Mize Gallery presents new works by Tampa Bay artist Rebekah Lazaridis.

CIRCA is an homage to popular spots in St. Petersburg, FL and portrays them in an iconic postcard style.

All works are completed in Prismacolor Pencil
with touches of Gouache and ink on colored cardstock.

 

“With St. Pete changing so rapidly, I want to elevate these locations. I believe they are the true heartbeat of this city. I’m highlighting all the little haunts, watering holes, staples and communal places that have made St. Petersburg vibrant, authentic and valuable over the years. Each piece is depicted from a certain era and hand drawn in a nostalgic style”.

About the artist:
Rebekah Lazaridis is a 3rd generation St. Petersburg native and is the artist behind @homeillustrations. She creates hand drawn illustrations of homes, iconic buildings and spaces in a colorful and nostalgic style. She has worked in the theatre industry for over 20 years as a scenic artist and collaborates with theaters in the area as a set designer. You can see her work at rebekahlaz.com.

 

MIZE GALLERY
689 DR MLK JR ST N, Suite C
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

GALLERY HOURS: Saturdays 10AM-5PM & Sundays 10AM-2PM

Exhibit on view January 7th-23rd, 2022.

Contact info@chadmize.com 727.251.8529 for purchase.

 

 

 

 

 

Holiday Motel
c.1950’s
8.5’ x 11”

This was my landmark when I knew I was close to home. Built in the 40’s and family owned, known for it’s darling colored doors. Demolished in 2019.

 

 

 

 

Ted Peters
c. 2021
9”x12”

Best fish spread in town! I love their aquamarine plates and how pretty the mackerel looks on them. My family has long loved this restaurant.

 

 

 

 

Thrill Hill
c.1960’s
8.5”x11”

My grandparents would drive us over the hill after dinner at Chattaways and we would all scream! My brother took Thrill Hill at 90MPH in our old Plymouth Reliant in the 90’s. He definitely made the car fly!

 

 

 

 

Osprey Nest
c. 2020
11”x14”

Another landmark that I know I’m in St. Pete. Right when you exit Gandy and take a left at Dave's Aqualounge to get on 83’rd is this Express Mart (4th St and 83”d). There was always an Osprey nest at the top of this sign.

 

 

 

 

Beach Theatre
c. 1990’s
11”x17”

Went here for independent films and for Rocky Horror Picture Show in the late 90’s early 2000’s. I can’t wait for it to reopen and am so happy it’s been saved!

 

 

 

 

Manhattan Casino
c. 2021
11”x14”

Historic dance hall on 22nd St. South for the African American community. The hall showcased many local and famous performers like Nat King Cole, Sarah Vaughn and Ray Charles.

 

 

 

 

The Garden
c. 2000’s
9”x12”

This was where my husband, Steve and I had our first official date! Apart from that I used to go see Buster Cooper play here. Enchanting atmosphere, dining in a sunken garden….

 

 

 

 

Truth
c. 1982
8”x10”

A little iconic staple in terms of sculptures around the city.

 

 

 

 

Emerald Cocktail Lounge
c. 2014
11”x14”

Who hasn’t had a good night here? This was one of the first illustrations I started with and this was the one that set the tone for what I wanted to create for this show.

 

 

 

 

China City
c. 1990’s
11”x14”

I miss this place. Family owned restaurant since the 50’s and sold around 2010. My family and I had takeout here almost every weekend. Sometimes even for Christmas or Thanksgiving we would go here to eat!

 

 

 

 

Grand Central District
c. 2010
8”x10”

My favorite spot to go vintage and antique hunting. Love the bright happy pink on this one that sets a mood.

 

 

 

 

The Soreno Hotel Logo
c. 1930
9”x12”

This is the logo for the old Soreno Hotel. Built in the 20’s it was just as famous as it’s neighbor, The Vinoy. Was demolished for Lethal Weapon 3 in 1992. The Soreno Hotel to me is a symbol of historic preservation- to demolish for growth, which is so much of what St. Pete is facing now, both good and bad.

 

 

 

 

Wolfie's Restaurant
c. 1950’s
8.5”x11”

Wolfies is where all the high schoolers went to before dances/dates football games in the 50’s and 60’s! A beloved place and apparently they were known for their amazing brownies. Location was 3200 Central which is currently the Bus Stop Hub.

 

 

 

 

Timeless Pelican
9”x12”

St. Pete’s icon, the brown pelican.

 

 

 

 

Royal Theater
c. 2003
8.5”x11”

This is also on Historic 22nd St. S. This was a movie theater that catered to African Americans during segregation. It opened in 1948, closed in 1966 and then went under a renovation in 2002. Currently houses the Southside Boys and Girls Club. This place has a ton of wonderful history behind it and is worth researching!

 

 

 

 

Maas Brothers
c. 1940’s
11”x14”

Mom and Grandma’s favorite place to shop. I used to run and hide in the clothing racks. I was never a good shopper. I believe my sister, Susanna had her first job here in the 80’s. It later became the Florida International Museum. Then demolished in 2005.

 

 

 

 

Thunderbird Motel
c. 1960’s
11”x14”

Iconic landmark that lets you know you’re on Treasure Island! My Uncle Bill lived on Treasure Island beach and we’d make a right at the Thunderbird and a few blocks down to the left was his place. We’d park there, have our beach time and hose our toes at his house before we got in the car. Bill’s house was always open and so welcoming, as was my family and cousins who lived there.

 

 

 

 

Parakeet Feeder
c. 2010
18”x24”

This is my favorite piece. So, this is a feeder that I often visit and ALL the parrots and parakeets flock to it! They’ve been feeding there for at least 10+ years. This is my favorite secret spot in all of St. Pete.

 

 

 

 

Sunken Gardens
c. 1960’s
11”x14”

I grew up here. Every Friday night before my Grandparents took us to H&D Cafeteria for dinner, we would go here. I loved that goofy wax museum and the GIANT gift shop!! Later my husband and I had our wedding reception here in 2011.

 

 

 

Publix Market
c. 1940
11”x14”

This is the first Publix in St. Pete built in 1950! Located on 16th St N and 17th Ave.

 

 

 

 

The Chattaway
c. 1930’s
11”x14”

Best atmosphere in town if you ask me. I love their outdoor patio area. It’s filled with Florida kitsch and charm with its touches of pink and kelly green. I ate here a ton as a kid. Always loved their cheeseburgers.

 

 

 

 

Two Headed Palm on 22nd Ave
c. 1990’s
8”x10”

This is a funny one, this to me was a hidden landmark close to home in the Old Northeast on 22nd Ave. My brother and I would drive by it and say “TWO HEADED PALM TREE” and giggle. To me, I always looked for it on my drive home. It just died a few weeks ago, and I literally shed a few tears.

 

 

 

 

Bringe Music
c. 2000’s
8.5”x11”

I can smell the interior of this store right now. A wonderful smell of new instruments. Dad would always need new guitar strings and I’d tag alone with him when he’d visit Bringe. I had a brief stint in piano lessons here. Wasn’t successful! But I did get my clarinet here when I took that up with more success. My grandfather also played clarinet and it’s my favorite instrument to hear.

 

 

 

 

The State Theatre
c. 1990’s
11”x14”

I know that State has undergone a much needed and gorgeous renovation but I can’t help but be a little nostalgic for it’s punk days. Lines and lines of punk and goth kids swarmed here. I always felt like it was a home away from home for so many of us. A place to let a little freak flag fly.

 

 

 

 

Southland Roller Palace
c. 1970’s
9”x12”

Literally my favorite haunt as a kid. I was a superstar here and grew up on skates. I don't believe I ever took them off except to sleep. I can also feel the literal rug burn on my side and arms as I would crash into the carpeted wall. “Couples only on the Floor” was always annoying to hear. Lots of Stevie B played over and over here. LOL

 

 

 

 

The Globe
c. 1990’s
8.5”x11”

No better coffee shop in the world. Nothing will top this place in my mind. I’d come here after Rocky Horror picture show at Beach Theatre. This amazing place was always open late. I loved that they served just plain coffee in all different kinds of mugs.

 

 

 

 

Banana’s Records
c. 1970’s
8”x10”

My favorite spot for vinyl! I came here with my Dad when he’d buy his records and then when I got my own turntable with my husband, I’d shop for him for every birthday. We have a great collection of Jazz and Bossa Nova thanks to Banana’s!

 

 

 

 

Ovo Cafe
c. 1997
11”x14”

My literal favorite restaurant of all time. I still long for the Black currant tea, Red classic Pizza, Chopped Salad and the garlic rolls. This was the first “cool” artsy restaurant to hit downtown in 1997. Arguably, this started the artistic wave of St. Pete, in my opinion. I ate here as much as humanly possible. I brought all my girlfriends here every Valentine's Day when we were all single. I miss this place so much!.

 

 

 

 

Deuces Live
c. 2020
9”x12”

The Deuces located on 22nd St. S, and named that for it’s “double 2’s”. This is the heart of the African American community that has undergone so much over the many years and is still thriving and very vibrant. I find this neighborhood sign to be the most unique and detailed, it encompasses the vibe of the whole historic district and I love that.

 

 

 

 

Old Southeast Sign
c. 2020
9”x12”

I love this neighborhood. It’s the original Old Northeast and was changed sometime in the 20’s after the boom and massive influx of residents flocking here. I want to say this is the oldest neighborhood next to Rosier Park?

 

 

 

 

Old Northeast Sign
c. 2020
8”x10”

My Home. I love that all the neighborhoods have a sign now and their own design and sense of personality. I remember when these signs started going up, I think in the early to mid 2000’s?

 

 

 

 

Gulfport Casino
c. 1940’s
11”x14”

I used to go Swing Dancing here in the late 90’s when that was the craze. I actually had my first little art showing in Gulfport near the casino. I think it was a holiday art show and I had a table. I must have been 18 or 19. That was such a fun night. I didn’t sell a thing but it didn't matter.

 

 

 

 

Dairy Inn
c. 2007
8”x10”

While I dont have any stories here I know that a lot of locals do! This place has been around forever! Renovated in 2007 with this adorable sign.

 

 

 

 

Snell Isle Bridge
c. 2010
8.5”x11”

Another icon of St. Pete. This was based on a photo my mother took in 2010. Most images of the bridge are sunny and bright and I love my Mom’s take on it.

 

 

 

 

H&D Cafeteria
c. 1950’s
11”x14”

Every Friday night!! This place was a staple!! Originally called Home and Dairy, it morphed into this classic cafeteria I believe in the 50’s. This was clad with wood paneled walls and giant photographic murals of trees. Heavy olive green leather seats and a long line for a buffet where the BEST mac and cheese awaited me.

 

 

 

 

Biff Burger
c. 2021
9”x12”

Funny, I only have one memory of this place. I went there in the 6th grade with my childhood friend Amy and we dressed up like 1950’s girls with scarves and saddle shoes. This was the place to be seen if you had a vintage car in the 90’s. We had our photo taken from The Times and I was famous for a day!

 

 

 

 

Haslam’s Books
c. 2019
9”x12”

I feel like Haslam’s is the ultimate heartbreak of Covid- no one knows if they will reopen and I sure hope they do. Haslams has been around since the 30’s. I particularly miss their historic book section in the middle and of course, the cats, Beowulf, TeaCup and HoneyBun.

 

 

 

 

El Cap
c. 2020
9”x12”

Best cheeseburger in town. Hands down. I love this spot. I also love that Egret that is ALWAYS there at the back door waiting for a hot dog or a treat!