The 22 best things to do in Tampa Bay this week (April 10-16)

See Jim Gray’s bird portraits — in Tampa or St. Pete

You can see them tonight during his free talk at The Morean or at the Florida Aquarium’s Mosaic Center. You know where else you can see Gray’s work? In local Audubon boaters’ guide booklets.
Wed., Apr. 10, 6:30 p.m.
Photo by Jim Gray

Tell your true story at SubCentral @The Iberian Rooster in St. Pete

The theme is “Sick.”
Wed., Apr. 10, 7-9 p.m.
Photo via the Facebook event page

Tour the historic Armature Works building in Tampa Heights

Tampa Bay History Center curators are leading the tour, so this should be good. It’s free, but you should register in advance.
Thurs., Apr. 11, 6-7:30 p.m.
Photo via Instagram @armatureworks_tampa

Celebrate the kickoff of the 5th Annual SunLit Festival at the Chihuly Collection in St. Pete

Roam the collection, hang with your friends, and enjoy some beer/wine and light hors d’oeuvres. Check out the full list of SunLit events here.
Thurs., Apr. 11, 7-9 p.m.
Poster design by Cecilia Lueza, via Instagram @keepstpetelit

See Preston Haskell’s collection of Abstract Expressionist paintings at the Tampa Museum of Art

Abstract Expressionism has a fascinating history, and you can read about it in our Abstract Expressionism series. Start with Part 1 here.
Thurs., Apr. 11-Sun., Aug. 11
Willem de Kooning (American, b. the Netherlands 1904–1997), Woman II, 1961. Oil on paper mounted on canvas. 29 x 22 1/2 inches. Collection of Preston H. Haskell. © 2018 The Willem de Kooning Foundation / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

Get acquainted with Florida Folk at Cage Brewing in downtown St. Pete

Tampa’s John Allen James, The Stillhouse Shakers, and Penn Johnson are playing.
Fri., Apr. 12, 9 p.m.
Photo via the Facebook event page

Travel the world without leaving Clearwater Beach

The Sugar Sand Festival opens this Friday, and the theme is “Sea the World, Journey Around the Globe.” Expect to see famous landmarks like the Roman Colosseum sculpted in sand near Pier 60. General admission into the sand sculpture tent is $10 ($8 for kids 4-10, free for kids under 3).
Fri., Apr. 12-Sun., Apr. 28
Photo by Jennifer Ring

See April Seelbach’s Roadside Attractions at MIZE Gallery in St. Pete

Seelbach started with photos she took on the road, then added paint to create this collection. This event is perfect for anyone who loves art and road trips.
Opens Fri., Apr. 12, 6-10 p.m.
Photo courtesy of MIZE Gallery

Learn how to photograph food with Chip Weiner and Bake’n Babes

At the Hall on Franklin in Tampa. There’s a $25 deposit, but you get that money back in the form of Bake’n Babes coupons. So it’s practically free. Get more details and sign up by clicking on that big red hyperlink above.
Sat., Apr. 13, 9-11 a.m.
Photo via Instagram @photogfoodie

Go to Hell at the MFA in St. Pete

The MFA’s latest exhibition, Theo Wujcik: Cantos gives you the opportunity to see Dante’s Inferno through the eyes of one of Tampa Bay’s best-known artists. Regular admission is $20 for adults.
Sat., Apr. 13-Sun., June 2.
Theo Wujcik (American, 1936–2014), Gates of Hell, 1987, Acrylic and collage on canvas, Gift of Susan Johnson in honor of Katherine Pill

Celebrate Earth Day

You can celebrate your favorite planet at St. Pete Earth Day in Williams Park or at EcoFest in Tampa’s Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park.
Sat., Apr. 13
Photo via NASA/NOAA/GSFC/Suomi NPP/VIIRS/Norman Kuring

See Laurie Ross’ shop dogs

Take your dog to Three Dog Bakery and look at some awesome photos of dogs in shops during Second Saturday Art Walk.
Sat., Apr. 13, 5-9 p.m.
Photo by Laurie Ross, via the Facebook event page

Visit St. Pete’s newest art gallery

Urban Arts Gallery is hosting their grand opening event during Second Saturday Art Walk. Located at 2323 Central Ave.
Sat., Apr. 13, 5-9 p.m.
Photo via the Facebook event page

Experience April in Paris without going to Paris

See Susan Hess’ Paris-inspired paintings at Art Lofts in St. Pete during Second Saturday Art Walk.
Sat., Apr. 13, 5-9 p.m.
Photo via the Facebook event page

Delight in patterns at Leslie Curran Gallery

Pin Point features the work of David McKirdy and Larry Allen — both artists frequently incorporate patterns into their work.
Sat., Apr. 13, 5-9 p.m.
Art by David McKirdy; photo via Instagram @lesliecurrangallery

Art Heals at the ArtsXchange

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and the perfect time to see this collaboration between survivors of sexual violence and local artists. During Second Saturday Art Walk.
Sat., Apr. 13, 5-9 p.m.
Photo via the Facebook event page

Abandoned on Art Walk

Check out Erin Howlett’s photographs of things abandoned at Creative Soul Studio during Second Saturday Art Walk.
Sat. Apr. 13, 5-9 p.m.
Photo via Erin Howlett Photography

Crafty Fest Market at ARTpool in St. Pete

This weekend’s alternative to mall shopping #buylocal
Sat. & Sun., Apr. 13-14
Photo via the Facebook event page

Drink rosé and play croquet at the Fenway Hotel in Dunedin

Tickets are $30 and include a glass of rosé, cheese and charcuterie.
Sun., Apr. 14, 2-5 p.m.
Photo via the Facebook event page

Get you Sonny’s ribs half off

The Irresistible Rib Special (IRS) is back. Did you do your taxes?
Mon, Apr. 15
Photo courtesy of Sonny’s BBQ