ARE TAMPA ARTISTS DOOMED TO WASH UP IN THE BAY?
There has been much talk about the necessity to revive the arts in Tampa. The city has plans to turn downtown into a rich cultural hotspot with shops rejuvenating downtown after 5 o’clock; a whole avenue laden with the arts. Dedicated to fun, entertaining and whimsical things to do stretching from the Museum downtown to who knows where? But when is this supposed to happen? Does the community support a rich culture? In the past, galleries have opened and closed and currently it’s a treasure hunt to find quality art from Tampa artists. Yes, Tampa does hold events such as Gala Corina and the Hyde Park Art Festival where artists can showcase for a week or a few days and apparently do fairly well. Truthfully though, how many people are really aware of much of what is going on? The interest in fine art has seemingly become a thing of the past. Sure, artists and the art community are involved, but that’s what they do; of course they would support one another. However, that support doesn’t make it a thriving business like college football. The everyday Tampanian wouldn’t think twice about shelling out a few hundred dollars to see USF play some other college team. That same Tampanian would balk at paying anything over a hundred for a unique, quality piece of fine art they could enjoy forever. I’m not saying that the arts in Tampa are completely dead, just that they are comatose and on life support at TGH. There are a few treasures out there, but how long can we expect them to last. One in particular comes to mind; the Tampa Artist Emporium. Located in Hyde Park Village, it has taken in artists who have been forced out of other galleries due to closings. Fostering artists wanting to show and sell their unique perspective on life and in art. Many of whom are finding it harder and harder to maintain as a livelihood. This orphanage for creatives houses talented painters, sculptors, photographers, jewelers, pottery makers and more and has been a refuge from all the gallery closings across the bay area. Currently over 64 local artists show their work seven days a week eagerly anticipating a sale so that they might purchase more supplies to create more beautiful pieces of art. The Tampa Artist Emporium is in the desirable high traffic Hyde Park Village that has just undergone an extreme business makeover. They will in just over six months of business be forced to move to make room for (big surprise here) more condos. The spaces they might have been able to move into in the village are so extremely expensive that they will have to go elsewhere. Where? It seems if things don’t make a change this gem will too suffer the same fate as so many other fine art institutions in the Tampa bay area. All is not completely hopeless; the Tampa Artist Emporium has every intention to stick around and become a success. Although it is currently the tortoise and not the hare at the beginning of the race, it is determined to prevail. They hold art mixers at least once a month, have in their few months of business supported three local charities, and are pinching every dollar to see this through. I encourage everyone to come see the amazing work featured in this gallery while you still can.
The Tampa Artist Emporium has a big month planned for November 2007. On Saturday November 10th from 4-8pm they will hold their monthly art mixer where anyone can come at no cost and enjoy viewing the art, speaking with many of the artists as well as complimentary food and wine. The food for the mixers is always catered by Timpano Chophouse and is never less than exceptional. An evening of this is different from your normal Saturday night, is inspiring and always promises a nice time. Then, on Friday, November 16th from 5:30 – 8:30pm, in conjunction with Arté 2007 and the Hispanic Professional Women’s Association (HWPA); they will host an evening of networking celebrating Latin American culture and art. A $10 donation is asked at the door and will be applied directly to the HWPA scholarship and mentoring program offered to an outstanding young Latina student. Wine and cheeses provided. Come support the arts while the arts are still in Tampa. The Tampa Artist Emporium is located at 1618 Snow Ave. Tampa, FL 33606. More information can be obtained online at www.tampaartistemporium.com
Clay Hedden
For more information on this article, these events, or the Tampa Artist Emporium contact:
Clay Hedden
PR & Events Manager – Tampa Artist Emporium
