibbs High School and St. Petersburg College and was known as the “Ambassador of Jazz” by the Clearwater Jazz Holiday Foundation.
The 2026 Al Downing Honors, featuring vocalist Allison Nash and emceed by filmmaker Erica Sutherlin, pays tribute to individuals who have contributed to the understanding and appreciation of jazz in the Tampa Bay area. Three awards will be presented: Jazz Educator of the Year, Jazz Supporter of the Year, and Jazz Musician of the Year.
Since 2024, vocalist Allison Nash has been making a name for herself in the Tampa Bay jazz scene. From recording and performing regularly with the acclaimed jazz trio La Lucha to presenting The Bacharach Project with the rising ensemble Arenas, Lasky & Nash, she has quickly become a sought-after performer. Nash has appeared multiple times at the Palladium’s Side Door Cabaret and made her debut at the 2025 Suncoast Jazz Festival.
For this special performance, she will be joined by three of Tampa Bay’s outstanding jazz musicians: internationally recognized multi-instrumentalist and composer Patrick Bettison on keyboard; bassist, producer, and arranger Alejandro Arenas of La Lucha; and versatile drummer Mark Griffith, known for his work with Hot Tonic and the Jaco Pastorius Big Band.
Together, these exceptional artists will create an evening of powerful music, deep emotion, and unforgettable performances.
The Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to promoting jazz and encouraging the appreciation of its origins and evolution. Through concerts, educational programs, and scholarships, ADTBJA works to preserve and perpetuate jazz as an original American art form. For more information, visit https://www.aldowningjazz.com/.
SPAA to host candidate event
ST. PETERSBURG — The St. Petersburg Arts Alliance will present a mayoral candidate meet-and-greet on Tuesday, July 21, 5 to 7 p.m., at Bayboro Brewing Co., 2390 Fifth Ave. S., St. Petersburg.
Artists, creatives, arts supporters, and community members are invited to attend. This free community event will provide an opportunity for attendees to meet local mayoral candidates and engage in conversations about the future of arts and culture in St. Petersburg.
Participating candidates will share brief remarks outlining their vision for supporting artists, arts organizations, creative businesses, and the city’s creative economy. Candidate remarks will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m., followed by an opportunity for attendees to connect directly with candidates and continue the conversation in an informal setting.
“As St. Petersburg prepares to elect its next mayor, we want candidates to hear directly from our artists, creatives, and arts community members, and we want our community to hear directly from the candidates,” said Helen French, executive director of SPAA. “This is a rare, informal opportunity to have real conversations about what’s at stake for the creative economy and the cultural future of our city.”
Community members are encouraged to submit questions, concerns, and topics they would like candidates to address when registering. While not all questions may be asked during the program, submissions will help inform the discussion.
The event is open to the public. Advance registration is encouraged. For more information and to RSVP, visit https://stpeteartsalliance.org/mayoral-candidate-meet-greet/.
FMoPA announces Ybor Gangster Speak Easy Fundraiser
TAMPA — The Ybor Gangster Speak Easy Fundraiser will be presented on Saturday, July 18, 6 to 8 p.m., at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, 1630 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa.
FMoPA is throwing open the doors to a bygone era of cigars, secrets, and bootlegging. Community members are invited to this immersive evening of history, humor, and intrigue centered around one of Tampa’s most notorious historical figures.
The event features award-winning author Paul Wilborn, who will perform readings from his highly anticipated new novel, “The Everlasting Life of Charlie Wall.” Wilborn’s book delivers a humor-filled adventure tracking a retired criminal and his sharp-witted driver through the gritty, sun-drenched streets of mid-century Tampa.
Guests are highly encouraged to dress in their finest 1950s gangster attire. Think sharp fedoras, elegant finger waves, pinstripes, and bold red lips. The event will include an exclusive, one-night-only viewing of historic Tampa Tribune crime scene photographs documenting the actual Charlie Wall murder scene, a rare vintage piece of gangster photojournalism. The vibe will be a speakeasy atmosphere featuring custom-crafted “hooch” and light finger foods.
This special evening directly supports FMoPA’s upcoming exhibitions, preservation efforts, and community educational programming.
Event Details
Early bird tickets are $50, but prices will increase as the event gets closer. Visit https://bit.ly/4af1vEm.
Spaces are limited for this exclusive, one-night-only engagement. Period-accurate attire is strongly encouraged but not required.
The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts is dedicated to exhibiting important photographic art as central to contemporary life and culture. Hours are Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sundays, noon to 5 p.m. The museum is closed Mondays. Admission is free for children and members. General admission is $12.
In addition to sharing exhibits, the museum is home to programs such as adult photography classes, and workshops. FMoPA is one of seven museums in the United States dedicated exclusively to photography. More information is available at www.FMoPA.org and by calling 813-221-2222.
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