Artists of Central Tampa 3rd meeting

A recap by Susan:

Last night was our third meeting, staged at Gallery 1906, hosted by Lori Ballard and the owners of the building. Our thanks to them for their graciousness. After the meeting Lori gave us a tour including the freight elevator, and two 900 sf vacant studio spaces that rent for $600 a month. The building has character and history in every inch, and the studio space is one of the best bargains in town. For those who might be interested in that space, you can contact Lori We forgot to ask if the rent included electricity.

Sophia Nakas was on hand to show us the cigar factory across the street which is also available as studio space. Unfortunately, we ran out of time and light to see that space, but if any of you are interested perhaps we can arrange for a tour at another time. Sophia, who is a realtor, an arts supporter, and married to artist Edgar Cumbas, recommends finding affordable space in West Tampa and Sulpher Springs. If you have further questions for her, email her.

Soual Mehla, of Sunrise Theater in Hyde Park appeared as guest at this meeting, and offered event space at the theater for this group. The space will accomodate visual art, and even some performance art on a small scale. Sunrise shows independent films and welcomes relationships with local artists.

There were some welcome new faces at the meeting last night and a half dozen absentees who sent their regrets. Dave Powell continues to make the trek from Pinellas Co., bless his energetic soul. We are, as a group coming closer to what we want our core purpose to be. That's not an easy task for people who spend most of their time alone, thinking their own thoughts.

As of last night, this group wants to remain loosely structured, with meetings to continue on a bi-weekly basis. A place needs to be found that will accomodate our gatherings. The majority agreed that it should be an existing establishment, club or restaurant seemd preferrable. The next meeting takes place at The Harbor Club in Sulpher Springs, Wednesday May 24. Those who wish to eat can come early, so that the meeting can start at 7:30 without food interruptions. Meeting to last one hour, followed by an informal chat session for those who wish to stay.

The agenda for the next meeting is simple. Bring your suggestions for the name of this group and wording for the mission. We will attempt to vote on those two items. Walt Majewski suggested that the name should not be geographical in nature. Others agreed in that they felt this group may base itself in Central Tampa, while representing artists from the entire bay area.( Reference historic groups of artists who met for this purpose, such as the Expressionists in New York, the Impressionists in France, etc. We are the post Post Modernists in Florida). As to the wording of the mission, grab the thesaurus and look up collecting, supporting, promoting. So the group purpose would be something like, "The fostering of relationships between Tampa Bay artists". Make it a broad statement that allows for many activities.