Seminal arts organization Studio620 announces leadership transition
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.
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.
