The best place to start is at the gem of Beach Drive, MFA St. Petersburg, where the museum of fine arts is getting ready to close the curtain on a career retrospective for Nina Yankowitz. A multi-and-inter-disciplinary artist if there ever was one, the 80-year-old quite literally practices everything, and “In the Out/Out the In” includes work from 1967 to the present day.
“She was constantly pushing media boundaries,” Katherine Pill, MFA St. Pete’s Senior Curator of Contemporary Art, told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. That’s even as critics like the late James R. Mellow were still describing female-led solo exhibits as “one-man shows.”
The MFA show includes plenty of canvas, not stretched, but draped instead—plus pleated and puckered, too. Some of it is ripped apart, then glued back together before it was met with paint that’s incredibly opaque and thick (Yankowitz would also squeeze them out of recycled ketchup and mustard bottles).
There’s a rhythm to much of the work as well, an almost visual language (see “Dilated Grain Reading: Scanning Reds and Blues”). Visitors are even greeted with the first notes of the “Star-Spangled Banner” painted on cotton duck; because it’s Yankowitz, the draped sound painting (“Oh Say Can You See”) is accompanied by audio of commissioned from Ken Warner who used a Moog to distort the national anthem well before Hendrix famously did it at Woodstock.
‘Dilated Grain Reading: Scanning Reds and Blues’ at Nina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. Pete
“Triangular Voice, Paragraph Reading,” is a triptych of sorts made of acrylic on porcelain enamel steel and includes an indented first panel. There’s also sprawling ceramic (“Hell’s BReath—A Vision of the Sounds Falling”), brand new work (“Closing Bells,” a boat breaking through the wall), and destroyed pieces reborn (“Frustration Morphs/Old to New StoryScape” a 1978 piece that had to be re-imagined in 2024).
The roughly 90 days since the exhibition opened have been jam-packed, too. In July, St. Petersburg composer The Honourable Elizabeth A. Baker staged a one-night-only concert inspired by works in the show (the CD is out now). A few weeks later, founders of St. Pete’s newspaper for queer women and nonbinary folks, The Sapphic Sun, led an event exploring the themes of activism, identity, and creative resistance. The publication—which got a big shoutout on “Late Night with Seth Meyers”—returns to the MFA this weekend.
The night before free museum day, the MFA hosts a closing party—with Yankowitz in attendance—where the Sapphic Sun crew will share not just their work, but multiple other feminist and lesbian publications from its archive. DJs, cocktails and more also also on tap for the nighttime party on Friday, Sept. 19.
Celebrate while curators—not politicians—can still present history and the arts, accurately. Some museums may require timed entry or advance registration, get links to more information, and all the museums participating in 2025’s free museum day in St. Petersburg, below.
Scroll even further to see photos from Nina Yankowitz’s “In the Out/Out the In” which is up at the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg through Sunday, Aug. 21.
Nina Yankowitz | In the Out/Out the In closing party
Time Fri., Sept. 19, 7-10 p.m. 2025
Location Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg, 255 Beach Dr NE, St. Petersburg
Description An art party for the closing of Nina Yankowitz’s In the Out / Out the In. The artist will be on site along with community members like publishers of St. Pete’s monthly queer and lesbian newspaper The Sapphic Sun. Every ticket includes one signature cocktail.
The Woodson African American Museum of Florida Start the day with a chance to “RelMagine” the “Black History Matters” mural that previously occupied its street. Guests are encouraged to wear yellow, green or red tops and dark bottoms for a 9 a.m. aerial photo. City staff will also hand out postcards of the now-covered mural. The rest of the day’s activities include face painting and drum circles. 2240 9th Ave. S, St. Petersburg. woodsonmuseum.org
Imagine Museum The National Pediatric Cancer Foundation drops in to honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Visitors at its contemporary glass art exhibits are encouraged to wear orange in solidarity and take advantage of store specials. While entry is free, visitors must reserve a time slot to enter. 1901 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. St. Petersburg. imaginemuseum.com
The Florida Holocaust Museum A great chance to see a tried-and-true museum a week after its long-awaited reopening following more than a year of renovations. 55 5th St. S, St. Petersburg. thefhm.org
The Dalí Museum Before murals were being erased from St. Pete streets, Dalíwas already bringing them indoors. For “Outside In,” 13 painters from across the world transformed the temporary exhibit space at the museum into an indoor mural festival. Lauren YS’ work—inspired in part by 1940’s “Daddy Longlegs of the Evening—lives next to trippy stuff from Naomi Haverland, an immersive Greg Mike, plus signature work from beloved locals like Nicole Salgar, Bask, Tes One, Chad Mize and Palehorse. 1 Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg. thedali.org
The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art The collection highlights tour is already sold-out, but that’s no excuse to not check out the more than 400 sculptures, paintings and jewelry celebrating the American West. 150 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. thejamesmuseum.org
St. Petersburg Museum of History There’s still time to register for the 9 a.m. “Rum Runners, Spaniards & Natives Tour of West St. Pete,” but if you don’t have to drop the $35-$45 ticket price to enjoy Sunshine City history at the oldest museum in town. 335 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. spmoh.com
Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center A short walk from the history museum, Tampa Bay Watch’s forward-facing outpost on the pier makes for a quick stop where visitors can get their feet wet (figuratively) as they start to grasp the why behind the nonprofit’s mission to restore and protect our estuary. 700 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. tbwdiscoverycenter.org
Nina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. Pete‘Dilated Grain Reading: Scanning Reds and Blues’ at Nina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. PeteNina Yankowitz’s ‘In the Out/Out the In’ which is at MFA St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida through Sept. 21, 2025. Credit: Photo c/o MFA St. Pete
Read his 2016 intro letter and disclosures from 2022 and 2021. Ray Roa started freelancing for Creative Loafing Tampa in January 2011 and was hired as music editor in August 2016. He became Editor-In-Chief...
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