Spring Awakens: 'Exploring Connection,' 'Concrete Jungle,' and the 2025 Redfish Film Poster

PANAMA CITY, FL– As the vibrant season of spring ushers in new beginnings, three exciting new exhibitions offer a fresh perspective on the world around us. The Main Gallery offers a sneak peek into the Second Annual Redfish Film Festival. The Miller Gallery features Exploring Connection, a multimedia collection of works by local ceramicist Kelly McLendon and artist Jen Honeycutt. In the Spotlight Gallery, Alberto Spirgatis, student of Gulf Coast State College brings in a collection of ink and collage works for his exhibition Concrete Jungle.  The public is invited to the opening reception on Friday, April 4 from 5-7pm. The exhibits will be on display through April 26.

The Redfish Documentary Film Festival is set to return to Historic Downtown Panama City for its highly anticipated second year, running from April 24th through April 27th, 2025. Showcasing an eclectic lineup of groundbreaking documentary films, the festival highlights powerful storytelling from around the world while embracing the rich cultural tapestry of the Gulf Coast.

Leading up to the festival, Redfish is proud to present a special exhibition at the Center for the Arts, featuring the vibrant talent of local artists who participated in the 2025 Redfish Poster Contest. This reception will celebrate the artistic voices that help shape the visual identity of the festival, from seasoned professionals to budding young creatives—including this year’s youngest contributor, a 12-year-old. 

The exhibition serves as a tribute to the intersection of art and storytelling, offering festival-goers and the community a first glimpse into the creativity behind this year’s festival branding. The event will include an opening reception, providing an opportunity for attendees to meet the artists and enjoy an evening of visual inspiration ahead of the festival’s official programming at the end of the month. 

three-dimensional pieces—collages, paintings, sculpture, and ceramics—both artists reflect on how

connection manifests in their thoughts, experiences, and creative processes. Each artwork offers a glimpse into their journey of uncovering the significance of connection, both as a personal theme and a universal force shaping their artistic expression.

Alberto Spirgatis, a student of Gulf Coast State College, is featured in the Spotlight Gallery in an exhibition titled Concrete Jungle. “I’ve always had an affinity for cartoons and comics,” said Spirgatis. “Really those two mediums have been my main sources of inspiration and are what I hope to be able to pursue as a career.” 

Spirgatis was inspired by adult animation from the 1970’s and 80’s as well as films that take place in major cities from the same era, and music relevant to the time. “I wanted the characters themselves to pop using ink and magazine clippings,” said Spirgatis, “As the ink helps create a high contrast and the clippings allow the subjects to be framed in a way that makes it look like they’re popping out the page.”

 The public is invited to the opening reception on Friday, April 4 from 5-7pm at the Center for the Arts.

Visitors can meet the artists in the galleries over light hors d’oeuvres during this free event.

The Center for the Arts is open Tuesday–Saturday 10am–5pm, Fridays 10am-7pm.

Since 1978, Bay Arts Alliance has served as the local arts agency for Bay County and provides opportunities for cultural enrichment through broad-based educational experiences, music and arts programs, exhibitions, and events. Bay Arts Alliance has brought countless national touring performances to the area and provides many cultural opportunities for Bay County schools and non-profit organizations.