T'art!

Hampton, David and Lee Hinkle, a Floridian musician who got away

Maybe you should come up with a better name for Tampa art. (This is why I'm not in marketing.) 

When I moved here 6.5 or so years ago, I immediately recognized that this place was bubbling with artsy stuff. 

Sure I hadn't wanted to leave Seattle. I'd even set my sights on Austin or San Francisco, but Florida's low cost of living ultimately won out. (On bad days, I'm reminded you get what you pay for.) 

But our art is priceless. 

No one in town knows that better than T. Hampton Dohrman and David Jenkins. 

For those of you not in the know (and you totally should be), Hampton is an outstanding supporter and organizer of arts events. 

He co-created Philanthropic Young Tampa Bay to inspire people like me (so I like to think) and keep us youngins' from migrating to Brooklyn and other fancy places with excellent public transportation. 

Awarding microgrants to artists is among PYT's work, and David is one of the panelists who helps give money away. He's also a founder of Jobsite Theatre. 


"We always bounce ideas off each other," David said about Hampton. They both travel often to see what's going on in other cities. "By virtue of it being D.C. or New York, a lot more people will show up and media will report on it." 

Hampton, David and I agree that what's going on here is pretty quality stuff. We may be underpaid and under the radar but at least we're having fun. And creating and enjoying amazing art. 

Ideal

Amy Royale is a slim, artsy 26-year-old senior at the University of South Florida. When she wears cutoffs you can see the lissome lines of her most recent tattoo billowing over her right calf and shin.


"I look like I have a normal, thin body," she said. "You can't tell with my clothes on." 


So to tell her story she bares all. A double major in psychology and studio art for photography, this week Amy has her first solo show revealing the truth as she knows it: from the perspective of a formerly morbidly obese young woman who felt like she never fit into this world.  


"I used to be so heavy, I couldn't ride roller coasters or fit in booths at restaurants."


Nearly 300 pounds before weight loss surgery, now all that remains from her heavier days is the skin that used to hold all of her in. 


Not only did people look at her differently when she was obese, but Amy said they now look at her differently when they find out she was formerly obese. 


"I felt bad about making myself better," she said, explaining that her art stemmed out of wanting to confront those who would judge her. "This is my body, and it may not be ideal." 


She described the project as very therapeutic.  "My confidence has changed," Amy said, "but mostly because of the work." 


She's also changing her eating habits, though she says it's difficult because she has always been a picky eater. But she wants to travel and be open to trying all kinds of ethnic foods, so her real work continues. 


Her show, however, is up for one week only. Visit USF's Centre Gallery (MSC 2700) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday - Friday. 


And meet the artist at the closing reception Friday, May 6 from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Third Annual Yart Sale

Yart Sale = art/yard sale to raise funds for Tampa's Artists and Writers Group.

Browse, buy, and eat this Saturday from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Grown Man Studios in Seminole Heights. (6412 Central Ave., Tampa).

Community Stepping Stones

Tampa artist Sigrid Tidmore visited the students of

Community Stepping Stones Wednesday to give the first of a special two-part lesson in watercolors and how the oil spill is affecting the environment.

Sigrid opened by asking the class how the oil spill made them feel. Hands went up and answers were blurted out.

"Sad!"

"Mad!"

"Depressed!" (This comment may have been from one of the several USF fine art interns).

Sigrid then asked: "What are you going to do about this? When you grow up?"

Again the answers flew, this time just from the kids.

"Make a law!"

"Don't litter!"

"Get a better car!"

In this first session the students learned

techniques of painting with watercolors and traced starfish.