Ybor has art? Ybor has an ARTWalk?

Posted Aug 4, 2008 by Angus Shafer

Updated Aug 4, 2008 at 02:46 PM

Due to the rain deciding my shoes and socks needed a good cleaning, I only checked out three of the twenty stops. In my three stops I was introduced to quite a few new local artists through their work and got to chat with a few of them. Below are some of my trips highlights.

First stop: The Ritz Ybor
There was plenty to look at in the Ritz, from paintings to jewelry.
Majority of the work was solid. The first pieces that caught my eye were some wood cut outs in the back of the room; they reminded me of totem-polls. There were done by Warren “Carrico” Gibson.

Not only I did I like his work, Warren is a super nice guy.

Carlos Castillo’s paintings also caught my eye. His colors and style were very intense. I would like to find out how many layers of varnish he uses to get his painting this glossy.

Second Stop: Romeo Gallery
This building once home to Neo Trash an independent clothing store which played host to its fair share of art related events is now a full on gallery. The brick walls which once were lined with trendy t-shirts and dresses are now lined with paintings and photography.

Gallery doorways like this make walking in Ybor feel more like walking in San Fransico or NYC.

Third Stop: Ybor Art Colony
Here you will get to see were the magic happens. Some local artists open up their work spaces for you to look around.  James Schneider “boardinker” actually had some homemade cookies and water waiting for visitors.  When I walked into the Colony, Noah Deledda was explaining a new technique he has been working out to some art enthusiasts from Spring Hill.

A drawing on paper by Noa Deledda.

A wall of work by James “boardinker” Schneider.

http://www.myspace.com/yborartcolony

http://www.myspace.com/TheRitzYbor