History
Where it all started...
The Vision
The Studio @ 620 is the brainchild of Artistic Directors David Ellis and Bob Devin Jones along with a host of hard working board members, volunteers, patrons, and visionaries. The idea grew out a core belief that art and diversity play a crucial role in the lives of individuals and communities. The primary goal of The Studio@620 is to bring together people from various cultural backgrounds and experiences, as artists, audience members, and volunteers. “When you pass through the doors of The Studio, look to be entertained, educated, and challenged by art, heritage, history, song, literature, theater, moving pictures, and moving bodies through space.” says Bob Devin.
Ribbon Cutting
On December 30, 2004 at 11:00 am the offical ribbon cutting ceremony was held with much excitement and anticipation. A large group gathered at 620 1st Avenue South to witness the birth of a new venue in historic downtown St. Petersburg.
The First Events & Exhibits
The Studio@620's first program was called “Grand Ma’s Hands : One Hundred Years of African American Quilting”. The program’s opening night was part of the City of St. Petersburg “First Night” Celebration on Friday, December 31 and ran through February.
A wide variety of events were soon making their way to The Studio@620 during the first year including “Say What” – a spoken word celebration; “Film Noir” – a film festival; “Outside it was Hot ” – by Neverne Covington; and “The Florida Highwaymen - Further Down The Road ” – an exibition of paintings.
