Tampa Needs a Larger Art Center
We potentially have a unique and timely opportunity to greatly improve the artistic choices available in our community.
Tampa Regional Artists operates a gallery and workshop/class space in a turn of the century one room schoolhouse on Swann Ave. For years the board of TRA has acknowledged that we simply don't have enough space to meet the community's artistic needs. We have very limited space for classes as well as parking. Our building, although of historic value, leaves a lot to be desired as far as structural integrity, efficiency and maintenance.
The city of Tampa does offer a small number of class choices in a few locations. Not one of them offers a painting option that we could find. They are mostly clay, jewelry and a few mixed media, as well as summer camps for kids.
We have had the good fortune to operate as professional artists in the state of Florida for many years. Our work has included participating with a variety of organizations in various locations. We feel that Tampa is widely and largely left in the dust of many much smaller communities. We would like to change this!
Bradenton is a great example of where Tampa could be. It has a well-developed artist's community with active art walks through numerous galleries housed all in a single location. This location is supported with eateries and other close by arts related activities including a theatre and the Bishop planetarium as well as a big, very active art center. This art center is currently in the process of building a new, state of the art $11 million facility. This organization will have a very positive and financially beneficial impact on the entire community.
The Tampa community needs to have access to similar facilities. We are exploring the possibility of creating an art center that could provide a variety of workshops and classes with exhibit space for artists of all ages. Below is an example of what could be included in an expanded art center.
We need help to make this happen, from the arts community, the general public, the business community and the city. We will need the active involvement of the people interested in arts that are willing to make this happen.
We believe that we have a window of time and possibility right now. We are soliciting ideas, comments, volunteers, and involvement. We can bring the arts to such a higher level if we are able to pull our resources together. Please consider how you may help bring Tampa into a bigger and better artistic light. There are so many great things happening in our community, and the arts are all part of that.
Do you want to help? Be updated on our efforts? Please provide us your information so we can get you more involved. You can also let Kathy Durdin (kathydurdin@gmail.com) or Donna Morrison (donnamorrisonart@gmail.com) know your thoughts and ideas. We can do this!