🌱 Photographs & Memories Exhibit + Mother's Day Brunch + Church Fire

Hello, friends! I'm back in your inbox this morning with everything you need to know about what's happening in Dunedin. Today you'll find news about...

• The city's Juneteenth Celebration in Pioneer Park next month.
• PAVA's Photographs and Memories Exhibit reception this week.
• A fire at Coastal Christian Church left significant damage.

Today's newsletter is sponsored by Studio 1212 Art Gallery

Visit Dunedin’s Studio 1212 Art Gallery — voted Tampa Bay Magazine’s best small art gallery cooperative for 2022

Since 1971, Studio 1212 – a non-profit art gallery owned and managed by an all-volunteer group of local, award-winning artists — has been a part of the creative community in the Dunedin area.

Here are a few things you can do at Studio 1212:

• Attend an exhibit of local artists (check out the schedule here)
• Get your own artwork critiqued for free by volunteer artists (on the first Saturday and third Tuesday of each month at 10am)
• Support local artists by buying their work – art prints, note cards and fine hand-crafted gift items – in the gift boutique
• Sign up for a workshop to expand and improve your own artistic abilities
• Join other local art lovers by becoming a benefactor of Studio 1212 (Learn more here.)

Studio 1212 is located at 234 Monroe St. in Downtown Dunedin, and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit Studio 1212 — a part of the Dunedin area arts community for over 50 years.

Click here to get your business featured in this spot.

Now, today's weather: Nice with plenty of sun. High: 82 Low: 68.

Here are the top 3 stories in Dunedin today:

1. PAVA is holding an opening reception for its new exhibit on May 5 between 6 and 8 p.m. in The Cool Art Shop. The Photographs and Memories Exhibit will offer an array of photographs in both color and black and white from locally and nationally acclaimed PAVA members. Additionally, 3D work aligned with “making memories” will be showcased in various mediums in the exhibit, including jewelry, metal, and pottery. Stop by to check out the exhibit during the reception or during normal hours, Thursdays through Saturdays, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. (Dunedin Patch)
2. Are you looking for something special to do this Mother's Day? Make reservations at one of Dunedin's local restaurants offering special menus on May 14! HEW Parlor & Chophouse at the Fenway Hotel is offering a special Mother's Day family-style brunch, while Bon Appetit is preparing a special Mother's Day buffet in the Sunset Ballroom. Check out some of your options at the link and be sure to make your reservations early! (Dunedin Patch)
3. Dunedin fire officials responded to a fire at Coastal Christian Church on Bayshore Boulevard just after 3 a.m. early Wednesday morning. No one was injured, but the roof and sanctuary were severely damaged by the flames. The church is home to Sweet Peas Preschool, which experienced water damage. Reports predict that items sold in the church's thrift store will need to be thrown out due to smoke damage. Dunedin Deputy Fire Chief Michael Handoga explained the fire started in a dumpster before spreading to the church. The cause of the fire is now under investigation. (ABC Action News)

Dunedin Patch Pic of the Day:

Thank you, Jeanne Doran, for sharing this beautiful photo from your walk along the Dunedin Causeway!

Want your photo to be included in the Dunedin Pic of the Day or Inspired by Dunedin section? Submit it to Dunedin@Patch.com for consideration! Please confirm in the email that you own the rights to the photo and that Patch has permission to republish it.

Today in Dunedin:

• Yoga and Mimosas at The Wild Iris Cafe (6:15 p.m.)
• Mother’s Day Mermaids Painting Party at Madison Avenue Pizza (6:30 p.m.)
• May Community Concert at the First UMC of Dunedin Friendship Hall (7 p.m.)
• "But Why Bump Off Barnaby?" at the Dunedin Community Center (7:30 p.m.)
• Pride Bowling Night at Dunedin Lanes (10 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Save the date for the City of Dunedin's Juneteenth Celebration on June 16 between 6 and 9 p.m. in Pioneer Park. Be sure to stop by this free event to enjoy live music, performances, craft vendors, food, and more! (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
• Are you prepared for hurricane season? The city's Hurricane Preparedness Expo provides all of the information and resources you need to prepare your family and home. Be sure to stop by the City Hall building on June 13 between 6 and 8 p.m. for free access to everything you need to know. (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
• Did you know that the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force has a mobile app that allows the public to help fight human trafficking? The app permits users to communicate anonymously and in real time with Task Force investigators. Learn more about it here and follow the links to download it for free in the iTunes and Google Play stores. (Pinellas County Government via Facebook)
• Stirling Art Studios & Gallery is hosting Art to the Rescue Reception & Raffle on May 12, benefitting Dunedin Doggie Rescue. Stop by this free event between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. to check out animal-themed artwork, meet the artists, and enjoy light refreshments. Some of Dunedin Doggie Rescue's furry friends will also be in attendance! (Stirling Art Studios & Gallery via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Tarot Card Readings! Personal and Parties! —
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Featured events:

• Huge 3 Day Estate Sale in Clearwater (May 4)
• Photographs and Memories Exhibit (May 4)
• Love & Gilato Concert - Famous Duets from Opera & Musicals (May 6)
• Opera & Musical Theater Concert - Love & Gelato (May 6)
• Planning for Taxes in Retirement (May 10)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar at East Lake Community Library (May 11)
• Shred Event (May 13)
• LEADS Mardi Gras Masquerade Brunch Fundraiser (May 20)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with another update.