One of the stalwarts of the St. Petersburg arts scene has announced his retirement. In a press release today, celebrated caretaker of the arts Bob Devin Jones announced that he will be retiring from Studio@620 in June of 2024, with Erica Sutherlin tapped to take over as the Artistic Executive Director.

Most recently serving as the Director of Community Engagement with American Stage, Sutherlin has been an integral part of the local arts community for more than 15 years. She has become a luminary through her work on projects such as Voodoo Macbeth at Studio@620 and the direction of American Stage’s Ragtime, in the park, as well as serving for nine years teaching at the award-winning Pinellas County Center for the Arts at Gibbs High School.

Jones was the co-founder of Studio@620 some 20 years ago, and his leadership has not only made Studio@620 a hub for artistic endeavors, but has also been integral to the explosive growth of the local arts scene over the last two decades. Jones will remain in his current day-to-day role until June 2024, and during the transition there will be several important programs to mark and celebrate the contributions of Jones and late co-founder Dave Ellis.

“I am absolutely delighted that Erica Sutherlin will be helming Studio@620,” Jones said. “She has a tenacity and an unparalleled artistic vision. After nearly twenty years of the Studio being a yes in the community, I am certain the renaissance will continue under Erica’s stewardship.”

Sutherlin holds a Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television Production from University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts and a Bachelors of Art in Theatre and Dance Performance from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She has directed numerous theatrical productions; the Lifetime Network’s Kirk Franklin’s A Gospel Christmas movie; co-wrote Voodoo Macbeth (film) and is in development with Village Roadshow. Currently, she’s in pre-production for In the Blood by Susan Lori-Parks at the University of South Florida.

“I am so honored and humbled to have the opportunity to helm an arts organization in St. Pete,” Sutherlin said. “It’s been a dream of mine. I want to thank the community and its stakeholders for supporting and celebrating me through this transition and beyond. I look forward to supporting local arts and artists, saying YES to creative endeavors, and celebrating a vibrant diverse community. Yes, I’m excited about celebrating you, the community.”

American Stage, whose Producing Artistic Director Helen R. Murray praised Sutherlin’s contributions, said the duties of the Community Engagement Director will be absorbed by the Artistic Department until the role can be filled next year.

Terry Marks, CEO St. Petersburg Arts Alliance remarked on the appointment saying: “Erica Sutherlin is an outstanding example of an arts leader with skill, talent, vision, and humanity. We cannot wait to see the results of her influence on Studio@620 and all of St. Pete!”

Founded in 2004, Studio@620 is a non-profit visual and performing arts hub in downtown St. Pete, with thousands of artists, audience members and volunteers coming together to enjoy creative and social programming. It has been a home for several long-running signature events and series, including Radio Theatre Project, Through Our Eyes: Midtown and Beyond, The Holizaar: Handmade Holiday Arts Bazaar; Poetry Open Mic; and Wordier Than Thou.