Green Bench Monthly Vol. 8, Issue 3, March 2023

VOL. 8, ISSUE 3, MARCH 2023

Green Bench Monthly

St. Pete’s Community Magazine

Charlie Parker Pottery: New Ownership Offers Beautiful Artwork, Studio Space and Classes

pg. 14

Before the Beginning

People of St. Pete

The First LOWV pg. 6

Lorielle Hollaway pg. 9

Artist Enclave of Historic Kenwood

2023 Artist Studio Tour pg. 19

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Publishers Ashley & Tony Sica

Editor Mary Jane Park

Contributors Tina Stewart Brakebill Suzanne Driscoll Brian Zucker

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Photographers Brian Brakebill Kristina Holman Musaweron Photography

IN THIS ISSUE

Copyright © 2023 News papers .com. All Rights Res erved.

Cover Photo

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From the Bench

16 Parks of St. Pete: Weedon Island

Charlie Parker Pottery Photo by Musaweron Photography

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Before the Beginning: The First League of Women Voters in St. Petersburg

19 Artist Enclave of Historic Kenwood 2023 Artist Studio Tour: “Art in the ‘Wood"

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People of St. Pete: Lorielle Hollaway

20 Downtown Developments

by St. Pete Rising

Contact PO BOX 76095 St. Petersburg, FL 33734 (727) 280-5406 hello@greenbenchmonthly.com

11 Tall Ships America Sails Into St. Petersburg 12 New Nonprofit Focuses on Photography

22 Events: 10th Annual Awakening Festival Florida Antiquarian Book Fair, SVdP Cares Empty Bowls 2023 & more!

14 Charlie Parker Pottery: New Ownership Offers Beautiful Artwork, Studio Space and Classes

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From the Bench

New Sunken Gardens sign by Thomas Sign & Awning, Co. Photo by Dwayne Biggs

regular—thank you! Please keep telling our advertisers that you saw their ad in GBM and sharing our stories with your neighbors. We can’t do this without your support!

A note from the Publishers March is Women’s History Month. Journey back with us to before the beginning: The First League of Women Voters in St. Petersburg (pg. 6).

Calling all photographers and ceramic artists. St. Petersburg Month of Photography is looking for a photo laureate (see story on pg. 12) and Charlie Parker Pottery (pg. 14) is now accepting ceramic artwork for a juried show. The theme is ‘Edge of Renewal’ (see ad on pg. 23 for details).

Tall Ships are coming to St. Pete (pg. 11), the Artist Enclave of Historic Kenwood is opening its doors for the annual Artist Studio Tour (pg. 19), the historic Union Trust bank building has a new tenant (pg. 20), and more!

Whether this is your first time reading GBM, or you are a

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Tony and Ashley Sica Publishers / Owners

Till next time, Ashley & Tony

All are welcome on this bench.

The history of the green benches is layered. For some, it is a reminder of a painful period of racism and segregation. To others, it is a symbol of welcomeness and hospitality. We carry this name to shine a light on our city’s history and in celebration of those who work tirelessly towards a more inclusive St. Pete. To read more about our story and the history of the green benches visit greenbenchmonthly.com/about.

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Tampa Bay Times (St. Petersburg, Florida) Sun, Dec 13, 1914. via tampabay.newspapers.com

Before the Beginning: The First League of Women Voters in St. Petersburg

By Tina Stewart Brakebill Two decades before the current chapter of the League of Women Voters of the St. Petersburg Area launched its important work, the town’s first female voters organized the short-lived original version of the St. Petersburg League of Women Voters (LWV).

From the Equal Suffrage League to the League of Women Voters, 1919 In July 1919, St. Petersburg became one of the few Florida municipalities to grant women suffrage. The local Equal Suffrage League had been instrumental in achieving this milestone. Upon its success, the organization announced: “Now that the women of St. Petersburg have been given the right of suffrage, the work of the Equal Suffrage League is finished. And by a reorganization of the league it will be changed into the League of American Women voters and will be affiliated with the national organization of that name. The object is to study all political questions, that the new electors may vote intelligently.”

The League of Women Voters of St. Petersburg, 1919-1921 The League immediately launched a voter registration drive. It also initiated an extensive educational agenda, which included programs on Americanization and child welfare. Even with the new agenda, the

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members did not forget the continuing fight to ratify the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution granting women national suffrage. In February 1920, the newly elected president of the local League noted, “Never has the woman question in politics assumed such gigantic proportions, with 32 states having ratified the Federal Suffrage Amendment, and with only four more needed to give political freedom to the women of the United States. ... It is quite true that woman has emerged from the dark ages and her day is at hand.” Thanks to Tennessee’s “yes” vote, the 19th amendment was ratified in August 1920, granting women the constitutional right to vote. As the only LWV in Pinellas County, the League continued its work to educate Florida’s newly eligible voters. In addition, as “the second strongest in the state,” it also served as one of the three locals necessary to form the statewide League of Women Voters in late 1921. According to its by-laws, the Florida League’s mission was “to further the education of all white women in citizenship and to support needed legislation.”

Not All Women: Racism & the LWV of St. Petersburg & Florida These original Florida LWV groups were marked by the ugly reality illustrated by the phrase “all white women.” For decades, racism had been a deeply ingrained facet of the national, white-led suffrage movement.

This intensified in the last days of the national ratification fight, as white women claimed their vote would minimize the potential effect of the

‘Noted National Leaders in Fight for Equal Suffrage’ Tampa Bay Times (St. Petersburg, Florida) Sun, Dec 13, 1914. via tampabay.newspapers.com

Black vote. In the South, Jim Crow voting barriers such as poll taxes, literacy tests, and tissue ballots already had removed 90% of Black voters from the rolls, but warnings about the so-called Black voting “menace” continued. In July 1919, the St. Pete Equal Suffrage Society published “nineteen reasons for [women’s] suffrage.” Number 17 stated: “Letting the women vote will double the number of white voters and make the colored seem rather small. There is no reason to expect colored women to vote. … The white vote will benefit.” Despite this assurance about the supposed apathy of Black female voters, eight of the first 51 women who registered to vote in St. Pete were Black. In response, a door-to-door effort to register white women was initiated, and the demand for “white only” primaries increased.

Lobby Efforts & Disaffiliation, 1921-1937 In the years following ratification, the Florida leagues remained focused on recruiting “all white women” but widespread voter registration efforts diminished. The Florida League sponsored periodic citizenship schools and occasionally published the “Florida Voter.” Mostly, however, members joined other established and more powerful women’s groups like the Audubon Society, the Florida Federation of Women’s Clubs, and the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union to coordinate lobby efforts. Lackluster efforts led the national LWV to demand changes.

Citing lack of growth, inadequate legislative work, and failure to adhere to the organization’s policies on non-partisanship, the national group demanded new state leadership. Failure to comply led to the Florida League’s disaffiliation in 1937. A couple of local chapters refused to acknowledge this step, but most, including St. Pete’s, already had ceased to exist by this point. Officially, Florida had no LWV presence.

Rebirth, 1939 In 1939, this changed when the LWV of St. Petersburg was reorganized and joined two other locals to establish the Florida Non-Partisan League of Women Voters. It reclaimed the title LWV of Florida in 1947. Aware of the League’s previous partisanship issues, local League officer Catherine Poynter later recalled that she made every effort to gather “outstanding, intelligent women, Republicans as well as Democrats.” Early meetings were held at the (segregated) Suwannee Hotel, but Poynter also recalled that as time passed she “refused to have meetings where segregation was apparent.” As the first president of the statewide LWV, Poynter also helped “set the tone for both citizen activism and progressive concern for those less fortunate.” The LWV has acknowledged past shortcomings concerning discrimination. In 2020, as the national organization’s 100th anniversary approached, it noted: “We are not only striving for better, we will do better.” Today, that work continues in St. Petersburg as well as nationally as the LWV endeavors to empower voters and build “a stronger, more inclusive democracy.”

Sources available on request.

Res erved.

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How Can I Be Part of the Change?

Born and raised in St. Pete, Hollaway came of age during a time of heightened social unrest and media coverage connected to the deaths of unarmed Black people. Her college anthropology courses provided an academic foundation for understanding how language can influence society, but the often negative and misleading nature of the media coverage swirling around these tragedies offered real-time evidence of the power of public perception. Hollaway wanted to do something to shift the narrative and be “part of the change,” so she participated in marches and social-justice protests as well as attending City Council meetings. Ultimately, however, she realized that her efforts would have more impact if she followed her passion. The idea for the Cultured Books bookstore was born.

The Idea: Cultured Books as Activism

Lorielle Hollaway. Photos by Brian Brakebill

People of St. Pete: Lorielle Hollaway

By Tina Stewart Brakebill St. Pete is celebrated for its fabulous weather, beautiful vistas, world-class food scene, and thriving cultural atmosphere but the people of St. Pete truly make this city something special. In appreciation, each month Green Bench shines a light on one of the many people that make St. Pete unique.

This month we are celebrating Lorielle Hollaway. As the founder of Cultured Books and the founder and executive director of the Cultured Books Literacy Foundation, she is on a mission “to foster a love of self by showing positive images and sharing great stories about people of color.”

As Hollaway explains, she wanted to create “a place where Black children’s existence is affirmed, valued, and celebrated but also a place where families can find books that broaden their world view.”

Whether reading pictures or reading words, books can offer Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) youth a way to see themselves in a positive light. Books can also be a way for people to imagine the world beyond their own experience. Books can help build empathy. For this to happen, however, kids (and their families) need to experience diverse stories, including books where they can imagine themselves in the story. Hollaway’s parents made sure that she was surrounded by stories where she could see herself, but she knows not all kids have that experience. Determined to make her dream a reality, Hollaway went to work. In 2016 she completed the 10-week Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneurial Academy® and then she added the Tampa Bay Black Business Investment Corporation’s CATCH program to her resume. By 2017, she knew she was ready. She sold her first book at the Soul on the Deuces Street Festival. Cultured Books had launched.

Building a Foundation: Cultured Books Since that first sale, Cultured Books has continued as a pop-up and online book seller. In 2018, Hollaway established the Cultured Books Literacy Foundation (CBLF) as a way to further “foster a literacy lifestyle … through art, music, and books.” Hoping to boost its public profile, Hollaway participated in the 16-week Social Ventures Fast Pitch competition for non-profits. She won. The $15,000 grand prize helped fund new endeavors, including the Art of Literacy Residence Program and the inaugural 2022 St. Pete Reads Lit Fest. Looking forward, Hollaway is not done dreaming big. Her three girls inherited her passion for stories. As co-chairs of the Youth Advisory Council, Nadia, 13, and Ava, 11, are forming a literary club that combines books and activities. A born leader, Joyce, 4, directs everyone and helps choose books. Together, they’ll continue to plant seeds that bring books to life.

The deadline for the November 2023 Lit Fest is March 31. Interested in taking part? Visit www.culturedbooks.org.

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Photo courtesy of Tall Ships St. Pete

Tall Ships America Sails Into St. Petersburg A fleet of six historic ships from throughout the United States and Spain will sail into Tampa Bay from March 30-April 2 for Tall Ships St. Pete 2023. The grand fleet will be docked along the St. Petersburg waterfront; the Sunshine City is the first host port of the Tall Ships Challenge Gulf Coast 2023 race. The event begins with a Parade of Sail on the evening of March 30 and features a display of four traditionally rigged sailing vessels crewed, in part, by youth.

“On the morning of March 31,” ambassador Marc Jensen says, “we hope to offer to 2,000 of the district’s middle-school students the chance to step aboard the tall ships.” The hope is to raise $10 per child.

Jensen reports that 15 of Pinellas County’s 22 public middle schools have committed to the Kids on Ships program. The aim is to include up to 90 students from each.

The project seeks financial donations to enable the students to participate. “If we raise over the $20,000 needed to meet this first goal,” Jensen says, “we will apply all additional funds towards discounting tickets for those students who visit the ships during the weekend with a parent.”

All donors through mid-March will receive logo inclusion on the Tall Ships St. Pete website; inclusion in four print advertisements in the Tampa Bay Times’ Weekend publication; on-site signage at Port St. Pete; name inclusion in a press release outlining activities, programming, and sponsors; and at least one post on the Tall Ships St. Pete social-media channels.

Donors, volunteers, and tickets To donate, visit tallshipsamerica.org/donate. In the box named “Donation in the name of,” enter St. Pete Kids on Ships Program. TSA is a non-profit organization so gifts are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Volunteer at tallshipsstpete.com/get-involved.

General admission and on-deck tickets are available through the Tall Ships St. Pete website, and some special events are scheduled.

For more information tallshipsstpete.com and tallshipsamerica.org

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New Nonprofit Focuses on Photography Add phones, tablets, and other electronics equipped with cameras to more traditional equipment, and everybody’s a photographer, right?

“Photography has become one of the most accessible art forms with the advent of smartphones and affordable digital cameras,” said Beth Reynolds, who founded the photographic arts program at the Morean Arts Center. A well-known Tampa Bay area photographer, Reynolds has joined the new nonprofit Saint Petersburg Month of Photography (SPMOP) as director of outreach. The 501(c)(3) organization is devoted to celebrating photography in St. Petersburg and the greater Tampa Bay area.

May is the International Month of Photography & SPMOP Is Looking for a Photo Laureate

Photo by Beth Reynolds

During the International Month of Photography in May, SPMOP will launch with events and exhibitions, including naming a photo laureate. There is an open call for all photographers living in the Tampa Bay area to submit their portfolios; the deadline is March 17. A short list of finalists will be able to exhibit their work at the Morean Arts Center. A photo laureate will be announced at the opening of the show.

“There are hundreds of photo festivals all over the world, and St. Petersburg has the perfect location,” Reynolds said. “St. Pete is an arts hub with hundreds of talented artists, galleries, collectors, and museums.”

“By creating a photo laureate program for the Month of Photography, we are looking to get the local photographers involved and work with us to make the festival a collaborative effort.” founder and executive director Marieke van der Krabben said in a press release.

A solo exhibition with the body of work produced by the photo laureate will be shown during Lumen Photo Fest, which SPMOP is organizing for May 2024.

To submit photos, for more information, or to suggest an event, create an exhibition, or volunteer, visit www.spmop.org

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Gabriella Schmid & Bo Countryman, new owners of Charlie Parker Pottery. Photos by Musaweron Photography

Charlie Parker Pottery: New Ownership Offers Beautiful Artwork, Studio Space and Classes

By Suzanne Driscoll The art community of St. Pete was sorry to hear last summer that Charlie Parker was retiring and selling his pottery business. After founding St. Pete Clay Company with other ceramic artists in 1996, he operated his own shop and studio for 12 years in the Warehouse Arts District. However, customers and fellow artists were delighted when Bo Countryman and Gabriella Schmid purchased Charlie Parker Pottery in July 2022.

Schmid worked as Parker’s assistant while she was studying ceramics and glass at the University of Florida. Countryman, also a ceramic artist, had moved from California to St. Pete to help open the Imagine Museum as the project manager, and a production glass studio called TD Glass. “I had a ‘passion shift’ and fell in love with the construction trades focusing on creative and artistic projects, so I obtained general contractor and real estate licenses and started St. Pete Decor,” Countryman says.

“We are excited to keep building our brand as this studio has an incredible history in the community.” he says. “We have 4,000 square feet of space and very loyal members who use the studio to create their own work.”

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A gallery showcases work from residents and local artists, including functional work, sculptures, and jewelry. The studio recently became a distributor for Standard Ceramic, supplying wet clay and dry materials to local artists, studios, and schools.

Memberships Available When the couple purchased the business, they updated the space to allow for additional membership studios. “Studio memberships are available for $150 a month for a 5- by 5-foot open studio, or $250 a month for a 10- by 10-foot private studio,” Schmid says. “We offer 24-hour access to the studio for members, and we support and encourage collaboration between them as they advance their craft and develop techniques in a positive environment.” Studio day passes are available for those who need to use the space on occasion to work on their own projects.

Fun Classes and Events If you are looking for a unique activity to do with someone special, Charlie Parker Pottery offers a fun workshop called “Date Night in Clay” on Friday and Saturday evenings. Couples create their own pottery with step-by-step instructions from experienced teachers.

Participants can bring wine and snacks for the evening. Beginner

Intro to Pottery classes are available throughout the week.

The studio offers beginning and intermediate wheel workshops in eight-week sessions, and other courses on hand building, Raku firing, and glaze materials and application. Private classes for special groups can be arranged.

The studio is having a call for entries to ceramic artists in the community for a gallery exhibition. The juried show, “Spring Ahead: Edge of Renewal,” is open to functional and non-functional ceramic works. The opening reception is March 31 and will be on display through May 31. All ceramic artists are welcome to apply online at www.charlieparkerpottery.com. Call for submissions are due March 6.

You can see pottery wheel demonstrations and new work in the gallery at Charlie Parker Pottery during St. Pete’s Second Saturday ArtWalks from 5-9 pm.

“This has been a great opportunity for us, and we so appreciate the support we have received from the community,” Countryman says. “We are very excited to continue the collaboration and learning that goes on among our members, teachers, and students to create beautiful works of art.”

Charlie Parker Pottery is at 2724 6th Ave. S, St. Petersburg. To become a member or to sign up for a class, call (727) 321-2071, or visit CharlieParkerPottery.com.

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Photos by Brian Brakebill

Parks of St. Pete: Weedon Island Preserve

By Tina Stewart Brakebill Beginning with City Park (today’s Williams Park) in the late 19th century and expanding to the waterfront in the early 20th, St. Petersburg’s parks have a long history of providing locals and visitors with a wide variety of amenities.

Today, St. Pete can boast more than 150 city parks and numerous Pinellas County parks. According to the Trust for Public Land, 77 percent of residents live within a 10-minute walk to a park. Park amenities vary depending on location and size and can include picnic areas, playgrounds, beaches, boat ramps, fishing docks, playing fields, sports courts, fitness equipment, trails, nature preserves, art installations, and historic sites. Dogs and skaters even have their own spaces. Parks & Recreation also offers classes, service projects, camps, and a variety of after-school educational programs. Choose an activity or choose to relax, and there’s a park or recreation center that fits your needs.

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Preserving & Learning about Nature at its Best Located on the eastern edge of Pinellas County, Weedon Island Preserve borders the waters of Old Tampa Bay. It’s a perfect place to spend a day, and the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center is a great place to start. The Center offers interpretive hikes, workshops, and 6,000 square feet of interactive exhibits. Its goal is simple: “interpret the natural, cultural, and archaeological history of the preserve in order to demonstrate how the environment and people support and shape each other.”

With nearly 3,200 acres of natural area, the preserve is home to a wide variety of native plants and animals. Indigenous peoples also lived on this land for thousands of years, and Indian mounds and relic dune ridges can be found on the higher, drier, and flatter

elevations of the upland ecosystems. The preserve also offers numerous ways in which visitors can directly observe its natural wonders on their own.

Experiencing Nature at its Best From hiking and kayaking to fishing and birding, Weedon Island will not disappoint. Nearly five miles of trails, boardwalks, loops, and spurs provide something for nearly everyone. A network of easily accessible paths allows for wheeled strollers or chairs (but no bicycles or pets) while natural trails offer more challenging hikes. Bird sightings are a sure thing, but visitors may also see other wildlife, including frogs, turtles, lizards, and alligators. Informative signs along the trails provide information on everything from identifying scat and the edible parts of trees to locating evidence of long-dormant runways. If you prefer to observe from the water, two well-marked kayak trails provide a great way to see local wildlife, including lots of Florida birds, manatees, dolphins, and stingrays. The four-mile south trail features some of the best mangrove tunnels this side of the Everglades; just be prepared to brave the stares of thousands of small black crabs on the mangrove roots. If fishing is your aim, a pier stands in nearly the same location as the historical bridge that once connected Weedon Island with neighboring Snell Isle to the south. It’s a great place to throw in line or a net. It truly is “A Place to Remember.”

For more information about Weedon Island Preserve, visit www.weedonislandpreserve.org or call (727) 453-6500

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This year's tour features 30 artists at 21 stops Photos courtesy of the Artist Enclave of Historic Kenwood

Artist Enclave of Historic Kenwood 2023 Artist Studio Tour: “Art in the ‘Wood" Saturday, March 18th & Sunday, March 19th 10am - 5pm, Enjoy two days exploring the art and culture-filled neighborhood of Historic Kenwood. 30 artists at 21 different stops will showcase works produced by emerging artists to internationally recognized professionals. Radio St. Pete will be broadcasting music from stops along the tour!

The tour is free, self-guided, and open to the public.

In 2014, the St. Petersburg City Council unanimously approved an Artist Enclave Overlay District in the Historic Kenwood Neighborhood.

Artists can create artwork, teach students, and sell their creations from their own homes. These special accommodations encourage a thriving arts community. For more information about the Artist Enclave, visit kenwoodartistenclave.org

View work by ceramicists, sculptors, jewelers, photographers, mixed multi-media artists, fine art painters, and performance artists.

This year’s theme, “Art in the ‘Wood,” encourages collectors and visitors to soak up the uniquely artistic landscape, visit with artists in their studios, and enjoy live demos throughout the two-day tour.

Learn about the creative process and what steps an artist takes to bring their ideas from concept to completion.

During the tour, Kenwood Gables Boutique B&B (2801 7th Ave.) is opening their doors once again for an exhibition of artwork of the Enclave. Treat yourself to a new piece for your collection or pick up gifts for friends and family!

For a map of the studio locations and artist details visit: kenwoodartistenclave.org/artist-studio-tour/

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Sundial will undergo renovations at 153 2nd Ave N

King State is coming soon to the ground floor of 15 8th St N

Downtown Developments

By Brian Zucker, Owner of St. Pete Rising It seems like each time we take a stroll through downtown there are new restaurants and galleries opening and more apartment complexes and condo towers being built. We realize it’s difficult to keep track of everything. Luckily, we’ve done the research, so you don’t have to. Each month we will feature a few of the most exciting new downtown developments that are on the horizon for the Sunshine City.

Tampa coffee roaster and beer brewer King State is coming soon to the ground floor of the COhatch co-working building at 15 8th Street North in downtown St. Pete. In addition to a full espresso bar, King State will have sixteen beers on tap along with tea, wine, cocktails, hard seltzer, and more. They will also offer all-day breakfast, sandwiches, salads, and pizza. King State is shooting for a late spring or early summer opening.

Sundial will undergo a multi-million-dollar renovation at 153 2nd Avenue North in downtown St. Pete. Plans for the retail and dining center call for an updated courtyard with a large outdoor bar and plenty of communal green space for engaging programming and for guests to sit and enjoy food and drink. Although the iconic sundial will be gone, the plaza will still retain the Sundial name. Since purchasing the plaza last year, the new owners have not signed any new tenants to the retail center, which currently sits at around 50% occupied. However, it’s not due to lack of interest. The owners are

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Hilton hotel is proposed for 256 2nd St N

being very selective, ensuring the tenant mix is the right fit for not only Sundial, but St. Pete as well. The owners expect to reintroduce the property by the end of the year.

A 14-story, 192-key Hilton hotel has been proposed for 256 2nd Street North in downtown St. Pete. The property is currently home to a surface parking lot and Fit2Run, a running specialty store. The hotel, which is being developed by West Palm Beachbased Kolter Urban, will be under Hilton's brand-new Tempo brand, which is billed as a “stylish and contemporary lifestyle hotel.” Tempo

by Hilton hotels feature signature Wellness Rooms with in-room amenities like a Peloton, a Therabody Theragun, and Apotheke diffusers. A construction timeline for the proposed Tempo by Hilton St. Petersburg has not been announced.

Nauti Duchess is coming soon to 217 Central Avenue on the

Nauti Duchess is coming soon to 217 Central Ave

A high-end steak and seafood restaurant coming to the historic Union Trust bank building at 895 Central Ave

Jannus Block in downtown St. Pete. The new restaurant and bar will feature tapas-style seafood, a raw bar, and other light eats. Three bars located through the 7,000-square-foot restaurant will serve a menu of craft cocktails with aromatics from an indoor herb garden. A historic elevator, one of the first installed in Florida, was uncovered during the buildout and will become a photo booth inside the main dining room. Nauti Duchess hopes to open in mid-April.

After being vacant for nearly 30 years, the historic Union Trust bank building at 895 Central Avenue in downtown St. Pete, will finally be occupied. Although the historic bank building has been available for lease since the Icon Central apartments completed construction in 2019, no one has had the ambition to take on such a daunting project. That is, until now. The neoclassical former bank’s basement, ground floor, and mezzanine, which spans 10,000 square feet, are set to become a high-end steak and seafood restaurant. The new restaurant is expected to open by the end of the year.

St. Pete Rising is an urban development blog covering future retail, restaurants, and real estate in Downtown St. Petersburg, FL. Stay up-todate, visit StPeteRising.com.

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Flamingo Festival March 5th at Sunken Gardens Photo by City of St. Petersburg

MARCH 2023

EVENTS Sunken Gardens Flamingo Festival

When: Sunday, March 5th from 12-4pm Where: Sunken Gardens, 1825 4th St N Cost: Free with Admission Show your love of flamingos and celebrate our young flock’s birthday! Wear pink for $1 off admission! Kids’ activities led by Great Explorations Children’s Museum and music.

Free with Gardens admission or membership. Beer, wine, and “flamosas” available for purchase. stpete.org/events

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Celebrate Women’s History Month at Woodfield Fine Art When: Opening reception Friday, March 10th from 5 - 9pm; Exhibit Dates run from March 10th - April 1st Where: Woodfield Fine Art, 2323 Central Avenue Cost: Free Admission Celebrate Women’s History Month by seeing the mixed media creations of Eileen Marquez from her Goddess Series of Inspiring Women collection. woodfieldfineart.com

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Awakening Festival March 11th & 12th at Vinoy Park Photo via awakeningfestival.org

health, wellness, and spiritual connection. This family-friendly event is open to all, including When: Friday, March 10th from furry friends on leashes. Live 5pm - 9pm; Saturday, March 11th Music, Drum Circle, Yoga, from 10am - 5pm; Sunday, March Artist Demos, Indie Market, Pet 12th from 11am - 4pm Adoptions, Food Vendors and Where: The Coliseum, more! awakeningfestival.org 535 4th Ave N Cost: $10 Florida’s The oldest and largest Carnivorous Plants antiquarian book fair in the Talk & Plant Sale Southeastern United States, and one of the largest in the nation.

When: Thursday, March 16th floridaantiquarianbookfair.com from 6pm - 7:30pm Where: Sunken Gardens, 1825 4th St N 10th Annual Awakening Festival Cost: Free with paid admission or membership When: Saturday, March 11th Learn about Florida’s carnivorous Sunday, March 12th plants! Presented by Kenny Where: 400 Bayshore Dr NE Coogan, author of the new book Cost: Free “Florida’s Carnivorous Plants”.

The Awakening Festival serves Held in our large Garden Room. to bring the community together stpete.org/events to share the many paths to

Florida Antiquarian Book Fair

Historic Kenwood Artist Studio Tour March 18th & 19th Photo courtesy of the Artist Enclave of Historic Kenwood

2023 Historic Kenwood Artist Studio Tour: “Art in the ‘Wood” When: Saturday, March 18th & Sunday, March 19th from 10am - 5pm Where: Historic Kenwood Cost: Free, Self-Guided More than 30 artists will showcase their artwork at 21 stops in Historic Kenwood. Get a glimpse into their creative process, homes, and studios.

For map and details, visit kenwoodartistenclave.org/ artist-studio-tour/

St. Petersburg Opera Company Presents Fidelio

Off The Rails St.Pete When: Thursday, March 23rd from 7:30 - 8:30pm; doors open at 6:30pm Where: The Venue, 500 24th St S Cost: $20

Part conversation, part performance, and all heart.

Using stories and comedy, Tami turns a mirror on her Type-A, well-planned, people-pleasing tendencies to remind us that in those moments when we’re holding on tight, the best way forward may be to just let go. growplaybelong.com/store/offthe-rails-st.pete

When: Friday, March 24th at 8pm; Sunday, March 26th at 2pm; Tuesday, March 28th at 7:30pm Where: The Palladium, 253 5th Ave N Cost: $15 & up Beethoven’s only opera has captivated audiences worldwide with its themes of justice,

Fidelio presented by St. Pete Opera on stage at the Palladium March 24th - 28th Photo by City of St. Petersburg

freedom, and the power of the human spirit. Sung in German with English translations above the stage. stpeteopera.org

Tall Ships® St. Pete When: Thursday, March 30th Sunday, April 2nd Where: Port St. Pete Cost: $10 & up A 4-day maritime celebration as the Port St. Pete becomes an Official Host Port of the TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® Gulf Coast Series! A rare chance to catch a glimpse, step aboard, and even set sail on this 2023 fleet of tall ships.

Enjoy fine festival foods and food trucks, craft beers, music, street performers, and festival marketplace. Tallshipsstpete.com

SVdP Cares Empty Bowls 2023

When: Saturday, April 1st from 11am - 3pm Where: Clay Center of St. Petersburg, 2010 1st Ave S Cost: $25 Benefiting SVdP CARES, Empty Bowls features beautifully handcrafted bowls created by passionate artists for guests to take home as a reminder that everyone’s lives should be filled with hope. There will be delicious local soups, live music, silent auction, and guests can meet some of the families and Veterans that have overcome homelessness.

100% of proceeds go toward ending hunger and homelessness in our community. svdpsp.org/ annual-events/empty-bowls/ For more events, or to submit an event, visit greenbenchmonthly.com/ events

MARCH 2023 / GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM

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Green Bench Monthly P.O. Box 76095 St. Petersburg, FL 33734

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