For those of us fortunate enough to call St. Petersburg home, we are blessed to be part of a vibrant arts and culture art scene.

Represented by outstanding museums, scores of independent galleries, a successful, close-knit community of working artists and crafts-people, and a stellar performing arts community, St. Petersburg has been ranked No. 1 as America’s Arts Destination for mid-sized cities by American Style Magazine since 2010.

Here is a sampling of interesting and accessible museums and galleries to explore.

Dalí Museum
Current Exhibit – Disney and Dali: Architects of the Imagination. This immersive and enriching multi-media exhibition tells the story of the unlikely alliance between two of the most renowned artists of the twentieth century – the brilliantly eccentric Spanish Surrealist Salvador Dali and American entertainment innovator Walt Disney.  (January 23, 2016 through June 12, 2016)
www.thedali.org

Museum of Fine Arts
Current Exhibit – Visual Metaphor: High School Student Exhibition. This show features works by many of the most talented students in the Pinellas County Schools, selected by their teachers and encompassing a wide array of media. Visual Metaphor is a partnership between the MFA and the Pinellas County Schools and is sponsored in part by The DMG School Project. (March 21, 2016 through April 24, 2016) www.mfastpete.org

Chihuly Collection
The Collection is a stunning, permanent collection of world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly’s unique artwork. It includes Chihuly’s spectacular large-scale installations such as Ruby Red Icicle Chandelier created specifically for the Collection. www.moreanartscenter.org/chihuly

Duncan McClellan Gallery
The Gallery features rotating exhibitions showcasing nationally and internationally recognized glass artists. Glass is the primary medium, and artists are given the opportunity to work in the onsite hot shop.  www.dmglass.com

Florida CraftArt
The gallery offers fine craft for collectors of innovative designs in glass, clay, wood, fiber & jewelry produced by Florida artists as well as cutting edge exhibitions of regional & national artists. www.FloridaCraftArt.org

Walking Mural Tours
Saturday mornings from 10am-11:30am starting at Florida CraftArt (501 Central Avenue). The tour includes the inside stories behind the 30 murals found in the four block tour. Reservations required. For details: info@floridacraftart.org

Second Saturday ArtWalk
Second Saturday of each month from 5pm to 9pm. Festive evening with over 40 studios and galleries open to the public. For details: www.St.PeteArtsAlliance.org