Some of St. Pete’s most unique art shows don’t just stand out for the art, but also for the unmatched experience the pop-up galleries put on. Populoum, founded in St. Pete by Stephanie Agudelo, has been hosting one of the city’s most popular running (and rotating) art programs for the last two years.

Rather than a sedate solo gallery lasting for days or weeks, Populoum turns the art viewing experience into a one-night spectacle, bringing a night festival feel to Grand Central in the monthly themed shows. Agudelo’s events are group showcases of local artists, giving up-and-coming artists a chance to display their work, paired with performance art, live music, food trucks, drinks, local artisans, and much more.

It’s that combination of beautiful art displayed in the same room as, say, a fire performer – with tacos and beer in hand – that has made Populoum’s shows such a popular attraction (not to mention the unique venue space at Coastal Creative). And by rotating themes and artists, no experience is ever the same, as artists are given the theme of the show and then allowed to create whatever inspires them.

St. Pete’s most unique one-night art experiences

Sometimes the themes are as simple as “Blue,” (that one turned out some amazing work), as timely as Halloween Weekend’s “Fright Night” gallery, or as wacky and local as the hugely popular “Weird Florida” show.

Populoum’s next show is a triple feature on Saturday, January 14, from 7-11 pm. “Renovate” is a combo fashion show and art gallery where artists are encouraged to get out of their comfort zone to start the new year and try something new. Upcycled fashion designer Tailor Sallee is hosting the fashion show with Neon Dreams Productions. Alongside it, “In Between” will be a showcase of three local artists’ collections, highlighting the work of Ora Fraze, Dana Blickensderfer, and Agudelo herself. And meanwhile, there will be fire performances in the main warehouse by fire.faerialist, a live painting, a local market, and food from Mom’s Good Catering.

More upcoming shows include the Lonely Hearts anti-Valentine’s show on February 11; the Renaissance-themed Venetian on March 25; and one that we personally can’t wait for – Aliens vs Cowboys on April 22. Populoum’s monthly themed shows are hosted at Coastal Creative, located at 2201 1^st Ave S, though other shows are often held at a variety of locations around town.

Entertainment at the Populoum shows runs the gamut from live painting or body piercing to burlesque shows or aerial performances. These Populoum events are also where we discovered the new St. Pete taco star, Birria Bros, as there is always something tasty to eat from a rotating cast of local food trucks. Agudelo also curates small markets made up of local vendors for the shows, bringing together so many of the Burg’s favorite things.

Populoum provides incredible opportunity for local artists

Of course, it’s not just the guest experience that makes Populoum so important to the local art community. So much of Populoum’s value lies in the opportunity it affords local artists, particularly those who are new to the field or struggling to break through.

At nearly every show, you’ll find multiple artists who are displaying their work for the very first time, getting the chance they need to show off their talents, make connections and, if things go well, make a few sales, as well. A photographer and artist herself, Agudelo knows how impactful it can be to get that first opportunity, and that was the inspiration for her to start Populoum and these shows.

In the two-ish years since starting these shows, Agudelo says Populoum has hosted more than 300 artists for their first-ever gallery showing. The chance to be a part of the shows has led to multiple apprenticeships, invitations to larger galleries, and even opportunities to collaborate with some of the city’s most-celebrated artists.

In fact, it was a similar such opportunity that led to Populoum getting its start in the first place. When Coastal Creative was founded back in 2020, Agudelo was working with the company as a photographer. When it came time for their grand opening party, owner Zach Moore thought including an art gallery would be a fun touch, so he came to Agudelo: “You know a lot of artists around town. Do you think we could pull it off?”

Agudelo accepted the challenge, and as it turns out, they more than pulled it off. Now, Agudelo’s big shot has turned into hundreds of big breaks for other local artists.

“I give that opportunity to artists that are just starting out in the community, because I feel like everyone deserves a chance,” she said. “Not everyone should have to be climbing up that ladder. I love getting to know artists in this way, by helping them out. How can I better facilitate your artistry?”

Find more on Populoum and Agudelo’s upcoming shows at populoum.com or on instagram. Artists and vendors interested in being a part of future shows are encouraged to visit the website for application information, as well.