SHINE St. Pete Mural Festival

           Returning for its 12th year, the SHINE St. Pete Mural Festival again ignited St Petersburg, the “City of the Arts”, with spectacular large-scale murals and special events, running November 6–15, 2026. 

There was a choice to take the walking tour, but I decided to do the tour using the Star Trolley who had onboard an exceptional and knowledgeable moderator who happened to be a SHINE employee.

Since 2015, nearly 200 murals have been created throughout the arts districts, with a lineup of top contemporary local, national and international artists.

St. Petersburg has more than 800 murals, but over 150 of them are created through the Shine Mural Festival. If you want to see the murals, check the SHINE Mural Festival website or the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance for current locations, artist info, and event details.

 

https://www.shineonmurals.com/about

https://stpeteartsalliance.org

https://www.star-trolley.com/murals/

All the best,

GMarie

The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art

 

October 12, 2026 is Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the United States, observed on the second Monday of October and recognized in many states alongside or instead of Columbus Day. The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, located in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, was offering free admission to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day so I decided to schedule a visit. The museum has immersive journey into the landscapes, cultures, and wildlife of the American West focusing on Western landscapes, Native American culture, and wildlife subjects.

The moment you step inside, the building’s sculpted stone walls and warm desert tones create the feeling of entering a canyon carved by time. The museum’s founders, Tom and Mary James, built the collection over decades, gathering works that celebrate the people, wildlife, and sweeping landscapes of the West.

Paintings capture the glow of sunset over open plains; bronze sculptures freeze moments of movement—galloping horses, soaring birds, and quiet scenes of daily life.

The museum also highlights Native American artists whose work blends tradition with contemporary expression, offering perspectives that enrich and complicate the story of the West.

Whether you are an art lover, a history enthusiast, or simply exploring St. Petersburg’s vibrant cultural district, the James Museum offers a uniquely transporting experience.

All the best,

GMarie

Free Museum Day in St. Petersburg, Florida

       Free Museum Day in St. Petersburg Florida is held annually each September offering free admission to multiple museums and cultural sites for residents and visitors. It’s a citywide celebration of art, history, and culture where Pinellas County residents and many visitors can enjoy free entry to participating venues. Inspired by the Smithsonian’s Free Museum Day, this annual event makes St. Pete’s cultural offerings accessible to all, encouraging exploration of both world-renowned collections and local gems.

     There were eleven museums that participated. I selected to visit The Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, Museum of Fine Arts and St. Petersburg Museum of History.

So, 1st stop, …….

     The Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, located in St. Petersburg, Florida, is dedicated to preserving, presenting, and interpreting African American history. Named after Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a prominent African American historian and civil rights activist known as the founder of Black History Month.

     Established in 2006, the museum serves as a vital resource for the community, showcasing a variety of exhibits and events that highlight the contributions of African Americans.

https://woodsonmuseum.org/

 

2nd stop:

     Museum of Fine Arts presented New African Masquerades: Artistic Innovations and Collaborations, an exhibition showcasing the work of four contemporary West African artists: Chief Ekpenyong Bassey Nsa, Sheku “Goldenfinger” Fofanah, David Sanou, and Hervé Youmbi, highlighting their unique contributions to masquerade traditions. The exhibition emphasizes individual artists' stories and the cultural significance of their works, challenging historical narratives about African art.

https://mfastpete.org/art/exhibitions/on-view/

 

3rd stop:

     St. Petersburg Museum of History. I focused on the history of the Seminole people in St. Petersburg and their tie to their resistance against U.S. military efforts in the 19th century, with many Seminoles evading capture and maintaining their culture. Today, the Seminoles are recognized as the "Unconquered People," and they continue to celebrate their heritage through traditional ceremonies and community events.

https://historystpete.org/exh.../seminole-people-of-florida/

     Free Museum Day was fun! What a well-coordinated and culturally enriching way to spend the day exploring multiple facets of St. Petersburg’s art and history in a single day!

 

All the best,

GMarie

The Magicians Table, Straz Center, Jaeb Theater in Tampa, Florida

             The Magicians Table invites guests into an intimate world of mystery, illusion, and storytelling. At the theater, the set is constructed like a warehouse of the late magician and carnival owner Dieter Roterburg. This is an interactive two-hour show which combines close-up magic, live theater, and music into one unforgettable evening.

The guests are seated inches away from the most talented magicians, witnessing mind-bending illusions performed right at their tables. Each magician (typically four) brings a unique style and personality, creating a dynamic showcase of close-up magic.

Throughout the evening, Calliope, Dieter’s devoted widow, guides the audience through a theatrical celebration of her late husband’s life. She shares intimate stories, cherished memories, and reflections along with Dieter’s closest friends and fellow magicians. They honor his legacy through a collection of captivating performances filled with curiosity and humor.

For one of the performances, each of us at the table pulled paper instructions from a Top Hat (like playing UNO). The Top Hat landed in front of me, which made me the selected Magician for this set. I donned the top hat and listened to the instructions given to me by one of the participants at the table. In front of me was a pad locked box. Based on the instructions, we had to figure out the four number combo to unlock the box. The first set of the instructions did not deactivate the padlock.

 The last set of instructions informed us to insert the four-digit year of the oldest person at our table. After a query of the table, the older person was born in 1952. I plugged that number into the padlock and the box opened! Inside the box was a folded and sealed letter. 

            On the outside of the letter, it said, “Read Me….” I opened the letter. The first line of the letter informed, “TO BE READ ALOUD.” I read the letter to the table, and this is what it said:

“Remember that our magician was chosen COMPLETELY AT RANDOM – using instructions drawn, in any order, out of the Top Hat.

But every trick needs a kicker…..a PREDICTION.

Our magician could only have been ONE person – as the fates decided.

Take a bow, for you were amazing….

GINA!"

Wow! Who would have thought that inside the locked box was a letter addressed to me!! Now that’s MAGIC!!

Blending comedy, storytelling, live music, and breathtaking magic, The Magicians Table creates an immersive night designed to astonish magic lovers. The Magicians Table run through May 31, 2026, at the Straz Center, Jaeb Theater in Tampa Florida. The experience will be magical!!

https://www.strazcenter.org/events/the-magicians-table/

 

All the best,

GMarie