ABOUT THE FILM:

Originally commissioned as a public art mural by renowned artist Elizabeth Indianos, this instant classic has evolved into so much more. A play written & produced by the artist; telling the story of Tarpon Springs’ native plants, animals, historic buildings, and people. Indianos, as playwright, brings mural subjects “to life” and incorporates the stories they must tell in this inspiring, hour-long performance staged right in front of the mural, inside the Tarpon Springs Cultural Center.

Both the mural and accompanying performance encompass the city’s history, from the 1500’s through present day.
Representing all of the elements of Florida’s “complicated” history, some of them problematic, is important to Indianos.
“It’s a big responsibility to absorb history then tell it back in a way that’s fair and compelling to all the different factions,” Indianos said. “I just wanted to tell the truth and get people to feel empathy for their struggles.”

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

As an adjunct on the art faculty of St. Petersburg College, Ms. Indianos has taught design and painting on the Tarpon Springs Campus since the Fine Arts Building and Martin Foundation Art Education Center opened in 2002. For Ms. Indianos this was more than just giving back to her community, she passionately believes in art education and each term, along with fellow instructor Linda Berghoff, coordinated a juried Student Charette so aspiring art students would have the opportunity to exhibit their work as part of the learning process.

Ms. Indianos says of her teaching philosophy:

“Teaching is a very creative discipline. I am committed to finding ways to develop each student’s potential. We have a unique way to do that on our Tarpon Springs campus. The Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art, as an educational resource within the college and community, provides an ideal pathway. With the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art, Ms. Indianos has participated in numerous museum programs, given presentations, exhibited in the biennial faculty exhibitions, and supported the Museum’s fundraising events. Her artistic reputation in the Tarpon Springs community has greatly enhanced her involvement with the Museum.”

In 1975, Ms. Indianos relocated to Tarpon Springs upon receiving a National Endowment for the Arts grant to establish her as an official Artist in Residence for the City of Tarpon Springs.

In 1980 Ms. Indianos became Tarpon Spring’s first Cultural Director with a directive to “foster, enhance and define the City’s unique culture.” Continuing as a dedicated artist, Ms. Indianos provided support for local non-profits and cultural events through her art, poster design, and promotional materials. Her public art contributions include Starburst, a restored mural in Craig Park, This Blessed Plot, This Earth, the wall length mural that resides in the Tarpon Springs Cultural Center, and rose murals at the entrance to Rose Cemetery, among other projects. Her involvement in the community has included teaching art since 2002 at St. Petersburg College, Tarpon Springs Campus, writing and producing plays that have premiered in Tarpon Springs.