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T. PETERSBURG, FL — Forever Florida Real Estate owner Delia Davidson has a passion for contemporary art that led her to create an unconventional gallery space in her office on Central Avenue in St. Pete's Grand Central District. Artist-in-residence Wasíl curates the exhibits, showcasing local artists' work in two galleries: one in the front and one in the back.

    The back gallery features Wasíl's own rotating exhibit, while the front gallery highlights a different local artist each month. Currently on display are pen-and-ink and watercolor works by James Hartzell, inspired by memory maps and landscapes. The show's opening celebration is part of St. Petersburg's monthly art walk on Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m.

    Upcoming artists include Luci Westphal in April, OLMY in May, Mark Williams in June, Saumitra Chandratreya in July, and more. Wasíl praises the non-traditional space for offering solo exhibitions that allow artists to showcase their breadth and scope. "It's a rare thing, especially when you don't have to share the limelight," Hartzell said.

    Westphal hopes other businesses will follow Forever Florida Real Estate's lead in supporting local art. "Non-traditional exhibit spaces bring more opportunities to artists, especially emerging ones," she said. Wasíl sees these showcases as a way to make art accessible to everyone, sparking imagination and introducing people to new experiences. The next closing reception, featuring poetry readings and conversation with the artist James Hartzell, will take place on March 30.