New Gulfport Arts Gathering Kicks Off Vision With “Pot Luck”

A small but growing number of Gulfport residents has a vision in mind with a simple but apt name: "The Gathering." At the Gathering, the work of local fine artists would be on display and for sale in a gallery centrally located in what has historically been Gulfport's "Art Village." At the same facility, artists in residence would have studio spaces devoted to the creation of their work. The generation of community, cohesion and cooperation is the ultimate goal of the venture that seeks to revive the presence of working artists in a Village that has seen their presence decline in recent years. A spark that hopes to ignite a resurgence of art and artists in the heart of Gulfport is the dream of “The Gathering.”

To dedicate and draw attention and energy to this new effort, a “pot luck” event will be held on Thursday, April 1st from 7 to 9PM at Peg’s Cantina and Brew Pub, 3038 Beach Blvd. South in Gulfport. An original work of art valued at $350 by local award-winning glass artist Owen Pach is currently on display at Peg’s. Chances to win the art work are now available for $5 each at Peg’s. Chances are also available at Domain Home Accessories, 3129 Beach Blvd. South, where additional glass art pieces by Mr. Pach are available. The drawing will be held at 8PM. Funds from the “pot luck” will be used to defray non-profit organizational start-up costs for The Gathering.

Artist Owen Pach began working with glass in Ybor City in the 1980s. He returned to the Tampa Bay Area three years ago after an absence of several years in which he developed an impressive resume in the creation of his glass art work, winning many awards, and teaching glass blowing to others. He currently works out of his own glass blowing studio in Gulfport and is a driving force behind the creation of a new glass “hot shop” at the Morean Arts Center in St. Petersburg. An installation of his original work will be featured at Tampa International Airport later this year.

Live music by local trio Blue Cypress will also be featured during the April 1st event. Blue Cypress offers spare and sweet arrangements of old and original alt-Americana-style tunes, with guitar, banjo and lead vocals by Erin Janus.

For more information about this event, contact Peg’s Cantina at 727-328-2720.