6th Annual Emerging Artist Exhibition Hosted By Creative Pinellas

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — Ten of Pinellas County’s rising artists will debut a diverse collection of new work at the opening of Creative Pinellas’ 2022 Emerging Artist Exhibition.

This sixth annual exhibition features new, original work by artists awarded grants from Creative Pinellas: Dorian Angello, Adam and Kayte Bush, Jon Ditty, Alex Kaufman, Teresa Mandala, Rachel Ratcliff, Heather Rippert, Ashley Rivers, Ketsy Ruiz and Margherita Tibaldo.

An opening reception will be held Thursday, April 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. and the exhibition will run through June 19 at the Gallery at Creative Pinellas. The closing reception will be on Thursday, June 16 from 6 to 8 p.m.

A conversation with the 2022 emerging artist grantees will take place Thursday, May 5 from 7 to 8 p.m.

“What’s exciting about this year’s emerging artist cohort is the diversity of mediums and perspectives. It’s been a lot of fun getting to know them and their work. It should be an engaging and unique show,” said Creative Pinellas Interim Gallery Director Beth Gelman.

The Emerging Artist Exhibition will be on display with artworks for sale through the closing at the Gallery at Creative Pinellas, 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo. The gallery is open Wednesdays through Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. The receptions and exhibition are free and open to the public.

Artworks will also be available to view and purchase online in a virtual gallery.

“After getting to know this class of emerging artists through meetups and virtual conversations, I can say that I am truly excited to see the work of this talented and energetic group of creators,” said Creative Pinellas COO Ed King. “Their collective vigor to produce unique and engaging works that will captivate and enthrall is palpable. We’re honored to host the Emerging Artist Exhibition – it will be an event not to be missed.”

The Emerging Artist Grant Program is designed to help up-and-coming artists on their path to future success by providing funding, a professional artist mentor and an exhibition to display or perform their work.

The application period for the next Emerging Artist Grants will be announced soon. Grantees can
be selected for their work in the disciplines of choreography, literature, media arts, music composition, theater/musical theater, visual arts, and interdisciplinary arts.

“The Emerging Artist Program is a continued investment in the future of arts and culture in Pinellas County,” said Creative Pinellas CEO Barbara St. Clair. “By forming opportunities and bringing recognition to artists who may not have otherwise received them, we are helping to create inclusivity and diversity of the arts community, which will benefit residents and visitors throughout Pinellas County. Every year we find ourselves amazed and delighted by the creativity and quality of the artwork produced by the emerging artists who participated in the program, by their growth as artists, and by the excitement they generate in each other and in our community.”

Artists interested in applying in the future for a grant will be able to find program guidelines, eligibility details, grant FAQs and the online application here.

Grantees are selected by a panel of artists and curators based on their portfolio of work and vision for the future.

They are provided with a financial award geared toward the production of new work, leading to an
exhibition at the Gallery at Creative Pinellas at the close of the grant award period. Artists are paired with a mentor that helps guide them through their development as a professional artist.

“The confidence that comes with the Emerging Artist Grant is mind-boggling," mixed-media artist and grantee Emily Stehle said. "It provides validation and credentials for me as a serious artisan. Being a grantee has opened a world of opportunities.”

As the county’s local arts agency, Creative Pinellas and its programs are funded by the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners, Visit St Petersburg/Clearwater, the Florida Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs and by sales of the State of the Arts specialty license plate in Pinellas County.