St. Pete is a living tapestry, and one of its newest spaces for art has become a star in its first year in the city. The Werk Art Gallery and Object Lab opened last spring at 2210 1st Avenue South in the Grand Central District, a new hub for art, gifts and more.

This May, the outstanding artistic venue may have the most exciting month of its young run in the city, hosting an incredible lineup of shows, classes and more.

First up is the big show – Fire Island 1970s: The Photography of Mary Meisler, which opens on May 17. Meisler’s iconic photos of the famous (and occasionally infamous) parties on Fire Island in the late ’70s are some of the greatest visuals of the time showcasing that era of uninhibited, all-night partying and dancing in coastal New York. The opportunity to see them up close and in person at the gallery will be a rare treat for locals here in St. Pete.

As part of the opening weekend festivities, The Werk is partnering with COCKtail St. Pete – located at 2355 Central Avenue – to host a pair of Fire Island Tea Dances. The parties take place on the evenings of Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19, and we certainly recommend making it a double feature – stopping into The Werk for your Fire Island inspiration, then heading to the party to bring it to life.

Join the Second Saturday Night Market at The Werk

If there is one thing around this city that we know for sure to be true, it is this: St. Petians love a good market. Naturally, then, we were excited when The Werk announced its new Second Saturday ArtMart Nite Market, an exhibition of local artists, handmade creations, stunning jewelry, and some of the area’s best vendors.

We particularly love that this market takes place during the cooler evening temps, taking place from 5-9 pm, and we certainly don’t hate that there are so many great restaurants and bars in the neighborhood to visit before or after. If you’re interested in vending at future Second Saturday Nite Markets send an email at thewerkgallery@gmail.com with ArtMart Nite Market in the subject line.

Learn watercolor painting at The Werk

What’s better than viewing great art? Creating it all on your own. St. Pete has tons of ways to get hands on with art, and this latest one from The Werk is one of our favorites. In partnership with local artist Samson Huang, The Werk is hosting Chinese Ink & Watercolor Workshops, which give us the opportunity to learn from an expert and create our own gorgeous paintings.

The next class is on Thursday, May 16 from 6-8 pm, and limited spots remain for the immersive workshop. As part of the class, guests will get an overview of the history, philosophy, and cultural context of Chinese ink and brush painting; receive instruction on brush handling, ink mixing, and various brushstrokes used in traditional East Asian painting; and create their own work with hands-on practice and brushstrokes, ending with participant creating their own name in Chinese characters and in English.

The Werk Art Gallery & Object Lab is a hotspot for all things beautiful

The reimagined space is home to two complementary concepts, both of which showcase local artists and their incredible work. As you enter, The Werk Art Gallery is home to a curated list of rotating exhibits featuring an amazing array of local artists. As you walk through the gallery, the space opens up into The Object Lab, a one-of-a-kind art and gift store offering a deep selection of beautiful pieces, from greeting cards, oil paintings and jewelry, to antique pottery, altered vintage clothing and even a sticker bar.

Between it all, The Werk has become a hotspot in St. Pete for all things art and antiques. The gallery has played host to a tremendous lineup of exhibitions, and has plenty in store for the spring and summer season

The Object Lab is St. Pete’s home décor and gift shop

However, while the gallery space is what draws many people in for the first time (we certainly recommend stopping by as part of the Second Saturday Art Walk), it’s The Object Lab that can make you lose hours to browsing. Whether admiring artwork, sniffing candles, or trying on hand-painted tees, the shop is packed full of delights for any taste or inclination.

You can find vintage scarves and signed ephemera on the same wall as luxury handbags and altered vintage jackets created by Spenny Lane. You’ll find pottery dating back 800 years to the Ming Dynasty on a shelf next to pottery only a few weeks old created by a local artist.

In the same place, you can get a quirky $4 sticker or a funny gift card, or spring for high end art pieces or jewelry. The job they have done stocking The Object Lab is outstanding, making it feel like you’re walking around a colorful combination of a museum, gift shop, and arts and crafts store.

Follow The Werk on Instagram and Facebook to learn more and get updates on their upcoming events and exhibitions. The Werk Gallery and The Object Lab are open 12-5 pm Thursday-Sunday, plus special exhibition nights, at 2210 1st Avenue South.