Vacant Storefronts Transformed Into Works Of Wearable Art

CLEARWATER, FL — Wearable art has taken over vacant storefronts throughout Clearwater, thanks to the city's Community Redevelopment Agency and local artists.

The agency commissioned artists to help bring vacant storefronts in downtown Clearwater to life throughout 2021 with “wearable art” exhibits showcasing the work of local artists.

The current exhibits are featured in six storefronts in the 500 and 600 blocks of Cleveland Street and includes the works of artists Julian Hartog, Ivanka Ska, Frank Strunk III, Lina Teixeira and Beth Warmath.

The exhibits include masks, headpieces, shoes and garments; all made using wearable and reusable materials such as paper, metal, toys, foam, flowers and even pasta.

Exhibits can be seen at 615 Cleveland St., 617 Cleveland St., 533 Cleveland St., 531 Cleveland St., 527 Cleveland St. and 525 Cleveland St.

The art exhibits will also be featured via the Community Redevelopment Agency’s virtual art map, which highlights more than two dozen murals, sculptures, art and place making sites throughout downtown.

"In addition to the CRA's efforts to stimulate our local economy, we are finding creative ways to address blight and vacancy in downtown, as well as support local artists through a challenging period during COVID-19," said Amanda Thompson, CRA director. "And wearable art is unique and a distinctive attribute that we hope to see define our downtown in the years to come."

Funded by the CRA, local artist and business owner Lina Teixeira has sourced artists whose work will be featured for the first six months of 2021. The art will be swapped out with new exhibits and fresh looks throughout the year. Local property owners with vacant storefronts in downtown can reach out to the city's CRA or Teixeira by email at Lina@linateixeira.com to be included in the next exhibit.

This article originally appeared on the Clearwater Patch