Shop at Tampa Bay galleries for everyone on your list
Looking for unique local gifts? Look no further than these Tampa Bay art galleries.
Florida CraftArt
If you’re looking for artist-made ornaments, Florida CraftArt in St. Petersburg is fully stocked. Gallery manager Julia Collver said they have more than 2,000 available and ready to hang on your tree. The theme for the Holiday Boutique is “The Magic of Christmas,” and the exhibition space is full of cheer. In addition to the gallery’s 220 retail artists, 44 more artists make unique decor and fine crafts for the season. Collver pointed out that many of the items are made from upcycled materials, which everyone can appreciate for the impact on the planet. Don’t sleep on the gallery’s selection of handmade jewelry for that special gift. Collver has vast knowledge of each artist’s process, so look for her when you stop in. The Holiday Boutique runs through Dec. 30. Free. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. 501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-821-7391. floridacraftart.org.
Dunedin Fine Art Center
Dunedin Fine Art Center’s invitational exhibition is titled “Splendiferous,” and with a range of fine art to ornaments, it lives up to the name. The work comes from regional artists, and unlike traditional art shows, you can take the piece home as soon as you buy it. Just imagine how it would feel to receive a beautiful piece like Peter Shurtz’s black-and-white linocut of the palms at the Fred Held Habitat overlooking Boca Ciega Bay. Beats a sweater any day. The sale continues through Dec. 23. Free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-2 pm. Saturday, 1-4 p.m. Sunday. 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin. 727- 298-3322. dfac.org.
Syd Entel Galleries and Susan Benjamin Glass
Find new works by newly discovered artists and tried-and-true favorites at Syd Entel Galleries and Susan Benjamin Glass in Safety Harbor. Featured artists in the “Holiday Show” include Scott Hartley’s twisted glass sculptures, Ash Almonte’s abstract expressionist-inspired paintings of butterflies and new-to-the-gallery artist Antonija Gospic’s hollow glass beaded statement necklaces and earrings. The show runs through Jan. 14, so there’s an opportunity to spend some Christmas cash after the holidays, too. Free. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. 247 Main St., Safety Harbor. 727-725-1808. sydentelgalleries.com.
Morean Arts Center
The holiday show at this St. Petersburg staple is especially festive with the theme “Fa-la-la-la Florida.” It inspired more than 100 artists to create works like flamingo ornaments and driftwood beach signs. They also have handmade stockings, jewelry and functional pottery. They say they have something “for every taste and budget, from $2 to $1,500.” The sale’s on through Dec. 31. While you’re there, check out the exhibitions on display, “Ruth Philipon: The Planets” and “One Day Tampa Bay.” Or try your own hand at making a glass ornament on select Saturdays and Sundays, at the Morean Glass Studio’s (714 First Ave. N) Ornament Extravaganza (tickets are $90). Free. 719 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. 727-822-7872. moreanartscenter.org.
Mize Gallery
It’s your last chance to visit Mize Gallery in St. Petersburg before it closes its doors. The last show is the holiday-inspired “Stuff & Things & Stuff,” featuring artist-made ornaments, prints, T-shirts, small artworks, playing cards, glassware and sculptures. Artists include Chad Mize whose doodle-designed ornaments are a crowd favorite, Calan Ree, Spencer Meyers, Meatyard, Coralette Damme, Katie Niewodowski, Andrea Pawlisz, Laura Spencer and Macy Eats Paint. Opens Dec. 3 and runs through Dec. 23. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. 689 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N, St. Petersburg. chadmize.com.
