“Wearable Art” Exhibit Brings Unique Fashion to Storefront Windows

A partnership between the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency and local artists brought about an innovative way to bring life to storefronts in Downtown Clearwater.

Local business owner and artist Lina Teixeira combined two of her passions in bringing a stunning art exhibit of “wearable art” to the 500 block of Cleveland Street this year.

Her love for art and her drive to help revitalize Clearwater’s downtown shows through in the exhibit she brought front and center to vacant storefronts, with the help of several local artists and a commission from the Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency.

In January 2021, the first phase of the program proved to be a successful initiative to address blight and vacancy in downtown, using artists to provide a unique and distinctive experience for visitors. The art exhibits include jewelry, garments and flowers, all made from various wearable materials, such as newspaper, metal, Styrofoam, balloons, paints and brass bells.

Funded by the CRA and working with property owners to identify sites downtown, Teixeira completed a second art installation in various storefronts along Cleveland Street this summer, which will be on display for the remainder of 2021. The latest exhibits feature the work of artists Demeree Barth, Adrianne Butler, Mark Byrne, Jill Castle, Judy Ginader, Ungala Grace, Terri Gray, Bobbi Halverson, Michael Montini, and Teixeira.

See the Wearable Art on display at 525, 527, 531 and 533 Cleveland Street.