St. Pete pon-profit brings the magic of the theater to thousands of students
The Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts continues its mission to make live theater accessible to all students through its Class Acts: Youth Field Trip Series — a program that brings thousands of children from across Tampa Bay to The Mahaffey Theater each year for free educational performances.
On Monday, November 10th, Fox 13 cameras captured students arriving for La Maleta de Maebelle (Maebelle’s Suitcase) — a bilingual, one-woman show based on the beloved Reading Rainbow picture book.
The performance features a single actress shifting effortlessly between English and Spanish roles as she tells a touching story of friendship, identity, and belonging. The production highlights the power of language, culture, and storytelling, while underscoring the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and arts accessibility for every child in the community.
Empath Health, Nurse Next Door, and UNITY Moffitt Unite to Host Thanksgiving Dinner in St. Pete for Seniors
In the spirit of gratitude and community, Empath Health, Nurse Next Door, and UNITY Moffitt are joining forces to host the Nurse Next Door Thanksgiving Dinner, a free Friendsgiving celebration open to seniors in the community on Tuesday, November 25th, from 6:00–8:30 PM at Empath in St. Petersburg.
The evening will feature live entertainment, warm conversation, and a shared meal designed to foster compassion and connection among people. Seating is limited; early arrival is encouraged for this special community event.
Nurse Next Door, a home care/home health care agency serving Pinellas and Pasco Counties, is the sponsor and collaborator of this event — continuing its mission to make lives better and brighten the holidays for local families and seniors.
Students Explore Their Future at the Mahaffey Theater During BAM! Fest Career Day
The Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts invites the community to experience a truly inspiring event, the BAM! (Books, Art & Music) Outdoor Field Trip: Career Day, part of the Foundation’s acclaimed Class Acts Program, taking place Tuesday, October 21, at 10:30 AM at the Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater.
“BAM! Fest brings the arts, community, and career discovery together in a way that sparks imagination and purpose,” said Katrina Young, Vice President, Arts Education & Entertainment for the Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts. “For many students, it’s their first time experiencing the Mahaffey Theater and meeting professionals who show them just how many exciting paths their future can take.”
This dynamic and educational day will welcome more than 800 students from local schools for an engaging morning of hands-on learning, creativity, and career exploration. Students will meet real-life professionals representing a wide range of fields, from dancers, actors, and stage technicians to first responders, paramedics, and even wildlife handlers, discovering how passion and profession come together in our community.
Each student will also take home a free book, reinforcing the Foundation’s mission to make the arts and literacy accessible to every child.
Applications Now Open for Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts Emerging Artists Program
Gasparilla Arts (GA) is now accepting applications for its Emerging Artists Program at the Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, which offers aspiring artists a platform to showcase their work at one of the nation’s premier outdoor fine art festivals. The Festival will take place February 28 – March 1, 2026, in Tampa, Florida.
The Gasparilla Arts Emerging Artists Program allows up-and-coming artists to present and sell their work to a large audience in a professional setting—often for the first time. Selected artists will gain invaluable exposure and the opportunity to connect with thousands of art enthusiasts, collectors, and patrons.
Salvador Dali protege unveils new 3D art exhibit at Mahaffey Theater
The Mahaffey Theater is known for its live theatrical and musical performances, but on Thursday, it debuts an actual art exhibit that will grace the walls of its lobby for the next few months.
Louis Markoya is one of the only artists still around who can say they painted right alongside Salvador Dali, and you can see Dali’s influence in every one of his works in the new exhibit, “Fluid Dreams.”