Those Who Died Of COVID-19, Other Causes Memorialized In Creative Pinellas Exhibit

LARGO, FL —Creative Pinellas is hosting an interactive community-curated exhibition to memorialize and honor those who have died over the last two years from COVID-19 and other causes while using the arts to help the community heal.

See related story: Items Wanted For Pinellas Exhibit Remembering COVID-19 Victims

"The Things They Left Behind: Grief, Discovery, and Remembrance" features crafts, writing, photography and other memorabilia from those being remembered, including the artwork of Suzanne Ruley, a well-known arts administrator, advocate and former director of development for the Pinellas Community Foundation.

Visitors are encouraged to participate through a variety of interactive art activities and to visit the exhibition’s meditation area. The exhibition, presented with support from the Suncoast Hospice Foundation, a member of Empath Health, is free to the public at the gallery at Creative Pinellas through June 26, Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

“The exhibit began with our recognition of how difficult the last two years have been for people who have lost loved ones from or during the COVID pandemic, and how many did not get a chance to say goodbye in person or found themselves having to mourn in isolation,” said Creative Pinellas CEO Barbara St. Clair.

“The spark was a conversation we had about honoring and remembering a particular artist, longtime philanthropist Suzanne Ruley who passed from complications due to COVID," St. Clair said. "It grew into a discussion about honoring and remembering all of those from our community who were lost to us during the pandemic years. We decided to invite Pinellas County residents to bring in items that memorialized their loved ones who they lost over the last two years that we would show along with Suzanne’s work. We hoped that by sharing the creative work and items of importance to those we lost, our community could find a measure of comfort and the possibility of a communal moment of grief.”

On June 16 from 7 to 8 p.m., an online program on grief support will take place with Kathleen Quance, senior counselor of Empath Health’s community counseling program. Quance will talk about grief, anxiety, resources and coping strategies as well as answer questions submitted in advance.

A participatory closing commemoration with activities that include art-making, the reading of names of loved ones and guided meditation is scheduled for June 26 from 1 to 5 p.m.

“This exhibition uses objects to help carry on the legacy of those who are no longer with us,” said Creative Pinellas Interim Gallery Director Beth Gelman. “It has been an extraordinary privilege to talk with the people who submitted objects and learn the stories they have shared about their loved ones. There is no question that the items in the gallery speak with great meaning.”

"The Things They Left Behind" is presented with support from the Suncoast Hospice Foundation, Pinellas County, Visit St Petersburg/Clearwater and the Florida Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs.