Put Some Fiber In Your Artistic Diet During 'Convergence'

TAMPA - "Convergence 2008: Textures in the Tropics" comes to the Tampa Bay area June 22-28 with a bounty of artistic creations that are a must-see for anyone who loves fiber.

Held biennially since 1972, the international conference is sponsored by the Handweavers Guild of America and this year is hosted by the Florida Tropical Weavers Guild. The event brings together weavers, spinners, dyers, basket-makers, fiber artists and educators.

Their works include tapestries and wall art, dolls, jewelry, containers and more.

The conference features workshops, seminars, lectures, tours, exhibits and special events at more than 40 galleries, museums and other sites in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Manatee counties, as well as a few places in Gainesville and along the Interstate 4 corridor.

There are 17 venues in Ybor City and South Tampa, including the Tampa Convention Center, where commercial vendors will set up and a plethora of workshops will be held.

On the other side of the Bay, in conjunction with the conference, Florida Craftsmen will host a four-part fiber exhibition Friday through Aug. 23.

One part of the exhibit, "Tapestries From the Tropics," is presented by four members of a Sarasota artists' group formed in 1997. They are Lynne Mayne, John Nicholson, Teri Stewart and Becky Stevens.

Another part will feature fiber and polymer clay dolls by Washington-based Chris Malone, whose creations are inspired by the cultures of Africa and New Guinea.

The "Contemporary Baskets" section is presented by basket-makers whose works reflect different styles and sensibilities.

The "Personal Adornment" section shows how fiber, alone or interlaced with other objects, can be formed into beautiful accessories.

Many of the artists are skilled in more than one discipline. Basket-maker Mary Hettmansperger, author of "Fabulous Woven Jewelry," is also skilled in beadwork and metals. She and basket weaver Polly Adams Sutton will attend the gallery's meet-and-greet June 27

That's also the night of the "Convergence 2008" Gallery Crawl, when shuttles will carry guests to various sites.

The Florida Craftsmen gallery, at 501 Central Ave. in St. Petersburg, will host a free opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday. For information about the exhibition, call

(727) 821-7391 or go to www.floridacraftsmen.net.

For information about "Convergence 2008," go to www.weavespindye.org.

Center Celebrates End Of Season

The coming of summer typically signals the end of the regular exhibition season for art galleries. The West Tampa Center for the Arts, however, isn't ready to close down.

Housed in the former Santaella Cigar Factory, 1906 N. Armenia Ave., the center will celebrate the end of the season with an exhibition.

"A Sense of Space" features works by 15 artists who have studios in the building plus several guest artists, including Carolina Cleere, Scott Fleenor, Jason Fondren and Cindy Arriola, aka P$ynner.

The exhibit offers the artists a chance to interpret what "space" means to them.

The opening reception from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday will feature a cigar- rolling demonstration, live music and refreshments. A $3 donation is suggested.

Call Maida Millan at (813) 453-4381 for information.