By Caron Schwartz
An opening, is an opening, is an opening. Nice things to look at, a little nosh, artists to congratulate. Fine. But the opening of “Feline,” an art show for cat lovers, really got my attention because of my fondness for cats. Plus, I was curious about the venue, Atelier de SoSi.
“Where am I?” I wondered, following Google Maps’ directions down a bumpy, dark, slightly scary street. What I discovered was an array of wood, metal, glass, and found-object art in an airy, high-ceilinged space. Along with vintage cars balancing atop a glass and concrete wall.
Atelier de SoSi (translation: artist workshop on the south side) is a former body shop converted into an art gallery/event center with studio spaces for working artists. It’s part of St. Pete’s Warehouse Arts District, which straddles the Pinellas Trail and runs from 16th to 31st St. South between Central and 10th Ave. South. Formerly the city’s industrial hub, the district is now home to established and emerging artists.
But here’s how it goes. Starving artists take over a rundown part of town. Their creativity brings the curious public and their money. Before long “artwashing” occurs, developers gentrify the area into high-end galleries and artisanal cupcake shops. Artist lofts are replaced by condos only trust-fund hipsters can afford, forcing creatives to find another rundown part of town.
“We tried to break that mold by purchasing as much of the property as possible,” says Warehouse Arts District Association President Mark Aeling. Poor lighting and potholes? The association is working with the city to improve the infrastructure and make the area more inviting. “Ten years from now it will be an interesting neighborhood,” Aeling says.
Oh, and the cat show? It ranged from the ho-hum to my purchase, a kitty-mermaid by Emily Shrider. She and her littermates will be on display through Feb. 19, then she’ll come to her “furever” home with me.
Atelier de SoSi, 2380 6th Ave. S, www.atelierdesosi.com, 727-481-1953