Fourth Street to Eighth Street, once a no man’s land in Downtown St. Petersburg, is surging with life once again. A community sewn together by the love of art, music and fashion is emerging, and people are starting to take notice.
Sara Stonecipher of Misred Outfitters , officials at the Morean Arts Center, and Florida Craftsman have decided it’s time for the city of St. Petersburg to notice as well and are working with the city to deem this hive of activity the “Central Arts District.”
The name will put a spotlight on the collection of galleries and boutiques located in the district. The addition of the name will be similar to St. Petersburg’s existing “Grand Central District.” It focuses on the downtown area between 16th and 31st street with a similar mission; to revitalize neighborhood business and inform city-goers where to eat, play and shop.
“The city is really excited about this,” Stonecipher said. “We are working on a flyer and logo now and hope to put out large art installations.”
Creator of St. Pete Beat, Ryan Zarra is often there to capture the essence of events in the Central Arts District in his video documentaries.
“I think the 600 block has become the structural backbone of what is remaining of the arts movement in downtown St. Pete and has attracted young and old alike,” Zarra said. “Right now the 600 block is the only good block in the area that seems to be catching on to where we should be heading but I feel like the city is not making it easy for them. They need to let it grow and adapt to its own identity. It’s not an Ybor. It’s not a Hyde Park. It’s a Downtown St. Pete."
Photographer Brian James has a studio in the ArtLofts above the Florida Craftsmen Gallery at 5th and Central Avenues. James feels that the community of artists, designers and gallery owners is very welcoming and approves of the new name.
“Since I moved here in 2009, I've watched that block go from nothing, to a really fabulous something,” James said. “We are a great group of friends, supporting each other in any way we can. The Central Art District is just that, the district with the most art galleries in one area, not only in St. Petersburg but in the greater Tampa Bay area.
The naming launch will begin with some friendly competition November 12 through January 1. Shops located between 4th and 8th are encouraged to decorate their windows for the holidays with crazy, eccentric art. The windows will be judged and the winner will receive a “huge basket of goodies from the neighboring businesses and other prizes from local shops.”
Be sure to check out an upcoming art walk on the second Saturday of each month so you too can get involved and support the happenings of St. Pete’s Central Arts District.
