TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Progress Energy Art Gallery Throws A Fling

ADVERTISEMENT

By SCOTT E. SMITH, The Suncoast News

Published: February 8, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - Get better acquainted with the local art scene, downtown cuisine and shopping as Progress Energy Art Gallery hosts its second Friday Night Fling and Art Stroll.

The event from 4:30 to 8 p.m. today will have a Valentine's theme, and a few new attractions will debut.

"The first Fling, in January, was very successful, with about a dozen artists showing their work along Grand" Boulevard, gallery director Karren Doll Tolliver said. "It was moved from the dead of summer to this time of year because of better weather and the hopes of attracting tourists and snowbirds."

Along with art displays, there will be poetry readings, book signings and 15-minute charcoal portraits by Kiem Le.

Also, Progress Energy gallery will offer a complimentary wine tasting. You can get a bottle by donating $15 or more.

Added to the roster for February are horse and carriage rides around the city, during which Judy DeBella Thomas of Greater New Port Richey Main Street will provide historical information.

Photographer Paula Showen will be on hand to shoot 1920s-themed portraits of people who don period costumes designed for the occasion by Renee
Saitta.

The backdrop for the photos will be Tamara Gerkin's "Treasured Memories of New Port Richey." The work by the Port Richey-based muralist is on The Karl Reef building at Main and Grand.

Looking for live entertainment? Gypsy Star will perform music of romance at Cavalaire Square, a pocket park just east of Grand between Nebraska and Missouri avenues.

Also, the Progress Energy Art Gallery Radio Players will give a street presentation of "The Cookie Baker of Grand Street," an old-fashioned radio play by artist and author Ralph Annan.

"I invite everyone to come down to Grand Boulevard on Feb. 8," Tolliver wrote in an e-mail. "Have dinner, purchase some original art, enjoy the performances and see for yourself what our historic downtown has to offer."
Interested artists should contact coordinator Michelle Collins at (727) 848-6500 or michelle@nprgallery.com.

Visit www.suncoastnews .com, Keyword: Art Strolls, to view photos from the fling.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT