Florida CraftArt

Florida CraftArt Growing the statewide creative economy by engaging community & advancing Florida’s fine craft artists Petersburg’s artistic renaissance.
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As the only statewide nonprofit representing Florida’s fine craft artists, Florida CraftArt is a member-supported organization that helps mentor and advance artists. Headquartered at 5th Street and Central Avenue, this vibrant organization has been at the center of St. Gallery visitors delight in original, handmade fine craft — ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, sculpture, and wood — created by more

than 250 of Florida’s finest craft artists. Every artist is vetted to ensure that the art is of the highest quality. During the year, there are seven curated shows in the Exhibition Gallery featuring local, regional, and national artists. Admission is always free to the galleries. Educational programming includes walking and bike mural tours, artist’s talks, lectures, hands-on activities, and workshops for adults and children. On the weekend before Thanksgiving, the annual CraftArt Festival welcomes more than 10,000 people to a free outdoor art show featuring 100 outstanding fine craft artists from around the country. The two-day festival held in downtown St. Petersburg is an ideal time for holiday gift shopping. Sponsored Emerging Artists are mentored and given the opportunity to launch and expand their careers. Founded in 1951, Florida CraftArt’s primary goal is the success of the fine craft artists of Florida, helping them develop into profitable professional artists. The gallery staff and board of directors are invested in mentoring artists in product development, marketing, pricing, and business practices. Florida CraftArt has a Permanent Collection of Fine Craft and other exhibitions that travel to art museums and organizations. On the second floor of Florida CraftArt’s 100-year-old building are ArtLofts, 20 artists’ studios. ArtLofts are open by appointment or by chance and on second Saturday ArtWalk.

Florida CraftArt is bringing makers, arts organizations, educators, and supporters together for a statewide conversation...
05/11/2026

Florida CraftArt is bringing makers, arts organizations, educators, and supporters together for a statewide conversation—and we’d love for you to be part of it.
This virtual gathering is designed to spark connections, share ideas, and strengthen the network of people and organizations championing craft across Florida. It’s an opportunity to learn from each other, promote what’s happening in your corner of the state, and explore ways we can collaborate.

As part of Florida CraftArt’s 75th Anniversary and our participation in Handwork 2026, we have been celebrating with two exhibitions: The Makers That Made Us, which recently closed and reflected on the artists and moments that have shaped our history, and Florida NOW (on view through June 13), a look at contemporary craft across the state.

✨When: Tuesday, May 19 at 2:00 p.m. (ET)
Where: Zoom
To Register (link in bio): floridacraftart.org/events-calendar/statewide-zoom/

Agenda:
- Welcome & Overview
- Florida NOW: Artists in Conversation - moderated by Holly Hanessian , curator of Florida NOW, featuring artists Wendy Bruce , Marty Fielding , and Cheri Dunnigan
- Spotlight on the Florida School of Woodwork : Meighan Hornady, President of the School, will share updates on current programs and offer insight into the Schools approach on craft education
- Open Discussion: an open floor for attendees to promote events, share opportunities, and bring forward ideas or issues for discussion

Whether you’re a craft artist, a representative from an arts organization, an educator, or simply a passionate supporter of fine craft, your voice is welcome in the conversation.

Let’s connect, inspire, and work together to keep Florida’s craft community vibrant and strong.
Save the date and join us!

✨To Register (link in bio): floridacraftart.org/events-calendar/statewide-zoom/

Artwork Credit (currently on view @ FCA):
Teapot and Platform by Marty Fielding
Open to Change by Wendy Bruce
Shell Form #3 by Cheri Dunnigan

05/07/2026

Sneak peak of our new exhibition Florida NOW!

✨ Join us for the opening reception THIS Saturday, May 9th from 6-8pm ✨

Presented as Florida Craftart’s 75th Anniversary, Florida NOW is one of two major exhibitions the organization is producing to mark this milestone year. By bringing together artists from diverse regions of the state, Florida NOW offers a focused representation of what craft in Florida looks like today - bold, skillful, and deeply connected to place, process, and lived experience.

See you on Saturday!!

04/29/2026

How are craft artists examining the intersection of technology with traditional techniques? We’d like to know!

Apply to be a part of our upcoming exhibition, Future Form, by THIS SUNDAY, May 3rd.

To learn more and apply, please visit:
https://floridacraftart.org/artist-opportunities/

Artwork/videos provided by Gillian Harper

Thank you The North American Reciprocal Museum Association for the feature on our upcoming exhibit, Florida Now! For mor...
04/27/2026

Thank you The North American Reciprocal Museum Association for the feature on our upcoming exhibit, Florida Now!

For more information about programming and dates, please visit our website here: https://floridacraftart.org/upcoming-exhibtions/florida-now/

Did you know we have NARM reciprocal benefits for members? Learn more about which tiers include NARM and become a member today: https://floridacraftart.org/support/

Florida NOW
May 2–June 13, 2026
Florida CraftArt
St. Petersburg, Florida
floridacraftart.org

"Florida NOW" highlights the depth and diversity of contemporary fine craft being produced across the state today by bringing together artists working in clay, glass, fiber, metal, wood, and mixed media. It reflects a wide range of approaches, from a deep focus on materials and process to work that explores ideas, stories, and personal experience. Together, these works offer a vivid snapshot of how artists across Florida are working in craft today.

Presented as part of Florida CraftArt’s 75th Anniversary, "Florida NOW" is also connected to Handwork 2026, a nationwide effort recognizing the enduring cultural impact of craft in America and reflecting on the nation’s 250-year history through the work of makers.

[Image: Lauren Shapiro, Spectral Nature.]

Our upcoming exhibition 𝘍𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘢 𝘕𝘖𝘞 opens next Saturday, May 2nd! 🎉 Please join us for the opening reception on Saturday...
04/25/2026

Our upcoming exhibition 𝘍𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘢 𝘕𝘖𝘞 opens next Saturday, May 2nd! 🎉 Please join us for the opening reception on Saturday, May 9th from 6-8 pm during Second Saturday ArtWalk 🎨✨

𝘍𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘢 𝘕𝘖𝘞 is an exhibition of contemporary fine craft by artists from across Florida, highlighting work in traditional materials approached with fresh vision and urgency. Curated by Holly Hanessian, recently retired Head of Ceramics at Florida State University and a nationally respected artist and educator, the exhibition reflects the breadth and vitality of craft practice taking place throughout the state today.

Presented as part of Florida CraftArt’s 75th Anniversary, 𝘍𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘢 𝘕𝘖𝘞 is one of two major exhibitions the organization is producing to mark this milestone year. By bringing together artists from diverse regions of the state, 𝘍𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘢 𝘕𝘖𝘞 offers a focused representation of what craft in Florida looks like today—bold, skillful, and deeply connected to place, process, and lived experience.

Participating artists include: Wendy Bruce, Largo, fiber; Cheryl Dunnigan, Naples, jewelry; Marty Fielding, Tallahassee, clay; Dominique Labauvie, Tampa, metal; Jillian Mayer, Miami, glass; Milton Mizell, Miami, wood; Charles Parkhill, Tampa, wood; Evelyn Politzer, Miami, fiber; Lauren Shapiro, Miami, clay; Rob Stern, Dania Beach, glass.

📣 Additional programming: Join us for a Statewide Zoom Panel Discussion led by Holly Hannessian on Tuesday, May 19th at 2pm ET

For more information check out our website: floridacraftart.org -> events tab -> events calendar

Link: https://floridacraftart.org/events-calendar/florida-now-zoom/

04/17/2026

Our current exhibition “The Makers Who Made Us” closes next Wednesday, April 22nd. If you haven’t had the chance to come check it out, stop by this weekend or early next week!

Hours:
Monday-Friday: 10-5:30 pm
Sunday: noon-5 pm

Created in celebration of Florida CraftArt’s 75th anniversary, this exhibition honors the visionary artists who have shaped Florida’s craft landscape since the organization’s founding in 1951. This milestone show spotlights the makers whose creativity, innovation, and dedication have defined fine craft in Florida across generations.

Featuring ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, wood, metal, and mixed media, the exhibition is drawn predominantly from Florida CrattArt’s permanent collection. Together, these works reflect the depth, diversity, and lasting influence of the artists who helped build Florida CraftArt’s legacy - and whose impact continues to shape its future.

Curated by Michele Tuegel and Jorge Vidal

ATTENTION Craft Artists!! We currently have several opportunities available on our website! If you are interested in bei...
04/16/2026

ATTENTION Craft Artists!! We currently have several opportunities available on our website!

If you are interested in being a part of our Emerging Artist Program or any of our upcoming exhibitions, please visit:
FloridaCraftArt.org/Artist-Opportunities/

DEADLINES:

✨Emerging Artist Program Deadline: Friday, April 17

💡Future Form Deadline: Sunday, May 3

🔁x1000 Deadline: Sunday, June 7

🔥Formed by Fire Deadline: Sunday, July 19

Questions? Email [email protected] or call 727-821-7391

Artwork Credit:
- Future Form: Oliver Hampel
- x1000: Matt Jones
- Formed by Fire: Jim Brady Photography

Attention craft artists! We currently have several exciting opportunities available on our website! If you are intereste...
04/15/2026

Attention craft artists! We currently have several exciting opportunities available on our website!

If you are interested in being a part of our Emerging Artist Program or any of our upcoming exhibitions visit:
www.floridacraftart.org/artist-opportunities

Emerging Artist Program Deadline: April 17th
Future Form Exhibition Deadline: May 3rd
x1000 Exhibition Deadline: June 7th
Formed by Fire Exhibition Deadline: coming soon

Please apply! Applications are now open 😊

Big thanks to the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership for the spotlight on our Director of Advancement Elizabeth Cooper!...
04/14/2026

Big thanks to the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership for the spotlight on our Director of Advancement Elizabeth Cooper! 🙏

We're so proud to be part of a community that’s always building, connecting, and lifting each other up—have a read!

In this Member Spotlight, we’re highlighting Liz Cooper, Director of Advancement at Florida CraftArt, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to supporting artists and connecting local communities through creativity and passion that is celebrating their 75th anniversary this year. Click here to read more: https://www.stpetepartnership.org/news/membership-spotlight-liz-cooper-florida-craftart

📣 Attention! The deadline for our 2026 Emerging Artist program is fast approaching!! Please submit your applications by ...
04/12/2026

📣 Attention! The deadline for our 2026 Emerging Artist program is fast approaching!! Please submit your applications by this Friday, April 17, 2026.

The 2026 Florida CraftArt Emerging Artist Program is designed to nurture and advance the careers of emerging Fine Craft artists.

Artists working in clay, fibers, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, printmaking, sculpture, and wood, have a special opportunity to grow their careers & showcase their work.

Juried artists will receive a benefits package valued at over $1,000 with business and marketing support!

See “Artist Opportunities” linked in our profile for eligibility and details. Contact [email protected] with questions.

Address

501 Central Avenue
Saint Petersburg, FL
33701

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 10am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 10am - 5:30pm
Thursday 10am - 5:30pm
Friday 10am - 5:30pm
Saturday 10am - 5:30pm
Sunday 12pm - 5pm

Telephone

(727) 821-7391

Alerts

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