Dazzio Art Experience exhibits Holocaust paintings at new location

“Life Drains Slowly at Birkenau” by Judith Dazzio

LANCE ROTHSTEIN ~ Tribune staff

Reposted from Tampa Tribune article originally published: October 23, 2015

After 25 years of providing art classes in St. Petersburg, Jay and Judith Dazzio have moved Dazzio Art Experience from their Central Avenue location to a newly renovated section of The Arts Exchange on 22nd Street South.

The new storefront of Dazzio Art Experience on 22nd St. South. – LANCE ROTHSTEIN / STAFF

As part of their reopening, a collection of Holocaust paintings by Judith Dazzio is on exhibit, featuring more than 20 of her works. The exhibit is also scheduled to be shown in New York in April.

“Several decades ago while in elementary school, my class was visited by a Holocaust Survivor, who’s story has stayed with me throughout my life. I can still see the numbers on her arms. I can see the faded pictures of her children who had been killed, and how she cried when speaking about them. I began this series ten years ago, basing many of the paintings on her story. Therefore, many are historical, limited to the Warsaw ghetto and Birkenaw. The rest of the paintings are in honor of her children, and all of the children lost or who bear the scars of having the live through that time. The paintings reflect my emotional reaction to the helplessness and fear that they must have felt. The historical paintings were also important because I wanted them to be accurate, creative and powerful. They had to show one artist’s vision and style. I believe that I have achieved a melding of historical facts with powerful paintings that evoke emotion and thought. I am pleased that the three paintings from this series that have been entered into competition have all won top international awards.” – Judith Dazzio

Judith Dazzio teaches Thursday at Dazzio Art Experience. More than 20 of her Holocaust paintings are exhibited at Dazzio’s new location., LANCE ROTHSTEIN/STAFF

The Arts Exchange is growing out of 50,000 square feet of warehouse space purchased last December by the nonprofit Warehouse Arts District Association at 22nd Street South and Fifth Avenue.

The association aims to develop affordable artist studios and create a sustainable arts community in St. Petersburg.

The first phase, construction of 28 artist studios, is set to begin in the next few months with a projected completion date of June.

 

LINKS:  Dazzio Art Experience, Warehouse Arts District St. Pete