Friday Night Art

Posted Sep 2, 2008 by Angus Shafer

Updated Sep 2, 2008 at 11:03 AM

Checked out two shows Friday night, first was the Urban Outfitters artist window.

To accompany a back to school event the store was throwing, this month’s installment of the artist window was done by two USF art majors.

Alaine Bernat
Bela Samrani
“Untitled”
Stained Glass

I suggest going to check this out at night. The back-lit glass, surrounded by blacked out windows seems to float.

Next stop was the [5] art show with new works by April Childers and Allen Hampton

Here is the intro for the show off of the [5] art website:

“Each day is better than the next…” is an exhibition comprised of small scale sculptures that ‘present the viewer with an omniscient look into situations that deal with the unfortunate cycle of continual frustration and devastating disappointment’.

I had never seen any of April’s work before and only knew of Allens more street/graffitti pieces. I was awed by this stuff, the work was refreshing and titles read like lines for a book.

Allen Hampton: “All swirled in red like the storm in Jupiter’s eye”

April Childers: I didnt catch the title to this, I will post it as soon as I find out. 

http://www.allenwhampton.com

http://www.five-art.com

 

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Behind the Scene

Posted Aug 27, 2008 by Angus Shafer

Updated Aug 27, 2008 at 07:53 AM

This is the first in a series of email-interviews with people from all aspects of the arts community. With the second installment of Sweat Shop coming up on August 31, Vanessa Fernandez, the shows curator, gave me a little insight on how this art buffett comes together.

First Things First

TART: Who are you and what’s your arts background?

VF: I have a degree in Art History, which is very useful in day to day life .  I got involved with Jay Giroux and Brandon Dunlap, a few years back, when they were planning the first Dirty But Sophisticated.  They brought me on to be their “pretty front man”, which I thought was cute, and I’ve been involved with these sorts of art events ever since.

TART: What events have you been involved in and how have you been involved?

VF: I’ve been involved with all the Dirty But Sophisticated events, last year’s Sweatshop, Rock Candy (which was a Halloween Art event) and Creative Loafing’s Sensory Overload last March.  I’ve also curated for Nova 535 in St. Pete, putting on a show titled “Heavenly Creatures: An Exhibit of Portraiture” and assisted with Jay Giroux and Theo Wujcik’s two man show.

TART: How have you been involved?

VF: My involvement for these events generally goes beyond just curating.  Apart from organizing the artists, I usually also write the press release, find sponsorships, promote the event, sell artwork the night of the event and help tie up what ever other loose ends come up. This isn’t at all to say that I don’t have help putting these things on. Usually, there is a team of about 3 or 4 people, each taking on different aspects of the event, to make it all happen. For example, DBS 4 had myself, Becca Nelson, Brandon Dunlap, Jay Giroux and DJ Mike Blenda all working together to put on the event.

TART: How much planning is done to pull these events off?

VF: A lot. More than you would think.  They say that “the devil is in the details” and I never really understood what that meant until I started throwing these events.  But, all the stress and anxiety is worth it when it all comes together and the place is packed and everyone is having a killer time.  That’s when the champagne really starts flowing

SweatShop

TART: Explain a little about Sweat Shop? How the theme for this show was spawned.

VF: The concept for Sweatshop is a little different than the other art/music/fashion events that have been going on locally.  For Sweatshop, the fashion show goes on with the live band. It’s an interesting twist on the interplay between fashion and music. This year we have Ben Chmura’s show going on with the Dark Romantics and Raven Reda’s show going on with Giddy Up Helicopter. 
I’ve also asked this year’s artists to also try to theme the work they submit to this concept of the marriage of rock music and fashion…We’ll see what everyone comes up with!

Check out Friday Extra and Tboextra.com for a full SweatShop profile.

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Wearable ART 4

Posted Aug 14, 2008 by Angus Shafer

Updated Aug 14, 2008 at 10:48 AM

I have not been out to any of the previous Wearable ART shows, but I did check out their myspace page this morning and checked out their videos.

Robot Burlesque is the first thing that came to mind. Check it out for yourself, you won’t be disappointed.

http://www.myspace.com/artfashion

From what I hear, last years event was a packed house and this year looks to be the same. According to the Dunedin Fine Art Centers website, Platinum and Gold seating are sold out and online sales of general admission tickets closes today at noon. If you plan on heading out on Saturday, I would give the Fine Art Center a ring to make sure there are tickets available.

http://www.dfac.org/events.shtml

727 298 3322

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Thursday Nights At The Ritz Ybor

Posted Aug 14, 2008 by Angus Shafer

Updated Aug 14, 2008 at 09:42 AM

7:30 - 1 a.m.

Doors open at 7pm and the event lasts until 1am.  The admission is free, and open to the public aged 18 and older.

Some of the featured artists for the month include Warren Gibson, Rory O’Neil, Treza Bettencourt among others.

Tonight, there will be a special performance from the Alex LoRe Jazz Quartet.

 

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Hyde Park Art Mixer

Posted Aug 5, 2008 by Angus Shafer

Updated Aug 5, 2008 at 02:17 PM

On Saturday, August 9th from 5 to 9pm, head over to Tampa Artist Emporium in the Hyde Park Village for their Monthly Art Mixer!
Their Mixers are held on the 2nd Saturday of every month.

http://www.tampaartistemporium.com/index.htm

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