Morean Arts Center facts for kids
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| Established | 1917 |
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| Location | 719 Central Avenue St. Petersburg, Florida |
| Type | Art museum |
The Morean Arts Center is a cool place in St. Petersburg, Florida. It shows amazing art from artists who live nearby, across the country, and even around the world! You might see art by famous people like Jasper Johns or Peter Max. The center also has lots of art classes where you can learn to create your own masterpieces.
You can find the main Morean Arts Center building at 719 Central Avenue. But there are two other special spots too: the Chihuly Collection, right next door at 720 Central Avenue, and the Morean Center for Clay, located at 420 22nd Street South.
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The Story of the Morean Arts Center
The Morean Arts Center started way back in 1917. It was first called the Art Club of St. Petersburg. Two amazing women, Margaret and Edith Tadd, created it. They wanted to honor Edith’s husband and Margaret’s father, J. Liberty Tadd. Their big idea was to make a place where artists could be creative. They wanted a spot to show their art, talk about it, and just enjoy art together.
The Art Club first met near a big kapok tree. This was close to where the Museum of Fine Arts is today. In 1972, the Art Club joined with another group, the Art Center Association. They moved to 7th Street and changed their name to The Arts Center.
About 20 years later, something wonderful happened. A kind person named Beth Morean made a big donation. This helped The Arts Center buy and connect several buildings. These buildings were all on the 700 block of Central Avenue. That's where the Morean Arts Center is located now!
Glass Studio and Hot Shop
The Morean Arts Center has a special Glass Studio & Hot Shop. This is a place where glass artists can work and create beautiful things. You can even sit and watch them blow glass! It's like magic to see how they shape hot glass.
The Hot Shop also has classes and workshops. You can even try glassblowing yourself! Plus, there's a store where you can buy unique glass art. These pieces are made by local artists.
The Chihuly Collection
In 2010, a famous artist named Dale Chihuly decided to work with the Morean Arts Center. He wanted to set up a special show of his amazing glass art. The Chihuly Collection was first on Beach Drive. Then, in 2016, it moved to Central Avenue. It's right next door to the main Morean Arts Center building.
Dale Chihuly loved the idea of his art helping people learn. This partnership helped the Morean Arts Center open its own Glass Studio. Money from the Chihuly Collection helps support local artists. This partnership has helped the Morean Arts Center grow. It gives more chances for artists to study, learn, and show their art.
The Morean Center for Clay
The Morean Center for Clay moved to a newly fixed-up building in 2009. This building used to be the Seaboard Train Station, built in 1926. Now, it's a busy place for clay artists!
It has studios for 42 artists and special spots for artists who live there for a short time. There are also two art galleries that change their displays. You can find classrooms and a big space for events too. Outside, there's a large area with different kinds of kilns. These are special ovens used to bake clay. You can see wood kilns, gas kilns, and a soda kiln.
Visitors can explore the center from Tuesday to Saturday. You can also book special hands-on activities and history tours. The center also has a shop with many items. Today, the Morean Center for Clay is one of the biggest pottery centers in the country!
Art Programs for Everyone
The Morean Arts Center has many programs for all ages. They have classes for adults, kids, and even very young children. There are also family programs and summer camps. Whether you're just starting or already an expert, there's something for you!
They offer art classes in clay, glass, and many other materials. These programs help people of all ages come together. They learn about art and create things as a community.
Operation: Art of Valor
The "Operation: Art of Valor" program started in 2018. It works with the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital. This program is free for veterans. It offers classes in glass blowing, photography, and ceramics. It helps veterans learn new creative skills. It also helps them feel more confident and work well in a team.
Memory Mornings
"Memory Mornings" happens once a month. It lets visitors and their helpers see the Chihuly Collection before it opens to everyone else. It's a free tour of the amazing glass art. After the tour, there's a fun art activity. This activity is inspired by the art they just saw.
A Missing Glass Piece
On February 8, 2016, something unusual happened. Employees at the Chihuly Collection found that a small glass art piece was missing. It was called Cobalt and Lavender Piccolo Venetian with Gilded Handles. The next morning, the missing piece was found! It had been left safely at the entrance of the Morean Arts Center. It was wrapped up in bubble wrap and placed in a box.
Creating Art Online
The Morean Arts Center has its own YouTube Channel. It's called Morean Arts Center. On the channel, you can find ideas for artists to create. There are also virtual tours led by the assistant curators. You can watch videos about current art shows, artists who work there, and other things the center offers.
