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SoStudio Tour Triples in Popularity

Saturday’s SoStudio Tour brought behind-the-scenes insight to the masses.

Once again, Gulfport lives up to its reputation of being an art community. A rare connection between local artists paves the way for events like Saturday’s SoStudio Tour. Each participating artist was given the chance to present their studio to the public, artwork and all. Last year’s trial run of the SoStudio Tour was kept small with just five studios and one point of departure for guests. With the amount of support the event received, the 2012 showcased more than tripled. Saturday hosted 16 studios and three points of departure. “There was a lot of enthusiasm the first year, so then they told us to make it bigger,” said Andrea Royce. She is the Vice President of So49 and an event organizer. 16 area studios were featured along the route …

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Cherlene Willis

8:08 pm on Monday, May 14, 2012

Wow! I see new photos! Thanks Jeri Reed!   more ›

SoStudio Tour Expands, Event to Feature 19 Artists

From blown glass to sculptures made of film, art-lovers can view one-of-a-kind pieces during the annual SoStudio Tour on Saturday, May 12. The event will feature 19 artists compared to five artists last year.

On Saturday, May 12, you'll be able to see first hand why Gulfport is often called an "Art Village." Come out to the annual SoStudio Tour and visit up to 19 studios in the area. Artists invite the public to tour their studios, view their art and learn more about each participant. There will be beverages during the tour and three community art spaces will serve food, too. The event is from 3 - 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 the day of the event. Pick up your wristband and begin the tour at one of the following locations: Reservations can be made in advance by calling (727) 347-4786. The Gulfport Trolley will run a continuous look throughout the day. Follow the map or leap onto the Gulfport Trolley to enjoy great art, conversation, food, drink, and …

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'Spring Breakers' Spent $1 Million Locally

From hotel rooms to hiring off duty police officers, the film production spent an estimated $1.3 million during filming in Gulfport, St. Pete Beach and St. Petersburg.

From cruising down Corey Ave to getting booked into the Gulfport Police Department, the cast of "Spring Breakers" lured fans, onlookers and extras from across Tampa Bay. The cast included young actors James Franco, Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Benson. The film shot in various spots in Gulfport, St. Pete Beach and St. Petersburg over four weeks. In that time the production helped boost the local economy, spending more than $1 million. That's more than $40,000 a day. Jennifer Parramore, St. Petersburg-Clearwater Film Commissioner, says the film crew spent $1.3 million across Pinellas County with the execption of a couple days at Ringing College in Sarasota. "Every city and its staff were super cooperative," Parramore wrote to …

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What's the Best Museum in the Tampa Bay Area?

From Sarasota to Tarpon Springs, there are plenty of excellent museums just a day trip away.

School is almost out for the summer, and parents in the Tampa Bay area are in luck: There are plenty of esteemed museums within an hour's drive of the Tampa Bay area. Which local museum is your favorite? Here's a rundown of art, science and history destinations across the Bay area — just follow the links for hours, directions and upcoming events. Cast your vote for your favorite museum in the poll below. Did we miss your favorite? Please let us know in the comments. About Readers' Choice: Voting is open from 9 a.m. Monday to 9 a.m. Friday. Any ties will be broken based on reader comments and reviews. Poll choices represent a sampling of local businesses and are not intended to be all-inclusive. Would you like a free business listing in the…

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Patch Minute

Patch Minute: Taste of Pinellas to Entertain Taste Buds

The annual Taste of Pinellas will feature food, live music and more, all to benefit All Children's Hospital. Watch our Patch Minute to see what local restaurants are cooking up for this weekend!

Who loves food? I know I do! Welcome to this week's Patch Minute! This week we're featuring a special preview to the annual Taste of Pinellas festival at Vinoy Park in downtown St. Petersburg. The event runs from May 4 - 6 and benefits All Children's Hospital! Tickets on Friday and Saturday are $25 and $20 on Sunday. There will be more than 40 restaurants from across Tampa Bay. Watch our video to see what 400 Beach Seafood and Tap House and Annastella Cajun Bistro is whipping up for the three day event. More Information: There is a full line up of live entertainment including Joe Nichols, Ziggy Marley and Dashboard Confessional. Headliners include Big & Rich on Friday, Sheryl Crow on Saturday and The All-American Rejects on Sunday. For …

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Film is Art for Nancy Cervenka, Literally

Nancy Cervenka went from studying cinematography to making sculptures from the very material she was learning about. Now, she’s a full time artist and loves every second of it.

She’s a Chicago native and an art enthusiast, a sculptor and a massage therapist. Nancy Cervenka seems to have it all planned out. But it wasn’t always that way. It took her some time to recognize her true calling to be an artist. While she was attending the University of South Florida in the ‘70s, Nancy Cervenka was earning her bachelor’s degree in fine arts. During her time in the undergraduate program, she discovered her love for film. Cervenka then decided to take her education to the next level and work on a masters in cinematography. In the process of earning her masters, one thing led to another and Cervenka began to experiment with the same material she was learning about: film. “As I was working with the film all the time, I …

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'On My Mind' Dives Into Love, Humor, Drama and More

". . . On My Mind" is a burst of "in your face" comedy, contradictions and emotions. Expect the unexpected by Three Muses & A Fool Productions in Artists Alley.

For the past three weeks a cast and crew of only eight actors have lured guests to "Artists Alley" in Gulfport. ". . . On My Mind" is a series of short plays connected by a theme; love. Actors throw themselves into true love, passion, too-good-to-be-true love, obsession, weakness and more. Producer, Director and Actor Ciara Carinci has been sharing her talents with Gulfport for the past 10 years. Carinci and fellow actor Peter Suarez are known for "theater walk" performances. The actors performed on the sidewalks and in the streets for years and are now performing on stage at The Schork~Munsell Studios 2. What do you think? I attended a performance on Friday night and found ". . . On My Mind" to be brilliant. Each short play was filled …

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Patch Minute

Patch Minute: Record Store Day, Beach Goes Pops, Art Walk

Looking for things to do in Gulfport, St. Pete and the beaches? We'll help you plan your weekend!

Happy Friday and welcome to Patch Minute! We're here to help you plan your weekend in Gulfport, St. Pete and the beaches . . . Beaches We're starting off at St. Pete Beach at Paradise Grille. The 22nd Annual Beach Goes Pops starts at 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The event features at least five live bands including Big Brother and The St. Petersburg Opera Company. To see the complete line up of entertainment check out the Beach Goes Pops website. Gulfport If you're looking for an evening event, stop by the Third Saturday Art Walk in Gulfport. That's from 6 - 10 p.m. on Beach Boulevard. Also looking for live entertainment, stop in the Schork-Munsell Studios in "Artists Alley" for a series of short comedies called "on my mind" tickets are…

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SoStudio Preview at Hickman Theater

Join the City of Gulfport, City of Imagination and the 49th Street South Business Association for a preview of new art at the SoStudio Tour 2012 Preview at the Catherine A. Hickman Theater.

  If you are a Gulfport resident or an occasional visitor, you may agree that Gulfport is one of the most creative and artistic cities in Florida, if not in the entire southeast. On Friday, April 6, the public can get a sneak peek of the latest works by some of the best working artists in the area. Collaborating with the City of Imagination/Gulfport Arts Center and the 49th Street South Business Association, the City of Gulfport is presenting the SoStudio Tour 2012 Preview Exhibit. This preview exhibit includes pieces by several local artists: Opening reception for the exhibit will be from 5 to 7 p.m. in the gallery space of the Catherine A. Hickman Theater.  This is a preview of the art, prior to the official tour beginning May 12. …

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