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The Florida Orchestra is offering several evenings of symphonic bliss under the stars with its free Target Pops in the Park Concert series starting Thursday, Oct. 11, and running through Sunday, Oct. 14.

All concerts start at 7 p.m. and offer a fun mix of symphony and pop favorites. Concert goers are encouraged to pack a picnic basket, blankets, low-back folding chairs and coolers for an enjoyable evening amongst the natural beauty of our area parks.

The schedule for the series is:

• Thursday, Oct. 11 at Coachman Park, Clearwater;

• Friday, Oct. 12 at Curtis Hixon Park, Tampa;

• Saturday, Oct. 13 at Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg; and

• Sunday, Oct. 14 at River Tower Park, Tampa.

Canned goods will be collected at the Vinoy Park concert for the Tampa Bay Harvest food drive.

The orchestra for all four concerts will be conducted by Andrew Grams, a Maryland native and The Florida Orchestra's interim resident conductor.

As a conductor, Grams has worked with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra among others. He also will make his conducting debuts with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in the 2007-08 season.

For more information, contact The Florida Orchestra 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. at 813-286-2403 or 1-800-662-7286 or online at www.floridaorchestra.org.

Michael Pastreich has been named the new president and CEO of The Florida Orchestra, James R. Gillespie, board chairman, announced in September. He comes to the Tampa Bay area from Chicago where he has served as the executive director of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra since 1996.

Pastreich replaces Leonard D. Stone who earlier this year announced his plans to retire. Stone said, "I am delighted he has been selected as my successor. He comes with a fine reputation and brings new energy and ideas to the challenges and opportunities facing the orchestra."

Pastreich begins his tenure at the orchestra in October, just a few days into its 40th anniversary season.

Gillespie said, "Michael's success at the Elgin Symphony was directly related to his ability to develop long-term strategic solutions to their challenges. He is highly disciplined and results oriented, always seeking opportunities for the orchestra. At this time in our orchestra's history, it's important that we have found someone who will help us achieve a balanced and sustainable company that will perform at a high level of artistic quality."

At Elgin, Pastreich worked with city government and venue management, along with ESO board, staff and musicians, to redefine the symphony's role in the community and experience success.

Pastreich received his Bachelor of Fine Arts at Washington University in St. Louis and conducted his graduate studies at Lahden Muotoiluinstituuti in Lahti, Finland as a Fulbright Scholar. During the 2005/06 season he received the honor of "Manager of the Year" by the Illinois Council of Orchestras and has actively served the American Symphony Orchestra League, the Illinois Council of Orchestras and the Symphony Orchestra Institute in a variety of leadership roles. 

Currently The Florida Orchestra is conducting a series of contract negotiation meetings with the musicians. The previous three-year agreement concluded August 31, and resolution is being sought for a new agreement.

Through October 12

"Latino Artists: A Multicultural Art Show," exhibition of works by Gerardo Aristud, Giovanni Bosch, Anthony Cardoso, Obed Gomez, Guillermo Portieles and Camargo Vilardy. Dale Mabry Campus Art Gallery, Library Bldg., Rm. 221, Hillsborough Community College, 4001 Tampa Bay Blvd., Tampa. Hours: 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Thurs.; 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Call 813-253-7386.

Through October 14

History of the Dot: David McKirdy, A 30-Year Retrospective, works in a variety of media by the Tampa artist exploring art-making in cast paper, magnetized iron filings, burnt glassine, silicon, rubber, mercury and enamels. Also continuing through Dec. 24, "Artist as Inventor," a multi-media group exhibition featuring artists Court Bennett, Dan Gunderson, Alain Salesse working in assemblage; Jack Dollhausen in lighting; and, Arthur Ganson and Steve Hollinger in musical robotics: Ensemble Robot artist collective and kinetic sculpture. The exhibition also will be featured in teaching tours and will continue in the Children's Hands-On Museum through August 2008. Also featuring, "Dada-DO! Area Students Go DADA!," kid-created, kid-curated exhibit. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat.; 1-4 p.m. Sun. Dunedin Fine Art Center, 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin. Call 727-298-DFAC (3322).

"Pablo Siebel: Reflexiones Intimas," an exhibition of work by the native of Chile, who mirrors a life of myriad contrasts and contradictions. Also featuring: "William Oliver: Evolution of Movement," an exhibition of large abstract acrylic works honoring the artist's late wife, who died of complications of multiple sclerosis. Gulf Coast Museum of Art, 12211 Walsingham Rd., Largo. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Sat.; noon-4 p.m. Sun. Call 727-518-6833.

Through October 21

Dunedin Fine Art Center Fall Classes, beginning of six-week sessions ongoing throughout the year in drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry and more. Day and evening classes and one and two-day workshops. Dunedin Fine Art Center's Gladys Douglas School of Arts, 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin. Call 727-298-DFAC (3322).

Through October 26

"Oils & Acrylics Show," exhibit and open show, member competition in oil and acrylic paintings. Old Hyde Park Art Center, 705 Swann Ave., Tampa. Hours: noon-3 p.m. Tues.-Sun. Call 813-251-3780.

PEL 30th Anniversary Alumni Art Exhibition, featuring recent works by Visual Arts alumni. Gallery talk 3 p.m. Wed., Oct. 10; reception 7-9 p.m. Thurs., Oct. 11. Elliott Gallery and Lewis House Gallery, Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S., St. Petersburg. Call 727-864-7979.

P.O.S.H. (Players of Safety Harbor) Beginning Acting Workshop, 6:30 p.m. Fri., featuring the basics of drama including presentation of a selected monologue and learning through reading, memorizing and interacting in 2-3 character play shorts. Registration required. Safety Harbor Library, 101 Second St. N., Safety Harbor. Call 727-724-1525, ext. 233.

Through October 27

Clay Classes, pottery basics to sophisticated techniques for all skill levels. Various days and times. St. Petersburg Clay Company, 420 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg. Registration required. Call 727-896-CLAY (2529).

"Florida's Heritage, Lands and Inhabitants," an exhibition by The Florida Photographers Group, featuring a diverse collection of nature-themed photographs. Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wed.-Sun. Call 727-453-6500.

Through October 28

Gulf Coast Museum of Art Fall Studio Classes, beginning of six-week sessions ongoing throughout the year in ceramics, metalsmithing, digital photography, sculpture, mosaics, water color, papermaking, bookbinding, printmaking and framing. Day and evening classes and one and two-day workshops. Gulf Coast Museum of Art, 12211 Walsingham Rd., Largo. Call 727-518-6833, ext. 224.

Through November 10

"Josef Albers: Color Genius," traveling exhibition from The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Screen prints showcasing Albers' color theories influential in the Bauhaus movement. Armacost Library, Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S., St. Petersburg. Call 727-864-7979.

Through November 16

"Children's Art Show," hundreds of artworks by students of Oldsmar and Forest Lakes elementary schools. Oldsmar City Hall Art Gallery, 100 State St., Oldsmar. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Call 813-749-1260.

Through November 28

Fall Art Gallery Exhibits: "The Alice Project," watercolors by Viv Ruegger in the Carnegie and Osceola Galleries; also, "The Figuerido Collection," sculpture by Cindy Jones in the Osceola Gallery; hand-crafted jewelry by Mary and Otto Glass in the first floor lobby. Clearwater Main Library, 100 N. Osceola Ave., Clearwater. Hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Call 727-562-4970, ext. 5284.

Through November 30

Hispanic Heritage Exhibit, works by Hispanic and Latino artists from the Hispanic Alliance of Tampa Bay Cultural Committee (Alianza Hispana de la Bahia de Tampa). Presented as a public art initiative by the City of Clearwater Cultural Affairs Division. Clearwater City Hall, 112 S. Osceola Ave., Clearwater. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Call 727-562-4814.

"Una Nueva Cornucopia (A New Cornucopia)," exhibition and sale of works by Spanish-speaking artists on the role of food in the craft, art and culture of the Spanish community. Special event, "Thanksgiving Con Sabor," 6-9 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 8. Closing reception, 6-9 p.m. Fri., Nov. 9. Florida Craftsmen, Inc., 501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. Call 727-821-7391.

Through December 16

"Latino Voices from the Permanent Collection," survey exhibition of works representing a variety of Latin American media and cultures reflecting Tampa's ethnic mix. Tampa Museum of Art, 600 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat.; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Third Thurs. monthly; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. Call 813-274-8130.

Tampa Museum of Art Interim Executive Director Ken Rollins was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Florida Art Museum Directors Association (FAMDA) at its meeting in September. To be eligible for the award, FAMDA requires that a museum director must have served at least 25 years as a museum professional and have made significant contributions during his or her tenure. According to John Blades, FAMDA president and executive director of the Henry M. Flagler Museum in Palm Beach, "Ken Rollins' long and distinguished career, and his leadership abilities, make him the obvious choice for a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Florida Art Museum Directors Association."

"The Florida Department of State has benefited from Ken Rollins' knowledge and volunteer service," said JuDee L. Pettijohn, deputy secretary of state, Office of Cultural, Historical and Information Programs, State of Florida. "Ken is extremely deserving of this prestigious recognition.  He has been dedicated to the museum community for the better part of his lifetime as an advocate and spokesman for issues impacting his own museum as well as on behalf of his colleagues."

 Rollins joined the Tampa Museum of Art in September 2005 with a two-year contract as interim executive director. He immediately launched a comprehensive strategic plan that evaluated every facet of the museum's operation, with a focus on preparing the museum for a new facility. Now that plans for a new Tampa Museum of Art have come to fruition and site work is scheduled to begin on the building in February, Rollins has agreed to extend his employment contract to provide continued leadership through the start of construction and while the search for a permanent museum director gets underway.

"Ken Rollins is a dedicated professional with an established history of success in his field. I'm pleased for Ken on a personal level, and proud to be working with someone of his stature as director of this institution," said Raymond E. Ifert, chairman of the museum's board of trustees.

Rollins has served his entire museum career in Florida in a number of museum directorships, and has provided statewide leadership of the arts while serving as president of FAMDA on two separate occasions. In 1994, Rollins assumed leadership of the Gulf Coast Museum of Art in Largo as executive director. Prior to that position, he served as executive director of the Polk Museum of Art in Lakeland for 12 years, following a directorship at the Deland Museum of Art. Rollins has led the development efforts and construction of two major museum facilities in Florida -- the Polk Museum of Art and the Gulf Coast Museum of Art -- achieving American Association of Museums' accreditation for both institutions. 

"Ken is a most deserving recipient of this award. He has worked in art museums both small and large throughout the state, and at each post he has brought the utmost of professionalism to his leadership roles," said Gary R. Libby, member Florida Arts Council and retired director of the Museum of Arts and Sciences in Daytona Beach.

Rollins also served as chairman of the Florida Association of Museum's Foundation, as a grant review panelist for the Florida Arts Council and as a member of the executive board of the Southeastern Museums' Conference. Rollins is a Museum Assessment and Accreditation Consultant for the American Association of Museums, and currently serves on numerous boards locally and nationally. In 2004, Rollins was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Florida Association of Museums.  Rollins is a 1964 charter class graduate of the University of South Florida where he studied liberal arts, received a Master's degree in Ceramics/Sculpture from the University of Tennessee in 1973, and is a graduate of the Museum Management Institute, University of California at Berkeley.