Morean Artists under the Influence in Influencers: 2025 Members Show highlights vast local talent

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The now 109-year-old Morean Arts Center recognizes member artists through Influencers: 2025 Members Show opening Saturday, July 12, 5-8pm.

The 2025 members exhibition showcases nearly 200 works of art with an “Influencers” theme, inviting artists to think about who (or what) influenced them, then using that inspiration to create something using paint, ceramics, metal, photography, and. Each Morean member is invited to submit one work of art for the exhibition. Danny Olda, Curatorial Director at the Dunedin Fine Art Center, serves as guest juror, helping to choose awards for participating artists.

“Our member artists are the backbone of the Morean,” states Amanda Cooper, Chief Curator for the Morean, “and we love giving them a platform to showcase their extraordinary work during this time. This show is special as it serves as a visual love letter to the people and things that have mentored and inspired these artists.”
Among member artists’ “influencers” are recognizable names like Van Gogh, Matisse, Caravaggio, Vermeer, Louise Nevelson and Tracey Emin, as well as other local artists, teachers, family and friends.
Also in the gallery, Caelan Jeffery, last year’s best of show artist, showcases their work through Appalachia—Latch not Lay, a solo-show on display July 12 – September 25. Jeffery’s exhibition will feature over 20 paintings on leather which focus on significant Appalachian icons, periods of time, and images Jeffery personally finds aesthetically pleasing. Visitors to the gallery will find plenty of “Influencers” in Jeffery’s work.

Mikhail Gubin too shares their solo show July 12 – August 16 in the pop-up gallery.

Visitors to the Morean can view these exhibitions, take their Visual Scavenger Hunt challenge, and vote for their favorite artwork in the show. There will also be an interactive wall where visitors can draw a picture of who or what inspires them, which will be left on display in the gallery.

The gallery is free and open to the public Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, please visit MoreanArtsCenter.org or call 727.822.7872.