Her unwavering support of the Morean Arts Center and love
of all things creative, artistic and hands-on helped establish the
Morean’s long-time signature fundraising event “Eat Rich, Play
Dirty.” The event scheduled for Saturday, May 2nd showcases the
best side of the Morean, a place to play, a supportive community
and a whole lot of fun. Re-branding in its seventh year, “Eat
Rich, Play Dirty” will stay true to its original intention of being
a juxtaposition of casual fun and high-end offerings, but this
year’s lower price point will give the ability for more people to
enjoy the fun and experience the Morean.
Beth says, “Through my friendship with Dale Chihuly, I was
able to get a collection of his work for a permanent exhibit in St.
Petersburg owned and operated by the Arts Center; furthering
our position in the glass world, while making the Arts Center
more sustainable into the future.” That colorful and dazzling
collection of work created exclusively for the St. Petersburg
setting by the globally recognized glass artist Chihuly, a leader
in the modern glass art movement, brings thousands of visitors
to St. Petersburg year-round.
She has been a critical force at the Morean Arts Center, remaining
62 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2020
true to the spirit of the Art Club’s founding. The center continues
to deliver on its mission of connecting the community to art.
Nearly 2,000 children participate in summer art camp programs
each year, and free art exhibitions are offered throughout the year.
The center offers over 500 courses and hands-on art workshops
to adults and children annually.
Beth is also passionate about medicine and believes in the
intersection of art and medicine. “I’m especially proud of the
success and impact of the Operation: Art of Valor program because
of the healing benefits the process of making glass art at the
Morean Arts Center delivers to veterans recovering from brain
injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder.”
Beth Morean has found a way to transform lives, give soul to
our community and pump life into our economy, while connecting
people to art in a very practical manner. Bravo, Beth. 9
EDITOR’S NOTE: The Morean Arts Center is located at 719 Central
Ave. in St. Petersburg, (727) 822-7872. The Chihuly Collection is located
at 720 Central Ave. The Morean Glass Studio is located at 714 First
Ave. N., and the Morean Center for Clay is located at 420 22nd St. S.
Dale Chihuly’s Float Boat, 2007,
is installed in the Chihuly Center in St. Petersburg.
The “Eat Rich, Play Dirty” event scheduled for Saturday, May 2nd
at the Morean Center for Clay showcases the best side of the
Morean Arts Center as a place for play, support and fun.