My Clearwater
Winter l Spring 21
Art Finds a Home in Library Culture
When you think of the Main Library in
downtown Clearwater, your first thought
may not be of art. Yet, the library is a
proud partner of many outstanding local
art groups. Throughout the year, the library hosts exhibitions
and displays in its first floor Carnegie and
Osceola galleries. In 2019, the library has
been a partner in several outstanding arts
events, and visitors can look forward to
more exhibitions from new and veteran
partners this year.
Last July, the Exhibiting Society of Artists
held their first exhibit in the library’s
galleries. In August through September
2019, there was a fabric art on display
from The Surface Design Guild. Then
in October, patrons enjoyed the work of
The Professional Association of Visual
Artists, whose shows included one-ofa
kind artworks and handmade jewelry.
In Winter 2019, the Photographic
Art Society of Florida displayed their
photography for the first time at the library.
Each year in March, the library partners with the Clearwater
Arts Alliance for Youth Art Month to display local student
art throughout the galleries. The library combined forces
with the Clearwater Arts Alliance for the second annual
Indoor Art Walk. The goal was to showcase local artists to
patrons without them having to visit an art gallery or an
outdoor art show. It was a huge success with more than 150
people in attendance. Additionally, the CAA held a ticketed,
after-hours event called the Sunset Sip and Stroll, in which
patrons experienced a jazz band, wine
and hors d’oeuvres while appreciating the
local art.
The public voted for their favorite artists,
and the top three winners were Sal
Patalano (first), Heidi Stavinga (second)
and Patricia Kluwe Derderian (third). The
winners were able to display their art in
the Clearwater Main Library’s galleries.
Everyone is invited to attend the event in
2020 as either a visitor or an artist.
With support from the city of Clearwater
and the Community Redevelopment
Agency, the library looks forward to
having an ongoing and active role
in enriching the cultural lives of the
community through art.
To exhibit in the Clearwater Main Library’s Osceola and
Carnegie Galleries, artists must be a part of an art group or
guild, or they must be a past winner of the Indoor Art Walk.
For inquiries about exhibiting, call 562-4970.