By Andrea Martone
St. Petersburg, Florida, is renowned for its thriving arts scene, home to artists who challenge and inspire through music, painting, and sculpture. Highlighted below are three notable artists whose work has made a significant impact on the city’s creative landscape in 2025: Nate Najar, Janie Haskins, and Stephen Harlan.
Nate Najar: Jazz Guitar Virtuoso
Nate Najar is a celebrated jazz guitarist whose soulful performances have earned him the Performance Arts Award at the 2025 MUSE Awards in St. Petersburg. Deeply influenced by classical guitar and Latin rhythms, Najar’s style stands out in the contemporary jazz world. He is recognized not only for his technical skill but also for his emotionally resonant compositions that transport listeners.
Najar’s dedication to his craft has led him to collaborate with notable artists both locally and internationally, blending the traditions of bossa nova, samba, and American jazz into a distinct signature sound. His studio, located in the heart of St. Petersburg’s creative district, frequently hosts sessions open to young musicians, fostering artistic growth within the community.
Key performances by Najar in 2025 have included headline appearances at Bayboro Brewing and local arts-themed festivals. Each show encapsulates his commitment to merging the rich heritage of jazz with the city’s ever-evolving musical identity, inspiring enthusiasts and beginners alike.
Janie Haskins: Impressionistic Oil Painter
Janie Haskins personifies the vibrant spirit of St. Petersburg’s painting community. Known for her impressionistic oil paintings, Haskins captures the Florida landscape in radiant color – birds, mangroves, and sunlit beaches – celebrating what makes the region visually unique. Her journey from a childhood love of art to a career representing entertainment industry clients in Los Angeles showcases the diversity of her experiences, yet her heart returned to painting and the natural wonders of Florida.
Haskins’s studio at the Arts Xchange in St. Pete’s Warehouse Arts District is a testament to her ongoing commitment to the local arts scene. Having studied with premier landscape painters and won awards at regional plein air competitions, she continually explores new approaches to depict her environment. The sense of movement and life in her work reflects the kinetic energy of St. Petersburg itself.
In 2025, Haskins’s exhibitions highlight themes such as environmental conservation and Florida’s avian diversity. Her community workshops invite both seasoned artists and newcomers to experience painting as a form of mindfulness and discovery, solidifying her reputation as both a visionary and a mentor.
Stephen Harlan: Contemporary Coastal Art
Stephen Harlan’s paintings blend realism and fantasy, often featuring serene waterfronts and vibrant cityscapes that echo the ambiance of St. Petersburg. Harlan’s mastery is recognized through regular showcases at Ocean Blue Galleries, which has slated several of his shows for the end of 2025. His work stands out for its intricate play of light and detail, transporting viewers into dreamlike scenes – sometimes familiar, sometimes imagined.
Harlan’s artistic journey has included developing digital techniques that juxtapose traditional painting methods with modern technologies. This fusion allows him to re-create the subtlety of Florida’s coastal environment, making each piece strikingly immersive. Visitors to his exhibitions often remark on the timeless tranquility found in his renderings of sailboats, harbors, and sunset-lit buildings.
His December 2025 show is anticipated to draw collectors and enthusiasts alike, further cementing his status as a pillar in the city’s art community. Harlan’s interactions with visitors – offering insights into his creative process – create a bridge between artist and audience, inviting everyone to experience the magic of St. Petersburg’s shores.
The Cultural Pulse of St. Petersburg
These three artists represent the rich diversity of St. Petersburg’s arts ecosystem in 2025. From the evocative music of Nate Najar to the environmental storytelling of Janie Haskins and the coastal reveries of Stephen Harlan, each contributes distinct energy and vision. St. Petersburg’s commitment to nurturing artists – through festivals, galleries, and collaborative spaces like the SHINE Mural Festival, Arts Xchange, and Ocean Blue Galleries – ensures the city’s legacy as a creative beacon in Florida. Their works invite all who visit or reside in St. Pete to see, hear, and feel the powerful stories flowing through its streets, studios, and performance spaces.
In 2025, the city’s artistic heartbeat continues to be shaped by individuals like Najar, Haskins, and Harlan, whose influence radiates far beyond gallery walls, fostering a sense of pride and possibility for the next generation of creators.