Erica Sutherlin named incoming artistic director as part of Studio@620’s co-founder Bob Devin Jones’ planned retirement.
ST. PETERSBURG – Studio@620 is pleased to announce the appointment of Erica Sutherlin as incoming artistic executive director. The appointment is part of the planned transition and retirement of Studio@620’s co-founder, Bob Devin Jones, who will step down in June 2024 after leading the seminal arts organization for 20 years.
Having lived and worked in St. Petersburg for over 15 years, Sutherlin has become an artistic luminary in our community, involved with programming such as “Voodoo Macbeth” at Studio@620 and the direction of American Stage’s “Ragtime” in the park. Sutherlin also taught at the award-winning Pinellas County Center for the Arts at Gibbs High School for nine years. She has recently enjoyed a successful run as director of community engagement with American Stage.
Studio@620’s co-founder Bob Devin Jones and Erica Sutherlin
Jones celebrated the news, “I am absolutely delighted that Erica Sutherlin will be helming Studio@620. She has a tenacity and an unparalleled artistic vision. After nearly twenty years of the Studio being a yes in the community, I am certain the renaissance will continue under Erica’s stewardship.”
Sutherlin said she is honored and humbled to have the opportunity to head an arts organization in St. Pete and that it’s been a dream of hers.
“I want to thank the community and its stakeholders for supporting and celebrating me through this transition and beyond. I look forward to supporting local arts and artists, saying ‘YES’ to creative endeavors, and celebrating a vibrant, diverse community. Yes, I’m excited about celebrating you, the community,” remarked Sutherlin.
Terry Marks, CEO of St. Petersburg Arts Alliance, shared on the recent appointment: “Erica Sutherlin is an outstanding example of an arts leader with skill, talent, vision, and humanity. We cannot wait to see the results of her influence on Studio@620 and all of St. Pete!”
Helen R. Murray, American Stage’s producing artistic director, added, “Erica’s contributions have been amazing. I have deep gratitude for her willingness to collaborate with me on so many exciting changes at AS. With her efforts, we have been able to bring about our ASL-interpreted performances, our new Audience Agreement, and the IDEA council, to name a few. It is a bittersweet moment as we bid her farewell, but I am excited that we will continue to partner with her and Studio@620. I wish her every success in her new role and look forward to seeing her at the helm!”
The artistic department at American Stage will absorb the duties of the community engagement director until the role can be filled next year.
Sutherlin holds a Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television Production from the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Dance Performance from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She has directed numerous theatrical productions, including Lifetime Network’s “Kirk Franklin’s A Gospel Christmas,” co-wrote Voodoo Macbeth (film) and is in development with Village Roadshow. Currently, she’s in pre-production for “In the Blood” by Susan Lori-Parks at the University of South Florida.
Jones will remain in his current day-to-day role until June 2024. During this key leadership transition at Studio@620, several important programs will mark and celebrate the contributions of Jones and late co-founder Dave Ellis.
About Studio@620
Founded in 2004, Studio@620 is a non-profit visual and performing arts hub in downtown St. Petersburg with thousands of artists, audience members, and volunteers coming together to enjoy creative and social programming. It has been home to several long-running signature events and series, including Radio Theatre Project, Through Our Eyes: Midtown and Beyond, The Holizaar: Handmade Holiday Arts Bazaar, Poetry Open Mic and Wordier Than Thou.
Studio@620 has served as a launch pad and incubator for numerous other successful artists and creative ventures, including Arts Conservatory for Teens and Alex Harris, Ya La’Ford, Tim Mettler, Nate Najar, FreeFall Theatre Company, Alesha Harris, Sunscreen Film Festival, Keep St. Pete Lit, Tombolo Books, Black Horse Theatre and Green Book of Tampa Bay.
