Presenting

Sisterhood was the theme of the 2016 Working Women Conference held at The Straz Center for the Performing Arts on September 8th and 9th, 2016. More than 300 entrepreneurs and executives attended the emotion-packed program. Jessica Rivelli, Working Women Founder, was proud to present keynote speakers including celebrity brand strategist Brandi Kamenar, Deborah Ellinger, CEO of Ideal Image and TV actress Alexis Carra. Other notable speakers such as Melissa Dohme, Melissa Wandall and St. Pete Deputy Mayor Kanika Tomalin all shared their stories of triumphing over tragedy. "Working Women (of Tampa Bay) brings so many women together to share their strengths and build each other up," said Dohme. "It's important to know you're not alone and there are others you can lean on in your time of need." You don't have to wait until next year's conference to collaborate and connect. Working Women of Tampa Bay hosts 20 events a month. Visit them at WorkingWomenofTampaBay.com to learn more. "As individual women we are strong, together we are unstoppable!" is fall, the Morean Arts Center celebrated the grand unveiling of its famed Chihuly Collection in its new home. It was a fantastic party as Dale Chihuly's breathtaking, multi-faceted glasswork took up residence in an exciting downtown space, breathing new life into the art that has delighted admirers the world over for years. If you have ever experienced a Chihuly art installation, you already know that Dale takes the field of glassblowing to a completely unique level. When asked what sparks such imaginative shapes and colors, he admits that the process itself is what truly inspires him—"the wondrous event of blowing human air down a blowpipe and out comes this form." But everything in the world around him serves as a source for more ideas, from beautiful architecture to influential films and books: anything that catches his attention and ignites a glimmer of a concept, mirroring the glow of the torch and kiln. Treat yourself to a visit to the Morean Arts Center and view the collection—stunning chandeliers and vibrant sculptures—in its new Central Avenue location directly across from the Center itself. is venue showcases the glasswork in a sprawling 11,000 square feet of indoor space, and another 4,000 square feet in the great outdoors. The Morean Arts Center 719 Central Ave | St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | (727) 822-7872 Dale Chihuly The Chihuly Collection " I want people to be overwhelmed with light and color in a way they have never experienced. " THE ARTS A valuable fixture in the cultural community of St. Petersburg for almost 100 years, the Morean Ar ts Center is on a mission to make a real connection between people and ar t. Daily programming engages visitors to the exhibits at the Ar ts Center itself, the Morean Glass Studio & Hot Shop, the Center for Clay and, of course, the Chihuly Collection. Visit MoreanArtsCenter.org for more information. D I Y The Glass Studio & Hot Shop gives visitors the opportunity to witness this centuries- old art form firsthand. Observe artisans at work on their craft or register for your very own Hot Shop Glass Experience. Special offerings include Ladies Night, Mother's Day and Father's Day gift-making sessions, and even a Hot Date in the Hot Shop option for a very special Friday night outing designed for two. Subscribe at GravitasMag.com | 69

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