This morning’s Parade Magazine has a great article on how downtowns across the country are coming back. New Port Richey is working on each of the items highlighted in the article, but today I want to concentrate on one issue: “What makes a town special?”
The New Port Richey Art Gallery, a subsidiary of Greater New Port Richey Main Street, provides a showcase for the graphic artists in our area. The current exhibit is “Art In Motion” and is worth checking out. New exhibits come along every month and the gallery has a special exhibit the first Friday evening of every month.
We have a number of public art pieces in the form of murals depicting various scenes from the city’s past. The mural on Doug Bissi’s building is one of my favorites.
There are a number of other murals, including the one on the Karl Reef and another right across the parking lot on the east wall of Estella’s.
Believe it or not, we even have artwork on the benches on the bridge! Wow.
In addition to graphic art downtown, we also have the performing arts. 
Jimmy Ferraro’s Studio Theatre opened this summer to rave reviews. The Singing Divas will be there in September. You can find Jimmy’s complete calendar of events on their website.
The Richey Suncoast Theatre has a wide variety of live entertainment lined up for the 2014/2015 season. Comedies, Doo Wop, Big Band, you name it.
The Richey Suncoast Theatre dates back to the 1920’s and was originally built to show silent movies. A who’s who of movie stars visited New Port Richey during the Roaring Twenties.
Local churches are known for their rich musical traditions. Whether you prefer a contemporary service with a praise band or more traditional church music, you can find it in New Port Richey.
Some of the vocalists are superb. Mike Baker did an acapella rendition of Amazing Grace this morning at the First United Methodist Church that knocked my socks off.
Mezzaluna and other restaurants and bars routinely bring in very good talent to perform live sets. The Dulcet Restaurant will be opening in November and adding jazz to the mix of musical styles you can enjoy right here in New Port Richey.
I think it is safe to say that the arts are an integral part of what makes New Port Richey unique.
You’ll notice that I didn’t mention special events and the talent they bring to town. I’m saving that discussion for next week. Until then.
Rob Marlowe, Mayor
City of New Port Richey
Thank you, Mayor, for including our STUDIO Theatre in your article. I am delighted to be part of the downtown Arts culture. I have been producing live entertainment in Pasco County for almost 40 years and I am thrilled to be back home in New Port Richey. We are working diligently to bring even more Arts organizations to Downtown. It is a very exciting time! Thank you Mayor, for igniting the flame of Hope for all of us in the community.
Thank you again Mr. Mayor. I love reading your insights reminding us all what a great town New Port Richey truly is.