‘Catalyst Sessions’ recap: Howayda Affan of the Morean Arts Center

The Morean Arts Center began in 1917 as the Art Club of St. Petersburg. Then, as now, the focus was on the creative process – the “how to” of art-making – and with 103 years in the bag, the center has expanded and grown exponentially. It is a cornerstone of the St. Petersburg art experience.

Executive Director Howayda Affan appeared on The Catalyst Sessions Thursday, to talk about the Morean’s gallery shows, workshops, classes and camps, and how they’ve been affected by Covid-19 closures and re-openings.

She also discussed the Morean Center for Clay, the glass studio and the standalone Chihuly Collection, which the Arts Center manages.

The Chihuly Collection includes 18 installations by pioneering glass artist Dale Chihuly; it is one of the largest (and best-known) collections of his work.

“Our benefactor Beth Morean knew Dale, and she and other board members were instrumental in bringing the collection to St. Petersburg,” Affan explained. “Education is very important to Dale, and children’s education in particular, and leveraging the educational value of the Chihuly Collection is definitely one of the educational strategic goals that we strive for.”

The current exhibition is Are We There Yet?, a whimsical remembrance of family vacations by member artist Barry Goodman.

For hours, admissions and Covid-19 related health precautions, visit the Morean website.

The Catalyst Sessions is taking today (Friday, Jul;y 17) off, and will returns July 20 with dancer Alex Jones.

All episodes are archived on our YouTube page.