A stunning new exhibit arrives this week in St. Pete: “Post-Historic.” In the exhibition, the filmmaker, photographer, and inter-disciplinary artist Luci Westphal explores the duality of St. Pete’s changing urban landscape.
Befitting the duality of the exhibition, the show will debut separately at two nearby galleries. There was a reception at Craftsman House (2955 Central Ave) on April 10. Another reception is set at a gallery housed in the real estate offices of Forever Florida (2629 Central Ave) on Saturday, April 12, 5 pm – 9 pm. A speaker panel will discuss the art and the city at Craftsman House on April 17, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
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Showcasing the old and new elements of life in St. Pete
Exhibition and Reception Details:
- Craftsman House (2955 Central Ave): Reception on April 10, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Forever Florida Gallery (2629 Central Ave): Reception on Saturday, April 12, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- A speaker panel discussing the art and the city will be held at Craftsman House on April 17, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The exhibition runs until April 27.
One of Westphal’s striking images, titled “Dream,” features a man rising on his toes, leaning over a city trash can. His arm disappears into the black bag of the can. Behind him, a mural‑painted building displays the word “DREAM” in bold blue block lettering, a nod to the notion that dreams are built on layers of history. A new tower rising over the mural, with its neat columns of windows, frames a construction crew in orange vests laboring high on pulley‑operated scaffolding. This scene captures the transient beauty of urban transformation—both the struggle and the splendor of rebuilding.
Westphal’s work juxtaposes old and new elements, often using construction‑related media such as wood, concrete, metal, and glass. In another piece, a construction site is transposed onto a chunk of particle board gathered from the same location, challenging viewers to reconsider the relationship between development and decay. “I don’t want to be lecturing with my work; I want people to have experiences…” Westphal explains, inviting audiences to engage with her art on a personal level.
Post-Historic is a love letter to St. Pete
The exhibition is more than an art show—it’s a love letter to St. Pete. Visitors can explore both galleries along Central Avenue, with each space offering a different perspective on the city’s rapid evolution. Starting at Craftsman House, guests walk toward the downtown skyline and new urban developments. Alternatively, beginning at the Forever Florida gallery offers a journey away from the new developments toward the historic Kenwood neighborhood and the evocative Craftsman House. Westphal is not arguing that urban change is inherently negative; rather, she invites viewers to reflect on how natural progression, diverse desires, and the passage of time shape our community.
“I live in an urban environment, thrive in an urban environment,” she says. Through her work, Westphal hopes to spark conversations about beauty, sustainability, and preservation, reminding us that every phase of urban evolution carries its own story.
For more of Luci Westphal’s work and additional details on “Post‑Historic,” check out her portfolio online.
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