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SUMMARY:New Year's Eve (21+) | Midnight in Caravaggio’s Light
DESCRIPTION:This New Year’s Eve\, the Museum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg hosts the city’s most dazzling celebration—Midnight in Caravaggio’s Light. Inspired by the drama and radiance of In Caravaggio’s Light\, this all-inclusive\, art-filled night is designed to impress from the first toast to the final firework. \n✨ What’s Included: \n\nOpen Bar\, All Night – Celebrate freely with complimentary drinks throughout the evening.\nChef-Curated Dining – Indulge in elegant food stations and desserts by Constellation Culinary Group.\nExclusive Gallery Access – Enjoy rare\, intimate entry to the Hazel Hough Wing (9:00–10:30 PM).\nLive DJ – Dance into 2026 with high-energy sounds from Tampa Bay DJ Company.\nAerialist Performance – Be captivated by a stunning aerial performance adding drama and spectacle to the night.\n360° Video + Photo Booths – Capture every glamorous moment.\n\nThe Midnight Moment \nRaise a glass for a champagne toast at 11:45 PM\, then step onto the terrace for a front-row view of downtown St. Pete’s fireworks as we ring in the New Year in unforgettable style. \nDress to impress—this is St. Pete’s most luminous way to welcome 2026. \nMFA Member Exclusive BenefitMFA Members enjoy access to a VIP Fireworks Viewing Area—the best vantage point for the midnight spectacle. Not a member? Join today! \n  \nNew Year’s Eve (21+)\nMidnight in Caravaggio’s Light \nWednesday\, December 31\, 2025\n9:00 PM–12:30 AM\nMary Alice McClendon Conservatory\nMuseum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\n255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg FL 33701 \n$200 per person | 21+ \n*Each ticket includes open bar\, chef-curated stations and desserts.  \nGET TICKETS \nNot yet a member?\nBecome a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!  \nMFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year\, early access to special exhibitions\, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine\, special member-only exclusive events\, and more. Bring the whole family! \nBECOME A MEMBER \n  \nIn Caravaggio’s Light: Baroque Masterpieces from the Fondazione Roberto Longhi is organized by Fondazione di Studi di Storia dell’Arte Roberto Longhi and Civita Mostre e Musei.
URL:https://mfastpete.org/event/midnight-in-caravaggios-light/
LOCATION:Museum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\, 255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg\, FL\, 33701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Program
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260106T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260106T120000
DTSTAMP:20260409T155752
CREATED:20251202T033959Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251223T032932Z
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SUMMARY:Spotlight Series | Masculine Beauty in Baroque and Contemporary Contexts
DESCRIPTION:MFA Spotlight Series | Masculine Beauty in Baroque and Contemporary Contexts with Natalie Velez and Brett F. Harvey \nJoin MFA Docent and Ph.D. Candidate Natalie Velez and contemporary artist Brett F. Harvey for a thought-provoking gallery talk that bridges intimidating physicality and pensive vulnerability. Within the special exhibitions In Caravaggio’s Light and Baroque Continuum\, see how these notions have been continuously evolving from Caravaggio\, the Caravaggisti\, and the contemporary. \nHarvey is captivated by the patterns of culture and civilization that human beings repeat over and over. He uses emblematic materials of our contemporary civilization to help question the perspective of our culture—referring to lessons that have been learned\, forgotten\, and rediscovered countless times. \n  \n\n\n\n\nMFA Spotlight Series | Masculine Beauty in Baroque and Contemporary Contexts with Natalie Velez and Brett F. Harvey\nTuesday\, January 6\, 2026\n11:00 AM–12:00 PM\nFREE for MFA Members; Included with the cost of admission for Not-Yet Members\nRegistration required. \nREGISTER \nNot yet a member?\nBecome a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!  \nMFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year\, early access to special exhibitions\, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine\, special member-only exclusive events\, and more. Bring the whole family! \nBECOME A MEMBER \n\nABOUT BRETT F. HARVEY \n \nBorn in 1985 in Boston\, Massachusetts\, Brett F. Harvey currently works and resides in Naples\, Florida with his wife\, artist Lauren Amalia Redding and two sons. He attended the New Hampshire Institute of Art\, notably studying under James Aponovich and Marcus Greene. During that time\, Harvey spent five weeks studying at the Florence School of Fine Arts in Florence\, Italy\, which proved transformative. Though he obtained his BFA in Painting\, his primary interest became sculpture\, especially due to exposure in Italy. \nAfter spending a couple years as an assistant preparator at the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester\, New Hampshire\, Harvey attended the New York Academy of Art. There\, his concentration was in sculpture and anatomy. He studied under sculptors Harvey Citron\, Randy McIver\, and Robert Simon. Harvey also painted under Steven Assael and Odd Nerdrum. Though he was dedicated to sculpting at this point\, it was Nerdrum who instilled what would become a dominant principle in his own work: “It all goes back to the Greeks.” \nHarvey lived and worked in Queens\, New York for seven years following graduate school. During that time\, he worked as a fabricator and the lead installation specialist for a prominent contemporary artist. This afforded him the opportunity to expand and refine his fabrication experience\, and also to travel. Simultaneously\, Harvey continued to make his own work and exhibit it primarily in New York City and the Northeast. \nIn 2018\, Harvey and his wife\, Lauren Amalia Redding\, partnered to found H&R Studio in Naples\, Florida\, where they both maintain their own studio practices. In addition to creating his own artwork\, which is represented by Method & Concept\, Harvey still performs high-end art installation on a freelance basis. \nABOUT NATALIE VELEZ \n \nIn 2009\, Natalie Velez moved from St. Petersburg\, Russia to St. Petersburg\, Florida. Natalie credits her relocation for opening a new world for her: that of American contemporary art and how it can alter the ways in which we visualize and conceptualize the world. \nNatalie earned her B.A. and M.A. degrees from the State University for Culture and Arts in St. Petersburg\, Russia. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in philosophy and aesthetics in visual art from the Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts\, headquartered in Maine (IDSVA). In her research\, she explores the intersection of politics and cross-cultural art collaborations. \nNatalie’s professional experience includes working as an international education and business consultant\, art gallery owner\, and educator of arts and philosophy. She presented her work on the relations of arts\, aesthetics\, and philosophy during her residences in Mexico and Italy\, as well as at institutions such as the University of Tampa\, Eckerd College\, Grace College\, and the Museum of Fine Arts. She spoke at the 60th International Congress on Medieval Studies at Western Michigan University and present at the 11th in vivo Dubrovnik Conference on the Philosophy of Art at The Inter-University Centre in Dubrovnik\, Croatia. \n\nImages: \nBrett F. Harvey\, Language\, 2020\, gypsum cement\, weathering steel and oriented strand board\, 67 1/4″ h x 20″ w x 17 1/4″ d (171 cm h x 51 cm w x 44 cm d)\, unique \nBrett F. Harvey\, Lithic\, 2021\, engineered cementitious composite and weathering steel\, 92″ h x 20″ w x 45″ d (233 cm h x 51 cm w x 115 cm d)\, edition 1 of 3 \nBrett F. Harvey\, Self portrait while modeling Temple Tempo Template\, 2022. \n 
URL:https://mfastpete.org/event/spotlight-series-masculine-beauty-in-baroque/
LOCATION:Museum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\, 255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg\, FL\, 33701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Program,FREE for MFA Members
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mfastpete.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Spotlight-series_jan-6.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T200000
DTSTAMP:20260409T155752
CREATED:20250929T184740Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T195306Z
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SUMMARY:[SOLD OUT] Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Fragility + Faith
DESCRIPTION:Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Fragility + Faith\n\nPlease note that this event is at capacity and tickets are no longer available.  \nIn conjunction with In Caravaggio’s Light | Baroque Masterpieces from the Fondazione Roberto Longhi\, the MFA introduces the Baroque + Bottle Book Club\, a dynamic literary series that pairs contemporary fiction with the timeless themes of the Baroque.  \nPresented in partnership with Book + Bottle\, St. Pete’s beloved independent bookstore and wine bar\, each gathering invites readers to dive into contemporary novels that echo the emotional intensity\, moral tension\, and timeless questions embedded in the Baroque movement. With expertly paired wines\, lively\, guided conversations\, and exclusive in-gallery experiences\, this series creates unexpected connections between the masterpieces on view and the pressing issues of today.   \nWhile Baroque artists celebrated divine light and sacred ecstasy\, they also revealed the shadows of human weakness through figures caught between transcendence and ruin. Caravaggio himself embodied this tension\, living a life marked by violence\, instability\, and excess even as he painted scenes of profound spirituality and grace. His work\, and his struggles\, underscore the fragile line between sin and salvation that has fascinated artists and audiences for centuries.  \nThis session takes that exploration into contemporary literature with Kaveh Akbar’s acclaimed debut novel Martyr!. Following Cyrus Shams\, the newly sober son of Iranian immigrants\, the novel navigates grief\, addiction\, obsession\, and faith with humor\, poetry\, and raw honesty. Cyrus’s search for the truth through martyrs\, memory\, and art unfolds as both a portrait of human vulnerability and a testament to resilience.   \nWhat to Expect: \n\n6:00–6:30 pm — Arrivals: grab a glass of wine and ease in with thought-starter prompts and casual conversation.\n6:30–7:30 pm — Guided discussion led by Book + Bottle\, exploring the book’s themes and connections to the Baroque.\n7:30–8:00 pm — Gallery spotlight with MFA curators and educators: a focused look at a work from In Caravaggio’s Light to bring the conversation full circle.\n\n\n\nBaroque + Bottle Book Club | Fragility + Faith \nThursday\, January 15\, 2026\n6:00 PM–8:00 PM\nMuseum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\n255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg FL 33701 \n$25 for Members; $35 for Not-Yet-Members. \nTickets include program and 1 glass of wine. Additional wine available for purchase. A limited number of copies are available at the MFA Shop and at Book + Bottle! Get 10% off the next book on the night of each book club! \nORDER BOOK\n\n  \nNot yet a member?\nBecome a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!  \nMFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year\, early access to special exhibitions\, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine\, special member-only exclusive events\, and more. Bring the whole family! \nBECOME A MEMBER \n\nAbout Book + Bottle\n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nBook + Bottle is a bottle shop\, an independent bookstore\, a coffee café\, and a wine bar all rolled into one exquisite little package. They have the most passionate\, friendly\, and helpful team in town to help you choose a book or a bottle or to take care of you and your friends on your night off. \nThey’re an independent\, woman-owned\, values-driven\, sustainably run\, local-first business that believes little kindnesses can make our community—and the world—a better place. \nAbout Kaveh Akbar’s Martyr!\n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nMartyr! (2024) is poet Kaveh Akbar’s debut novel—a razor-bright\, darkly funny portrait of Cyrus Shams\, a young Iranian American searching for meaning as he wrestles with grief\, addiction\, and the idea of martyrdom. Moving between the Midwest and New York’s art world\, the book blends realism and dreamlike turns to explore faith\, family\, desire\, and what it takes to live purposefully. \nSee ALL Baroque + Bottle Book Club Dates and Times: \n\n\n\nNovember 20\, 2025 @ 6 pm: Representation + Marginalization\nDecember 18\, 2025 @ 6 pm: Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Women + Exclusion \nJanuary 15 @ 6 pm: Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Fragility + Faith\nFebruary 19 @ 6 pm: Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Body + Perception\nMarch 19 @ 6 pm: Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Sacred + Secular\n\n\n\n\nOrganized by Fondazione di Studi di Storia dell’Arte Roberto Longhi and Civita Mostre e Musei.
URL:https://mfastpete.org/event/baroque-bottle-book-club-1-15-26/
LOCATION:Museum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\, 255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg\, FL\, 33701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Program,Educational Event
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260118T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260118T150000
DTSTAMP:20260409T155752
CREATED:20250701T022021Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250707T181744Z
UID:10000458-1768744800-1768748400@mfastpete.org
SUMMARY:Language Tour Series | Spanish-Speaking Tour with Alice Dasenbrock
DESCRIPTION:Español: Por favor únete a nosotros en el Museo de las Bellas Artes (MFA)\, St. Petersburg cada tercer domingo a las 2 p.m. para nuestra nueva serie de Giras de Idiomas! Cada mes\, un docente del MFA liderará un recorrido en un idioma distinto del inglés\, ofreciendo una oportunidad excepcional para disfrutar la vasta colección de arte del museo. Ya sea que hables el idioma con fluidez\, quieras practicar tus habilidades\, o estés buscando una forma ingeniosa de comenzar a aprender\, estos recorridos por el museo son una excelente manera de conectarte con otros a través del arte y la cultura. \nEstas visitas guiadas públicas son gratuitas con la entrada\, pero se recomienda registrarse en antemano para saber cuántos participantes esperar. ¡Las plazas son limitadas! ¡Inscríbase hoy! \n¿No puedes asistir esta fecha\, pero te interesa reservar una visita guiada en un idioma distinto del inglés? El MFA ofrece actualmente visitas guiadas en ruso\, español\, portugués y alemán. Para más información\, escríbenos a tours@mfastpete.org. \nEnglish: Join us every third Sunday at 2 pm for the MFA’s Language Tour Series! Each month\, an MFA Docent will guide a tour in a language other than English\, offering visitors a fresh and immersive way to explore the museum’s collection. Whether you’re fluent\, practicing your language skills\, or just beginning your journey\, these tours offer a welcoming space to connect through art and culture. \nDocent-led Language Tours are free with museum admission\, but advance registration is recommended so our docents can plan for group size. Space is limited—reserve your spot today! \nInterested in a tour but can’t attend on this date? The MFA also offers docent-led tours in Russian\, Spanish\, Portuguese\, and German by request. Email us at tours@mfastpete.org to learn more. \n\n\n\nLanguage Tour Series | Spanish-Speaking Tour with Alice Dasenbrock\nSunday\, January 18\, 2026\n2:00 PM–3:00 PM\nMuseum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\n255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg FL 33701 \nFREE for MFA Members; Included with the cost of admission for Not-Yet Members\nRegistration required. \nREGISTER \nCheck out the full Language Tour schedule here to find upcoming tours in your preferred language. \nNot yet a member?\nBecome a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!  \nMFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year\, early access to special exhibitions\, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine\, special member-only exclusive events\, and more. Bring the whole family! \nBECOME A MEMBER \n\nABOUT ALICE DASENBROCK/SOBRE ALICE DASENBROCK \n\n\nEnglish: Alice Dasenbrock is from Cincinnati\, Ohio\, and studied at the University of Cincinnati. She taught high school Spanish for 30 years. During the summers\, Alice visited Spanish-speaking countries to improve her language skills\, including Mexico\, Costa Rica\, Ecuador\, and Spain. \nAlice and her husband developed an interest in art while traveling to art museums in nearby cities. She also incorporated lessons about the art of Spain and Latin America into her teaching\, including class visits to the Cincinnati Art Museum. \nAfter retiring\, Alice wanted to continue studying both art and Spanish in Florida. Now\, she teaches Spanish in an adult education program and\, of course\, gives tours at the Museum of Fine Arts here in St. Petersburg. \n\n\nEspañol: Alice Dasenbrock es originaria de Cincinnati\, Ohio\, y estudió en la Universidad de Cincinnati. Enseñó español en una escuela secundaria durante treinta años. Durante los veranos\, Alice visitó varios países de habla hispana para profundizar su conocimiento del idioma\, incluyendo México\, Costa Rica\, Ecuador y España. \nAlice y su esposo desarrollaron un interés por el arte al visitar museos durante sus viajes. Además\, Alice solía presentar a sus estudiantes lecciones sobre el arte de España y América Latina\, las cuales incluían visitas al Museo de Arte de Cincinnati. \nDespués de jubilarse\, Alice quiso continuar aprendiendo sobre arte y español en Florida. Actualmente\, enseña español en un programa para adultos y\, por supuesto\, es guía del Museo de Bellas Artes aquí en St. Petersburg.
URL:https://mfastpete.org/event/spanish-speaking-tour-1-18-26/
LOCATION:Museum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\, 255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg\, FL\, 33701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Program,FREE for MFA Members
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mfastpete.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Speaking-Tour_Alice-.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260125T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260125T181500
DTSTAMP:20260409T155752
CREATED:20250922T211109Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251125T021901Z
UID:10000491-1769355000-1769364900@mfastpete.org
SUMMARY:Art & Nature Sunset Tours with the MFA & Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center
DESCRIPTION:Spend your Sunday immersed in art and nature! This unique program invites visitors to embark on a journey that celebrates the awe-inspiring beauty of nature and the role it plays in sparking human creativity. Begin the afternoon at the MFA with a guided docent tour of the collection galleries\, looking closely at artworks from throughout history and across the globe that were inspired by nature. From majestic landscapes to delicate still lifes to ancient sculptures\, each artwork highlights the deep connection between artists and the natural world. \nThe experience continues at the St. Pete Pier\, where you’ll board a sunset cruise with Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center’s expert marine science educators. Enjoy guided wildlife watching\, a visit to a local bird sanctuary\, learning about our area’s history\, and the beautiful scenery as the sky changes colors over the downtown skyline. There will be optional opportunities to get creative\, with all supplies provided\, and you’re encouraged to express your inspiration from the experience. \nThis partnership highlights how each of us contributes to protecting Tampa Bay and the environment as a whole. By showcasing the artistic and ecological importance of our region\, we aim to inspire a greater appreciation for nature’s beauty and encourage a lasting commitment to its preservation for future generations. \nArt & Nature Sunset Tours with the MFA & Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center\nSunday\, January 25\, 2026\n3:30 PM–6:15 PM\n$45 ($5 MFA Member discount offered)\nChildren under 3 free \nTour includes admission to the MFA and TBWDC\nArt & Nature Docent-Led Tour begins at the MFA at 3:30 pm\nSunset Tour with Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center begins at 5:15 pm \nTICKETS \n 
URL:https://mfastpete.org/event/art-and-nature-tour-1-25-26/
LOCATION:Museum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\, 255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg\, FL\, 33701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Program,Youth and Family Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mfastpete.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ArtNature.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260205T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260205T203000
DTSTAMP:20260409T155752
CREATED:20250929T193655Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T200353Z
UID:10000511-1770316200-1770323400@mfastpete.org
SUMMARY:Baroque Unbound | Immersive Opera with Nathan Felix
DESCRIPTION:For one night only\, the MFA presents an original immersive opera in partnership with acclaimed composer Nathan Felix. Inspired by exhibition\, In Caravaggio’s Light\, this site-specific performance will unfold across the museum’s campus\, guiding audiences through the galleries on a layered emotional and musical journey that brings the drama and theatricality of the Baroque to life.   \nKnown for his groundbreaking immersive operas\, Felix brings his signature blend of historical depth and contemporary urgency to this new work. Through this exclusive performance\, he reimagines the Baroque through a modern lens\, exploring the emotions of guilt\, loyalty\, identity\, and spiritual reckoning. Vocalists and musicians perform live throughout the museum\, surrounding audiences with sound\, guiding them through the performance\, and making visitors part of the experience.   \nDon’t miss this extraordinary\, one-night-only event\, where the performers\, the galleries\, and the audience intertwine to create an unforgettable evening.   \nBaroque Unbound | Immersive Opera with Nathan Felix \nThursday\, February 5\, 2026\n6:30 PM–8:30 PM\nMuseum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\nMarly Room\n$40 for Members; $50 for Not-Yet-Members  \nTICKETS \n\nABOUT NATHAN FELIX  \n \nNathan Felix (born 1981) is a Mexican-American composer known for his immersive operas and experimental films. Felix has premiered 16 operas\, 4 symphonies and various chamber works in Spain\, Japan\, Australia\, Bulgaria\, Portugal\, China\, Sweden\, Denmark\, Mongolia and the United States and has been featured on the BBC\, MTV\, NPR\, TPR & PBS. Felix\, a non-award winning composer\, often focuses on telling Latinx themed and minority stories that highlight border issues\, underserved communities and his hispanic heritage. He is the current recipient of Opera America’s prestigious IDEA Grant for his work\, Faces in the Flames with librettist Anita Gonzalez. Felix also serves as the founding director for the Opera Austin Festival. –www.Electrochestral.com  \n  \nOrganized by Fondazione di Studi di Storia dell’Arte Roberto Longhi and Civita Mostre e Musei.
URL:https://mfastpete.org/event/immersive-opera/
LOCATION:Museum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\, 255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg\, FL\, 33701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Program
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://mfastpete.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Immersive-Opera-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260215T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260215T150000
DTSTAMP:20260409T155752
CREATED:20251018T002024Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T042813Z
UID:10000530-1771164000-1771167600@mfastpete.org
SUMMARY:Language Tour Series | Spanish-Speaking Tour with Nelson Lees featuring "In Caravaggio's Light" and "Baroque Continuum"
DESCRIPTION:Español: Por favor únete a nosotros en el Museo de las Bellas Artes (MFA)\, St. Petersburg cada tercer domingo a las 2 p.m. para nuestra nueva serie de Giras de Idiomas! Cada mes\, un docente del MFA liderará un recorrido en un idioma distinto del inglés\, ofreciendo una oportunidad excepcional para disfrutar la vasta colección de arte del museo. Ya sea que hables el idioma con fluidez\, quieras practicar tus habilidades\, o estés buscando una forma ingeniosa de comenzar a aprender\, estos recorridos por el museo son una excelente manera de conectarte con otros a través del arte y la cultura. \nEstas visitas guiadas públicas son gratuitas con la entrada\, pero se recomienda registrarse en antemano para saber cuántos participantes esperar. ¡Las plazas son limitadas! ¡Inscríbase hoy! \n¿No puedes asistir esta fecha\, pero te interesa reservar una visita guiada en un idioma distinto del inglés? El MFA ofrece actualmente visitas guiadas en ruso\, español\, portugués y alemán. Para más información\, escríbenos a tours@mfastpete.org. \nEnglish: Join us every third Sunday at 2 pm for the MFA’s Language Tour Series! Each month\, an MFA Docent will guide a tour in a language other than English\, offering visitors a fresh and immersive way to explore the museum’s collection. Whether you’re fluent\, practicing your language skills\, or just beginning your journey\, these tours offer a welcoming space to connect through art and culture. \nDocent-led Language Tours are free with museum admission\, but advance registration is recommended so our docents can plan for group size. Space is limited—reserve your spot today! \nInterested in a tour but can’t attend on this date? The MFA also offers docent-led tours in Russian\, Spanish\, Portuguese\, and German by request. Email us at tours@mfastpete.org to learn more. \n\n\n\nLanguage Tour Series | Spanish-Speaking Tour with Nelson Lees featuring In Caravaggio’s Light and Baroque Continuum\nSunday\, February 15\, 2026\n2:00 PM–3:00 PM\nMuseum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\n255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg FL 33701 \nFREE for MFA Members; Included with the cost of admission for Not-Yet Members\nRegistration required. \nREGISTER \nCheck out the full Language Tour schedule here to find upcoming tours in your preferred language. \nNot yet a member?\nBecome a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!  \nMFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year\, early access to special exhibitions\, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine\, special member-only exclusive events\, and more. Bring the whole family! \nBECOME A MEMBER \n\nABOUT NELSON LEES/SOBRE NELSON LEES \n\n\nEnglish: Nelson is a semi-retired\, multilingual international businessman who has had the good fortune to live\, work\, and study around the world. His professional journey spans the private sector with several global companies\, along with executive leadership at USRowing and service as a Vietnam-era U.S. Army officer. An honors graduate of Monmouth College (IL)\, Nelson holds a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) from Harvard Kennedy School and is also an alumnus of Harvard Business School. He is a member of Florida’s Advisory Committee to the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC)\, where he advocates with the U.S. Congress to place global economic development and diplomacy—including art and cultural exchanges—on equal footing with national defense. \nSince moving to St. Petersburg\, Nelson has remained engaged with the local international community\, including participation in the St. Petersburg World Affairs Council and leadership at Eckerd College\, where he serves as Vice President of the Academy of Senior Professionals at Eckerd College (ASPEC). Nelson was immediately drawn to the MFA and its encyclopedic collection of art from around the globe and across the centuries. One of his greatest joys at the museum has been sharing how art can transcend language and cultural boundaries\, offering a universal form of communication. \n\n  \n\nEspañol: Nelson es un empresario internacional multilingüe que ha tenido la buena fortuna de vivir\, estudiar y trabajar por todo el mundo. Se ha desempeñado como ejecutivo en varias empresas globales y también sirvió como oficial en el ejército de los Estados Unidos. Es graduado con honores de Monmouth College (IL)\, tiene una maestría en Administración Pública de la Harvard Kennedy School y es egresado de la Harvard Business School. \nEs miembro del Comité Asesor en Florida de la U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC)\, abogando ante el Congreso de los Estados Unidos para que el desarrollo económico internacional y la diplomacia (incluyendo los intercambios artísticos y culturales) reciban el mismo reconocimiento que la defensa nacional. \nDesde su llegada a St. Petersburg\, Nelson ha participado activamente en la comunidad internacional local\, incluyendo el St. Petersburg World Affairs Council y Eckerd College\, donde se desempeña como vicepresidente de la Academy of Senior Professionals at Eckerd College (ASPEC). \nNelson se sintió inmediatamente atraído por el Museo de Bellas Artes (MFA)\, St. Petersburg\, cuya colección enciclopédica de arte de todo el mundo y a través de los siglos es única en Florida. Uno de sus mayores placeres en el MFA ha sido la oportunidad de compartir con los visitantes cómo el arte trasciende el lenguaje y las diferencias culturales.
URL:https://mfastpete.org/event/spanish-speaking-tour-2-15-26/
LOCATION:Museum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\, 255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg\, FL\, 33701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Program,FREE for MFA Members
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mfastpete.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Speaking-Tour_Nelson1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260218T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260218T193000
DTSTAMP:20260409T155752
CREATED:20260131T012623Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260217T145436Z
UID:10000581-1771437600-1771443000@mfastpete.org
SUMMARY:Art Market Hour | EXPO CHICAGO
DESCRIPTION:Art Market Hour | EXPO CHICAGO\nEXPO CHICAGO Director\, Kate Sierzputowski in conversation with MFA CEO\, Klaudio Rodriguez\n\nJoin us for a special Art Market Hour at the Museum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg featuring a conversation between Kate Sierzputowski—Director at EXPO CHICAGO—and Klaudio Rodriguez\, Executive Director & CEO of the MFA. Together\, they will explore key trends shaping today’s contemporary art market\, the role of EXPO CHICAGO within the global art ecosystem\, and how collectors can thoughtfully engage with emerging artists and galleries. \n\n\nArt Market Hour | EXPO CHICAGO\nEXPO Director\, Kate Sierzputowski in conversation with MFA CEO\, Klaudio Rodriguez \nWednesday\, February 18\, 2026\n6:00 PM–7:30 PM\nMuseum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\n255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg FL 33701 \nFree for everyone. Advance registration is required.  \nREGISTER \nNot yet a member?\nBecome a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!  \nMFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year\, early access to special exhibitions\, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine\, special member-only exclusive events\, and more. Bring the whole family! \nBECOME A MEMBER \n\nABOUT KATE SIERZPUTOWSKI \nKate Sierzputowski is a curator\, art advisor\, and cultural leader internationally recognized for her work in contemporary art and fair programming. She currently serves as Director of EXPO CHICAGO\, one of the United States’ leading international contemporary and modern art fairs\, where she oversees gallery relations\, collector engagement\, and strategic curatorial initiatives following her appointment to the role in November 2025. \nPreviously\, Sierzputowski was Artistic Director of EXPO CHICAGO\, where she led the fair’s curatorial and public programming — including talks\, forums\, and exhibition sectors — bringing together international curators\, artists\, institutions\, and collectors to foster dialogue and cultural exchange. \nBefore joining EXPO CHICAGO\, she co-founded BARELY FAIR\, an international miniature art fair focused on small-scale exhibitions by artist-run spaces\, and served as co-director of the Chicago-based artist-run gallery Julius Caesar. She also founded INSIDE\WITHIN\, a digital platform featuring artist interviews and studio visits\, and has contributed writing to publications such as Hyperallergic\, Teen Vogue\, and Chicago Magazine. \nSierzputowski holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Ohio University and has been active as a guest lecturer and speaker in academic and cultural settings. Her work bridges curatorial practice\, market engagement\, and institutional collaboration with a focus on emerging voices and innovative platforms in the art world
URL:https://mfastpete.org/event/market-hour-expo-chicago/
LOCATION:Museum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\, 255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg\, FL\, 33701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Program,Educational Event,Lecture / Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mfastpete.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Expo-Chicago-Art-market-hour.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260219T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260219T200000
DTSTAMP:20260409T155752
CREATED:20250929T184804Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260122T193543Z
UID:10000507-1771524000-1771531200@mfastpete.org
SUMMARY:[SOLD OUT] Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Body + Perception
DESCRIPTION:Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Body + Perception\n\nIn conjunction with In Caravaggio’s Light: Baroque Masterpieces from the Fondazione Roberto Longhi\, the MFA introduces the Baroque + Bottle Book Club\, a dynamic literary series that pairs contemporary fiction with the timeless themes of the Baroque.  \nPresented in partnership with Book + Bottle\, St. Pete’s beloved independent bookstore and wine bar\, each gathering invites readers to dive into contemporary novels that echo the emotional intensity\, moral tension\, and timeless questions embedded in the Baroque movement. With expertly paired wines\, lively\, guided conversations\, and exclusive in-gallery experiences\, this series creates unexpected connections between the masterpieces on view and the pressing issues of today.   \nBaroque painters depicted the human body with unflinching honesty\, portraying figures who were wounded\, sensual\, aged\, and ecstatic. Sacred subjects were radically humanized for the first time in Western art\, as Caravaggio and other Baroque artists emphasized the reality of dirty feet\, lined faces\, and visible scars.   \nThis session turns to Carmen Maria Machado’s Her Body and Other Parties\, to explore how contemporary literature examines how physical form is perceived\, regulated\, stigmatized\, and celebrated. This daring collection of stories shatters genre boundaries while mapping the realities of women’s lives and the critical eye society places on their bodies. From eerie horror to dark comedy\, Machado’s tales bend psychological realism\, science fiction\, and fabulism into narratives that are simultaneously unsettling\, provocative\, and deeply human.   \nWhat to Expect: \n\n6:00–6:30 pm — Arrivals: grab a glass of wine and ease in with thought-starter prompts and casual conversation.\n6:30–7:30 pm — Guided discussion led by Book + Bottle\, exploring the book’s themes and connections to the Baroque.\n7:30–8:00 pm — Gallery spotlight with MFA curators and educators: a focused look at a work from In Caravaggio’s Light to bring the conversation full circle.\n\n\n\nBaroque + Bottle Book Club | Body + Perception \nThursday\, February 19\, 2026\n6:00 PM–8:00 PM\nMuseum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\n255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg FL 33701 \n$25 for Members; $35 for Not-Yet-Members.  \nTickets include program and 1 glass of wine. Additional wine available for purchase. A limited number of copies are available at the MFA Shop and at Book + Bottle! Get 10% off the next book on the night of each book club! \nORDER BOOK\n\n  \nNot yet a member?\nBecome a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!  \nMFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year\, early access to special exhibitions\, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine\, special member-only exclusive events\, and more. Bring the whole family! \nBECOME A MEMBER \n\nAbout Book + Bottle\n \nBook + Bottle is a bottle shop\, an independent bookstore\, a coffee café\, and a wine bar all rolled into one exquisite little package. They have the most passionate\, friendly\, and helpful team in town to help you choose a book or a bottle or to take care of you and your friends on your night off. \nThey’re an independent\, woman-owned\, values-driven\, sustainably run\, local-first business that believes little kindnesses can make our community—and the world—a better place. \nAbout Carmen Maria Machado’s Her Body And Other Parties\n \nHer Body and Other Parties (2017) is Carmen Maria Machado’s debut story collection\, blending horror\, fabulism\, and realist tones into eerie\, darkly witty tales about the body\, desire\, queerness\, and the narratives society imposes on women. Across these genre-bending pieces\, Machado pushes myths and pop culture into strange\, luminous territory—provocative\, unsettling\, and fiercely inventive—without tipping any endings. \nSee ALL Baroque + Bottle Book Club Dates and Times: \n\n\n\nNovember 20\, 2025 @ 6 pm: Representation + Marginalization\nDecember 18\, 2025 @ 6 pm: Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Women + Exclusion \nJanuary 15 @ 6 pm: Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Fragility + Faith\nFebruary 19 @ 6 pm: Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Body + Perception\nMarch 19 @ 6 pm: Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Sacred + Secular\n\n\n\n\nImages: \nJusepe de Ribera\, St. Thomas (detail)\, c. 1612\, Oil on canvas\, Fondazione di Studi di Storia dell’Arte Roberto Longhi\, Florence\, Italy \nIn Caravaggio’s Light: Baroque Masterpieces from the Fondazione Roberto Longhi is organized by Fondazione di Studi di Storia dell’Arte Roberto Longhi and Civita Mostre e Musei.
URL:https://mfastpete.org/event/baroque-bottle-book-club-2-19-26/
LOCATION:Museum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\, 255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg\, FL\, 33701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Program,Educational Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mfastpete.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Baroque-Bottle-February-.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260222T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260222T190000
DTSTAMP:20260409T155752
CREATED:20251125T021855Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251125T021855Z
UID:10000547-1771774200-1771786800@mfastpete.org
SUMMARY:Art & Nature Sunset Tours with the MFA & Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center
DESCRIPTION:Spend your Sunday immersed in art and nature! This unique program invites visitors to embark on a journey that celebrates the awe-inspiring beauty of nature and the role it plays in sparking human creativity. Begin the afternoon at the MFA with a guided docent tour of the collection galleries\, looking closely at artworks from throughout history and across the globe that were inspired by nature. From majestic landscapes to delicate still lifes to ancient sculptures\, each artwork highlights the deep connection between artists and the natural world. \nThe experience continues at the St. Pete Pier\, where you’ll board a sunset cruise with Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center’s expert marine science educators. Enjoy guided wildlife watching\, a visit to a local bird sanctuary\, learning about our area’s history\, and the beautiful scenery as the sky changes colors over the downtown skyline. There will be optional opportunities to get creative\, with all supplies provided\, and you’re encouraged to express your inspiration from the experience. \nThis partnership highlights how each of us contributes to protecting Tampa Bay and the environment as a whole. By showcasing the artistic and ecological importance of our region\, we aim to inspire a greater appreciation for nature’s beauty and encourage a lasting commitment to its preservation for future generations. \nArt & Nature Sunset Tours with the MFA & Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center\nSunday\, February 22\, 2026\n3:30 PM–7:00 PM\n$45 ($5 MFA Member discount offered)\nChildren under 3 free \nTour includes admission to the MFA and TBWDC\nArt & Nature Docent-Led Tour begins at the MFA at 3:30 pm\nSunset Tour with Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center begins at 6:00 pm \nTICKETS \n 
URL:https://mfastpete.org/event/art-and-nature-tour-2-22-26/
LOCATION:Museum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\, 255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg\, FL\, 33701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Program,Youth and Family Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mfastpete.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ArtNature.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260226T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260226T193000
DTSTAMP:20260409T155752
CREATED:20260209T020521Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260224T022623Z
UID:10000582-1772127000-1772134200@mfastpete.org
SUMMARY:[SOLD OUT] Writer’s Workshop | Dream Residue: Ekphrasis in the Real World
DESCRIPTION:The Museum of Fine Arts\, in partnership with poet Ariana Kija Matondo\, is excited to launch a three-part poetry workshop series focused on ekphrastic poetry—the art of writing descriptive and imaginative poetry inspired by visual art. The first workshop invites participants to gently explore the subconscious through close observation\, with an emphasis on dreamscapes\, junk journaling\, and transforming ephemera and collected memorabilia into personal talismans. \nExpect intimate walks through the galleries\, quiet moments of reflection\, and opportunities to examine personal memory through the practice of attentive looking. No prior poetry experience is required\, and all ages are welcome—just bring a journal and an open mind to experience visual art in a new way. \nWriter’s Workshop | Dream Residue: Ekphrasis in the Real World\nOpen to all ages\nThursday\, February 26\, 2026\n5:30 PM–7:30 PM\nMary Alice McClendon Conservatory\nMuseum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\n255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg FL 33701 \nFree for MFA Members; $16 for Not-Yet-Members (Youth 17 and under are Free!) \nREGISTER \nThe workshop is included with Art After Dark admission\, so participants can enjoy the program and explore the museum after hours for the same ticket price. \nNot yet a member?\nBecome a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!  \nMFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year\, early access to special exhibitions\, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine\, special member-only exclusive events\, and more. Bring the whole family! \nBECOME A MEMBER \n\nABOUT ARIANA KIJA MATONDO \n \nAriana Matondo (they/she) is a queer\, disabled Tanzanian-American poet\, editor\, and teacher based in Tampa\, Florida. They are the winner of the Zora Neale Hurston Award for Poetry (2025) and were previously named a finalist for the Disquiet Prize for Poetry (2025). Their honors also include the Sundress Publications Fellowship (2025)\, Vermont Studio Center Fellowship (2024)\, Light for Public Health Poetry Prize (2024)\, and the Bettye Newman Poetry Prize (2024–2025). Ariana’s work has been published and is forthcoming in Light Magazine\, Honey Literary Magazine\, The Common\, and others. They serve as Poetry Editor for Creation Magazine and CM Editorial House and are currently pursuing an MFA in Poetry at the University of South Florida. Learn more at arianakijamatondo.com. \n\nEXPLORE ALL UPCOMING WRITER’S WORKSHOP SERIES EVENTS \nWriter’s Workshop | Dream Residue: Ekphrasis in the Real World\nThursday\, February 26\, 2026 | 5:30 PM–7:30 PM \nWriter’s Workshop | The Alive Poets Society: Poetry and Ancient Art\nThursday\, March 26\, 2026 | 5:30 PM–7:30 PM \nWriter’s Workshop | The Garden of Your Mind\nThursday\, April 30\, 2026 | 5:30 PM–7:30 PM
URL:https://mfastpete.org/event/writers-workshop-2-26-26/
LOCATION:Museum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\, 255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg\, FL\, 33701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Program,Art After Dark,FREE for MFA Members,Reduced Admission,Youth and Family Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mfastpete.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Writers-Workshop.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260313T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260313T220000
DTSTAMP:20260409T155753
CREATED:20250929T203259Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260312T184342Z
UID:10000512-1773428400-1773439200@mfastpete.org
SUMMARY:After Hours (21+) | In Caravaggio’s Light
DESCRIPTION:On Friday the 13th\, step into the shadows and experience the dramatic world of Caravaggio. This adults-only evening brings together art\, music\, fashion\, flavor\, and flair\, immersing guests in the spectacle of the Baroque. \nDress to impress and explore the museum after hours—sip lavish cocktails (cash bar)\, create your own Baroque-inspired art moments\, and move through a soundscape that fuses classical grandeur with modern beats from In Between Days Vinyl DJ and in-house musical Curator DJ Sein\, all while striking your own dramatic pose… or two. \nHeighten the experience with an exclusive sommelier-led wine tasting from Book + Bottle\, hosted in the MFA’s Membership Garden\, featuring a curated selection of bold\, expressive wines worthy of the Baroque\, with DJ Brian Schanck setting the mood with atmospheric tunes. \nThe night comes alive with dynamic visuals from oil painter Whitney Paige\, whose live painting is sure to stop guests in their tracks\, and a one-night-only floral installation by Nancy Steinbuechler of the Garden Club of St. Petersburg. With inventive experiences and unforgettable energy\, this is a night you won’t want to miss. \n  \nAfter Hours (21+)\nIn Caravaggio’s Light \nFriday\, March 13\, 2026\n7:00 PM–10:00 PM\nMary Alice McClendon Conservatory\nMuseum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\n255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg FL 33701 \nGENERAL ADMISSION: $65 Members; $75 Not-Yet-Members  \n\n*Each ticket includes event access\, one signature cocktail\, light bites. \nEVENT TICKETS \nSommelier-Led Wine Experience with Book + Bottle\nTickets are limited! Only a few spots remain for the 9:25 PM time slot. \nWINE TASTING TICKETS \n  \nAfter Hours (21+) | In Caravaggio’s Light is Sponsored By: \n \n\nMFA Members Get More!\nBecome a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers\, including discounted tickets for this event!  \nMFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year\, early access to special exhibitions\, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine\, special member-only exclusive events\, and more. Bring the whole family! \nBECOME A MEMBER \n\nFEATURING \nBOOK + BOTTLE \n \nBook + Bottle is a bottle shop\, an independent bookstore\, a coffee café\, and a wine bar all rolled into one exquisite little package. They have the most passionate\, friendly\, and helpful team in town to help you choose a book or a bottle or to take care of you and your friends on your night off. \nThey’re an independent\, woman-owned\, values-driven\, sustainably run\, local-first business that believes little kindnesses can make our community—and the world—a better place. \nDJ SEIN \n \nThe local DJ is known for setting the mood and spinning through his vinyl collection. As the resident DJ for In Between Days\, he’s brought music to the community whether it be jazz\, disco\, dance\, experimental\, or funk rock. DJ Sein came up in Atlanta’s underground in the mid-nineties and is lauded for his unique collection of 10\,000+ records. As the in-house musical curator\, he’s been filling their shelves with some of his favorites from the last 30 years. \nWHITNEY PAIGE \n \nWhitney Paige is a figurative oil painter and muralist based in St. Petersburg\, Florida. She began her career in Miami as a live art instructor\, later moving to Appalachia\, where she exhibited her work with a variety of galleries—including a pop-up solo show at The Bascom: Center for the Visual Arts. Her work explores the depths of womanhood and seeks to redefine femininity from an authentic female perspective. Her oil paintings are held in private collections around the world. Whitney now works out of her studio at Artmosphere\, where she co-hosts workshops and critiques\, and regularly participates in exhibitions and open studios. \nNANCY STEINBUECHLER \n  \nNancy joined the Garden Club of St. Petersburg in 2013.  She began floral design studies in 2022 and has developed a passion for expressing art through flowers. Nancy has participated in Art in Bloom since 2023. Her design In Caravaggio’s Light was admittedly her most challenging yet gratifying creations. \nABOUT BRIAN SCHANCK \n \nBrian Schanck brings over two decades of musical experience to the turntables as an all-vinyl DJ. A lifelong bassist who has performed with various bands over the past 20+ years and currently plays with Soft Cuff\, Brian has been curating his record collection since his teenage years\, developing a deep appreciation for the art of vinyl. \nWhat sets Brian apart is his exceptional ability to read a room and craft the perfect sonic journey for any crowd. Drawing from an extensive collection that spans funk\, soul\, disco\, psych rock\, hip-hop\, indie\, jazz\, and beyond\, he creates memorable experiences that connect with audiences on a visceral level. His musician’s ear combined with years of live performance experience allows him to seamlessly blend genres and eras\, ensuring every set tells a unique story. \nWhether setting the mood for an intimate gathering or keeping the dance floor moving at a packed venue\, Brian’s passion for vinyl and intuitive understanding of crowd dynamics make him a sought-after selector who delivers unforgettable musical experiences. \n\nIn Caravaggio’s Light: Baroque Masterpieces from the Fondazione Roberto Longhi is organized by Fondazione di Studi di Storia dell’Arte Roberto Longhi and Civita Mostre e Musei. \n \nImages: \nBrian Schanck image by Shadow. \n 
URL:https://mfastpete.org/event/after-hours-21-in-caravaggios-light/
LOCATION:Museum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\, 255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg\, FL\, 33701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Program
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mfastpete.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/AH-Caravaggio.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260314T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260314T100000
DTSTAMP:20260409T155753
CREATED:20260227T213700Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T202518Z
UID:10000588-1773478800-1773482400@mfastpete.org
SUMMARY:Caravaggio In a Different Light | Curator-Led Black Light Tour
DESCRIPTION:An Exclusive Curator-Led Black Light Tour of the Baroque\n\nEvery painting tells two stories: the one the artist intended\, and the one the centuries have left behind… \nAs the acclaimed exhibition In Caravaggio’s Light enters its final days before closing on March 22\, we invite you to a rare\, before-hours investigation of the Baroque. Join Dr. Stanton Thomas\, Hazel and William Hough Chief Curator\, on the morning of March 14 for an exclusive forensic encounter with the collection\, using specialized ultraviolet light (black light) to reveal the hidden history of these 400-year-old masterpieces. \nWhile the naked eye sees only the finished brilliance of the era\, this technical tour allows you to “read” the canvases like a conservator. By comparing works that bear the inevitable scars and repairs of the centuries against the miraculous\, untouched purity of our central Caravaggio\, you will discover the secrets that modern conservation usually keeps hidden. \nTo maintain an intimate atmosphere and ensure clear sightlines for the UV demonstrations\, this special engagement is strictly limited to only 15 participants. Your ticket provides private access to the galleries before they open to the public\, offering a quiet\, scholarly environment to engage directly with the Curator. Following the tour\, guests are invited to remain in the museum for the day to enjoy the full exhibition one last time. Registration is $65 for not-yet-members and $55 for members\, inclusive of full museum admission. \n\n\nCaravaggio in a Different Light\nCurator-Led Black Light Tour \nSaturday\, March 14\, 2026\n9:00 AM–10:00 AM\nMuseum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\n255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg FL 33701 \n$55 for MFA Members; $65 for Not-Yet-Members. \nSOLD OUT! \nTICKETS \nNot yet a member?\nBecome a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!  \nMFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year\, early access to special exhibitions\, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine\, special member-only exclusive events\, and more. \nBECOME A MEMBER
URL:https://mfastpete.org/event/caravaggio-in-a-different-light/
LOCATION:Museum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\, 255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg\, FL\, 33701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Program,Educational Event,Tour
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mfastpete.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Caravaggio-in-a-Different-Light-.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260315T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260315T150000
DTSTAMP:20260409T155753
CREATED:20251119T021242Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260109T033207Z
UID:10000545-1773583200-1773586800@mfastpete.org
SUMMARY:Language Tour Series | Spanish-Speaking Tour with Richard Perea
DESCRIPTION:Español: Por favor únete a nosotros en el Museo de las Bellas Artes (MFA)\, St. Petersburg cada tercer domingo a las 2 p.m. para nuestra nueva serie de Giras de Idiomas! Cada mes\, un docente del MFA liderará un recorrido en un idioma distinto del inglés\, ofreciendo una oportunidad excepcional para disfrutar la vasta colección de arte del museo. Ya sea que hables el idioma con fluidez\, quieras practicar tus habilidades\, o estés buscando una forma ingeniosa de comenzar a aprender\, estos recorridos por el museo son una excelente manera de conectarte con otros a través del arte y la cultura. \nEstas visitas guiadas públicas son gratuitas con la entrada\, pero se recomienda registrarse en antemano para saber cuántos participantes esperar. ¡Las plazas son limitadas! ¡Inscríbase hoy! \n¿No puedes asistir esta fecha\, pero te interesa reservar una visita guiada en un idioma distinto del inglés? El MFA ofrece actualmente visitas guiadas en ruso\, español\, portugués y alemán. Para más información\, escríbenos a tours@mfastpete.org. \nEnglish: Join us every third Sunday at 2 pm for the MFA’s Language Tour Series! Each month\, an MFA Docent will guide a tour in a language other than English\, offering visitors a fresh and immersive way to explore the museum’s collection. Whether you’re fluent\, practicing your language skills\, or just beginning your journey\, these tours offer a welcoming space to connect through art and culture. \nDocent-led Language Tours are free with museum admission\, but advance registration is recommended so our docents can plan for group size. Space is limited—reserve your spot today! \nInterested in a tour but can’t attend on this date? The MFA also offers docent-led tours in Russian\, Spanish\, Portuguese\, and German by request. Email us at tours@mfastpete.org to learn more. \n\n\n\nLanguage Tour Series | Spanish-Speaking Tour with Richard Perea \nSunday\, March 15\, 2026\n2:00 PM–3:00 PM\nMuseum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\n255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg FL 33701 \nFREE for MFA Members; Included with the cost of admission for Not-Yet Members\nRegistration required. \nREGISTER \nCheck out the full Language Tour schedule here to find upcoming tours in your preferred language. \nNot yet a member?\nBecome a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!  \nMFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year\, early access to special exhibitions\, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine\, special member-only exclusive events\, and more. Bring the whole family! \nBECOME A MEMBER \n\nABOUT RICHARD PEREA/SOBRE RICHARD PEREA \n\n\nEnglish: Richard Perea has been a Docent at the MFA of St. Petersburg since May\, 2022 specializing in tours that focus on the Classical period\, and European and American art of the early-twentieth century. His professional background includes working for major banks in Colombia and Mexico. Richard is from California with degrees in Public Affairs from the University of California and Princeton University. Richard lives in Downtown St. Petersburg with his wife Diana. \n\n\nEspañol: Richard Perea ha sido un Docente en el Museo de Bellas Artes de St. Petersburg desde mayo de 2022\, especializando en recorridos centrados en el período clásico y el arte europeo y americano de principios del siglo XX. Su experiencia profesional incluye trabajando en Colombia y Mexico con bancos internacionales. Richard es de California con titulos universitarios en asuntos publicos de la Universidad de California\, y Princeton. Richard vive en el centro de St. Petersburg con su esposa Diana.
URL:https://mfastpete.org/event/spanish-speaking-tour-with-richard-perea-2-15-26/
LOCATION:Museum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\, 255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg\, FL\, 33701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Program,FREE for MFA Members
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mfastpete.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Speaking-Tour_Richard-.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T190000
DTSTAMP:20260409T155753
CREATED:20260221T020037Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260306T161234Z
UID:10000585-1773856800-1773860400@mfastpete.org
SUMMARY:An Evening with Art Collector Dennis Scholl and Klaudio Rodriguez
DESCRIPTION:An Evening with Art Collector Dennis Scholl in conversation with Klaudio Rodriguez.\n\nJoin the Museum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg for a special evening with renowned arts patron\, award-winning filmmaker\, collector\, and cultural advocate Dennis Scholl\, in conversation with MFA Executive Director and CEO Klaudio Rodriguez. \nTogether\, they will explore the evolving role of collectors\, philanthropy\, and civic leadership in shaping vibrant cultural institutions and communities. The conversation will offer personal insight into Scholl’s long-standing commitment to the arts\, as well as the MFA’s vision for the future. \nAn engaging and thoughtful evening for anyone interested in art\, collecting\, and the power of cultural stewardship. \n\n\nAn Evening with Art Collector Dennis Scholl \nWednesday\, March 18\, 2026\n6:00 PM–7:00 PM\nMuseum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\n255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg FL 33701 \n$15 for MFA Members; $35 for Not-Yet-Members. \nTICKETS \nNot yet a member?\nBecome a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!  \nMFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year\, early access to special exhibitions\, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine\, special member-only exclusive events\, and more. Bring the whole family! \nBECOME A MEMBER \n\nABOUT DENNIS SCHOLL \nDennis Scholl is an American arts patron\, collector\, award-winning documentary filmmaker\, and cultural leader known for his work supporting contemporary artists and expanding public engagement with the arts. \nScholl served as President and CEO of Oolite Arts in Miami Beach\, where he led one of the country’s most respected artist residency and support programs\, providing residencies\, studio space\, grants\, and professional development opportunities for emerging and mid-career artists. \nPreviously\, he was Vice President for the Arts at the Knight Foundation\, where he directed major national initiatives supporting cultural institutions\, artists\, and innovative arts programming across the United States. \nDennis Scholl is a world-class storyteller\, focusing on arts and culture. His interview subjects have included Robert Redford\, Frank Gehry\, Wynton Marsalis\, Ai Wei Wei\, and Theaster Gates.
URL:https://mfastpete.org/event/an-evening-with-art-collector-dennis-scholl/
LOCATION:Museum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\, 255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg\, FL\, 33701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Program,Educational Event,Lecture / Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mfastpete.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/DENNIS-SCHOLL.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T200000
DTSTAMP:20260409T155753
CREATED:20250929T184841Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T032723Z
UID:10000508-1773943200-1773950400@mfastpete.org
SUMMARY:[SOLD OUT] Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Sacred + Secular
DESCRIPTION:Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Sacred + Secular\n\nIn conjunction with In Caravaggio’s Light | Baroque Masterpieces from the Fondazione Roberto Longhi\, the MFA introduces the Baroque + Bottle Book Club\, a dynamic literary series that pairs contemporary fiction with the timeless themes of the Baroque.  \nPresented in partnership with Book + Bottle\, St. Pete’s beloved independent bookstore and wine bar\, each gathering invites readers to dive into contemporary novels that echo the emotional intensity\, moral tension\, and timeless questions embedded in the Baroque movement. With expertly paired wines\, lively\, guided conversations\, and exclusive in-gallery experiences\, this series creates unexpected connections between the masterpieces on view and the pressing issues of today.   \nIn a pivotal shift\, Baroque artists began placing sacred and mythological stories within the messy reality of everyday life. By infusing the ordinary with spiritual resonance\, these works challenged audiences to see the divine in unexpected places. This session explores how contemporary literature uncovers beauty\, mindfulness\, and meaning in the secular corners of our complex world.   \nWe’ll read Barbara Kingsolver’s Demon Copperhead\, a modern reimagining of David Copperfield set in rural America. Told in the unsparing voice of Demon\, a boy born into poverty and foster care\, the novel follows his survival through loss\, addiction\, fleeting loves\, and fleeting triumphs. Kingsolver channels Dickensian scope with contemporary grit\, using humor\, heartbreak\, and fierce compassion to illuminate the extraordinary in lives often ignored.   \nWhat to Expect: \n\n6:00–6:30 pm — Arrivals: grab a glass of wine and ease in with thought-starter prompts and casual conversation.\n6:30–7:30 pm — Guided discussion led by Book + Bottle\, exploring the book’s themes and connections to the Baroque.\n7:30–8:00 pm — Gallery spotlight with MFA curators and educators: a focused look at a work from In Caravaggio’s Light to bring the conversation full circle.\n\n\n\nBaroque + Bottle Book Club | Sacred + Secular \nThursday\, March 19\, 2026\n6:00 PM–8:00 PM\nMuseum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\n255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg FL 33701 \nSOLD OUT \nTickets include program and 1 glass of wine. Additional wine available for purchase. A limited number of copies are available at the MFA Shop and at Book + Bottle! Get 10% off the next book on the night of each book club! \nORDER BOOK\n\n  \nNot yet a member?\nBecome a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!  \nMFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year\, early access to special exhibitions\, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine\, special member-only exclusive events\, and more. Bring the whole family! \nBECOME A MEMBER \n\nAbout Book + Bottle\n \nBook + Bottle is a bottle shop\, an independent bookstore\, a coffee café\, and a wine bar all rolled into one exquisite little package. They have the most passionate\, friendly\, and helpful team in town to help you choose a book or a bottle or to take care of you and your friends on your night off. \nThey’re an independent\, woman-owned\, values-driven\, sustainably run\, local-first business that believes little kindnesses can make our community—and the world—a better place. \nAbout Barbara Kingsolver’s Demon Copperhead\n \nDemon Copperhead (2022) by Barbara Kingsolver reimagines Dickens’s David Copperfield in contemporary Appalachia\, following a quick-witted boy as he fights to define himself amid poverty\, foster care\, and an opioid-ravaged landscape. Told in a vivid\, unsentimental first-person voice\, the novel traces resilience\, community\, and the power of storytelling without offering tidy answers—only hard-won clarity and heart. \nSee ALL Baroque + Bottle Book Club Dates and Times: \n\nNovember 20\, 2025 @ 6 pm: Representation + Marginalization\nDecember 18\, 2025 @ 6 pm: Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Women + Exclusion \nJanuary 15 @ 6 pm: Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Fragility + Faith\nFebruary 19 @ 6 pm: Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Body + Perception\nMarch 19 @ 6 pm: Baroque + Bottle Book Club | Sacred + Secular\n\n\nImages: \nJusepe de Ribera\, St. Thomas (detail)\, c. 1612\, Oil on canvas\, Fondazione di Studi di Storia dell’Arte Roberto Longhi\, Florence\, Italy \nOrganized by Fondazione di Studi di Storia dell’Arte Roberto Longhi and Civita Mostre e Musei.
URL:https://mfastpete.org/event/baroque-bottle-book-club-3-19-26/
LOCATION:Museum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\, 255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg\, FL\, 33701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Program,Educational Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mfastpete.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Baroque-Bottle-February-.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260326T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260326T193000
DTSTAMP:20260409T155753
CREATED:20260209T021245Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260301T044525Z
UID:10000583-1774546200-1774553400@mfastpete.org
SUMMARY:Writer’s Workshop | The Alive Poets Society: Poetry and Ancient Art
DESCRIPTION:In partnership with poet Ariana Kija Matondo\, the MFA is hosting a three-part poetry workshop series focused on ekphrastic poetry—the art of writing descriptive and imaginative poetry inspired by visual art. \nIn the second workshop of the series\, participants will explore ancient art and ancient poetry while engaging in intimate conversations about how these works differ from the art and poetry we encounter today. Through guided reflection and discussion\, the workshop invites participants to consider how understanding the past can deepen our sense of self. Expect journaling prompts rooted in ancestral memory—both real and imagined—and opportunities to stretch the imagination beyond what art is “supposed” to look like and into what it could become in the near or distant future\, informed by our shared histories. \nNo prior poetry experience is required\, and all ages are welcome. Just bring a journal and an open mind to experience visual art in a new way. \nWriter’s Workshop | The Alive Poets Society: Poetry and Ancient Art \nOpen to all ages\nThursday\, March 26\, 2026\n5:30 PM–7:30 PM\nMary Alice McClendon Conservatory\nMuseum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\n255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg FL 33701 \nFree for MFA Members; $16 for Not-Yet-Members (Youth 17 and under are Free!) \nREGISTER \nThe workshop is included with Art After Dark admission\, so participants can enjoy the program and explore the museum after hours for the same ticket price. \nMFA ART AFTER DARK ADMISSION \nNot yet a member?\nBecome a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!  \nMFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year\, early access to special exhibitions\, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine\, special member-only exclusive events\, and more. Bring the whole family! \nBECOME A MEMBER \n\nABOUT ARIANA KIJA MATONDO \n \nAriana Matondo (they/she) is a queer\, disabled Tanzanian-American poet\, editor\, and teacher based in Tampa\, Florida. They are the winner of the Zora Neale Hurston Award for Poetry (2025) and were previously named a finalist for the Disquiet Prize for Poetry (2025). Their honors also include the Sundress Publications Fellowship (2025)\, Vermont Studio Center Fellowship (2024)\, Light for Public Health Poetry Prize (2024)\, and the Bettye Newman Poetry Prize (2024–2025). Ariana’s work has been published and is forthcoming in Light Magazine\, Honey Literary Magazine\, The Common\, and others. They serve as Poetry Editor for Creation Magazine and CM Editorial House and are currently pursuing an MFA in Poetry at the University of South Florida. Learn more at arianakijamatondo.com. \n\nEXPLORE ALL UPCOMING WRITER’S WORKSHOP SERIES EVENTS \nWriter’s Workshop | Dream Residue: Ekphrasis in the Real World\nThursday\, February 26\, 2026 | 5:30 PM–7:30 PM \nWriter’s Workshop | The Alive Poets Society: Poetry and Ancient Art\nThursday\, March 26\, 2026 | 5:30 PM–7:30 PM \nWriter’s Workshop | The Garden of Your Mind\nThursday\, April 30\, 2026 | 5:30 PM–7:30 PM
URL:https://mfastpete.org/event/writers-workshop-3-26-26/
LOCATION:Museum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\, 255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg\, FL\, 33701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Program,Art After Dark,FREE for MFA Members,Reduced Admission,Youth and Family Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mfastpete.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/writers-workshop_march.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260326T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260326T190000
DTSTAMP:20260409T155753
CREATED:20260313T190147Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T173121Z
UID:10000598-1774548000-1774551600@mfastpete.org
SUMMARY:Ribbon Cutting: Yvette Mayorga’s Magic Grasshopper
DESCRIPTION:Experience Yvette Mayorga’s Magic Grasshopper at the MFA\nJoin us on Thursday\, March 26 at 6 PM\, for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for our newest outdoor installation\, Magic Grasshopper by renowned artist Yvette Mayorga. \nStanding 30 feet long in front of the Museum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\, this fantastical\, pink-hued sculpture is much more than meets the eye. It is a powerful tribute to the American Dream\, weaving together 90s nostalgia\, lowrider culture\, and critical narratives of migration and labor. \n  \nYvette Mayorga | Magic Grasshopper Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony \nThursday\, March 26\, 2026\n6:00 PM\nOn the Plaza in front of the Museum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\n255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg FL 33701 \nFree for everyone. Registration required.\nMuseum admission not included.  \nIn the spirit of Magic Grasshopper: Pink Attire Encouraged! \nREGISTER HERE \nAfter the ceremony\, we invite you to head inside the MFA and explore our galleries; please note that museum admission on Thursday nights is discounted to $16 for adults and is free for MFA Members and those under 18 years old. \n  \nNot yet a member?\nBecome a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!  \nMFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year\, early access to special exhibitions\, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine\, special member-only exclusive events\, and more. Bring the whole family! \nBECOME A MEMBER \n\nOriginally commissioned by Times Square Arts \nImages: Yvette Mayorga\, Mexican-American Latinx\, b. 1991\, Magic Grasshopper (detail)\, 2025\, Silicon piping\, steel frame\, polycarbonate resin\, metal\, casts\, mechanical engineering\, #D printed plastics\, and marine grade plywood. Images courtesy of Times Square Arts. Photography by Michael Hull.
URL:https://mfastpete.org/event/magic-grasshopper-opening/
LOCATION:Museum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\, 255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg\, FL\, 33701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Program,Youth and Family Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mfastpete.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Magic-Grasshopper-.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260329T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260329T200000
DTSTAMP:20260409T155753
CREATED:20251125T022057Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251125T022057Z
UID:10000548-1774798200-1774814400@mfastpete.org
SUMMARY:Art & Nature Sunset Tours with the MFA & Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center
DESCRIPTION:Spend your Sunday immersed in art and nature! This unique program invites visitors to embark on a journey that celebrates the awe-inspiring beauty of nature and the role it plays in sparking human creativity. Begin the afternoon at the MFA with a guided docent tour of the collection galleries\, looking closely at artworks from throughout history and across the globe that were inspired by nature. From majestic landscapes to delicate still lifes to ancient sculptures\, each artwork highlights the deep connection between artists and the natural world. \nThe experience continues at the St. Pete Pier\, where you’ll board a sunset cruise with Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center’s expert marine science educators. Enjoy guided wildlife watching\, a visit to a local bird sanctuary\, learning about our area’s history\, and the beautiful scenery as the sky changes colors over the downtown skyline. There will be optional opportunities to get creative\, with all supplies provided\, and you’re encouraged to express your inspiration from the experience. \nThis partnership highlights how each of us contributes to protecting Tampa Bay and the environment as a whole. By showcasing the artistic and ecological importance of our region\, we aim to inspire a greater appreciation for nature’s beauty and encourage a lasting commitment to its preservation for future generations. \nArt & Nature Sunset Tours with the MFA & Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center\nSunday\, March 29\, 2026\n3:30 PM–8:00 PM\n$45 ($5 MFA Member discount offered)\nChildren under 3 free \nTour includes admission to the MFA and TBWDC\nArt & Nature Docent-Led Tour begins at the MFA at 3:30 pm\nSunset Tour with Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center begins at 7:00 pm \nTICKETS \n 
URL:https://mfastpete.org/event/art-and-nature-tour-3-29-26/
LOCATION:Museum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\, 255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg\, FL\, 33701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Program,Youth and Family Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mfastpete.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ArtNature.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260407T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260407T120000
DTSTAMP:20260409T155753
CREATED:20260304T015751Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260304T015751Z
UID:10000589-1775559600-1775563200@mfastpete.org
SUMMARY:Spotlight Series | The Art in Molecule Connections
DESCRIPTION:MFA Spotlight Series | The Art in Molecule Connections\nJoin MFA Docent Dorothy Cappadona and scientists from the Tampa Bay Research Institute for a gallery talk that bridges sciences and art. Within the 20th Century Modern Art galleries of the MFA\, see how artists get their inspiration from nature and how scientists see artistic elements in molecule connections! \n  \n\n\n\n\nMFA Spotlight Series | The Art in Molecule Connections\nTuesday\, April 7\, 2026\n11:00 AM–12:00 PM\nFREE for MFA Members; Included with the cost of admission for Not-Yet Members\nRegistration required. \nREGISTER \nNot yet a member?\nBecome a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!  \nMFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year\, early access to special exhibitions\, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine\, special member-only exclusive events\, and more. Bring the whole family! \nBECOME A MEMBER \n\nABOUT AKIKO TANAKA \nAkiko Tanaka\, Ph.D\, is the Senior Member\, President\, and Co-Founder of the Tampa Bay Research Institute (TBRI)\, in St. Petersburg\, Florida. She earned her B.S. in Pharmaceutical Science and her Ph.D in Medical Science from Showa Medical University in Tokyo\, Japan. \nDr. Tanaka founded TBRI in 1981 with the late Dr. Meihan Nonoyama to explore how viruses\, cancers\, and the immune system interact- a mission that positioned the institute at the forefront of biomedical research. \nTBRI later became widely recognized for its pioneering in studies on PPC\, a biologically active extract derived from pinecones. PPC is a natural mixture containing multiple compounds. \nIn response to the current FDA requirements to not approve PPC\, Dr. Tanaka launched a new research initiative led by Dr. William Guy Bradley to develop fully synthetic drug candidates in partnership with the University of South Florida’s Department of Chemistry. \nToday\, the efforts have produced its first synthetic molecule\, with the team now awaiting issuance of its inaugural patent. \nABOUT WILLIAM GUY BRADLEY \nWilliam Guy Bradley\, Ph.D\, is Senior Member of TBRI’s Laboratory of Immunology and Professor Emeritus of Biology at Eckerd College. He earned a B.S. with Honors in Biology from Eckerd College and his Ph.D with Honors in Medical Science from the University of South Florida’s College of Medicine Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology. \nHis career spans more than three decades of research at the intersection of virology\, immunology\, and natural-product discovery. Dr. Bradley has served in numerous academic and advisory roles\, reviewed for NIH study sections\, and is an inventor on multiple U.S. and international patents. \nToday\, his laboratory continues to explore small-molecule modulators of the immune system. He brings our community a long-standing commitment to scientific discovery\, education\, and innovation. \nABOUT MICHAEL J. SHAMBLOTT \nMichael J. Shamblott\, Ph.D\, is a Senior Member of the TBRI’s laboratory of Immunology. He earned his B.S. in Biology from the University of Miami\, his Ph.D in Endocrinology of Growth from the University of Maryland and completed postdoctoral training in stem cell biology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine\, where he was a part of the pioneering work that first derived pluripotent stem cells from human primordial germ cells-research that helped shape modern regenerative medicine. \nHis career has included faculty appointments at john Hopkins and the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine and as Chief Scientific Officer at Morphogenesis\, Inc. \nToday\, his laboratory leads the discovery of a potent cytostatic compound from a botanical extract\, a finding with the potential to benefit millions of patients. His work reflects a commitment to translating scientific insight into meaningful medical advances. \n 
URL:https://mfastpete.org/event/spotlight-series-the-art-in-molecule-connections/
LOCATION:Museum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\, 255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg\, FL\, 33701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Program,FREE for MFA Members
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mfastpete.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/spotlight-series_apr.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260409T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260409T210000
DTSTAMP:20260409T155753
CREATED:20260318T024446Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260405T142742Z
UID:10000593-1775761200-1775768400@mfastpete.org
SUMMARY:Ali Banisadr: The Alchemist and The Last Library IV: Written in Water | MFA Member-Exclusive Preview
DESCRIPTION:Two Extraordinary Exhibitions. One Unforgettable Night.\nMFA Member-Exclusive Preview & Reception \n\nThe Museum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg Executive Director & CEO\, Klaudio Rodriguez and the Board of Trustees invite you to an exclusive first look at a double-feature opening: Ali Banisadr: The Alchemist and The Last Library IV: Written in Water. \nGet ready for a vibrant\, high-energy evening of celebration in the Mary Alice McClendon Conservatory. This is more than a preview—it’s a party. Mix\, mingle\, and connect with fellow art lovers in a lively\, welcoming atmosphere as we toast to a new season of global contemporary art.\n \n\n\n\nThe Evening Highlights: \n\nMeet the Artists: This is a rare opportunity to engage with Ali Banisadr and Ward Shelley. Hear firsthand about the inspirations and processes behind their incredible works.\nSip & Socialize: Enjoy delicious light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar while you soak in the vibrant evening energy of the Conservatory.\nFirst Access: Be among the very first to immerse yourself in the complex\, layered worlds created by these world-class artists.\nCelebrate Together: Join us at 7:20 p.m. for opening remarks that will kick off this dual-exhibition journey.\n\nExperience the pulse of the museum in a social setting designed to inspire. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! \n  \nAli Banisadr: The Alchemist and The Last Library IV: Written in Water\nMFA Member-Exclusive Preview & Reception\nThursday\, April 9\, 2026\n7:00 PM–9:00 PM (Remarks at 7:20 PM)\nMary Alice McClendon Conservatory & Hazel Hough Wing \n$15\nCash bar\nValet Parking is available for additional fee \nMuseum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\n255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg FL 33701 \nGET TICKETS FOR THE MEMBER PREVIEW \nNot yet a member?\nBecome a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!  \nMFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year\, early access to special exhibitions\, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine\, special member-only exclusive events\, and more. Bring the whole family! \nBECOME A MEMBER \n\nImages: \nAli Banisadr (b. 1976)\, Things Fall Apart (detail)\, 2007\, oil on linen\, 44 x 50 in. Collection of Jacob Miller. Photography by Jeffrey Sturges. © Ali Banisadr \nWard Shelley (American\, b. 1950) and Douglas Paulson (American\, b. 1980)\, The Last Library IV: Written in Water (detail)\, 2025\, Paper\, wood\, corrugated cardboard\, laser-printed and hand-written labels\, packing tape\, acrylic paint\, found and manipulated objects. Installation view. Courtesy the Artist. Promised Gift of Jill and Jay Bernstein. \n \n 
URL:https://mfastpete.org/event/ali-banisadr-member-preview/
LOCATION:Museum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\, 255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg\, FL\, 33701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Program,Educational Event,FREE for MFA Members,Lecture / Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mfastpete.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Alchemist-and-Library-Member-Preview.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260411T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260411T100000
DTSTAMP:20260409T155753
CREATED:20260331T134837Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T164018Z
UID:10000608-1775898000-1775901600@mfastpete.org
SUMMARY:Exclusive Artist Tour | The Alchemist with Ali Banisadr
DESCRIPTION:Exclusive Artist Tour | The Alchemist with Ali Banisadr\nBe among the first to experience Ali Banisadr: The Alchemist in this exclusive tour led by the artist himself. As you move through the galleries\, Banisadr will share insights into nearly two decades of his work\, reflecting on the memories\, sounds\, and histories that shape his richly layered paintings\, and offering a rare\, personal perspective on the influences behind his dynamic compositions. Discover the artistic references\, mythologies\, and moments from world history that converge within his turbulent yet celebratory visual worlds. \nThis intimate tour offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with one of today’s most compelling contemporary painters and to experience the exhibition through the artist’s own voice. Capacity is limited to just 20 participants—reserve your spot early so you don’t miss out. \nExclusive Artist Tour | The Alchemist with Ali Banisadr \nSaturday\, April 11\, 2026\n9:00 AM–10:00 AM \nMuseum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\n255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg FL 33701 \nTickets are extremely limited! Secure your spot today. \n$30 for MFA Members; $50 for Not-Yet-Members; Includes museum admission \nRegister \n\nABOUT ALI BANISADR \n \nBorn in Tehran\, Iran in 1976\, the artist grew up amidst the turmoil of the Iran-Iraq War (1980-88). In 1988\, Banisadr left Iran with his family at the age of twelve\, first reaching Turkey and then San Diego\, California. While living in San Francisco as a young adult\, he became involved with the local graffiti art community while studying psychology. He later moved to New York City where he earned a BFA at the School of Visual Arts (2005) and an MFA at the New York Academy of Art (2007). The artist currently lives and works in Brooklyn\, NY. Banisadr has been the subject of international solo museum exhibitions at the Museo Stefano Bardini and Palazzo Vecchio\, Florence\, (2021); Benaki Museum\, Athens\, (2020); Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art\, Hartford\, (2020); Gemäldegalerie\, Academy of Fine Arts\, Vienna\, (2019); and the Het Noordbrabants Museum\, Den Bosch\, (2019). \nHis work has also been included in major group exhibitions including the Venice Biennale (2013) and Prague Biennale (2013). Banisadr’s work is included in significant public collections including the Benaki Museum\, Athens; British Museum\, London; Buffalo AKG Art Museum\, Buffalo; Centre Pompidou\, Paris; Het Noordbrabants Museum\, Den Bosch; Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden\, Smithsonian Institution\, Washington\, DC; Los Angeles County Museum of Art\, Los Angeles; Metropolitan Museum of Art\, New York; Museum of Contemporary Art\, Los Angeles; Museum of Fine Arts\, Houston; Museum der Moderne\, Salzburg; Philadelphia Museum of Art\, Philadelphia; and the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art\, Hartford\, CT\, among others. \n\n \nImage: \nAli Banisadr (b. 1976)\, Things Fall Apart (detail)\, 2007\, oil on linen\, 44 x 50 in. Collection of Jacob Miller. Photography by Jeffrey Sturges. © Ali Banisadr
URL:https://mfastpete.org/event/the-alchemist-with-ali-banisadr/
LOCATION:Museum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\, 255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg\, FL\, 33701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Program,Educational Event,Tour
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mfastpete.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Ali-Banisadr_Member-Preview.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260411T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260411T120000
DTSTAMP:20260409T155753
CREATED:20260331T135115Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T174337Z
UID:10000609-1775905200-1775908800@mfastpete.org
SUMMARY:In Conversation | Ali Banisadr and Dr. Stanton Thomas
DESCRIPTION:In Conversation | Ali Banisadr and Dr. Stanton Thomas\nDon’t miss this exclusive morning of art and art history! Join artist Ali Banisadr in conversation with Dr. Stanton Thomas\, the MFA’s Hazel and William Hough Chief Curator\, for an illuminating discussion on the ideas\, experiences\, and influences that shape Banisadr’s singular artistic practice. \nIn this rare\, intimate dialogue\, we explore the intersection of memory\, mythology\, and the sensory phenomenon of synesthesia. Banisadr and Dr. Thomas will pull back the curtain on two decades of work\, decoding the dense\, kaleidoscopic visual language and historical gravity that define his works. \nArrive early to pick up your copy of the Ali Banisadr: The Alchemist catalogue at the MFA Shop and get it signed by the artist after the program! \nIn Conversation | Ali Banisadr and Dr. Stanton Thomas\nSaturday\, April 11\, 2026\n11:00 AM–12:00 PM \nMuseum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\n255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg FL 33701 \n$15 for MFA Members; $35 for Not-Yet-Members (Includes Museum admission) \nRegister \n\nABOUT ALI BANISADR \n \nBorn in Tehran\, Iran in 1976\, the artist grew up amidst the turmoil of the Iran-Iraq War (1980-88). In 1988\, Banisadr left Iran with his family at the age of twelve\, first reaching Turkey and then San Diego\, California. While living in San Francisco as a young adult\, he became involved with the local graffiti art community while studying psychology. He later moved to New York City where he earned a BFA at the School of Visual Arts (2005) and an MFA at the New York Academy of Art (2007). The artist currently lives and works in Brooklyn\, NY. Banisadr has been the subject of international solo museum exhibitions at the Museo Stefano Bardini and Palazzo Vecchio\, Florence\, (2021); Benaki Museum\, Athens\, (2020); Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art\, Hartford\, (2020); Gemäldegalerie\, Academy of Fine Arts\, Vienna\, (2019); and the Het Noordbrabants Museum\, Den Bosch\, (2019). \nHis work has also been included in major group exhibitions including the Venice Biennale (2013) and Prague Biennale (2013). Banisadr’s work is included in significant public collections including the Benaki Museum\, Athens; British Museum\, London; Buffalo AKG Art Museum\, Buffalo; Centre Pompidou\, Paris; Het Noordbrabants Museum\, Den Bosch; Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden\, Smithsonian Institution\, Washington\, DC; Los Angeles County Museum of Art\, Los Angeles; Metropolitan Museum of Art\, New York; Museum of Contemporary Art\, Los Angeles; Museum of Fine Arts\, Houston; Museum der Moderne\, Salzburg; Philadelphia Museum of Art\, Philadelphia; and the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art\, Hartford\, CT\, among others. \n\n \nImage: \nAli Banisadr (b. 1976)\, Queen of the Night (detail)\, 2022\, oil on linen\, 82 x 120 in. Private Collection. Photography by Genevieve Hanson. © Ali Banisadr
URL:https://mfastpete.org/event/in-conversation-ali-banisadr-stanton-thomas/
LOCATION:Museum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\, 255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg\, FL\, 33701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Program,Educational Event,Lecture / Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mfastpete.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/In-Conversation_AliBanisadr_StantonThomas.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260426T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260426T170000
DTSTAMP:20260409T155753
CREATED:20260409T014126Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T014126Z
UID:10000612-1777215600-1777222800@mfastpete.org
SUMMARY:Distant Worlds
DESCRIPTION:Join the MFA and St. Petersburg Poet Laureate Denzel Johnson-Green for an afternoon of wonder and creation as Cellist Cori Lint weaves a map to new sonic worlds. As she performs her works\, the audience will be given the option to write poems inspired by Lint’s six pieces and the colored lights that hang above her. Afterward\, there will be a group discussion and Q&A with the musician. \nThis event is free and open to the public and is part of the City of St. Petersburg’s “City of Writers” program. \nDistant Worlds | Writing Poems to the Sounds of a Cello and a Lush Colorscape\, with Cellist Cori Lint\nSunday\, April 26\, 2026\n3:00 PM–5:00 PM\nMary Alice McClendon Conservatory\nMuseum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\n255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg FL 33701 \nFREE \nREGISTER \nNot yet a member?\nBecome a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!  \nMFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year\, early access to special exhibitions\, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine\, special member-only exclusive events\, and more. Bring the whole family! \nBECOME A MEMBER \n\nABOUT CORI LINT \nCori Lint is a cellist and software engineer from Cuyahoga Falls\, OH. A graduate of the University of Michigan School of Music\, she is a founding member of the string quartet Thalia Strings\, and co-founder of Classical Revolution St. Pete\, a nonprofit that brings classical music into community spaces. \nCori has performed with many ensembles including the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra and Candlelight quartets\, and has been featured in national tours for the Eagles and the Electric Light Orchestra. As an artistic administrator\, Cori has worked with a wide variety of artists and organizations including Seal\, Sting\, Itzhak Perlman\, Lynn Harrell\, The Cleveland Orchestra\, The Florida Orchestra\, and Wintergreen Music Festival. \nCori is a software engineer with the Tessitura Network\, a nonprofit software company for arts and culture organizations\, and has served as Director and Mentor of Artists Who Code\, supporting musicians who pursue careers in technology. \nABOUT DENZEL JOHNSON-GREEN \nDenzel Johnson-Green is the fourth poet laureate of Saint Petersburg\, Florida. He is the creator and editor of the poetry and art journal\, Neptune\, which was nominated best literary journal in Creative Loafing. Denzel is the recipient of the Roy Peter Clark Literary Prize and the creator of the free\, weekly workshop/open mic\, Community Poetry\, founded in 2019. \nSince 2020\, Denzel has created several poetry readings including Getting There\, The Cavern of Dancing Lights\, Moonflower\, Slam Sandwich\, and Bonfire Poems. He is the creator and co-host of SPOK\, an ongoing philosophical discussion group aimed at creating civil spaces for ordinary people to talk about difficult subjects. His works can be found in Saw Palm\, Oddball Magazine\, The Artisan\, Art Coast Journal\, and Neptune. Denzel can be seen getting pizza with friends and writing poems in downtown St.Pete. \n\nImages: \nCori Lint — photo by Denzel Johnson-Green\nDenzel Johnson-Green — photo by Jared Morgenstein
URL:https://mfastpete.org/event/distant-worlds/
LOCATION:Museum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\, 255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg\, FL\, 33701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Program,FREE for Pinellas County Residents
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mfastpete.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Distant_Worlds.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260426T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260426T201500
DTSTAMP:20260409T155753
CREATED:20251125T022338Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251125T022338Z
UID:10000549-1777217400-1777234500@mfastpete.org
SUMMARY:Art & Nature Sunset Tours with the MFA & Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center
DESCRIPTION:Spend your Sunday immersed in art and nature! This unique program invites visitors to embark on a journey that celebrates the awe-inspiring beauty of nature and the role it plays in sparking human creativity. Begin the afternoon at the MFA with a guided docent tour of the collection galleries\, looking closely at artworks from throughout history and across the globe that were inspired by nature. From majestic landscapes to delicate still lifes to ancient sculptures\, each artwork highlights the deep connection between artists and the natural world. \nThe experience continues at the St. Pete Pier\, where you’ll board a sunset cruise with Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center’s expert marine science educators. Enjoy guided wildlife watching\, a visit to a local bird sanctuary\, learning about our area’s history\, and the beautiful scenery as the sky changes colors over the downtown skyline. There will be optional opportunities to get creative\, with all supplies provided\, and you’re encouraged to express your inspiration from the experience. \nThis partnership highlights how each of us contributes to protecting Tampa Bay and the environment as a whole. By showcasing the artistic and ecological importance of our region\, we aim to inspire a greater appreciation for nature’s beauty and encourage a lasting commitment to its preservation for future generations. \nArt & Nature Sunset Tours with the MFA & Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center\nSunday\, April 26\, 2026\n3:30 PM–8:15 PM\n$45 ($5 MFA Member discount offered)\nChildren under 3 free \nTour includes admission to the MFA and TBWDC\nArt & Nature Docent-Led Tour begins at the MFA at 3:30 pm\nSunset Tour with Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center begins at 7:15 pm \nTICKETS \n 
URL:https://mfastpete.org/event/art-and-nature-tour-4-26-26/
LOCATION:Museum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\, 255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg\, FL\, 33701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Program,Youth and Family Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mfastpete.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ArtNature.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260430T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260430T193000
DTSTAMP:20260409T155753
CREATED:20260209T022254Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T182335Z
UID:10000584-1777570200-1777577400@mfastpete.org
SUMMARY:Writer’s Workshop | The Garden of Your Mind
DESCRIPTION:Celebrate National Poetry Month at the MFA! In partnership with poet Ariana Kija Matondo\, the MFA is hosting a three-part poetry workshop series focused on ekphrastic poetry—the art of writing descriptive and imaginative poetry inspired by visual art. \nIn the third workshop of the series\, participants are invited to consider how art exists beyond museum walls. What happens when we listen to the world around us\, not just ourselves? Led by poets Ariana Kija Matondo and Kallie Blakelock\, this session will move between the galleries and outdoor spaces for guided journaling. Participants will practice mindfulness while gathering sensory notes from the environment around and within them\, deepening the connection between observation\, place\, and poetic expression. \nNo prior poetry experience is required\, and all ages are welcome. Just bring a journal and an open mind to experience visual art in a new way. Please wear clothes suitable for being outdoors and comfortable walking shoes. \nWriter’s Workshop | The Garden of Your Mind\nOpen to all ages\nThursday\, April 30\, 2026\n5:30 PM–7:30 PM\nMary Alice McClendon Conservatory\nMuseum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\n255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg FL 33701 \nFree for MFA Members; $16 for Not-Yet-Members (Youth 17 and under are Free!) \nREGISTER \nThe workshop is included with Art After Dark admission\, so participants can enjoy the program and explore the museum after hours for the same ticket price. \nMFA ART AFTER DARK ADMISSION \nNot yet a member?\nBecome a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!  \nMFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year\, early access to special exhibitions\, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine\, special member-only exclusive events\, and more. Bring the whole family! \nBECOME A MEMBER \n\nABOUT ARIANA KIJA MATONDO \n \nAriana Matondo (they/she) is a queer\, disabled Tanzanian-American poet\, editor\, and teacher based in Tampa\, Florida. They are the winner of the Zora Neale Hurston Award for Poetry (2025) and were previously named a finalist for the Disquiet Prize for Poetry (2025). Their honors also include the Sundress Publications Fellowship (2025)\, Vermont Studio Center Fellowship (2024)\, Light for Public Health Poetry Prize (2024)\, and the Bettye Newman Poetry Prize (2024–2025). Ariana’s work has been published and is forthcoming in Light Magazine\, Honey Literary Magazine\, The Common\, and others. They serve as Poetry Editor for Creation Magazine and CM Editorial House and are currently pursuing an MFA in Poetry at the University of South Florida. Learn more at arianakijamatondo.com. \nABOUT KALLIE BLAKELOCK \n \nKallie Blakelock is a current MFA student in poetry at the University of South Florida. She worked as a high school teacher for five years before packing up her Pontiac and moving to Tampa\, Florida. Far from the quiet Eastern Shore of Maryland where she grew up\, Kallie explores the world—and herself—through poetry. \n\nEXPLORE ALL UPCOMING WRITER’S WORKSHOP SERIES EVENTS \nWriter’s Workshop | Dream Residue: Ekphrasis in the Real World\nThursday\, February 26\, 2026 | 5:30 PM–7:30 PM \nWriter’s Workshop | The Alive Poets Society: Poetry and Ancient Art\nThursday\, March 26\, 2026 | 5:30 PM–7:30 PM \nWriter’s Workshop | The Garden of Your Mind\nThursday\, April 30\, 2026 | 5:30 PM–7:30 PM
URL:https://mfastpete.org/event/writers-workshop-4-30-26/
LOCATION:Museum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\, 255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg\, FL\, 33701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Program,Art After Dark,FREE for MFA Members,Reduced Admission,Youth and Family Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mfastpete.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/writers-workshop_march.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260507T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260507T200000
DTSTAMP:20260409T155753
CREATED:20260319T200813Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T011741Z
UID:10000601-1778176800-1778184000@mfastpete.org
SUMMARY:Book + Banisadr Book Club | War + Apocalypse
DESCRIPTION:Book + Banisadr Book Club | War + Apocalypse\nIn conjunction with Ali Banisadr: The Alchemist\, the MFA is proud to introduce the Book + Banisadr Book Club\, a three-part literary program that invites participants to immerse themselves into the complex\, turbulent worlds of Banisadr’s works through the lens of contemporary fiction that mimic the artist’s practice in both chaos and composure. \nHeld in partnership with Book + Bottle\, a beloved local independent bookstore and wine bar\, each session will focus on a thoughtfully selected book that echoes the figurative illusions rooted in autobiographical narratives\, sonic recollection\, invented stories\, world history\, collective memory\, and mythology embedded in the imagery of Ali Banisadr’s work. Through this one-of-a-kind pairing of literature and art\, historical themes will be reexamined against the dreadful\, real\, and unreal stories we tell ourselves. \nEach session will feature a specially paired wine and will be carefully facilitated to bridge the artworks in the exhibition to the relevant and resonant conversations shaping our society today. This month’s selection\, The Stationary Shop by Marjan Kamali\, is a poignant novel of love\, loss\, and fate set against the backdrop of 1950s Tehran\, following a young couple whose lives are forever changed by political upheaval. \n\nDrawing on childhood experiences of the Iran-Iraq War (1980–88) in his native Tehran\, where explosions and other aural disturbances were commonplace\, as well as his extant synesthesia\, Banisadr painstakingly and intuitively builds complex compositions that exude a vitality at once turbulent and celebratory. In 1988\, Banisadr left Iran with his family at the age of twelve\, first reaching Turkey and then San Diego\, California. While living in San Francisco\, he became involved with the local graffiti art community while studying psychology. He later moved to New York City where he earned a BFA at the School of Visual Arts (2005) and an MFA at the New York Academy of Art (2007)\, and he continues to live and work in Brooklyn\, NY. \nBook + Banisadr Book Club | War + Apocalypse \nThursday\, May 7\, 2026\n6:00 PM–8:00 PM\nMuseum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\n255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg FL 33701 \n$25 for Members; $35 for Not-Yet-Members \nTICKETS \nTickets include program and 1 glass of wine. Additional wine available for purchase. \nNot yet a member?\nBecome a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers! \nMFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year\, early access to special exhibitions\, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine\, special member-only exclusive events\, and more. Bring the whole family! \nBECOME A MEMBER \n\nAbout Book + Bottle\n \nBook + Bottle is a bottle shop\, an independent bookstore\, a coffee café\, and a wine bar all rolled into one exquisite little package. They have the most passionate\, friendly\, and helpful team in town to help you choose a book or a bottle or to take care of you and your friends on your night off. \nThey’re an independent\, woman-owned\, values-driven\, sustainably run\, local-first business that believes little kindnesses can make our community—and the world—a better place. \nAbout The Stationary Shop by Marjan Kamali\n \nFrom the New York Times bestselling author of Together Tea and The Lion Women of Tehran\, a poignant\, “powerful” (The Wall Street Journal) and “affecting novel about first love” (Real Simple) that explores loss\, reconciliation\, and the quirks of fate. \nRoya\, a dreamy\, idealistic teenager living amid the political upheaval of 1953 Tehran\, finds a literary oasis in kindly Mr. Fakhri’s neighborhood stationery shop\, stocked with books and pens and bottles of jewel-colored ink. \nThen Mr. Fakhri\, with a keen instinct for a budding romance\, introduces Roya to his other favorite customer—handsome Bahman\, who has a burning passion for justice and a love for Rumi’s poetry—and she loses her heart at once. Their romance blossoms\, and the little stationery shop remains their favorite place in all of Tehran. \nA few short months later\, on the eve of their marriage\, Roya agrees to meet Bahman at the town square when violence erupts—a result of the coup d’etat that forever changes their country’s future. In the chaos\, Bahman never shows. For weeks\, Roya tries desperately to contact him\, but her efforts are fruitless. With a sorrowful heart\, she moves on—to college in California\, to another man\, to a life in New England—until\, more than sixty years later\, an accident of fate leads her back to Bahman and offers her a chance to ask him the questions that have haunted her for more than half a century: Why did you leave? Where did you go? How is it that you were able to forget me? \nSee ALL Book + Banisadr Book Club Dates and Times: \n\nMay 7\, 2026 @ 6 pm: Book + Banisadr Book Club | War + Apocalypse\nJune 4\, 2026 @ 6 pm: Book + Banisadr Book Club | Mythology + History\nJuly 2\, 2026 @ 6 pm: Book + Banisadr Book Club | Sound + Composition
URL:https://mfastpete.org/event/book-banisadr-book-club-1/
LOCATION:Museum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\, 255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg\, FL\, 33701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Program,Educational Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mfastpete.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Ali-Banisadr-Book-Club.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260517T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260517T150000
DTSTAMP:20260409T155753
CREATED:20251119T020321Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251119T020321Z
UID:10000544-1779026400-1779030000@mfastpete.org
SUMMARY:Language Tour Series | German-Speaking Tour with Anita Birrer
DESCRIPTION:Deutsch: Schließen Sie sich uns jeden dritten Sonntag um 14 Uhr im MFA für unsere neuen Sprachrundgänge an! Jeden Monat wird ein MFA-Museumsführer einen Rundgang in einer anderen Sprache als Englisch leiten und so eine einzigartige Möglichkeit bieten\, die Sammlung des Museums zu erleben. Egal\, ob Sie die Sprache fließend beherrschen\, Ihre Fähigkeiten üben möchten oder eine kunstvolle Möglichkeit suchen\, mit dem Lernen zu beginnen – diese Rundgänge sind eine großartige Gelegenheit\, sich durch Kunst und Kultur mit anderen zu verbinden! \nDiese öffentlichen\, von Museumsführern geleiteten Rundgänge sind im Eintrittspreis inbegriffen\, aber eine vorherige Anmeldung wird empfohlen\, damit die Führer wissen\, wie viele Teilnehmer sie während ihres Rundganges erwarten können. Die Plätze sind begrenzt – melden Sie sich noch heute an! \nKönnen Sie an diesem Datum nicht teilnehmen\, sind aber daran interessiert\, eine von einem Führer geleiteten Rundgang in einer anderen Sprache als Englisch zu buchen? Das MFA bietet derzeit Rundgänge in Russisch\, Spanisch\, Portugiesisch und Deutsch an! Bitte senden Sie uns eine E-Mail an tours@mfastpete.org\, um mehr zu erfahren. \nEnglish: Join us every third Sunday at 2 pm for the MFA’s Language Tour Series! Each month\, an MFA Docent will guide a tour in a language other than English\, offering visitors a fresh and immersive way to explore the museum’s collection. Whether you’re fluent\, practicing your language skills\, or just beginning your journey\, these tours offer a welcoming space to connect through art and culture. \nDocent-led Language Tours are free with museum admission\, but advance registration is recommended so our docents can plan for group size. Space is limited—reserve your spot today! \nInterested in a tour but can’t attend on this date? The MFA also offers docent-led tours in Russian\, Spanish\, Portuguese\, and German by request. Email us at tours@mfastpete.org to learn more. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLanguage Tour Series | German-Speaking Tour with Anita Birrer\nSunday\, May 17\, 2026\n2:00 PM–3:00 PM\nMuseum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\n255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg FL 33701 \nFREE for MFA Members; Included with the cost of admission for Not-Yet Members\nRegistration required. \nREGISTER \nCheck out the full Language Tour schedule here to find upcoming tours in your preferred language. \nNot yet a member?\nBecome a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!  \nMFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year\, early access to special exhibitions\, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine\, special member-only exclusive events\, and more. Bring the whole family! \nBECOME A MEMBER \n\nABOUT ANITA BIRRER/ÜBER ANITA BIRRER \n\n\nEnglish: My name is Anita Birrer\, and I successfully graduated from the MFA Docent Training Program on May 7\, 2022. As part of my commitment to the docent program\, I serve as a gallery guide on select Friday afternoons. \nI am a native Swiss\, born and raised in Luzern\, located in the German-speaking region of Switzerland. In everyday life\, we primarily speak Swiss German (Schweizerdeutsch)\, a collection of Alemannic dialects that vary by region. While Swiss German is used in daily conversation\, Standard German (Hochdeutsch) is employed in formal settings such as education\, media\, and written communication. Due to notable differences in pronunciation\, vocabulary\, and grammar\, Swiss German can be difficult for non-native speakers to understand—therefore\, I will be leading the German tours at the MFA in Standard German. \nI am a Swiss Federally Certified Adult Educator and have taught Swiss culture and Standard German to expatriates working for Swiss companies. I am well-traveled and fluent in English as well. \n\n\nDeutsch: Mein Name ist Anita Birrer. Ich bin Schweizerin\, in Luzern geboren und aufgewachsen. Ich spreche Schweizerdeutsch und Hochdeutsch (Muttersprache)\, Englisch und Französisch. Ich bin eidg. diplomierte Ausbilderin und habe in dieser Rolle während über 25 Jahren fremd- und deutschsprachige Menschen in der Schweiz im Umgang mit der Schweizer Kultur und der deutschen Sprache beraten\, ausgebildet und gefördert. \nIm Mai 2022 habe ich die Ausbildung zur MFA-Museumsführerin erfolgreich abgeschlossen. \nIn dieser Rolle interagiere ich jeden Freitagnachmittag mit Museumsbesuchern aller Altersgruppen\, Fähigkeiten und Hintergründe durch lebhafte\, anregende und unterhaltsame Gespräche über unsere ausgestellten Kunstwerke in den Galerien.
URL:https://mfastpete.org/event/german-speaking-tour-with-anita-birrer-5-17-26/
LOCATION:Museum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\, 255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg\, FL\, 33701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Program,FREE for MFA Members
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mfastpete.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Speaking-Tour_Anita-.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260528T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260528T190000
DTSTAMP:20260409T155753
CREATED:20260222T022958Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260222T022958Z
UID:10000586-1779991200-1779994800@mfastpete.org
SUMMARY:In Conversation: Sarah Ann Weber and Stefano Di Paola
DESCRIPTION:In Conversation: Sarah Ann Weber and Stefano Di Paola\n\nThe Museum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg welcomes contemporary artist Sarah Ann Weber for an intimate conversation with her gallerist\, Stefano Di Paola of Anat Ebgi. \nKnown for her richly layered works on paper\, Weber creates lush\, immersive environments that blur the boundaries between landscape\, memory\, and inner life. Working primarily in watercolor and colored pencil\, her practice explores cycles of growth and decay\, intimacy and transformation\, often drawing on personal experience to create psychologically charged\, dreamlike spaces. \nIn this conversation\, Weber and Di Paola will discuss the evolution of her practice\, the role of material and process in her work\, and the artist–gallerist relationship. Together\, they will reflect on how Weber’s imagery moves between the domestic and the wild\, the personal and the ecological\, offering insight into the ideas shaping her recent exhibitions and ongoing body of work. \n\n\nIn Conversation: Sarah Ann Weber and Stefano Di Paola \nThursday\, May 28\, 2026\n6:00 PM–7:00 PM\nMuseum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\n255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg FL 33701 \n$15 for MFA Members; $35 for Not-Yet-Members. \nTICKETS \nNot yet a member?\nBecome a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers!  \nMFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year\, early access to special exhibitions\, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine\, special member-only exclusive events\, and more. Bring the whole family! \nBECOME A MEMBER
URL:https://mfastpete.org/event/in-conversation-sarah-ann-weber-stefano-di-paola/
LOCATION:Museum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\, 255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg\, FL\, 33701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Program,Educational Event,Lecture / Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mfastpete.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/In-Conversation.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260604T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260604T200000
DTSTAMP:20260409T155753
CREATED:20260319T200828Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T012015Z
UID:10000602-1780596000-1780603200@mfastpete.org
SUMMARY:Book + Banisadr Book Club | Mythology + History
DESCRIPTION:Book + Banisadr Book Club | Mythology + History\nIn conjunction with Ali Banisadr: The Alchemist\, the MFA is proud to introduce the Book + Banisadr Book Club\, a three-part literary program that invites participants to immerse themselves into the complex\, turbulent worlds of Banisadr’s works through the lens of contemporary fiction that mimic the artist’s practice in both chaos and composure. \nHeld in partnership with Book + Bottle\, a beloved local independent bookstore and wine bar\, each session will focus on a thoughtfully selected book that echoes the figurative illusions rooted in autobiographical narratives\, sonic recollection\, invented stories\, world history\, collective memory\, and mythology embedded in the imagery of Ali Banisadr’s work. Through this one-of-a-kind pairing of literature and art\, historical themes will be reexamined against the dreadful\, real\, and unreal stories we tell ourselves. \nEach session will feature a specially paired wine and will be carefully facilitated to bridge the artworks in the exhibition to the relevant and resonant conversations shaping our society today. This month’s selection\, Black Leopard\, Red Wolf by Marlon James\, is an award-winning\, genre-defying novel that blends myth\, fantasy\, and African history in an epic quest to find a missing child—exploring truth\, power\, and the stories we choose to believe. \n\nDriving Banisadr’s practice is an encyclopedic knowledge of art history\, literature\, and philosophy\, references of which can be read in each work. His sprawling\, light-filled studio is filled with books and research material. Lining floor-to-ceiling bookshelves are tomes on everything from miniature painting to Bruegel and the Renaissance painter Hieronymus Bosch\, who has always been a huge influence\, as well as Dante Alighieri\, Rumi\, and Andrei Tarkovsky. “I have a group that I circle around and I always go back to\,” Banisadr says. “For example\, Dante’s Inferno or Homer’s Odyssey. I could keep reading and rereading these epic poems. To me they are so full of visual things.” \nBook + Banisadr Book Club | Mythology + History \nThursday\, June 4\, 2026\n6:00 PM–8:00 PM\nMuseum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\n255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg FL 33701 \n$25 for Members; $35 for Not-Yet-Members \nTICKETS \nTickets include program and 1 glass of wine. Additional wine available for purchase. \nNot yet a member?\nBecome a member today and enjoy all the benefits membership at the MFA offers! \nMFA Members enjoy free admission for an entire year\, early access to special exhibitions\, discounts at the MFA Shop and Café Clementine\, special member-only exclusive events\, and more. Bring the whole family! \nBECOME A MEMBER \n\nAbout Book + Bottle\n \nBook + Bottle is a bottle shop\, an independent bookstore\, a coffee café\, and a wine bar all rolled into one exquisite little package. They have the most passionate\, friendly\, and helpful team in town to help you choose a book or a bottle or to take care of you and your friends on your night off. \nThey’re an independent\, woman-owned\, values-driven\, sustainably run\, local-first business that believes little kindnesses can make our community—and the world—a better place. \nAbout Black Leopard\, Red Wolf by Marlon James\n \nOne of TIME’s 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time / Winner of the L.A. Times Ray Bradbury Prize / Finalist for the 2019 National Book Award / The New York Times Bestseller \nNamed a Best Book of 2019 by The Wall Street Journal\, TIME\, NPR\, GQ\, Vogue\, and The Washington Post \n“Gripping\, action-packed….The literary equivalent of a Marvel Comics universe.” –Michiko Kakutani\, The New York Times \nIn the stunning first novel in Marlon James’s Dark Star trilogy\, myth\, fantasy\, and history come together to explore what happens when a mercenary is hired to find a missing child. \nTracker is known far and wide for his skills as a hunter: “He has a nose\,” people say. Engaged to track down a mysterious boy who disappeared three years earlier\, Tracker breaks his own rule of always working alone when he finds himself part of a group that comes together to search for the boy. The band is a hodgepodge\, full of unusual characters with secrets of their own\, including a shape-shifting man-animal known as Leopard. \nAs Tracker follows the boy’s scent–from one ancient city to another; into dense forests and across deep rivers–he and the band are set upon by creatures intent on destroying them. As he struggles to survive\, Tracker starts to wonder: Who\, really\, is this boy? Why has he been missing for so long? Why do so many people want to keep Tracker from finding him? And perhaps the most important questions of all: Who is telling the truth\, and who is lying? \nDrawing from African history and mythology and his own rich imagination\, Marlon James has written a novel unlike anything that’s come before it: a saga of breathtaking adventure that’s also an ambitious\, involving read. Defying categorization and full of unforgettable characters\, Black Leopard\, Red Wolf is both surprising and profound as it explores the fundamentals of truth\, the limits of power\, and our need to understand them both. \nSee ALL Book + Banisadr Book Club Dates and Times: \n\nMay 7\, 2026 @ 6 pm: Book + Banisadr Book Club | War + Apocalypse\nJune 4\, 2026 @ 6 pm: Book + Banisadr Book Club | Mythology + History\nJuly 2\, 2026 @ 6 pm: Book + Banisadr Book Club | Sound + Composition
URL:https://mfastpete.org/event/book-banisadr-book-club-2/
LOCATION:Museum of Fine Arts\, St. Petersburg\, 255 Beach Drive NE\, St. Petersburg\, FL\, 33701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Program,Educational Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mfastpete.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Ali-Banisadr-Book-Club.jpg
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