Nude Nite is Back! See this pop-up exhibit before it's gone.
Aerialist Jade performs in front of the Nude Nite LED lit stage
Nude Nite bills itself as “a body-empowering pop-up art festival inspiring a kinder inner and outer world.” The annual show celebrating the human form was created by Kelly Stevens and began in Orlando in 1995. It grew to be the largest nude-centric art show in the country.
Each year, Stevens would start by identifying a large, usually industrial or warehouse site and transform it quickly into an extravagant exhibit of everything nude. Paintings, sculptures, photographs, and unique displays surround live performances and experiential exhibits. Both local and national artists answered the call to submit their work for the show. Nude Nite would continue to grow until being canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Shocking friends and artists in the Nude Nite community, Kelly Stevens lost a battle with cancer in August 2021. This beautiful, strong-willed, open-minded woman's death took this writer's breath away. Her kind, vivacious, and life-loving spirit will be missed.
But Nude Nite is back! Kelly’s daughter, Sloan Waranch, has taken up the mantle and produced a stellar show at the Coastal Creative space in St. Petersburg. She has helped organize the show since she was young. She carries on much of her mother’s philosophy, including the idea that the show explores the human body, both inside and out. Many of the exhibits invite participants to look inside themselves, exploring their development and outlook and encouraging insight. This year's theme is "Form," encouraging show-goers to embrace their bodies and be bold and strong.
The atmosphere is high-energy. The house music has a slow-beat groove, and many exhibits are invite you in to participate. With over 150 artists and exhibits, there’s lots to see. A perennial favorite is the burlesque show, which happens three times per night. It is a saucy, sexy, fun act by professional performers.
Burlesque Performer Gaea Lady entices the crowd With fire on the Burlesque stage at Nude Night 2024
The audience responds as Burlesque Performer Misty Rose gets saucy on the Nude Nite stage.
in the What Formed You experience, participants are encouraged to weave an intricate tapestry of their lives using unique moments to show how they are all interconnected. Some of the 50 options include getting dumped, that one-night stand, the job you quit, a bad tattoo, your first nude photo, and losing a parent. It is interesting to watch how patterns develop over the course of the evening.
In the Form Of Love exhibit, participants are encouraged to leave a love note for a stranger or to take a love note from one. It's a perfect demonstration of the vibe at Nude Nite. If you need love, take some. If you have love to give, leave some. Some example messages include You are better than good, Don't let life get in the way of love, and a simple Love you that much!
Ready to get your dance on? The Move Your Form exhibit has a central dance floor lit by old-time movies. Wooden trees hold party headphones for you to borrow. Join others by putting them on and listening to dance music while finding your groove on the dance floor. Let go!
Multimedia artist Kasey Kasket in her sheer butterfly suit, is a walking exhibit inviting photographs to be taken with her
Face painting is all part of the adult fun. Nude Nite attendee Abhi has his face painted in the Get Golden exhibit.
Nude Nite attendees can watch as live as performers dance and paint in the Your Form Is Your Paint Brush exhibit. The artists use their bodies as brushes to paint this large canvas.
What would your former self say? Take a selfie in the phone booth while talking with them. Yes, you do hear something on the phone, but I won't spoil the surprise. Some examples to help you express your former self include "eat the f'ing chocolate cake,.” They help make the photo!
The Art of Sheer Forms exhibit shows a human figure exploring space, fluidity, and movement.
Body painting is long been a part of the nude night experience. Here, artist Estrada works on his Hidden Forms exhibit, Where the models gradually disappear into the wall, becoming part of a living mural
Relax and swing. Two two-person swings are suspended from the ceiling in one of the exhibit halls, inviting folks to hang out and watch a beautiful LED screen filled with imagery
Performers pose in yoga positions as part of the Nude Nite exhibition
The best way to participate in the exhibition is to leave your inhibitions and judgment at home. Not that you’re going to be getting naked (please don’t), but come with an open mind and experience all this show has to offer. It's for one weekend only.
Beer, wine, and craft cocktails are available at the bar. Food is also available from Toasty Brothers gourmet sandwiches. Cell phone photography is welcome, but no cameras. Respect for all participants is expected (don’t be a perv). The 21 and up show runs on March 7, 8, & 9 from 6 PM-12 AM. Tickets are available online at https://www.nudenite.com/shows-tickets or at the door. $40
Coastal Creative 2201 1st Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712