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Gallery now bringing useful art to Hyde Park customers

 
As Sue Shapiro continued to work on her pottery in St. Petersburg, her retail space grew and her studio shrunk. Now Shapiro's is bringing wares like these to Hyde Park Village. Photo courtesy of Shapiro's.
As Sue Shapiro continued to work on her pottery in St. Petersburg, her retail space grew and her studio shrunk. Now Shapiro's is bringing wares like these to Hyde Park Village. Photo courtesy of Shapiro's.
Published Sept. 22, 2017

HYDE PARK — In 1998, Mike and Sue Shapiro opened a gallery in St. Petersburg along Central Ave., with a majority of the space dedicated to Sue's clay studio.

"We kept pushing the wall back and the studio shrank and the retail grew," Sue said. "Now, Shapiro's features handmade, American crafts and we work with small studios. We are picky about what we sell and have good relationships with all the artists we represent. Even my children are involved with it now."

In October, they will relocate the Tampa location from MacDill Avenue into a storefront in Hyde Park Village. They will remain in their St. Petersburg location at 300 Beach Drive as well.

Originally from Massachusetts, Sue graduated from Mass College of Art with a fine art degree.

"I went into college thinking I would be a painter, but ended up being a potter," Sue said. "When we stared working to grow my business back in 1996, Mike was the people person. I want to be in the studio making things."

Customers can find Sue's clay art among the 250 artists who craft pottery mugs, blown glass candlesticks, metal sculptures and jewelry.

"We sell things people can use in everyday life," Sue said. "Fine art is wonderful but when you're able to bring the craft into your daily life, it makes things a little more special."

Once Shapiro's opens in Oct. at 1619 W Snow Circle, hours will extend to 9 p.m. And maybe later on the weekend.

For more information, visit shapirosgallery.com or call (727) 894-2111.

Contact Arielle Waldman at hillsnews@tampabay.com.