St. Petersburg’s arts scene welcomed a fresh collaboration this weekend as painter‑sculptor Laura Spencer and mosaic artist George Oretkis opened their joint exhibition, Coalesce, at the Tully‑Levine Gallery. The show, announced on the local Arts Alive podcast, highlights the duo’s commitment to public‑scale art and underscores the city’s growing reputation as a hub for contemporary creators.
About the Artists
Laura Spencer, a native of St. Petersburg, works across painting, drawing, and steel sculpture. She creates much of her work in the spacious studio of fellow artist Mark Ayling, where she has access to large‑format fabrication equipment. Spencer’s pieces often explore the interplay of color and form, drawing inspiration from the city’s waterfront and historic neighborhoods.
George Oretkis, who moved to St. Petersburg at age four from Pennsylvania, has built a reputation for intricate mosaics and public installations. His work frequently incorporates community participation, reflecting the city’s collaborative spirit. Oretkis and Spencer share a common goal: to produce art that resonates beyond gallery walls and engages the public.
Coalesce: The Exhibition
The Coalesce show brings together Spencer’s vibrant canvases and Oretkis’s mosaic installations in a dialogue of texture and color. Visitors can expect large‑scale pieces that blend the tactile quality of steel and tile with the fluidity of paint. The exhibition’s title reflects the artists’ intention to merge their distinct mediums into a unified visual experience.
Opening Saturday, the gallery will host a reception featuring live music by local jazz trio The St. Pete Rhythm Section and a brief conversation with the artists about their creative process. The event is free and open to the public, reinforcing the gallery’s mission to make contemporary art accessible to all residents.
Community Impact
Both Spencer and Oretkis have a history of contributing public art to St. Petersburg’s streets, parks, and civic spaces. Their collaborative effort signals a continued investment in the city’s cultural infrastructure, aligning with recent municipal initiatives that support local artists through grants and public‑art commissions.
Mayor Rick Kruse’s office recently announced a new arts‑funding program that will allocate $500,000 over the next two years to support large‑scale installations in downtown neighborhoods. Projects like Coalesce demonstrate how private‑sector creativity can complement public‑sector support, enriching the city’s visual landscape and fostering a sense of shared identity among residents.
Podcast Spotlight
The Arts Alive podcast, produced by the St. Pete Catalyst, featured an interview with Spencer and Oretkis leading up to the opening. Host Bill DeYoung praised the artists’ dedication to community‑focused work and highlighted the show’s role in promoting local talent. The episode also included a special musical tribute from composer Jeremy Douglas, who blended Vince Guaraldi’s beloved Peanuts themes with a nod to Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five,” creating a whimsical backdrop for the conversation.
Listeners were invited to visit the gallery and experience the exhibition firsthand, reinforcing the podcast’s mission to bridge St. Petersburg’s cultural conversations with on‑the‑ground events.
Visit the Gallery
The Tully‑Levine Gallery is located in downtown St. Petersburg, a short walk from the waterfront and the historic Central Avenue district. The exhibition runs through November 30, with extended hours on weekends to accommodate visitors. For more information, see the gallery’s website or follow the Arts Alive podcast for future artist spotlights.
Original reporting: St. Pete Catalyst — read the source article.
