The Morean Arts Center (MAC) announces participants for Fresh Squeezed 3: Emerging Artists in Florida. Seven up-and-coming artists from Florida were chosen to showcase their works for the first time at this year’s exhibition. Artists include Anh Pham, Lance Rothstein, Alexa Velez, J. Leigh Garcia, Chad Steve, Tenee’ Hart, and Ericka Sobrack. Sponsored by the Gobioff foundation, the annual showcase focuses on nurturing and advancing the careers of budding visual artists, while giving the community the opportunity to discover exciting new art being made in our region. Opening reception will be held during Second Saturday ArtWalk, Saturday, May 11, 5-9 p.m.
Now in its third year, Fresh Squeezed has been a growing success for both the MAC and participating artists. This year’s exhibition will accommodate seven artists instead of six and brings artists from all over the state—with only one from Tampa Bay. When it came to selecting the artists, Curator of Exhibitions, Amanda Cooper, had a really tough time narrowing down from a record 200 entries.
“It was really difficult! Our entries went up exponentially from previous years and we had so many amazing artists throw their hats into the ring. The good news is that even though we only selected seven artists, we now have all those other artists on our radar for other opportunities,” says Cooper.
Participating artists include:
- Anh Pham, Photography, Jacksonville
- Lance Rothstein, Photography, Clearwater
- Alexa Velez, Photography and Film, Jacksonville
- J. Leigh Garcia, Printmaking, Pensacola
- Chad Steve, Ceramics, Tequesta
- Tenee’ Hart, Mixed Media Sculpture, Tallahassee
- Ericka Sobrack, Painting, Orlando
Fresh Squeezed 3 will be the first showing for these blossoming artists and they are excited to be a part of an exhibition that promotes the early careers of visual artists. Lance Rothstein of Clearwater states “I’m so happy to be selected and included in this show. It’s an honor to be exhibiting in such a wonderful space as the Morean with their great history of bringing quality art to the community.”
All artists bring something truly unique to the table, offering contrasting ideas in themes from feminism, consumerism, and immigration policies to extraordinary everyday objects and settings. “The exhibition will be fresh, engaging and unignorable”, says Cooper.
Fresh Squeezed 3: Emerging Artists in Florida will be on view at the MAC from May 11 – June 28 and is free and open to the public.
For more information on the Morean Arts Center and upcoming exhibitions, please visit MoreanArtsCenter.org.
About the Morean Arts Center
The Morean Arts Center, with roots dating back to 1917 as the Art Club of St. Petersburg, focuses on an innovative, community-oriented approach to art and art education. The mission of the Morean Arts Center is to connect people with art and to contribute to the economic development of the region. Operating under the Morean Arts Center includes the Chihuly Collection, Glass Studio & Hot Shop and the Morean Center for Clay.
