Wandering Star Gallery Owner "Humbled" By Grand Opening Turnout

Tanya Pistillo had been planning for the grand opening of her art gallery for most of her life.

Ever since she had a vision while she was in high school of creating a community focused endeavor in downtown Largo, she had been working constantly in some way shape or form for that day to arrive.

Saturday the culmination of Pistillo's years, months and days of hard work paid off, as the opening of her Wandering Star Gallery was deemed a big success by all who attended.

"I'm really excited to see this gallery here," Largo City Commissioner Jamie Robinson said. "It's nice to see foot traffic here on West Bay Drive."

"Tanya is extremely community driven. I think she has the vision and the drive to really get something going here," he added. "I appreciate that as a commissioner, as a business person and as a Largo resident."

Dozens of people wandering in and out of the gallery during the daylong event, looking at the eclectic collection of art, listening to music, having their caricatures drawn by local artist Lars-Erik Robinson and eating food provided by Sonny's BBQ.

Robinson, a multitalented artist who has a lived in Largo for 18 years, said he appreciates having a place in town where he can display his work.

"It's nice to have something like this here, so I don't always have to go down to the Pier," he said of the weekly artists' gathering on Clearwater Beach. "Tanya is helping me to showcase my talent."

Alexis Perez, another local artist who operates A Cause 4 Art, echoed Robinson's sentiments.

"Tanya's got a lot of great ideas for helping the community, and as an artist I'm all for that," she said.

For her part, Pistillo admitted she was overwhelmed at times with the turnout and the community's response to her vision.

She said seeing her lifelong dream become a reality was the happiest day of her life.

"Wow," she said. "It's been a great turnout, the community support has been great. I'm surprised, but humbled is more the right word. I've been in tears a couple of times today."

"It's all about bringing artists here and giving them a space to be totally free," she added. "I wanted to give them a home and I have. It's definitely been one of the most incredible experiences I've ever had."

Related: 

• Largo Woman Hopes To Unite Community Through Art

• Wandering Star Gallery Grand Opening Is Saturday

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