Arts In

“We’re surrounded by materials. So there’s no reason to not make things.” If you’ve been in downtown St. Pete you have seen James Oleson’s work. The sculptor and muralist shares his infectious enthusiasm for creating public art that’s crafted as a gift to everyone who sees it. James talks about the sense of discovery in his work, and his collaborative projects with St. Petersburg’s Bloom Art Center. He explains in detail his process for creating Fire Sculptures, beautiful at every stage of their existence and especially when alive with 30-foot flames. And he gives us the philosophy of art he shares with children, “If you want to be an artist, you don’t need materials, you don’t need fancy things. You just are an artist and you make stuff out of stuff that’s around you.” You can find out more about James Oleson’s work at http://www.olesonart.com. Keep up with the happenings at Bloom Art Center at http://www.startbloomin.com. Arts In is produced by Matt and Sheila Cowley. Executive Producer, Barbara St. C