The Pinellas Arts Village
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The Pinellas Park Creative District is not yet a district at all, but rather a growing concentration of artists and creative businesses, in an area of the city that is emerging as a new venue for arts-related events. This area currently extends from the 5600 Block north of Park Boulevard, to Park Station located at 5681 Park Boulevard and housing the Pinellas Park / Gateway Chamber of Commerce, Pinellas Park Art Society, and Pinellas Park Historical Society. Beginning with a community vision developed during the Pinellas Park Better Block in October, 2015, this area continues to evolve through the efforts of a growing number of arts and entertainment destinations and continued support by the Community Redevelopment Agency.
The Pinellas Arts Village, extending along the north side of Park Boulevard from the 5600 to the 5800 Blocks, began taking form in 2013 following purchase by the CRA of multiple properties in the 5600 Blocks. One by one, existing storefronts have been renovated to create business incubators for artists and other creative enterprises. The 5600 Block is now home to Pompei Studios, Swartz Gallery, the Studios at 5663, and Painting with a Twist of Pinellas Park. Bottles Pub, for decades a local destination, has embraced the village by developing an outdoor beer garden and a wide selection of craft beers, as well as hosting artist-sponsored events.
The 5700 Block of Park Boulevard has also seen dramatic changes during this period: a development agreement supportive of small, affordable cottages; two live-work units on 75th Avenue; a community garden and art space at the gARTen; a new public parking area; and most recently, the construction of a shipping container artist live-work unit facility fronting Park Boulevard that was featured on HGTV earlier this month. Donnelly COVE, the Complete Sweet Shoppe, and Wordier Than Thou Bookstore are now drawing visitors to the area, and additional development is anticipated in this block.
In the 5800 Block, the popular Pinellas Park Art Society offers a full schedule of classes, shows, and gatherings at the landmark Park Station building at 5851 Park Boulevard. During Art Walk, the Society holds a monthly open house and reception at its office and classroom space.
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