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A cool way to warm up to art

By Lennie Bennett, Times Art Critic
In print: Thursday, July 17, 2008

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ADVERTISEMENT Marilyn Vaillancourt, jewelry. John Kellum, ceramics.

ST. PETERSBURG — Free and air-conditioned sound mighty good these days, the economy and weather being what they are.

The 20th anniversary Cool Art Show offers both on Saturday and Sunday. About 80 artists will show their ceramics, jewelry, paintings, photographs, sculptures and fine crafts in the comfort of the Coliseum in downtown St. Petersburg.

Of course, the hope is that you will come, see and then buy something, but the first two parts of that equation will cost you nothing, since there is no charge just to check out your options. The large, adjoining (free) parking lot makes it easy.

Cool Art is smaller than the outdoor shows of fall, winter and spring, but the preview images organizers sent indicate a good mix of mediums, with some especially interesting jewelry. And the prices at Cool Art are always reasonable.

It's mostly conservative art, but it's a spunky show nonetheless, organized by the Professional Association of Visual Artists, a nonprofit group of artists who volunteer their time to make this happen (and to make a little money during slow summer months). All the artists are local, so an added bonus is you get a good overview of our arts community.

Note that pets are not invited, and concessions at the Coliseum include beer and wine.

Lennie Bennett can be reached at (727) 893-8293 or lennie@sptimes.com.