“Leave a Message” Seeks to Open Closed Minds

“Leave a Message” is an urban art show that is on display at . The launch of the exhibit was last Saturday and it runs through Aug. 19.

“We knew it might be a big one, but we weren’t sure how big,” said Amanda Cooper, Curator of Exhibitions at the Morean Arts Center.

Cooper was referring to the “Leave a Message” exhibit that is currently on display at the art center.

“After this response, it is going to be really hard to top,” said Cooper. “It was just so well received.”

Cooper has worked at the Morean for 13 years and although she was new to the alternative art scene prior to “Leave a Message,” she is now an enthusiast. With the help of participating artist, Leon “Tes One” Bedore, Cooper was able to discover the best of the best in local, urban art talent.

Bedore said he had always wanted to showcase the “immense amount of passion and creativity” that the area offered. Artists participating in the exhibit brought forth so much effort that there was not enough space in the showroom to reveal all of the work.

With 16 local artists’ work displayed in the gallery, the urban art force in St. Petersburg is hoping to send a message to the art community. “It's about opening closed minds to the potential that public art can provide,” said Bedore. 

The gallery unmasks a variety of mediums, including full-scale graffiti, photography and sculpting. “Leave a Message” is undoubtedly promoting an appreciation of street art while grabbing the attention of artists the world over.

“The work in the show is bold and highlights an evolution in urban art,” added Bedore.

Perhaps the evolution is not limited to just the art, but the city as well. Bedore and Cooper anticipate that urban art has found a forever home in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg.  

“I've been a part of such initiatives in other cities before and witnessed its success first hand,” said Bedore. “Hopefully, the city of St. Pete finally gets the message.”