Sometime in the early ’90’s I constantly wore several slap bracelets on each arm. I did this to maximize the use I could extract from the bracelets before they inevitably fell out of favor with fashion. The Tampa Art scene seems to be packing events into the first half of October as if it were similarly about to go out of style, so to say. Seriously, though, its only an expression: good art will never go out of style. But just in case, you better head to all of these. Consider the line-up for the next three days.
MAZE Gallery, HCC – EMERGE Art Exhibition
Opening Reception Wed 10/03 4:30pm-7:00pm
Gallery 221 at Hillsborough Community College has emerged to be an important gallery in an art scene that feels like it’s just picking up steam. University galleries can often and easily be dismissed, with community college galleries hardly receiving any consideration at all. At HCC, though, skillful curating has kept the gallery relevant and interesting. Wednesday the school celebrates the opening of a brand new venue: MAZE Gallery. The space will exhibit the work of current students and HCC alumni. The importance of student galleries in colleges deserves a blog post unto itself. I’ll just say that this space was a surprising move for a school of this size, but a great decision. Stop by Wednesday evening to catch some student work in the gallery’s inaugural exhibit.
Tempus Projects – REDUCED5
Closing Reception Thur 10/04 6:30pm-8:30pm
The REDUCED5 juried exhibit ends this Saturday with a reception to close things out. the black and white themed show is juried by its creator Kurt Piazza. Honestly, in terms of quality, juried exhibits in our area are usually hit and miss at best. Perhaps it’s the parameters set on the work, but there is nary a weakling in the bunch here. Further, much of the work comes with a price tag that could likely fit your budget. While you’re there keep an eye out for the witty work of freshly gone Ryann Slauson among others.
Box on 5th – Vince Kral: FanAddict
Opening Reception Fri 10/05 7:30pm-10:00pm
The new gallery’s fourth exhibit is a solo exhibit featuring the work of local artist Vince Kral. Though I haven’t spotted an artist statement yet, I’m familiar with his art. Kral’s work often deals with complex ideas of pop-culture, consumption of images, authorship, and so on. However, his art is delivered with an intelligent humor making his work accessible. Kral often treads some conceptual ground that we don’t often see from local artists. For example, check out his Sponsor Vince Suit. Anyhow, you can expect to see an especially engaging exhibit at a venue that has been bringing crowded receptions since its opening.
ART AT BAY 