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July 22, 2026   |   Cassy Combs

Dunedin Fine Art Center Responds to Artwork Defacement with New Community Conversation Series, Seen / Heard

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: July 22, 2026
From: Dunedin Fine Art Center
Contact: Cassy Combs @ cassy@dfac.org or 727.298.DFAC, x245

DUNEDIN, Fla. – Following a recent act of defacement in one of its galleries, the Dunedin Fine Art Center (DFAC) is responding with conversation. Rather than allowing the incident to define the moment, DFAC has created Seen / Heard, a new community conversation series exploring interpretation, perspective, and the role of dialogue in experiencing art.

Presented in conjunction with underseers, the solo exhibition by artist Jason Lazarus, Seen / Heard features two free public events designed to bring artists, art lovers, and the simply curious together for thoughtful conversations about contemporary art, artistic intent, and the relationship between artists and audiences. Visitors to underseers will also have an opportunity to participate in an interactive component within the exhibition, sharing their own thoughts and perspectives as part of the ongoing conversation.

The series begins with Good Art vs. Bad Art vs. Not Art on Friday, July 31, at 1 p.m. in the Entel Family Gallery. DFAC Curator Danny Olda joins artist and curator Taryn Möller Nicoll for an open conversation exploring how we define, evaluate, and experience art. The discussion will consider how context, intention, interpretation, and personal perspective shape the way we view artwork. Whether you’re an artist, an avid museum-goer, or someone who has ever wondered, “I don’t get it. Is this really art?” this conversation offers an opportunity to look beyond simple answers and embrace the complexity that makes art so powerful.

The series continues with The Space Between Artist and Audience on Thursday, August 13, at 6:30 p.m. in the Entel Family Gallery. Moderated by Olda, the panel features artist Jason Lazarus and Dr. Nashid Madyun, Executive Director at Florida Humanities. The discussion will explore the relationship between artists and audiences, including questions about artistic intent, interpretation, context, and how disagreement can become dialogue rather than dismissal.

The conversations were inspired by a recent incident in which an anonymous visitor defaced a work in underseers. Rather than immediately restoring the artwork and removing all traces of the interaction, DFAC worked with Lazarus to consider how the moment could become an opportunity for meaningful engagement.

“The defacement is both an opportunity for listening and conversation, as well as to probe the deep desire to, in this cultural moment, be seen,” said artist Jason Lazarus.

“One important part of underseers is the idea of seeing as an active choice, often involving acknowledgement, relationship building, and sustained listening. Leaving the defacement visible should not be understood as condoning the act. Defacement of this sort often attempts to speak by forcibly negating the voice of the artist, and that, to me, is unacceptable. To that end, I’m pleased that we are able to respond through a series of conversations characterized by a real interchange of ideas.”

DFAC President and CEO Andrea Nalls believes the conversations reflect the Art Center’s mission to create opportunities for connection, learning, and exploration through the arts.

“One of the greatest strengths of art is its ability to spark conversation,” said Nalls. “At the Dunedin Fine Art Center, we believe people should feel welcome to question, interpret, and even disagree about what art is. Our role is to create a space where those perspectives can be shared openly, thoughtfully, and with respect.

“DFAC is using this incident as an opportunity for education, dialogue, and community. There is no place for vandalism or the destruction of an artist’s work, but there will always be a place for curiosity, respectful disagreement, and meaningful discussion.”

Both events are free and open to the public. The exhibition underseers will remain on view at DFAC through August 16, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the exhibition and participate in the ongoing conversation.

About the Dunedin Fine Art Center
The Dunedin Fine Art Center has served the Tampa Bay community for more than 50 years by offering world-class exhibitions, studio classes for all ages, outreach programs, and creative experiences that inspire lifelong learning through the arts. As one of Florida’s leading visual arts organizations, DFAC welcomes thousands of visitors each year to explore, create, and connect through art.