‘Bring Your Own Milk’: Cereal-Themed Art Show Opens In St. Pete

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Nostalgic cereal box designs take center stage at a new art exhibit on display at the Studio Public House, 2950 Central Ave., in St. Petersburg’s Grand Central District.

“Cereal Boxes: A Delicious Art Exhibit” features works by 24 artists who were asked to create an original cereal brand and box on a 12x16 wood panel. While many of the participating artists call the Tampa Bay area home, a number come from other parts of the state and country — Milwaukee, Atlanta, Orlando.

While the art will be on display through February, curator and artist Luke Heath is hosting a special brunch event Sunday starting at 1 p.m.

The brunch is essentially a “bring your own milk” event, as he has 50 mini boxes of cereal to hand out to those attending.

“I’m supplying cereals and bowls. I asked people to bring milk if they wanted. I kind of thought the boxes would function more like a snack, just dry,” Heath told Patch.

The theme called to him as a fun concept for artists to play with.

“I wanted each participant to bring an original brand concept to life. Cereal is a commodity that has always relied heavily on graphics, endorsements, animated characters and colorful imagery for selling their product, which I feel translates well for a pop-oriented exhibition of art,” he said. “I wanted both the artists and the viewers to have a sense of fun and nostalgia, and also kick off the new year with a fresh take on the classic ‘cereal box.’”

Brian Kostar, a St. Petersburg artist who owns Kostar Kustoms, designed a cereal box inspired by the soot sprites characters from Studio Ghibli, known for animated films like “Spirited Away.”

“I had them be the focal point in another piece that was a lot of fun to create, so I wanted to bring that same energy to this piece. With the piece called ‘Soot so good cereal,’ I was able to throw in a great pun, lots of fun and a dash of sarcasm, which definitely embodies my style,” Kostar told Patch.

During the event, the Studio Public House will have its full menu available.

“I hope people that come out to take in this feast for the eyes walk away feeling full of joy and food from the delicious offerings at the Studio Public House,” Kostar said.