On the art scene: A Ho-Chunk chat, new Fairgrounds diorama

Tom Jones giving a talk at the Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg? It’s not unusual.

The Jones in question is not the legendary Welsh singer but a professor of photography at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is a member of the Winnebago (Ho-Chunk) Indian tribe, and Here We Stand, an exhibition of photographs and photographic art relating to his heritage, has been on view at the downtown St. Pete museum since mid-May.

Jones will give a gallery talk Saturday, from 1 to 2 p.m., alongside his mother JoAnn Jones. She was the first President of the Ho-Chunk Nation, and is associate judge of the nation Trial Court.

She’s also depicted in several of Jones’ photographs, which range from the conceptual to the abstract to augmented documentary. Consisting of a dozen or more series, Here We Stand includes more than 100 images, what the artist calls “a continuing photographic essay.”

Related reading: Photography show illustrates, interprets Native American life

Here We Stand will remain on view through Aug. 27. For additional details, visit the Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg website.

Urn from the Edward C. Waller House, River Forest, IL, c. 1899
Frank Lloyd Wright, American, 1857-1959, designer; James A. Miller & Brothers, Chicago, IL, manufacturer. Copper, galvanized tin, 18 x 19 x 19 inches. Two Red Roses Foundation Collection.

Masterful metalworks

Opening Friday at the Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement, Dignity and Grace: These Humbler Metals features over 350 works from founder Rudy Ciccarello’s Two Red Roses Foundation. Period artists include Gustav Stickley, Robert Jarvie, The Roycroft Shops, Karl Kipp, Marie Zimmermann, Elizabeth Copeland, Jessie Preston, Dirk van Erp, and many others – as well as two never-before exhibited works from Frank Lloyd Wright and Greene and Greene.

Find details and museum information here.

Artist Paul LeRoy Gheres and his diorama at Fairgrounds St. Pete. Photo provided.

New at Fairgrounds St. Pete

Artist Paul LeRoy Gheres has created a new diorama for Fairgrounds St. Pete’s multi-creator Floridarama installation, to be unveiled at Friday’s Art After Dark social event (with live music) at 7 p.m.

From Fairgrounds’ official statement: “This work draws inspiration from famous French artist Marcel Duchamp, inviting guests to peer through holes in a wooden door to catch glimpses of an elaborate and glittering display portraying Andy Warhol’s trip to Miami, Florida to save art deco. The scene encased in an ever-recognizable Brillo Box mimics the historic photo of Warhol in front of what is now known as the Versace Mansion.”

Says the St. Pete-based artist: “Art is the basis of my mental health, I couldn’t survive without it, it transports me to comfort. When I’m making my art I’m just completely at ease and it’s where I always want to be.”

Find tickets and other info here.

Emerging Artist grants

Creative Pinellas is taking applications for the 2024 Emerging Artist grants through Sept. 6. Click here to follow the process.

Cool in the Coliseum

Don’t forget the PAVA Cool Art Show, Saturday and Sunday at the St. Petersburg Coliseum. Read all about it here.

The fine print

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