The Latest Exhibit to Explore at the CRA’s Arts Warehouse
The heat is on at Arts Warehouse—literally and creatively. The latest exhibition, Summer Heat, invites viewers to immerse themselves in a vibrant, multifaceted interpretation of Florida’s most intense season. Featuring 32 works by 25 Florida-based artists, the show explores everything from nature and nostalgia to discomfort and delight—all through the lens of summer’s emotional and environmental extremes.
The idea for Summer Heat stemmed from a desire to host an open call exhibition. “We wanted to host an Open Call for Art, which is an opportunity for any artist to submit works to be considered for inclusion in the exhibition,” said Program Director Grace Gdaniec. “The timing of the available months for this exhibition inspired us to lean in to the season of Summer.”
The theme was kept broad to encourage creative range. “We wanted to remain broad in the theme, leaving it open to interpretation,” Grace explained.
Arts Warehouse Assistant María Alcala Barceló who was part of the art selection shared a similar view. “‘Summer heat’ was inspired by the varied nature of the summer in Florida,” she said. “We were looking for diverse works that were inspired by all the different and heightened emotions and energies one perceives from the summer—from relaxation, passion, and color, to tension, and even discomfort.”
With over 130 artists submitting multiple works, the review process was collaborative and extensive. “Each entry was reviewed by Arts Warehouse staff (Program Director and Arts Warehouse Assistant) which included viewing images, reading artist statements and statements or descriptions about the pieces, and giving each piece a score.,” said Grace. The final selections included 32 works by 25 artists—18 of whom are exhibiting at Arts Warehouse for the first time.
“During the process of scoring and revision… it was amazing to notice great works by artists we didn’t know,” said María. “It kind of added to the excitement to consider that we’re giving this opportunity to those artists that are new to the gallery.”
Once on site, the exhibition came to life. “I think the end result feels really cohesive while including a variety of media—photography, wood sculpture, painting, cement—and subject matter,” Grace added.
The works pulse with contrasting summer energies. “There are many representations of nature, water… ice cream and even termite swarms, warming climate, memories, the outdoors,” said Grace. “The exhibition ebbs and flows between comfort and discomfort. Overall the visual experience is vibrant and even playful.”
For María, the personal connections stood out. “The color of some pieces reminds me of being hot in the particularly humid and steamy weather at a swamp in one of Florida’s natural preserves, while the shapes of others remind me of a refreshing ice cream cone by the beach.”
Beyond its visual appeal, Summer Heat reinforces Arts Warehouse’s mission. “I hope that visitors to the show get to know these Florida based artists from our local cities and counties, and enjoy viewing the varied interpretations of the theme. Being able to exhibit such a large number of local artists in one exhibition is a wonderful opportunity to give these artists an audience that will hopefully expand even after the exhibition is over,” Grace said.
María added, “The artists for Summer Heat that created these encourage our objective of promoting emerging and mid-range artists in a space where residents and locals can immerse themselves in the experience of art, and I’d love for visitors to consider our gallery spaces as a destination to which they can come back to.”
Summer Heat is on view now through August 23rd at Arts Warehouse. Stop by to explore the contrasts, embrace the color, and connect with Florida’s creative community.
