Creative Pinellas Celebrates Emerging Artists

Creative Pinellas Impact Returns Emerging Artist Grantees for 2017

​Creative Pinellas celebrated the 2017 Emerging Artist New Work Exhibition On October 26, at the recently revitalized Gulf Coast Museum of Art facility in Largo. I was highly impressed with the quality of the work of these ten young artists and saw several old friends, some of whom I haven’t seen in many years. More than anything else, I was thrilled to see the direction Creative Pinellas is taking in nurturing creative talent in Pinellas County. 

Mark Feinman performs his jazz composition

Shannon Leah Halvorsen with her scratchboard work "Dachau".

​Creative Pinellas Executive Director Barbara St. Clair explained that the Emerging Artist New Work grants program exhibits the work of selected Pinellas County artists, providing them with opportunities to exhibit their works, engage the public, and to receive financial assistance and recognition as they begin their professional careers. Elizabeth Brincklow, Engagement Director/Exhibition Coordinator for Creative Pinellas, stated “Shown together, these works offer a peek into the present mindset and expression of our emerging artists and future of the Tampa Bay area arts scene and beyond.”

Creative Pinellas Marketing Director Mason Gehring, Dunedin Fine Art Center Curator Catherine Bergmann and Bryan Voliton, Business Development Consultant with Beach and Main enjoying the Emerging Artist event.

​2017 Emerging Artist Award grantees include Gloria Munoz (Poetry), Kellie Harmon (Choreography), Mark Feinman (Jazz Composition), Desiree Moore (Digital Video), Nathan Beard (Painting), Jake Troyli (Painting), Shannon Leah Halvorsen (Scratchboard), Kenny Jensen (Sculpture), Elizabeth Barenis (Painting), and Jeff George (Screenwriting). As a part of the grant program, each artist worked with a mentor from the community, all of whom were also honored at the event. 

Sculpture by Kenny Jensen

Mary Childs, Artistic Director at Duncan McClellan Gallery talks with painter Nathan Beard about his hanging 'scrolls' - photo courtesy of Catherine Bergmann

Jake Troyli talks with attendees about his art

Reading of screenwriting by Jeff George

Choreography by Kellie Harmon

Congratulations to Creative Pinellas, these dynamic artists and their mentors, and the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners. A great showcase, a great night out and a pleasure to see the Gulf Coast Museum of Art facilities brought back to life.