Florida NOW Opening Reception

On View: May 2 – June 13
Opening Reception: Saturday, May 9, 6-8pm
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Florida NOW is an exhibition of contemporary fine craft by artists from across Florida, highlighting work in traditional materials approached with fresh vision and urgency. Curated by Holly Hanessian, recently retired Head of Ceramics at Florida State University and a nationally respected artist and educator, the exhibition reflects the breadth and vitality of craft practice taking place throughout the state today.

Presented as part of Florida CraftArt’s 75th Anniversary, Florida NOW is one of two major exhibitions the organization is producing to mark this milestone year. Together, these exhibitions represent Florida’s contribution to Handwork 2026, a national initiative that uses craft as a lens to explore history, tradition, and contemporary practice in celebration of the United States’ Semiquincentennial.

By bringing together artists from diverse regions of the state, Florida NOW offers a focused snapshot of what craft in Florida looks like today—bold, skillful, and deeply connected to place, process, and lived experience.

𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿: Kathryn Howd and Edward Rucks
𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘀: Anderson Bucklew Foundation and Laura & Matt Bryant

Participating artists include: Wendy Bruce, Largo, fiber; Cheryl Dunnigan, Naples, jewelry; Marty Fielding, Tallahassee, clay; Samantha Freeman, Ocala, jewelry; Dominique Labauvie, Tampa, metal; Jillian Mayer, Miami, glass; Milton Mizell, Miami, wood; Charles Parkhill, Tampa, wood; Evelyn Politzer, Miami, fiber; Lauren Shapiro, Miami, clay; Rob Stern, Dania Beach, glass.