Preserving the spirit of Andy Warhol in St. Petersburg
ST. PETERSBURG, Florida — We’ve all heard of celebrities like Elvis or Michael Jackson, but what about Andy Warhol? There is an artist in St. Petersburg who not only dresses like his hero, but also creates works of art inspired by him.
From mannequins to books, paintings and Campbells Soup, Lucky LeRoy’s art studio has Andy Warhol influences everywhere.
“Andy Warhol is my hero, so any time I can share his story, I’m happy to do so,” Leroy said.
They have a few things in common; they both grew up in Pittsburgh and moved to New York to pursue a career as an artist.
So it was only fitting that Leroy moved his art studio to the Factory in St. Petersburg. This is the same name that Warhol used for his own studio in New York.
Leroy said that the glamor that surrounded Warhol attracted him to the artist and art.
Throughout The Factory, Leroy loves to show off his Warhol-inspired work.
“I look at the news and current events and try to find something Andy Warhol could write about,” Leroy said as he walked through the Factory. “This one I made, it’s Andy Warhol’s American Express flag.”
Leroy is responsible for ensuring that the newest Floridarama is added to the St. Pete, also located inside The Factory.
“He kind of flashes in front of you, like it’s a paparazzi, and then you go up to him and look in, and Andy Warhol takes pictures of you,” Leroy said.
Leroy was even asked to be the first guest speaker on Fairgrounds St.’s new Art After Dark series. Pete, which takes place on the third Friday of every month, starting July 21st.
“It takes on a character, it becomes a part of the art, it is an immersive walking art exhibition in its own right,” said Sarah Hardin, digital marketing and content manager for Fairgrounds St. Pete.
LeRoy can’t wait to share his next project with the public, Hollywood screen tests just like the ones Warhol did, except for St. Petersburg, where all the celebrities are.
“If you don’t embrace the image of what you create, it’s almost impossible to give it the authenticity that people are looking for,” said Stephanie Ellis.
For more information about Lucky LeRoy, visit leroy.land.
The first Art After Dark exhibition will take place from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Friday, July 21 at the St. Pete. For more information and tickets, go to fairgrounds.art.
