Art News: Gasparilla Arts, Zulu Painter's Black History Bus Wrap

TAMPA BAY, FL — The Tampa Bay area's arts scene continues to thrive. Here's the latest news and events from the area.

Gasparilla Festival Of The Arts Goes Virtual For 51st Event

The Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts 51st event will be held for the first time in a virtual format. As with tradition, the festival will take place the first weekend in March — March 6-7.

Zulu Painter Creates Bus Wrap In Honor Of Black History Month

Zulu Painter created a vibrant mural featuring civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion in Pinellas County.

Bookstore1Sarasota Celebrates 10 Years Of Bookselling, Community

When it came time for Georgia Court, a writing instructor at the University of Cincinnati, to retire in 2009, she knew immediately that she wanted to move to Sarasota. In addition to the weather, she was drawn to the city's arts and cultural offerings, she said. "That included a wonderful bookstore."

Edison Students Get Gift Of Reading During Black History Month

It began as a modest project to purchase 100 books to hand out to elementary school students in honor of Black History Month and the Hillsborough County School District's African American Read-In initiative. But it spring boarded into a lot more.

New Murals Celebrate Sarasota Chamber’s Centennial Anniversary

Two 30-foot murals celebrate the history of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and historic figures from the area.

Upcoming Art Events:

• USF Student Choreographed Virtual Dance Concert, Friday, 7:30 p.m. Watch on YouTube.
• American Stage Presents “Satchmo at the Waldorf,” virtual recorded performance available through Feb. 28.
• Steinway Piano Series, Sunday, 4 p.m. Watch on YouTube.
• USF Woodwind Faculty Recital, Sunday, 6 p.m.
• 4th Annual Pride Music and Art Festival 1st Rehearsal, Monday, 7 p.m., Sparkman Wharf, 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa
• Drive ‘N Drag, Tuesday, 7 p.m., Westfield Brandon, 459 Brandon Town Center Drive, Brandon.
• ABBA Mania, Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., Duke Energy Center for the Arts in St. Petersburg