Top of the Axis

Best Study Spots

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:15:12 GMT

Best Places to Study On and Off Campus

With finals coming up, work to do, or just neede a quiet space to think, I've put together a list of some places on campus and nearby that are perfect for studying. Whether you are someone who needs complete silence or prefers a more lively environment, there is an option for everyone. Translated below in spanish.

On Campus Options

1. USF Library

-The most classic study spot at USF, especially the basement and the fifth floor. They are quieter areas with individual seating where you get your own study cubicle and access to outlets. If you are like me and your laptop is always running out of battery, this is essential. And if you get hungry or need a quick energy boost, Starbucks and vending machines are right there.

2. Honors College

-This is my personal favorite spot on campus. It is a newer building with beautiful architecture inside, mostly wood, which gives it a cozy vibe when you enter. There are three floors with plenty of study options, including large, comfortable tables on the second and third floor, both indoors and outdoor seating and great views.

3. The Marshall Center

- Another classic study spot that definitely deserves a mention. The first and third floors are especially great, with lots of seating options such as couches, comfortable chairs, and individual study spaces with large tables. It is also very convenient, with the food court on the first floor and vending machines throughout the building.

4. The Bookstore

Photo by The Oracle

-This is an amazing option that is a favorite by many students! Kahwa, located inside the bookstore, offers a great selection of coffee, lattes, and refreshing drinks. The atmosphere is really relaxed, with plenty of tables and comfortable seating, and just a little background noise. Great space to settle in with your laptop and coffee and study at your own pace.

5. Argos Exchange

-Near Castor Beach, Argos offers a spacious area with several tables and even sofas for studying, plus food where you can pay $8 to make your own bowl or choose a ready-made one. I really like the Mexican one! With multiple food options, it's another ideal place to study, Especailly for group projects!

Off-Campus Options

5. Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co.

- If you want to study off campus without giving up a cozy and aesthetic environment, Qamaria is perfect. The space is beautiful, with carefully designed decor, middle eastern pastries, and the coffee is amazing (you should try the pistachio latte). It is only about an eleven minute drive from USF, so it is definitely worth the trip for a longer study session and it closes around 10PM.

6. Foxtail Coffee at Telecom Village

-Another great off campus option with a more laid back and stylish vibe, kind of industrial, which I love. It closes at 8 PM, so it is ideal for studying during the day or early evening. Besides coffee, they also have good food, which is always a plus.

7. Felicitous on 42nd

-A charming and relaxed coffee shop near USF, perfect if you are looking for a more alternative vibe to study. They offer coffee, tea, pastries, and even vegan options. If you are the type who needs to leave campus to really focus, but still wants to be very close to it, this is a great choice.

Melhores Lugares para Estudar no Campus (e Arredores)

Com as provas finais chegando, decidi separar alguns lugares aqui no campus e aos arredores que são perfeitos para estudar. Seja você do tipo que precisa de silêncio absoluto ou prefere um ambiente mais movimentado, tem opção pra todo mundo!

1. Biblioteca (USF) O lugar mais clássico para estudar aqui na USF, mas especificamente o basement e o quinto andar por serem lugares silenciosos, com opções individuais onde você tem sua própria "cabine" e disponibilidade de tomadas. Se você for como eu, que o computador sempre está descarregando, isso é essencial. Se bater aquela fome de um snack ou precisar de um boost de energia, o Starbucks e as vending machines estão logo ali.

2. Honors Building Esse é meu lugar predileto no campus. É um prédio novo com uma arquitetura linda por dentro, toda em madeira, que já dá aquela vibe aconchegante só de entrar. São dois andares com várias opções de onde estudar, com mesas grandes e confortáveis no segundo andar, tanto dentro quanto do lado de fora, onde você pode estudar com uma vista incrível do campus. Perfeito pra quem gosta de um ambiente bonito e inspirador.

3. MSC (Marshall Student Center) Outro lugar clássico que definitivamente merece ser mencionado. Especialmente o primeiro e o terceiro andar, com várias opções de onde se acomodar: sofás, poltronas confortáveis e também espaços individuais com mesas grandes. Além de ser super conveniente, com o food court no primeiro andar e vending machines espalhadas pelo prédio.

4. Bookstore Essa é uma opção incrível que muita gente acaba ignorando, mas que vale muito a pena! O Kahwa, que fica dentro da livraria, oferece uma seleção deliciosa de cafés, lattes e bebidas refrescantes, perfeito pra quem precisa daquele cafézinho pra manter o foco ou quer algo gelado nos dias quentes de Tampa. O ambiente é bem agradável e descontraído, com várias opções de mesas e assentos confortáveis, então você consegue se instalar direitinho com o notebook aberto, seu café na mão e estudar sem pressa. É aquele tipo de lugar que transforma a sessão de estudos em algo bem mais gostoso, quase parece que você não está estudando!

5. Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co. Se você quer estudar fora do campus mas sem abrir mão de um ambiente bonito e aconchegante, a Qamaria é perfeita. O ambiente é lindo, com uma decoração super cuidadosa, e o café é incrível. Fica a apenas 11 minutos de carro da USF, então vale muito o deslocamento pra uma sessão de estudos mais longa

6. Foxtail Coffee (Telecom Village) Outra ótima opção fora do campus com um ambiente mais despojado e estiloso, daquele jeito industrial que eu adoro. Fecha às 20h, então é ideal pra quem quer estudar durante o dia ou no início da tarde. Além do café, ainda tem comida, o que é sempre um bônus!

7. Felicitous (on 42nd) Um cafezinho charmoso e descontraído pertinho da USF, perfeito pra quem quer uma vibe mais alternativa pra estudar. Tem café, chá, pastéis e até opções veganas. Se você é do tipo que precisa sair do campus pra conseguir focar, esse lugar é uma ótima pedida!

A Women’s History Mural Tour of Tampa

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 18:53:07 GMT

It's the Friday before the end of Spring Break. As you are tucking the suitcases away and we settle back into the swing, it's the perfecttime to reset in our city. Since it’s Women’s History Month, we’re looking at the "canvas of the streets" to see how female artists are shaping Tampa’s visual identity. Here are 3 murals in the city you should see.

1. The Trailblazers: "Be All You Can Be"

Artist: Michelle Sawyer

Where: 1907 E. Hillsborough Ave

More Info

Why it matters: This massive tribute honors six African American women who paved the way in East Tampa. The mural was commissioned by the Gasparilla Arts Inc.,. It was painted by local artist Michelle Sawyer with the help of 10 students from the neighboring Pace Center for Girls. It’s a vibrant, colorful reminder that our history is built on the strength of local leaders.

2. The City Soul: "Love Where You Live"

Artist: Bianca Burrows
Where: 1905 West Kennedy Blvd

More Info

This mural focuses on things that are so Tama and part of the Tampa Iconography. For example the lightning logo, The University of Tampa, Bayshore Boulevard and more. From José Gaspar to our famous flamingos, Bianca’s bold style captures the energy of the 813.

3. The Heights Icon: "Woman with the Wind"

Artist: Bekky Beukes

Where: The Rialto Theatre (Tampa Heights)

More Info

This mural has been a part of the Tampa area since 2016. On top of the historic Rialto theater in The Heights of Tampa Bay the visual is of a bohemian woman who is South African lost in Florida. The shapes move in human and animal forms in bright colors that match the pallete of this beautiful state.

Taking Up Space This Women’s History Month and beyond

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 20:56:22 GMT

HI, introducing Fernanda our new intern to the top. We hope you enjoy her first story in this first installment of the Top in Women's History Month.

For Women’s History Month, I want to comment on something that is present in the lives of many women in creative fields: imposter syndrome. The feeling of not being good enough despite all of your achievements. This made me reflect on my own experiences navigating fear and self-doubt.

As an international student from Brazil coming from a low income background, I feel that I have to prove myself much more than any native student or other international students with financial privilege. I came from public schools with very limited resources, learned English by myself through YouTube, and even though I was always a dreamer, I never thought very highly of myself. For a long time, I was also afraid to try, because I did not see myself as good or intelligent enough.

At the beginning of the year, a video caught my attention: “Trying to get rejected one thousand times.” The title caught my attention, and I saw a girl my age named Gabriella who created a goal for herself to be rejected one thousand times, applying to things she was not fully qualified for, such as applying for a National Pageant title and for a Dutch passport. The video went viral with 3 million views, where she shared her journey in a series, asking bold questions and placing herself in environments that intimidated her. “Chase rejection,” she said. This immediately stuck with me, and I began thinking about how much I am afraid of hearing a “no” and how that bold attitude sounded like challenging the system. And for me, it would mean challenging all the walls I built around myself to avoid frustration and getting hurt. And that was when I realized how brave she was and that I should also chase rejection.

Video by Gabriella Carr on TIkTok

Being honest, I have always been afraid of many things: insects, roller coasters, heights. As I grew older, some fears remained, but most of them became deeper: not being good enough, not being ready, not being chosen. That silent voice that asks, “What is the point of trying?” I would say that this is how I lived most of my middle school and high school years, hiding in a corner of the classroom with my head down while creating an imaginary world in my notebook to escape reality. I am a naturally introverted person, I think a lot before speaking. Whenever there is a group discussion or I need to socialize with others, I replay the entire conversation in my head over and over again. I will never be the person to speak loudly in a room, raise my hand first, or share an idea without having rehearsed it many times. I was always aware that I could be judged, that I might not be intelligent enough, or that I might accidentally mix up my words. It was the constant fear of being observed, of saying something wrong and that changing people’s perception of me. I was afraid of being seen and heard, even though I had so many thoughts in my head and so much to say. But fear always stopped me from trying.

During the pandemic something changed. While the world was in quarantine, locked inside their rooms, I felt like I was in my comfortable space. I no longer needed to socialize, attend classes in person, or present in front of the entire class. But that was when I felt an emptiness. I had a lot of time to think about how my fear of rejection had prevented me from living my life. And that was when I decided to change. Like Gabriella on TikTok, I placed a mission in my mind: I need to try. I need to be seen. I started with small things like learning how to do makeup and posting my videos online, and later creating a social project that collected 5,000 books across eleven cities and three states in Brazil. I had always seen myself as someone who was not capable or good enough. I made hundreds of applications and sent emails to professors at universities in the United States. I created a LinkedIn profile. By the end of the first semester of my journey, I had been accepted into a program at the Clinton Foundation, having my project supported and even speaking with Chelsea Clinton. I thought I would never belong in spaces like that. Someone like me? A Brazilian girl from a small city? Who did not even have the courage to talk to people while looking into their eyes?

But someone believed in me, while hundreds of others did not. But that was okay. My mantra became “I only need one yes.” During two years of this journey, I received hundreds of rejections, but also a couple of yeses that were exactly what I needed. During that time I applied to different side quests: I created an online makeup store, recorded a streaming episode about my social project, dyed my hair neon green, and raised $10,000 through an online campaign to study in South Korea. When I look back now, I realize that I have been chasing rejection for a long time: being rejected by universities in the United States, by many jobs including unpaid ones, my first unsuccessful job interview which ended with me crying, do not ask me how, and applying to 800 internship positions. Yes, I received 800 rejections and a lot of ghosting that I counted in a spreadsheet. Eight hundred times I risked hearing that I was not enough. There were moments when I was told that it was already too late in the recruiting process, that I should stop trying, or that it would be better to wait until the next year. In June, I landed my dream internship at Legendary Entertainment in LA, where I worked with my favorite movie trilogy, Dune and other movies such as Godzilla and Street Fighter. And I did it with no connections. Not because I was not afraid. Not because I never doubted myself. But because I continued even when it felt uncomfortable to continue.

In the end, I realized that chasing rejection is not about humiliating myself or doing grand things. Sometimes it is something much simpler: raising your hand even when your voice is shaking, speaking a little louder even when you are afraid of being judged, sharing your ideas instead of keeping them to yourself, applying for opportunities that intimidate you instead of waiting until you feel ready. Because the real cost is not rejection. It is stagnation. It is not living the life you love because you are afraid to try, and looking back realizing that you stayed silent where you deserved to speak. Being introverted, I learned that courage is not always loud; sometimes it is simply insisting: sending the email anyway, trying anyway, speaking anyway. Maybe Gabriella’s story is not about 1,000 rejections, but about 1,000 times choosing not to let fear decide.

All you need is one person to believe in you. If you really want to try something, just do it.

The Berry Best of the Bay

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 18:35:12 GMT

Your Local’s Guide to Strawberry Season . Markets in your area, recipes, and of the course The Strawberry Festival! If you’ve stepped outside this week, you may have noticed the air smells a little sweeter. That’s because it’s officially Strawberry Season! �� Whether you’re heading to the Strawberry Festival in Plant City or looking for a quiet local u-pick spot to fill your basket (and your camera roll), I’ve got you covered. I’m sharing the best places to go based on where you live, a few unique recipes that aren't shortcake, and some fun facts that prove these berries are basically nature’s own art project.

�� The Main Event

Florida Strawberry Festival - The heart of strawberry season. Don't miss the art exhibits at the Neighborhood Village!

(Plant City: Feb 26 – Mar 8)
2203 Reynolds St, Plant City, FL 33563

Website: flstrawberryfestival.com

�� Plant City Spots

Berry Sweet Acres - Find a "Barntique" and food truck, aesthetically pleasing.

5621 US-92, Plant City, FL 33566
Website: berrysweetacres.com

Keel Farms - U-pick berries paired with a winery/brewery atmosphere.

5202 Thonotosassa Rd, Plant City, FL 33565
Website: keelfarms.com

Parkesdale Farm Market - Famous for world-class strawberry shortcakes and milkshakes.

3702 W Baker St, Plant City, FL 33563
Website: parkesdale.com

Fancy Farms Market - family market with great preserves and fresh-picked flats.

5204 Drane Field Rd, Lakeland/Plant City area
Website: fancyfarmsmarket.com

The Farmhouse at Gillman Farms - A rustic, hometown farm stand experience.

5617 Thonotosassa Rd, Plant City, FL 33565
Website: facebook.com/DixieFH

Fun Fact 1 ��Seed Count:

An average strawberry has about 200 seeds

�� Surrounding Areas (Dover, Thonotosassa, Tampa, Brooksville)

Strawberry Passion Organics:Thonotosassa - an organic farm

9491 Rockhill Rd, Thonotosassa, FL 33592
Website: strawberrypassionorganics.com

Three Son Farms Dover - beautiful fields and local favorite u-pick

Info: 3830 McIntosh Rd, Dover, FL 33527
Website: facebook.com/ThreeSonFarms

Bearss Groves Tampa - one of the best locl spots within Tampa City Limits

Info: 14316 Lake Magdalene Blvd, Tampa, FL 33618
Website: bearssgroves.com

JG Ranch - Brooksville - berries,fresh honey and wide open Florida hills

Info: 17200 Wiscon Rd, Brooksville, FL 34601
Website: jgranch.com

Fun Fact 2��They Aren't Actually Berries:

A"true" berry has seeds on the inside (like a banana or a tomato!). They are the only fruit that wears its seeds on the outside.

Some Yummy Strawberry Recipes

�� Recipe 1.Balsamic Strawberry & Brie Grilled Cheese Sliders

A sophisticated twist on a classic. Gooey brie, and strawberries on bread, what could be better?

Ingredients:

4 slices of thick sourdough bread
1 small wheel of Brie (sliced thin)
1 cup fresh Florida strawberries (sliced)
1 tbsp butter

The Secret Sauce: A drizzle of balsamic glaze and a few fresh basil leaves.

Instructions:

Butter one side of each bread slice.
On the unbuttered side, layer the Brie slices and strawberry slices.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze and tuck in a few basil leaves.
Grill in a pan over medium heat until the bread is golden-etched and the Brie is melting over the sides.

�� Recipe 2: Whipped Feta with Roasted Strawberries

Roasting the berries to perfection.

Ingredients:

8oz Feta cheese (crumbled)
1/4 cup Greek yogurt (plain)
1 pint strawberries (hulled and halved)
1 tbsp honey
A pinch of black pepper and sea salt

Instructions:

The Berries: Toss strawberries with honey and a pinch of pepper. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes until they are soft and sitting in a pool of red syrup. Let them cool slightly.
The Base: Throw the feta and yogurt into a food processor (or use a hand mixer) and blend until it’s fluffy and smooth like a cloud.
The Assembly: Spread the whipped feta on a plate or toast. Spoon the warm berries and all that red "paint" (syrup) over the top.

Visual Book Review:The Time Traveler's Wife

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 22:35:37 GMT

Most book reviews just tell you the plot. I want to show you how I envisioned, hear it and would cast it now. This week on Top of the Aixs we reimagine, T he Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger.

Visual Book Review: The Time Traveler’s Wife

I have read the The Time Traveler’s Wife and seen the 2009 movie a few times. Published in 2003, the book is the science fiction romance novel of your time traveling dreams. We follow Henry, a librarian with an acute rare genetic disorder that causes him to involuntarily time travel and his wife Clare, an artist who has been benefactor and the victim of Henry’s ailment. While the book has moments of joy, immense surprise, and unlikely endings, it always feels to like a long-exposure photograph, or one of my childhood photographs from the late 90s and early 2000s. You’ve got blurry edges, focused in the center, and a deep sense of realness. No fuss, no filters, no AI or skin retouching. Just the truth. Just Clare waiting and Henry appearing through the shadowed trees of the meadow, Just love and longing and just the mystery of coincidences, soulmates and love through time.

I think the book is enchanting it has. A melancholy sentiment with a hopeful reminder that love is timeless. Love comes in unexpected ways and love can also be incredibly cruel. I think the reading style of the book is fun to.The time travel is never spectacle. It shows absence, the weight of waiting, the fragile miracle of reunion. Henry disappearing is loving someone who is always slipping through your fingers. Clare’s waiting isn’t weakness; it’s devotion stretched across decades and really the only consistency of their lives together. The meadow, the library, the snow, the wind through the trees, the music, the singing set the scene and they hold the emotion of the characters most formative moments. We see everything from Clare's life with out Henry, and vice versa. The loss of a parent and its profound effects on a young child. The fear of who you are also being the one thing that saved you and how love can feel predestined and unfair at the same time. I'd give this non-linear structured story a 4.2/5 stars and I read it every few years to remind myself of the magic.

The Mood Board

Colors : Newberry Library gold, Chicago pavement grey, strawberry blonde hair, and desaturated green of a 1970s meadow

Textures: Dewy damp grass, and the rough wool of a stolen coat, and snow.

Sound: Strings of violins and operatic singing, laughter, melancholy melodies, and the wind.

Favorite Songs: To be read along to while sitting by your window with tea as you open your book to enter the meadow and wait for Henry.

Build a Home: The Cinematic Orchestra- played while Alba is being born
Invisible String: Taylor Swift – Clare and Henry’s cosmic, unexplainable bond
On the Nature of Daylight: Max Richter - Clare moving through life waiting for Henry to return and Henry trying o get back.
Bloom: Paper Kites- Clare running to the meadow and meeting henry for the first time
First Day of My Life: Bright Eyes – Claire and Henry reuniting in the library 5 years later.
Daydream Believer: The Monkees- Henry and Clare living happily together.

Here's a full playlist to read along to.

The 2026 Dream Cast: (Even though the 2009 Movie is PERFECT)

Top 3 for Clare Abshire:

Sadie Sink ( Stranger Things, The Whale)

Cailee Spaeny (Priscilla)

Chase Infiniti ( One Battle After Another)

Top 3 for Henry DeTamble:

Dylan O Brien ( Teen Wolf, The First Time)

Max Minghella ( The Handmaid's Tale)

Mamoudou Athie (Archive81)

All of these actors in my opinion have given memorable performances and captivate in a way that stands out, but haven't necessarily broken the ceiling of household names yet. However, If I had to pick my top 2 I would choose...

Chase Infiniti and Dylan O Brien.

My first impression of Chase was her recent film, One Battle After Another. With the powerhouse of Leo and Sean Penn I believe she stole the movie. Her eyes were the performance. Her genuine fear and her quiet, loud, and fighting spirit in my opinion carried the film. I think she could play the intricacies of Clare's love and heartbreak so beautifully. I secondly choose Dylan O'Brien because since his Teen Wolf days I've been mesmerized. He is funny and a clear comedic genius. He also play someone who is a believable to 20, and 40 the next. Most importantly, he is an incredibly present actor. There's a scene in Teen Wolf where his best friend is at a very low point. His lines are, " Scott, you are my best friend, okay I need you. Scott you are my brother". It was heartbreaking and over 10 years later it still pops into my head because it is one of the few times I've completely 100% believed an actor. There's always a little bit of doubt, but not in that scene.

I think they both have great stillness, a deep ability to show longing and vulnerability which is the only way a remake of the 2009 movie could ever touch the perfect work of Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana

SOOOOO after all that I hope you read it. Linked at the top!

The Walls We Didn't Build

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 20:35:08 GMT

Today we're exploring the "hidden structural beams" of our history and society and why we have to see them before we start swinging sledgehammers. Don't worry. It will make sense in 3,2,1

The Walls We Didn't Build

Imagine you’ve finally bought your first historic fixer-upper. It’s been off and on the market a few times. You know the type: great bones and incredible character, but it’s a mess. The floorboards are constantly groaning, the light switches are lighting the wrong rooms, and there’s a draft you can’t identify.

As you prepare for the renovation and start tearing out old cabinets, you find a dusty old folder: the original house plans. Finally, the history of your home. But as you flip through them, your heart sinks. Half the pages are missing, detailing some of the most important information like locations of the load-bearing beams, plumbing lines, or any updates made to the home.

You seek advice, and one friend tells you, "Just start swinging the sledgehammer! Who cares about the old plans? Let's just focus on the new paint and the granite countertops."

But here’s the problem: For years, previous owners tried to fix the house using only half information. They patched the roof and painted the walls, but putting a band-aid on big issues never holds. Without those pages, they didn't truly understand how the house worked or why it was continuing to fall apart.

Our country, our home, is that house. And history is the missing blueprints for the walls we didn’t build. For a long time, we’ve been trying to "renovate" our society while ignoring the missing pages of the blueprint. Black history, and the history of all our diverse communities, aren't just "extra" stories; they are the foundational diagrams. When we find those "missing blueprints," the cracks in our society finally start to make sense. We stop guessing, stop assuming, and start understanding the techniques and materials that actually built this place and can be used today to make better choices.

As you continue through Black History Month, I hope this reminds you to take time to learn about the history of the walls that built the space we all call home. Our beautiful, work in progress but good bones, fixer upper!

Happy Black History Month!

That’s the TOP. See you next week.

Gasparilla Invasion is Coming: Welcome to TOP of the AXIS, our new curated weekly blog

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 01:52:48 GMT

Hi, it’s Malaika,

It's our first blog of Top of the Axis! This blog will focus on current favorites of the week. I’ve put together five of my favorites starting with the Gasparilla invasion coming to Tampa this weekend!

1: It’s INVASION TIME: Gasparilla 2026

If you know, you know , so you can just read the next few pointers and be on your way to #2.

It’s going to be a cold one. Prepare.
Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate.
Park or get out from your Uber away from Bayshore and make the trek to the parade. Future you will thank you when the mob is trying to leave.
Food is your friend. Don’t forget her.
You probably DON’T need one more.
Get those beads.
Be safe, my fellow Pirates!

If you didn’t know, Gasparilla is Tampa’s legendary pirate-themed festival . This invasion is inspired by the mythical José Gaspar, a “fearsome” pirate said to have roamed Florida’s waters. Expect pirate costumes galore, a float parade making its way down Bayshore Blvd over a few hours, huge crowds and pirate crews, and beads. Catch the beads, share the beads, hoard the beads. When it comes to those, the rules aren’t very limited. It’s a mischievous day, a Tampa staple, and a city-wide costume party. Below I will leave you with photo evidence of some of my time there. Advice is listed above. Stay with your group and have the best time!

2: One Battle After Another

Oscar contender film by Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another , was a thriller from the start to the showdown finish. I hav e a goal this year to see all, or as many as possible of the Best Picture films and this movie did not disappoint. Opening with the jawline of all jawlines, we see Perfidia (Teyana Taylor) scanning the periferal area of atop a bridge of an immigration detention center. My first thought was: Jawline, 10 out of 10, meancing face 10 out of 10, Cinemtography , I'm ALREADY being locked in. We then follow Perfidia, Ghetto Pat (Leonardo DiCaprio), and their other comrades of the French 75 on a wild story of political revolution and protecting who you love. It was fearless, funny, and touched on some of the political and social issues we face today in a darkly comedic, edge-of-your-seat way. Sean Penn as Captain Lockjaw is, as expectedly brilliant, and newcomer Chase Infinity as Willa made me an instant fan. I don’t know why, but I felt like a proud mother watching her. Check it out, and congrats to the cast and film for all their nominations for this year’s Oscars.

3: Float by Olivia Dean
Now this patch came to me out of a software error. All day today, whenever I opened Instagram, this song would start playing. Annoyance turned to quick acceptance as I found myself letting it play. Olivia Dean has been one of my new favorites, so finding another piece of hers was a sweet accident. The song focuses on letting go of a past love, but also letting go so you can move forward. Whether broken-hearted or ready to move forward in this new year, listen to Float . I like the idea of letting go, allowing yourself to drop the weight, and finally float to new heights in your life.

4: If you’re not moving, let’s move!

I made a goal for myself to move at least 5,000 steps as many days a week as possible. Over the fall, I let my activity levels slide. I lost my consistency and also my grit to take care of myself in this way. Last week, 5 out of 7 days I walked at least 5k steps or more all just from a slight mental switch. I then ran across this article from Healthline.org that did 33 studies in December 2024, consisting of 96,000 people, that showed walking more each day is associated with fewer symptoms of depression and a better mood. The study stated that even starting with 1,000 extra steps a day would make you feel better. To learn more in detail, read the article for yourself here . From me to you, I say MOVE. Any little bit will loosen those muscles up and stretch out those bones that have been sitting or lying too much today. We can make tiny changes to our mental health right now. Let’s do it together and make mini goals. You got this, I got this, we got this!

5: Coffee con Yemini

I am not a coffee drinker. I repeat. I AM NOT A COFFEE DRINKER.

Now, that could make my opinion seem less valid, but I think the contrary. When I do have coffee, I have an iced caramel latte(ICL). I have had at least 15 different ICLs from different coffee shops across Tampa Bay, and my favorite cup so far has been from Socotra Yemeni Coffee on Fowler Ave. in Temple Terrace. Not only was it yummy, it also didn’t give me the jitters or the “funny head” feeling I get when I drink coffee. It was smooth, not too sweet, and not overpriced. Socotra Yemeni Coffee beans originate from the highlands of Yemen, known for their spice and unique flavors, and featuring chocolate. I am pretty sure the latter is what takes it over the edge in taste. If you are a student at USF in Tampa, check out Socotra—less than 10 minutes from campus.

That’s the TOP for the week. I'm feeling the mix. See you next week.

Radcliffe, Shawn. “Getting at Least 5,000 Steps a Day Could Improve Depression, Mood.” Healthline, 16 Dec. 2024, www.healthline.com/health-news/more-daily-steps-improves-depression-symptoms .

Journaling Careers: Best-Selling Author with M. Rebecca Wildsmith

Tue, 06 May 2025 17:35:49 GMT

Journaling Careers:

Journaling Careers: Best-Selling Author with M. Rebecca Wildsmith

Written by Natalie Jarrin

Tell us about yourself and your background.

My name is M. Rebecca Wildsmith. I have written two #1 internationally bestselling novels, Hattie Vavaseur and Verity Easton. They are both supernatural murder mysteries, with a crossover character between them. My third novel, Evelina Fontana, is slated to be released next year and also has a crossover character from Verity Easton. I have a bachelor's degree in Literary Studies. During that, I completed a study abroad in Europe, in which some of my books take place. I've always been fascinated with history as well as literature, and I always love to do a good deal of research and travel in order to make my books feel as close as possible to the country or period to which I've devoted my writing. I've lived in Florida for about two-and-a-half years, but have lived in Oregon, California, New Mexico, New Jersey, and Idaho.

Describe your job and what a typical day at work is like.

In addition to writing novels, I have a day job that's also in the writing realm. I've been writing and editing in the marketing world for about twenty-two years. Right now, I have a full-time job as a Creative Director for a fantastic company, so I have to find time to write my books during lunch breaks or in the evenings. I'm also married and have a six-year-old daughter, so finding time to write can definitely be a challenge. With my busy schedule, I try to work on time for me throughout the day. My weekday goals are to write or edit, play the guitar, sing, play the piano, listen to an audiobook, and work out. I find that if I can express or consume creativity in ways other than writing, it helps inspire my imagination.

What inspired you to become a writer?

I can't remember a time when I didn't want to be a writer. I read voraciously as a child and was always scribbling on the backs of notebooks that were meant for schoolwork. I was inspired to write my first short story murder mystery as an eight-year-old child. I'd discovered an old typewriter in the back of a closet at my family home, and it gave me such film noir vibes. I wrote a little court scene with a mysterious woman who gave evidence wearing a dark veil over her face. It was a lifelong dream fulfilled to just see my books in print, so I'm very humbled and grateful to have them both become #1 international bestsellers.

How has your career evolved as a writer?

I feel like it's an ever-evolving process. It took 15 years to finish my first book, Hattie Vavaseur, and just over a year to finish my second book, Verity Easton. I felt compelled to complete the second one more quickly, as I saw all of these authors who could pump out books multiple times a year. After publishing Verity Easton, I very soon concluded that there were elements to the storyline development that I wish I'd taken more time to mull over. I also realized that many other authors are doing this full-time, while I'm still holding down a day job and raising a child, so it's okay for me to take my time in developing characters and stories. I've been working on my third novel, Evelina Fontana, since 2022, and I'm so glad I've taken the extra time, as I've had moments of inspiration that otherwise may not have come if I'd rushed through it.

How has your previous work motivated you to follow in the arts?

I've always been obsessed with the arts. I started taking piano lessons at the age of three and was a competitive, classically trained pianist. I also sang in a professional children's chorus, picked up the guitar in high school, and performed for a season with the Idaho Falls Opera Theatre. I was lucky enough to be able to travel all over the country as a child, and we would always visit museums. I've dabbled in sketching and painting, and I've always found great joy in observing the masters. When I go on vacation, I don't go to relax...I go to visit museums and galleries and plays and architecture. I minored in Humanities so that smattering of "all things art" in my education has spilled over into my adult life, as well as my writing. You'll usually find a reference to a work of art or interesting artifacts in my books.

From all your books, which one has been your favorite?

Hattie Vavaseur is definitely my favorite. I lived with the characters in my head for so long, that they will always be close to my heart. I love all my books and stories, but that one, as my first, will always have a uniquely tender place in my soul. Vamelda, the eccentric medium of the occult, will always live with me and cheer me. She was a fabulously fun character to write.

How has writing helped develop in aspects of your life?

Writing has always been very therapeutic for me. I had a bit of a rough childhood, so growing up, I would often take any deep emotion I was feeling and imagine a character that could be in a different situation but feeling the same type of emotion, then write out that scene. It helped me view my life from the outside and see the larger orchestration of my humanity or how my little world relates to others. Specifically with Verity Easton, I was able to start to put to bed some people-pleasing aspects that were ingrained in me during my upbringing. That was a triumphant expulsion of feelings I'd been sitting with for years, and writing finally allowed me to overcome them. This way of writing also helps me to see the lighter side of things. I've always been one to laugh at myself, so I sometimes put my characters in humorous situations in which they might not always act gracefully...just like we've all done at some point.

Who are your author inspirations?

Daphne du Maurier is my favorite author of all time. Her poetic descriptions and mind-bending storylines truly inspire me to be a better writer. Of course, as a murder mystery author, I also revere Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle for their deftness in building suspense.

What advice do you have for others who are interested in joining your field?

Sit down and do it! That's what I have to continue to tell myself every day. I can very easily direct my creativity into making every excuse "in the book" not to write, but redirecting that creativity into developing your characters and stories is definitely worth the feeling of accomplishment you'll get when you finally fulfill that dream of becoming a published author! I've always told myself that if just one person read and liked my book, that would make it worthwhile. And now, I've sold over 22,000 copies of my books, and I hear from readers from all over the world that they are enjoying my little stories. Still, I have to keep telling myself to sit down and write every chance I get.

Tell us something about your upcoming book .

Evelina Fontana takes place during WWII in Italy. It's a supernatural murder mystery, of course, but it's also a spy/insane asylum mashup, which sounds strange, but I think it's working so far! This one almost has a tinge of sci-fi that accompanies the supernatural. I'm hoping to have it completed in 2025. In Hattie Vavaseur, I have secret messages hidden throughout. In Evelina Fontana, you'll be able to use Verity Easton as a cipher to decode the messages that Evelina receives, so keep your eyes peeled and your wits about you!

Where can readers find your books?

My books are available on Amazon, Kindle, Barnes & Noble, Audible, Apple Books, Waterstones, Books-A-Million, and a few local shops around Florida. I also sell signed copies (and, occasionally, sprayed-edge editions) in my TikTok Shop. I also do about one book signing a month all over Florida. You can find all the links to my books, as well as my upcoming events, on my website at MRebeccaWildsmith.com .

Celebrating Tampa's Black History, Culture, and Legacy

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 15:00:02 GMT

Celebrating Tampa's Black History, Culture, and Legacy

Written by Alaina Barry

Black History in Tampa Bay

Central Avenue in Downtown Tampa was once known as the “Harlem of the South.” Between the early 1920s and late 1950s, Central Avenue was booming with black-owned businesses, music, food, and entertainment, born through their fight against racial injustice. Between 1900 and 1930, the Black population in Tampa skyrocketed from 4,382 to 21,531, with more than 200 African-American-owned enterprises on and around Central Avenue. The bustling streets were lined with black-owned businesses packed with black patrons from insurance companies to schools, doctors offices, and even the first black library in Tampa, the Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library. By the 1930s, Central Avenue had all the amenities people needed for everyday living, including a bustling music scene as a Chitlin' Circuit stop. According to National Public Radio, the Chitlin' Circuit was a “group of performance venues located mostly in the South that were safe and acceptable places for African-American musicians and entertainers to perform during Jim Crow.”

These days, located on Central Avenue, stand many black historical landmarks, including Tampa’s Black History Museum and Perry Harvey, Sr. Park. Tampa’s Black History Museum aims to preserve and educate the public on Tampa’s black history. Perry Harvey Park features distinctive and appropriate artwork, with four significant pieces of art by four different artists. They strive to convey the rich and nuanced tale of Historic Central Avenue's and the African American community's numerous contributions. Moreover, around the corner, located on North Nebraska Avenue, is the Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library. Originally named the Ybor City Branch Library, the library’s first home opened in 1933 at 1729 East Broadway. The space was donated by the local Italian American Club. In January 1969, after many years of business, the library was relocated to 1505 North Nebraska Avenue. The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners decided to rename the Ybor City Branch Library in honor of former NAACP Field Director and civil rights pioneer Robert W. Saunders, Sr. on November 5, 2003.

The legacy of Central Avenue as the "Harlem of the South" is still deeply ingrained in Tampa's Black history, demonstrating the African American community's tenacity, inventiveness, and spirit of entrepreneurship. Despite changes to the physical landscape, this historic district's cultural influence is still felt today thanks to institutions like the Robert W. Saunders Sr. Public Library, Perry Harvey Sr. Park, and Tampa's Black History Museum. These locations guarantee that the history and contributions of the thriving community that formerly flourished on Central Avenue are never lost by acting as potent reminders of it. Tampa continues to celebrate the rich history of Central Avenue and its significant impact on the cultural and historical fabric of the city by upholding and celebrating this legacy.

A Valentine’s Tradition: Renew Your Love at Tampa Theatre's Enchanting Valentine’s Vows

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 17:18:08 GMT

A Valentine’s Tradition:

Renew Your Love at Tampa Theatre 's Enchanting Valentine’s Vows

Written by Natalie Jarrin

For nearly a century, Tampa Theatre has been the backdrop for countless love stories, making it the perfect setting to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re reminiscing about a first date under the twinkling starry ceiling or imagining your own Hollywood moment under the iconic marquee, this Valentine’s, Tampa’s most romantic movie palace invites you to renew your vows and enjoy an evening of cinematic magic.

The Romance of Tampa Theatre:

Step inside Tampa Theatre, and you’ll find yourself transported to another era. With its ornate details, atmospheric lighting, and whimsical charm, the vintage architecture creates an ambiance that explodes romance. It’s no wonder the theatre has become a cherished part of love stories in Tampa Bay. This Valentine’s, couples can once again experience this timeless magic as they renew their vows in an unforgettable ceremony.

Valentine’s Vows: A Ceremony Unlike Any Other

The massive vow renewal will be officiated by Tampa Theatre President & CEO John Bell, who is lovingly referred to as the Right Reverend Bell for the occasion, at 7:00 PM on Valentine's Day. His playful and romantic vow script, peppered with nods to iconic movie quotes, makes the ceremony both heartfelt and fun. Whether you’ve been married for decades or are looking to tie the knot on the spot (marriage license required!), this event promises to leave you and your partner swooning.

A Silent Film for a Starry Night:

Following the ceremony, guests will be treated to a screening of Buster Keaton’s 1923 silent comedy Our Hospitality. The story of a family feud, a budding romance, and Southern traditions offers the perfect blend of humor and heart. Accompanied by a live score performed by nationally renowned organist Steven Ball on Tampa Theatre’s Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ, the film provides a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience for movie-lover couples.

Big Picture: Love on the Rocks

Looking for a unique way to make this Valentine’s Day extra special? Consider watching a selection of films that explore love in unconventional and unexpected ways. Bring a loved one and experience stories where love takes a different turn from the traditional romance.

This special lineup includes In the Mood for Love, Wong Kar-wai’s visually stunning and emotionally charged tale of yearning, regret, and alienation; Moonstruck, a charming and comedic exploration of love and destiny; Double Indemnity, a film noir classic where romance becomes a tool for deception and ambition; and Portrait of a Lady on Fire, Céline Sciamma’s deeply moving story of an impossible yet unforgettable love.

Celebrate love in all its complexities through these extraordinary films!

Ticket Information :

Tickets for the evening are $14.50 for general admission and $11.50 for Tampa Theatre Members. The vows ceremony is included with your film ticket, making it an affordable and memorable Valentine’s date night. To participate in the vows, register with Jill Witecki at jill@tampatheatre.org or (813) 274-8287. Don’t miss your chance to create a cherished memory under the stars.

Let Tampa Theatre play a starring role this Valentine’s Day in your love story. With its magical setting, heartfelt ceremony, and classic film, it’s the perfect way to celebrate with your loved one. Secure your tickets, register for the vows, and prepare for an unforgettable evening.

Let’s Take a Stroll Down Memory Lane: Art Trend Predictions for 2025

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 16:11:05 GMT

Let’s Take a Stroll Down Memory Lane:

Art Trend Predictions for 2025

Written by Natalie Jarrin

3! 2! 1! Happy New Year!… Now what?

As the New Year is upon us, let’s take a moment to reflect on the past year and the trends that defined art in 2024. We’re talking about sustainable art, digital art, and a revival of classic, historical styles. These designs and interpretations have shaped the creative landscape and will serve as the foundation for new art in 2025.

In particular, several factors that emerged in 2024 are likely to drive artistic movements in 2025. Some of these key influences include cultural resilience, climate shifts, the rise of AI and digital assets, and a push for inclusivity. Together, these elements are expected to spark new trends in art that will captivate and inspire audiences.

Looking back at 2024’s developments, we can start to anticipate how art trends might evolve in 2025. Here are a few predictions based on the key themes shaping the future of art:

Eco-Consciousness

As awareness of climate change continues to grow, eco-consciousness is likely to be a significant influence on upcoming art movements. Artists are increasingly focusing on sustainability, encouraging people to adopt greener practices in daily life. While we’ve already seen art made from recycled materials, 2025 could bring even more focus to eco-conscious themes and visuals. Artists may explore new ways to inspire environmental action and highlight the urgency of sustainability.

Retrofuturism

Retrofuturism, which blends nostalgia with futuristic imagination, could emerge as a popular trend. As we settle into the mid-2020s, many are reflecting on past visions of the future, inspired by iconic films like Back to the Future and Star Wars. For those who find rapid technological change overwhelming, this artistic style offers a sense of comfort and familiarity. By drawing on the past to envision the future, retrofuturistic art can offer a creative way to navigate our fast-evolving world.

Inclusivity

Inclusivity has become essential in today’s world, and representation in art will likely continue to grow in importance. Artists are using their platforms to create work that reflects diverse perspectives, making audiences feel seen and connected. Inclusive representation in art not only strengthens cultural awareness but also deepens emotional engagement, as more people can see themselves reflected in the art they encounter.

Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality

One of the most influential trends from 2024, likely to shape 2025, is Artificial Intelligence. AI-generated art, including immersive 3D visuals and hyper-realistic VR experiences, is set to expand art’s role across industries. This technology is allowing artists to create work that blurs the boundaries between reality and imagination, enhancing representation and creating unforgettable, immersive experiences. As AI continues to advance, we can expect it to be a powerful tool in the creation of groundbreaking digital art.

As we move into 2025, we look forward to seeing new artists emerge and established creators experimenting with fresh perspectives. We hope this glimpse into the future of art sparks your imagination as we start the new year with a clean slate.

Florida Holiday Scavenger Hunt Map: Family-Friendly Festivities Around the State

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 15:00:01 GMT

Florida Holiday Scavenger Hunt Map:

Family-Friendly Festivities Around the State

Written by Natalie Jarrin

The holiday season is just around the corner, and as family and friends come into town, finding memorable activities to enjoy together can be a fun challenge! To make it easier, we’ve put together a holiday arts scavenger hunt filled with festive events and activities across Florida. These events offer something for everyone, from immersive light displays to historic museum strolls and outdoor festivals. Let’s dive into some holiday highlights that make this season extra special!

Holidays at Bok Tower Gardens

Starting at Bok Tower Gardens, there’s something for everyone during the holidays at this magical place. From a Yuletide celebration with the Byrne Brothers to workshops that include making a holiday centerpiece or a charcuterie board. There will be around 10 holiday events from Dec. 14th till Jan. 4th. Enjoy them along with family by coming out to a few events or all of them. Check out their full schedule and find more info here .

Victorian Christmas Strolls at the Henry B. Plant Museum in Tampa
Travel back in time with Tampa’s Victorian Christmas Stroll at the Henry B. Plant Museum. This historic experience offers festive decorations, complimentary treats, Christmas music, and live weekend performances starting at 6 pm. It’s a beautiful blend of holiday cheer and Tampa’s rich history! Check the website for ticket details.

Holiday Spectacular on Tampa’s Riverwalk
For a picturesque night out, head to Tampa’s Riverwalk for the Holiday Spectacular presented by Mosaic. Walk along the lighted path and enjoy Christmas figures floating in the Hillsborough River, including glowing trees and gingerbread houses. It’s a magical experience for all ages and perfect for a family evening out.

Holiday Classics at Tampa Theatre
If your family loves holiday movies, the historic Tampa Theatre is the place to be! Their Holiday Classics series includes It’s a Wonderful Life, Elf, Sing-Along White Christmas, and more, showing on Sundays starting Nov. 24. Cozy up in this beautiful theater for a holiday film tradition. Visit their website for the full schedule.

Jingle Bell Bazaar in Ybor City
On Dec. 15, gather with family for a festive day at Jingle Bell Bazaar in Ybor City. This family-friendly festival will feature Christmas performances, live music, delicious food trucks, and Santa’s Village, complete with arts and crafts, face painting, and photos with Santa. Check out their website to find out more about the event in detail.

From all of us at Arts Axis Florida, Happy Holidays! Make the most of this season with our arts scavenger hunt, and celebrate Christmas through the arts!

Thanksgiving Gratitude as a College Senior

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 15:50:44 GMT

Thanksgiving Gratitude from a College Senior

Written by Alaina Barry

As my college years come to a close and with Thanksgiving around the corner, I’ve been reflecting on the many experiences that USF has given me, what I’m grateful for, and what advice I’d give to an incoming student. Senior year is a transitional period filled with uncertainties, chaos, and nostalgia—not knowing where you’re headed, scrambling to figure it out, and reminiscing on what once was. However, amidst all the chaos and stress, it’s important to reflect on your experiences, both good and bad, because even the bad experiences hold valuable lessons.

USF provides students with enriching experiences and golden opportunities that they might not have otherwise. With easy access to resources like internship opportunities and career fairs, USF diligently ensures each graduate is prepared for their future career. I’ve used the Handshake program through USF to find internships, and I highly recommend it to any student. Looking back, I’m thankful for the resources that have helped me prepare for life beyond college. Moreover, college exposes you to many different cultures and ways of life, especially for those who have lived in one city their entire life. It forces you out of your shell and teaches you to collaborate with your peers—even when you’d rather work alone. By working in groups, college has helped me foster meaningful friendships with people I might not have spoken to otherwise. After transferring from a community college, I remember being new to USF and noticing how the people in your classes actually want to talk to you. I’ve come to appreciate the welcoming and supportive community that helped make this transition smoother.

Furthermore, college teaches you how to manage your time. Many students balance working a job, attending classes, completing schoolwork, finding internships, and participating in extracurricular clubs to build their résumés. What helped me most when navigating this balance was writing down a priority list. I highly recommend organizing your tasks based on what’s due first and what’s due later. I’ve had plenty of “Oh no” moments, and in those times, you learn to diligently manage your priorities. Even during stressful times, I’ve learned to be grateful for the lessons these challenges taught me about resilience.

In these moments, I also recommend advocating for yourself and recognizing that your professors are humans too. Speak up when you need help, explain your circumstances, and be honest because, more often than not, your professors will understand your stress and work with you to find a solution. I’m thankful for the professors who showed understanding and encouraged me to advocate for myself during difficult situations.

Overall, I’m beyond grateful for the opportunities and lessons I’ve learned during my time at USF. I can confidently say that USF prepares students well for their future careers. Utilize your resources, prioritize your responsibilities, and advocate for yourself—your experience is what you make of it. Most importantly, take a moment to reflect on what you’ve learned and the people who supported you along the way—it makes the journey even more meaningful.

Student Album Recommendations: In The End, It Always Does

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 21:53:25 GMT

Student Album Recommendations:

In The End, It Always Does

Written by Alaina Barry

In June 2023, Amber Bain, also known as The Japanese House, released their indie/alternative album In The End, It Always Does. For many, it's a captivating mix of heartwrenching lyrics and upbeat pop melodies. This album is characterized by its ethereal, layered production that combines electronic synth beats with emotional, almost whispered vocals that explore themes of identity, loss and self discovery.

“Sunshine Baby” contains upbeat melodies with soulcrushing lyrics that explore themes of jealousy, growth and a longing for intimacy. Moreover, “Sunshine Baby” is a reflection on the emotional complexitity of relationships and how they can change over time. “Back seat, driving with my sunshine baby, Well, I've gone a little crazy, surely, someone's gonna save me” — This phrase represents the speaker’s relationship, feeling like they were in love but deep down, they knew they wanted something more. The lyrics capture the feeling of longing to be saved by Mr. Right and in the meantime, passing the time with someone else. Overall, representing a lack of intimacy and a disconnect that feels like being in the back seat of the car while your partner is driving.

”It makes me wanna die, everytime I have to picture your face. I wanna touch you but you’re too far away” — “Touching Yourself” explores the idea of physical and emotional vulnerability and emotional distance between two partners. It captures the feeling of emotional distance and a lack of vulnerability, almost as if the speaker feels closer to their partner in their imagination. Bain states in an interview with ‘Alternative Press’, “...the first verse is actually about feeling quite physically far away from someone and not being able to get to them and then the next verse becomes about actually not being able to get to them emotionally even though you’re right next to them. It’s just like, you can’t reach them.”

Released just three days after my 20th birthday, the timing of the album couldn’t have been more personal. Its themes of love, loss, and acceptance spoke directly to my experience, and the title itself—In The End, It Always Does—carried a deep significance. These words served as a reminder of the inevitable aspects of life and that everything happens for a reason. No matter how hard it may feel in the moment, in the end, life works itself out the way it’s meant to.

The track titled “One for sorrow, two for joni jones” means the most to me. Amber Bain’s dog is named Joni Jones and they reference him in the title and throughout the song. The phrase “One for sorrow” refers to an old nursey rhyme associated with magpie sightings and suggests sadness and loss from a potential relationship. This track feels like the beginning stages of grief in a relationship with phrases like “It feels something like I'm missing you but, Also like I'm missing me” and “Sometimes I think without you, Life would lose its bones”. These phrases capture the gutwrenching feeling of missing a past lover and learning how to exist without them. As the track comes to a close, Bain begins blaming themselves for the relationship ending — “Yes, I can still hear you, I just wasn't paying any attention. Baby, I, I can take a lot more of the blame, Did I mention?” It’s as if they are convincing their partner to stay by taking all of the blame for how the relationship ended.

Overall, In the End It Always Does takes you on a journey though grief, the struggle of letting go, and the power of self-discovery after a relationship ends. for me, this album became something more—it was the soundtrack to my healing process during my first heartbreak. This album is about learning to embrace the discomfort of being alone and accepting your own vulnerability. By delving into the multidimensional aspects of relationships, In The End It Always Does makes the listener feel seen in their complex feelings.

How is Technology Affecting Today’s Art Museums Around the World?

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 15:42:17 GMT

How is Technology Affecting Today’s Art Museums Around the World?

Written by Natalie Jarrin

How is Technology Affecting Today’s Art Museums Around the World? Are Prints and Paintings a Thing of the Past? How Will AI Change the Perspective of Art Enthusiasts?

Imagine walking into a museum, excited to see the brushstrokes and designs from a well-known artist. You hope this visit will inspire you to draw again or finally use that canvas hidden in your closet. But suddenly, you notice the walls around you start to move and change, telling a story where art is not just seen but felt, heard, and interacted with. You experience something different, something you’ve never felt before in a museum. By the end of your visit, you are left wanting more. This is the promise of immersive and interactive museums.

As technology advances with artificial intelligence (AI), computer-generated imagery (CGI), virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR), people must choose whether to embrace these innovations or stick to familiar traditions. Museums are one of the industries embracing this technological shift. Whether it’s a historical or an art museum, the introduction of immersive experiences is transforming how exhibits are presented using AI, CGI, VR, and AR technologies.

This blog explores how technology is revolutionizing European museums, enhancing visitor engagement, comparing these innovations with traditional art forms, and discussing the broader benefits of this trend.

Technology Overview:

Many interactive European museums use different forms of technology such as AI, CGI, VR, and AR. These technologies create controlled environments that make the visitor experience more complete with the help of audiovisual and sound devices, video walls, and touchscreen kiosks. Each piece of technology and equipment is essential for creating these unique settings for tourists.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being integrated into museum exhibits to engage visitors. It can also serve practical purposes, such as personalizing tours, analyzing visitor engagement, or providing virtual assistants. Computer-generated imagery (CGI) and virtual reality (VR) are often used to create historical environments, immersive storytelling, or digital artwork, evoking emotions that traditional museums may not. Augmented reality (AR) enhances exhibits by superimposing digital content over actual artifacts, providing interactive and educational experiences. AR allows visitors to view additional material, animations, and reconstructions, making learning more dynamic and accessible while improving storytelling and contextual understanding of exhibitions.

European Immersive and Interactive Museums:

Amazed, Immersive Audiovisual Experience Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amazed is a 1-hour futuristic immersive audiovisual experience near the center of Amsterdam. It consists of 8 different room set-ups, from art representations to music creation. As visitors move through these rooms, they embark on a journey of discovering sounds and visuals through their senses and consciousness. This experience was developed by ID&T, a company known for using audiovisual equipment to enhance imagery and sound, creating special effects using lasers, light, smoke, new media art, 11-D sound, and interactive show elements for music festivals. The museum hired lead creatives from ID&T, who have been in the Dutch industry for over 30 years, to create an unforgettable experience. Visitors have the opportunity to trigger their emotions differently and transcend into a world where art creates a story from the future.

The Fabrique of Lumières in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Located near the center of Amsterdam, this museum portrays famous paintings on its walls. What makes this place unique is that the paintings can be seen as they were developed or as moving art. The museum is housed in a historic building that once produced clothing, paying tribute to well-known artists such as Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, Gustav Klimt, and Salvador Dali, as well as new contemporary artists. The technology used to bring this art to life includes over 100 projectors, 33 media servers, and spatial audio, creating an interactive space for visitors.

Modern Contemporary Museum (MOCO) in Amsterdam, Netherlands

MOCO is a modern contemporary art museum in Amsterdam's museum district. This vibrant and independent museum showcases iconic works by contemporary and street artists, inspired by modern society and technology. Designed by Eduard Cuypers in 1904, the museum opened in 2016 with a mission to make art accessible to everyone. It uses digital immersive technology, from CGI to VR. Some exhibitions require visitors to use their devices and the museum's application to make the art move. Other exhibits display artistic CGI videos, creating a relaxing environment for visitors. Even if one can’t experience these exhibits in Amsterdam, one can visit the Barcelona location and see the NFT exhibition. This museum not only provides innovation but also advocates for new visions and interpretations of our world.

Mythos Mozart in Vienna, Austria

Mythos Mozart is an interactive multimedia museum located in downtown Vienna, Austria. The museum uses AI technology to present the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in a completely different way. Walter Werzowa, with the help of students from the University of Music and Performing Arts, composed and rearranged the soundscape of Mozart’s music. The museum is situated in the heart of Vienna, where Mozart spent his last year composing masterpieces like “The Magic Flute” and “Clarinet Concerto.” It features 5 unique rooms, each representing an aspect of Mozart’s life through different art displays. The art is projected onto walls or exhibited on surfaces using laser projectors and ULS mirrors, in collaboration with PKE Electronics GmbH. This museum connects the traditional aspects of history with modern art and music, offering an experience that should be on many bucket lists and will leave visitors hearing Mozart differently.

Impact on Individuals:

The rise of immersive and interactive museums can significantly impact visitors' perceptions. By making exhibitions interactive, these museums allow individuals to feel more engaged and connected with the art. This level of engagement can provide a memorable experience for families, couples, and solo visitors alike. Interactive exhibits can make learning about artists or historical events more exciting and memorable, as they cater to a wider range of learning styles and preferences. This dynamic approach to presenting art and culture ensures that visitors leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation, potentially increasing their retention of the information presented.

Comparison to Traditional Museums:

Let’s consider some of the traditional art museums that are on the bucket lists of most travelers. The Louvre Museum in Paris, the Vatican Museum in Rome, the British Museum in London, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, and the Uffizi Gallery in Florence are among the most visited museums worldwide. These museums typically feature physical art forms such as paintings, sculptures, and antique artifacts. Many people aspire to visit these museums to experience firsthand the talent of historical artists. While new technologies might seem like a threat to traditional art, they actually complement it. Technology makes art more accessible to diverse audiences and attracts people interested in both traditional and modern experiences.

Benefits:

While integrating technology into museums may seem daunting to some, it offers numerous benefits. It promotes inclusivity by making art accessible to individuals with impairments or disabilities, who might find it challenging to navigate traditional museums. Additionally, technology can inspire creativity, allowing curators and artists to push their boundaries with tools like AI, CGI, VR, and AR. Digital formats also help preserve fragile artworks and artifacts, ensuring they remain accessible to the public even if the originals are too delicate to display.

This new era of technology in museums should not discourage individuals from visiting traditional museums, which remain vital to society and culture. This blog has explored the technological advancements that make museums more interactive and immersive, the benefits these innovations bring to society, and how they compare to the traditional museums we know and love. I hope this has shifted your perspective on museums and inspired you to visit an interactive museum on your next trip to Europe.

An interview with Paul Raker of OUT Arts and Culture

Sat, 22 Jun 2024 15:37:24 GMT

OUT Arts and Culture

An interview with Paul Raker

Interview by Hana Abdel Magid

OUT Arts & Culture (OUT) aims to enhance awareness and understanding of the contributions and needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people through the humanities. In this blog we speak with Paul Raker, board president of OUT Arts and Culture. Paul is passionate about his community and growing OUT to be a staple for Pinellas County and far beyond. We hope you enjoy this interview!

HM:You recently became board president of OUT Arts & Culture. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

PR: I am native North Carolinian and a career non-profit professional who moved to St Pete, Florida from Washington, DC during COVID in order to continue working for the YMCA (I started with the Y when I was 17, and it was the only job I had ever had). In June of last year, I left my career with the Y to join The OUT Foundation, (a national nonprofit that also works to strengthen the LGBTQ+ Community.) I currently serve as Vice President of Operations and Communications there. With that role change, I also felt the pull to become more involved in my local community, and met the Past President of OUT Arts & Culture (Susan Gore) at an event which sort of began my relationship with the organization. I shared with her my desire to be more involved in the LOCAL LGBTQ+ Community, and when the opening for Board President happened, I decided to move forward with applying. The rest is history, as they say. I feel so privileged to be able to strengthen MY community, the LGBTQ+ community on the national level with my job, and locally as a volunteer with OUT Arts & Culture (it's both serendipitous and confusing that both are branded as OUT) but, it really is a dream come true for me.

HM: This year, the LGBTQ Resource Center at Gulfport rebranded as OUT Arts & Culture. How has the organization developed since its inception, and what prompted the rebrand?

PR: The rebrand was a critical step in not only our growth but also offers a better outward facing picture to the community of what we do as an organization. We are the only non-profit in Pinellas County that does work for the LGBTQ+ community around the arts and humanities. OUT Arts & Culture better positions us as a programmatic organization that Educates, Celebrates and Inspires through LGBTQ+ Arts, Literature and Dialogue. The Gulfport Library, where we were founded as a book collection, will always be an integral part of our history and will continue to be strong partners in our work, but this positions us best for the future.

HM: As president, what are your aspirations for the future of OUT?

PR: My aspirations center around visibility, increased impact and growth. The rebrand is going to help tremendously and we are working on the roll out of a completely revamped website featuring our new brand that will completely revitalize how our audience experiences our organization digitally. While we honor our roots as an organization founded in Gulfport, Florida, our program's reach and impact is much larger, and I would love to see awareness of our organization and what we do reach further into St Pete, Pinellas County, and across Florida. We are currently an all-volunteer organization, so I would love to be able to look back on my time as Board President and be able to say that we hired an Executive Director and are functioning at a higher level with both volunteer and paid support. Perhaps one day, we are talking about a brick and mortar location for OUT Arts & Culture that can be a hub of the Arts and Humanities for the entire Pinellas County Community.

HM: How do you see the importance of the humanities in driving OUT’s initiative?

PR: Humanities are key in helping people not only to understand themselves but how they see the world. I believe we are global citizens--we are a part of something larger than ourselves. Arts, literature and dialogue are not just a reflection of that though, they are also a tool for change. They have the power to challenge our assumptions, spark our imagination and bring us closer together. I am hopeful that we as an organization will be able to celebrate that power and continue to harness it to drive our mission of educating, celebrating and inspiring our community around LGBTQ+ arts and culture. Through the power of storytelling, we see the human experience of the LGBTQ+ community come alive on page and stage--struggles, triumphs and resilience; those are the things we want to celebrate, and learn from as an LGBTQ+ organization.

HM: Besides the annual events your organization hosts, what other resources and services does OUT offer?

PR: We are consistently looking for community partners where there is synergy in our work. One recent example is a collaboration with American Stage where we were able to partner on the creation of LGBTQ+ awareness training for their staff. In addition to our events, we want to be this kind of resource for any organization that seeks to fight alongside us in the battle for full equality for the LGBTQ+ community. We are also always excited to be a part of local Pride events and activations that align with our mission and vision--this past June,

HM: Can you share an experience from one of your programs that stands out to you?

PR: I'm the newbie, so I have only been Board President since February, but one that certainly stands out is from just this past Friday (May 31st) we hosted our Inaugural OUTies Awards Gayla. It was a night to celebrate our history as an organization, honor those who founded our organizations as the LGBTQ Resource Center and the partners and allies who have been integral to our growth. To have those supporters in the room, be able to honor their work and thank them was such a highlight. Everything we do is on their shoulders, and I am so very grateful.

HM: What are some of the biggest challenges that your organization has faced, and how has it worked to overcome them?

PR: I think our recent growth and rebrand is both an answer to a challenge and perhaps brings up another one. We outgrew the "Library" for most of our programming and were never a physical location as you might think of when you see that there is a resource center. For that reason, the rebrand is key and necessary. Now our challenge is around educating the community about why the rebrand is good for the organization. Our work and our impact is not going anywhere and our strong relationship with the library remains. This is a better encapsulation of our work and sets us up for future growth as an organization. Then there is the challenge of growing as a small, volunteer led organization. We have a very committed and amazing Board of Directors, but I want to make sure that the group of committed volunteers grows with the organization so that we can maintain our work with it. It will be key to grow and diversify our volunteer base in the coming years.

HM: Does OUT Arts & Culture engage in any advocacy or policy work?

PR: If so, what are the current priorities?We do not, currently to my knowledge. I do not want to say whether we have in the past simply because I don't have the knowledge. However, with book bans and censorship and the vilifying of the LGBTQ+ community in our state I would say we are well-positioned as an organization to do so in the future and I hope that we can be key in influencing the direction of local and state policy on the topics that are within our sphere of influence.

HM: Can you share some specific examples of how OUT has positively impacted the local LGBTQ community?

PR: Through all of our programming, we are offering a platform and a space for the members of our community to be seen, accepted and celebrated. From featuring LGBTQ+ Literature and Authors ar Read OUT to giving a platform for LGBTQ+ Artists to share their work at Art OUT to educating the community on the intersections of the LGBTQ+ Community and key topic at our Speak OUT Dialogues we are putting LGBTQ+ folks at the center of our work in a safe, welcoming and inclusive way that celebrates us and who we are. There is not another organization in Pinellas County doing work with the depth and breadth at which we do it and exclusively for the LGBTQ+ community--thats something I am very proud of.

HM:How can individuals who are interested in supporting or getting involved with OUT Arts & Culture do so ?

PR: E mail m e (outartsculture@gmail.com ).. .I will find and make time for any one who is interested in moving our work forward. There is a volunteer form on our website that comes directly to me as well or you can engage with us on Facebook and Instagram. My near term goal is to diversify and expand the team of individuals who are involved in our organization.

HM: If there was one thing about OUT that you think more people should know, what would it be?

PR: I have said it in this interview, so I hope that it will be a throughline in the piece, but just in case it's missed: the one thing I would want more people to know is that we are here! We are the only non-profit organization doing this important work around Arts and Humanities exclusively for the LGBTQ+ Community and we are positioned well to grow. We can't realize any of our dreams and goals as an organization without support though. Our community is constantly under attack from book bans to LGBTQ+ history being taught to the inclusion of our community in general--we are on the frontlines of what is a battle for full acceptance and celebration of LGBTQ+ individuals. We cannot fight alone, it's a fight worth fighting and I hope more folks will join us for a more just and inclusive world for our community.

Learn more about OUT Arts and C ulture here

Inside Ybor

Thu, 09 May 2024 14:57:06 GMT

Inside Ybor: The Heart of Tampa

A Guide to All Things Arts & Culture in the Historic City

Written by Hana Abdel Magid

Established in 1885 by Spanish entrepreneur Vicente Martinez Ybor, 'Ybor's City' swiftly became a sanctuary for the immigrant communities that formed the backbone of the cigar industry the city was built on. These diverse communities brought with them a rich tapestry of traditions, cuisine, and artistic expressions. Over the years, Ybor evolved into a cultural epicenter, with theaters, social clubs, and cigar factories dotting its landscape. Artisans and performers found inspiration in its bustling streets and vibrant atmosphere.

Part of Ybor’s charm is the left-over remnants from the city’s cigar-making origins. It’s seen beneath the glowing sign of El Centro Ybor, in cobbled streets and industrial architecture, and, most notably, in the multicultural community that continues to inspire the people and businesses at the heart of the city. From its storied theaters to its eclectic galleries, Ybor invites visitors to immerse themselves in a world where art, culture, and history intertwine.

Historic Ybor

Visitors can start at the Ybor Museum and State Park , housed in the historic Ferlita Bakery, and learn all about the city’s founding and the community that has since emerged from it. Next door, you can take your pick of the area’s historical offerings and peruse the Hillsborough County Sheriff History Museum and Al Lopez Baseball Museum to delve into the fascinating local narratives of law enforcement and baseball legends.

La Septima

If you instead choose to take a walk down 9th Street, you will reach the lively 7th Avenue strip, home to an eclectic mix of art studios, restaurants, vintage stores, and clubs that appeal to both daytime and nighttime wanderers. On select days of the month, the city hosts markets such as the Indie Flea and Ybor Saturday Market .

Highlights

Dysfunctional Grace : If you're a fan of the strange, Dysfunctional Grace is for you. Not only do they offer a museum of oddities, they sell them. Explore a collection of unique taxidermy, old photos and journals, fortune-telling arcade games, and so much more. Be sure to check out their many events including their annual Tabernacle of Oddities market, taxidermy workshops, and rug-tufting courses.

Marcolina’s Fine Arts Gallery : Enjoy contemporary exhibitions, products from local artists, and even a selection of vintage clothes all at Marcolina's. The gallery also offers weekly art classes on Monday evenings, as well as life drawing sessions held every third Wednesday.

The Ritz : Originally a silent movie theatre built in 1917, the Ritz has since developed into one of Tampa's top live music and event venues, offering unforgettable experiences in the heart of the vibrant Ybor City district.

DRIP : Also known as 'Do Really Inspiration Projects', DRIP is a creative hub offering a variety of arts opportunities. The studio hosts a range of classes and workshops in pottery, mosaic art, t-shirt design, and so much more!

La France : An Ybor institution, La France boasts a delightful selection of new and old styles from vintage suits to Gasparilla-worthy pirate gear. It's the perfect spot for those looking for a one-of-a-kind gift or outfit.

Kress Contemporary

An unexpected rising star in Tampa Bay's art scene, Kress Contemporary is home to some of the city's most up-and-coming creatives and arts organizations, epitomizing the city's reputation as a center for community arts. The building is home to an assortment of visual, performing, and literary arts groups.

Highlights

Florida Museum of Photographic Arts : It’s been over a year since the FMoPA shut its doors to move into its new downtown arts space, Ybor's historic Kress building, and it’s thriving. This is one of only a dozen or so museums nation-wide dedicated exclusively to photographic arts. Exhibits are rotating, so be sure to catch them while you can!

Tampa City Ballet: Elevating arts education and community connection, Tampa City Ballet is a small but mighty contemporary dance company focused on embracing diversity, amplifying emerging talent, and turning Tampa's rich history into innovative performances.

Tampa Fringe Theatre : A dynamic performing arts incubator, Tampa Fringe offers a space for alternative and experimental performances. They host monthly open mic and storytelling nights for those interested in sharing their work and organize the annual Fringe Theatre Festival and Whinge! Scratch Festival.

Screen Door Microcinema : Screen Door caters to a wide variety of film tastes from arthouse to horror, independent to cult classics. With a max capacity of 38 seats, this cozy venue offers a wholly unique theater-quality viewing experience.

Pop Yarn : A haven for fiber arts enthusiasts, this local shop offers a diverse selection of high-quality, sustainable yarns, as well as crochet lessons from nationally-certified instructors for hobbyists of all skill levels.

GrowHouse : A collective of spoken word artists, GrowHouse is committed to bringing community literary arts events to Tampa by providing a welcoming platform for poets and artists of all levels to shine and grow. They offer regular writing workshops, and host the Ybor City Poetry Slam every 4th Saturday.
Heard 'Em Say Youth Arts Collective : Established in 2007, Heard 'Em Say offers youth a creative platform for expression and empowerment, hosting open mics, workshops, and a slam team, fostering activism through art education.
Kitchen Table Literary Arts Center : Inspired by Barbara Smith's Kitchen Table Press, this center uplifts Black women, women of color, and BIPOC queer writers through workshops, writing programs, and a Creative Writing Society.

Tempus Projects : A non-profit fostering a vibrant arts community in Tampa Bay, Tempus nurtures artists from all backgrounds through exhibitions, collaborations, and innovative programming, as well as an artist residency program .

Gallery Spaces: Kress is home to a unique collection of gallery spaces and studios open to the public. These include Drift Curator's Space, Gratus Studio, Parachute Gallery, GUAID Gallery, Dave Decker Photography, JZ Atelier, and the Department of Contemporary Art.

Hidden Gems

Sometimes the best things in life are off the beaten path. Ybor is incredibly walkable and exploring its many side streets will introduce you to a host of art spaces. Though 7th avenue is largely considered Ybor's "main street", many of the city's most interesting establishments are located in the surrounding areas.

Highlights

LAB Theatre Project : A pioneering non-profit production company in Tampa Bay, dedicated to nurturing emerging playwrights and theater artists through the creation of new works and hands-on training opportunities.

Coastal Film Lab : Your go-to destination in Tampa for analog photography services and equipment, dedicated to serving enthusiasts of all levels with film developing, scanning, camera sales, and service. Be sure to check out their gallery!

The Commodore : Brought to life from a 2023 Kickstarter campaign, Ybor's premiere independent comedy, sketch, and improv theatre, The Commodore, fills a growing demand for dedicated live entertainment spaces in Tampa. The club offers weekly improv drop-in nights, workshops, and interactive comedy shows.

Funny Bone Comedy Club : Formerly the Tampa Improv Comedy Club, Funny Bone hosts both local and internationally renowned acts, offering dinner and a show to 21+ patrons in the heart of Ybor.

Orange Blossom Trading Company : Embracing Ybor City's eclectic spirit, Orange Blossom sits on the outskirts of the city and is a treasure trove of handmade goods and art pieces, largely inspired by Florida and featuring local artists. Vendors will be rotated out seasonally, so there is always something new to see!

HCC Galleries : Ybor has long since been home to the Hillsborough Community College's Visual and Performing Arts Campus. Visitors can explore their on-site exhibition space, Gallery114, showcasing student work.

The Crowbar : Open 7 nights a week, this standing-room-only venue embodies the best of Ybor's live entertainment scene.

Factory on Fifth : A dynamic creative hub nestled in a historic East Ybor City steel mill, uniting artists, poets, musicians, craftspeople, and creatives to foster collaboration and innovation. Don't miss out on their many community arts events!

Ybor's rich arts and cultural scene gives the district a vibrant and distinctive energy that visitors can't help but be captivated by. The fusion of historic charm with contemporary creativity makes Ybor City a must-visit destination for both seasoned art enthusiasts and curious travelers.

An Interview with Stephanie Jacobs

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 18:12:46 GMT

Crafting Careers: Art Librarianship with Stephanie Jacobs

Curating Creativity and Finding Inspiration in Books

Interview by: Hana Abdel Magid

The world of art professionals is extensive and diverse. In fact, you may be surprised to find just how many opportunities there are beyond conventional artistic pursuits. From museums and galleries to healthcare and education, the influence of art can be found in countless industries and sectors.This month, we spoke with Stephanie Jacobs, University of South Florida Libraries Arts Liaison, to delve into her unique role and connection to the arts.

Hana Abdel Magid: Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

Stephanie Jacobs: I am the librarian for the college of the arts, as well as serving as an instructional design librarian, at the USF Tampa campus library. I have a BFA in Illustration & Communications Design from Pratt Institute and an MFA & MLIS from The University of Alabama. I did the MFA in Book Arts at the same time as I earned my library degree, which was great – both of those programs are part of the library school at UA, so it went really well together. Book Arts was a great experience, I did a lot of printmaking, hand papermaking, and bookbinding, but also, I got to learn about and from some amazing book artists, so that was really nice. I came to Tampa for the position of Instructional Design Librarian, but I was excited to step into the additional role of Librarian for the college of the arts when Audrey Powers retired.

HM: Describe your role and what a typical day at work entails.

SJ: My days are not all the same, which is great for keeping things interesting! I often have consultations with students or members of the faculty – sometimes in my office, sometimes via TEAMS, and that’s a chance for me to help people with research, find resources, order books, or help out with things like course guides. A lot of my work is also via email – I get a lot of requests that way, so I have to stay on top of that! Sometimes, vendors will contact me about free trials of arts resources, so I have to look into those, talk to faculty, etc. I’m also part of several working groups within my department, which is Research & Instruction – that’s where the instructional design portion of my work comes in. I work with colleagues on the creation of instructional videos, online learning objects and web-based library instruction like our canvas modules for library basics. I also visit classes to give instruction sessions, often tailored around a specific assignment – I work a lot with different art history classes, but I also always enjoy working with the Technique of Research in Music students and the Dance Science students!

HM: What drew you to your line of work?

SJ: Librarians and libraries have been important to me all my life. I grew up on a college campus going to both the academic library and the public library, so I have a deep appreciation for both. I have done a few different types of work in my post college life, and librarianship is by far the most rewarding. I appreciate being in a setting that encourages constant learning and growth.

HM: How has your career evolved?

SJ: My career has absolutely evolved, and I’m very happy about it! I started out at a very small community college library, but it was a great learning experience, because in that kind of position, you really have to do a little of everything – collection development, cataloging, and instruction – and in my case that’s where I started making instructional videos as well. I learned I really enjoy that, as well as instruction. I’m thrilled to be working with the College of the Arts now – it's been wonderful working with this diverse and interesting group of faculty and students.

HM: How has your background in the arts helped you in your career?

SJ: I feel that appreciating and learning to understand art is really a way to become better at making connections with people who don’t necessarily share our same experiences, as well as develop a sense of empathy for the world. It’s also a way to reach out – participation in the arts, both as creator and appreciator, can provide a framework for expression and connection. I also enjoy getting to know new artists and formats!

HM: What projects or initiatives that you worked on have you found most interesting?

SJ: A couple years ago I was invited by Dr. Sang-Hie Lee to join the USF Performing Arts Medicine Collaborative, an organization I had not previously known about, and this year I helped a little with their conference, designing the poster for their performance showcase. I found the sessions I attended interesting – there’s a lot to explore in the intersection between medicine and performing arts – and it has bearing not just on top level performers, but all of us.

More on the library instruction end of things, I helped design and develop a series of CANVAS-based library learning modules designed to teach information literacy basics, and we continue to refine and revise that collection. It's reached a lot of students - usually when a professor assigns it.

HM: You've been a long-time volunteer for the Kentuck Museum Association Annual Festival, particularly with youth arts. Why is this type of work important to you?

SJ: Kentuck is a folk-and-fine art festival in west Alabama, where I grew up, and it’s been important to me since I was a youth myself – it recently celebrated its 50 ^th anniversary, so it was something I attended basically from infancy. I was lucky to have parents who wanted to expose me to the arts! In the years after I moved back to Alabama, I knew I wanted to be involved somehow. And volunteering for the festival was a really fun and rewarding time. I really liked making the kids and parents happy, too.

HM: How has art helped you develop in other aspects of your life?

SJ: I feel that appreciating and learning to understand art is really a way to become better at making connections with people who don’t necessarily share our same experiences, as well as develop a sense of empathy for the world. It’s also a way to reach out – participation in the arts – both as creator and appreciator– can provide a framework for expression and connection.

HM: Do you practice art yourself?

SJ: I do some drawing, some painting, and some printmaking, but not enough of any of it. I haven’t kept up with book arts as much as I wish I had, although I have offered to come teach 3-hole pamphlet sewing to any class interested in it – it’s a good format for binding a zine slightly more fancily than just stapling it (but stapling is fine too!)

HM: Who are your art inspirations?

SJ: I love decorative arts, design, and illustration - artists like William Morris and Alphonse Mucha are very inspiring to me, and illustrators like Aubrey Beardsley and Edward Gorey. I enjoyed getting to see the Whitney Biennial this year, particularly the paintings of Eamon Ore-Giron.

HM: What advice do you have for others who may be interested in joining your field?

SJ: My top tip for students who want to be academic librarians is explore the different types of librarianship and tailor your education and internship to that – but also be prepared to pivot if you need to. There’s lots of opportunities around art librarianship, including archival and curatorial specialties. It helps to know which way you want to go! Also, I know the job market is tough. Things have changed a lot since I started out as a librarian, and obviously will continue to evolve.

Find Your Art: Scavenger Hunts

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 18:23:27 GMT

Embracing the Art of Observation

The Secret to Endless Inspiration? Scavenge!

By: Hana Abdel Magid

The maxim “art is all around you” may be true, but it's important to know where and how to look. The most talented artists don’t necessarily have to have raw talent, but observational skills. Art is a reflection of the world around us, and learning to examine your surroundings opens you up to endless galleries of inspiration. Observation isn’t just a passive act; it’s an art form in itself, one that enriches our understanding and appreciation of the world around us.

Take a Look!

Learning to observe means analyzing and interpreting the things you see. For example, paying close attention to facial expressions, design elements, and patterns can tell you a lot about how a painting is made or what sort of message the artist is trying to evoke. How does the ambiguity of Mona Lisa's smile give character to the iconic painting? Does the use of light, color, or shape contribute to this? These details might seem insignificant at first glance, but they’re the building blocks that help shape a depiction into a narrative.

These questions don't need to be objective, in fact, sometimes it's better when they aren't! When we take the time to observe, we connect to works on a more personal level, allowing them to evoke emotions, spark curiosity, or even challenge perceptions. It’s this engagement that transforms art from a passive experience into an enriching journey of discovery.

Art in Action

So, how can we build our observational skills and apply them in a fun and engaging way? Give yourself a purpose and turn it into an activity. Games like "I Spy" and "20 Questions" apply many of these skills, but if you want to challenge yourself, scavenger hunts can provide the perfect creative catalyst. Guiding questions help put our skills to the test, encouraging us to look closely, think critically, and make unexpected connections.

Embark on a scavenger hunt through an art museum or a bustling city square. Your task? Map out art pieces that jump out to you, consider the architectural details, cultural artifacts, or even the crowds that surround you. As you navigate, you’ll learn to observe with intention, and take notice of elements you may have otherwise overlooked.

Find it!

Scavenger hunts are just the practical application of observational skills. By actively seeking out clues and solving challenges, we train our eyes and minds to be more alert and more creative. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or a curious newcomer, learning to engage with art will enhance your art experience. You might be surprised by what you discover about both yourself and the world around you!

Elements of Art and Principles of Design

One of the first steps of observation is understanding the language used to describe things. Try your hand at our educational scavenger hunts and see if you can find the elements and principles in a gallery or out in the wild!

Download the scavenger hunts bel ow HERE .

An Evening with Colson Whitehead

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 15:52:35 GMT

An Evening with Colson Whitehead

The Real-life Inspiration Behind his Pulitzer Prize Winning Novel

by Hana Abdel Magid

American novelist Colson Whitehead is a trailblazer in modern literary canon, and his talents are widely recognized from receiving the National Book Award in Fiction to being one of only four two-time Pulitzer Prize winning authors. His works are celebrated for their thought-provoking social commentary and topical subjects. As part of the University of South Florida’s Frontier Forum series, Whitehead discusses his latest Pulitzer, Nickelboys , followed by a Q&A session moderated by the College of Arts and Sciences Interim Dean Magali Michael.

Whitehead’s visit is significant as his novel is inspired by true events at Florida’s Dozier School for Boys. Shortly after the reformatory school was shut down in 2011, USF was authorized to perform a forensic anthropology survey. The team who investigated, led by USF associate professor Erin Kimmerle, brought justice to the families of those who died at the institution by locating and identifying their graves. This research, chronicled by Ben Montgomery of the Tampa Bay Times, was crucial to Whitehead in developing his own story.

Whitehead began the evening with a brief lecture on his work and personal journey as an author, “I usually spend Wednesday nights home in my apartment weeping over my regrets... so this is a nice change of pace for me.” Chronicling his literary career, Whitehead reflected on the various inspirations that have led to his novels including elevator inspection reports and ‘70s thrillers. With each new book, he tries to explore a different genre, and as such his works range from zombie stories to fictional slave narratives.

For Nickelboys , the idea came from a report about the unmarked graveyards shared on Twitter when the state was still trying to sell the land back in 2014. He describes the time as an all-around “rough summer”, referencing incidents of police brutality directed against Michael Brown and Eric Garner that were also circulating online. The story of the long-term abuse endured by the residents of Dozier was something he kept thinking back to, noting, “it’s always the same story... in spite of the evidence, nobody is held accountable.”

Whitehead felt a need to respond to that calling in some way, and drew upon local news coverage of the investigation and survivor websites to get started. When he began writing, he shared that he often felt anxious his work would not resonate. Eventually, he reasoned that if something was true for him, it must be true for others. To Whitehead, a writer’s job is to “find the words so other people will see the world in the same way you do.” He was proved correct when he discovered the sheer number of related stories his readers connected to the Nickel Academy, from residential schools to border camps.

To close the evening, Whitehead took questions from the crowd, responding to prompts about his writing process, representation in novels, and advice for young authors.

Colson Whitehead is currently working on the third novel of his Harlem Trilogy, which includes Harlem Shuffle (2021) and Crook Manifesto (2023). You can explore more of his work at www.colsonwhitehead.com . If you would like to learn more about the investigations that inspired Nickelboys , consider also reading Erin Kimmerle’s We Carry Their Bones .

Local filmmaker debuted feature film "Popular Theory" in Tampa

malaikah@wusf.org (Malaika Hollist) — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 16:08:01 GMT

Ali Scher debuted her first feature film, "Popular Theory", in her hometown of Tampa.

By Malaika Hollist

Ali Scher/ Popular Theory

Tampa native Ali Scher is bringing her hometown pride to Hollywood with the highly anticipated debut of her feature film, "Popular Theory." Born and raised in the Davis Islands area, Scher drew upon her personal experiences growing up in Tampa to create the high school environment depicted in the movie.

"Popular Theory" follows the journey of a young girl who challenges the traditional high school hierarchy by creating a chemical formula that catapults her classmates into popularity. Scher's story explores themes of connection and social structures. She also drew inspiration from her own formative years in Tampa.

For Scher, the road to bringing "Popular Theory" to the silver screen has been a long one with a decade under her belt conceptualizing, searching for the right production team, crew, and cast. Scher's ties to Tampa remain strong and a source throughout her filmmaking journey. Local donors played a crucial role in funding the project and in 2022 she began to make her film a reality.

Reflecting on the creative process, Scher emphasizes the importance of storytelling that resonates with audiences on a deeply emotional level. "I wanted to make a movie about connection, because after food and water, it’s the thing that humans thrive on the most," she explains. The exploration of human connection is woven throughout the storyline of"Popular Theory," offering viewers a poignant and relatable narrative.

From former teachers to childhood friends turned educators, the film's storyline resonates with individuals who have played a significant role in Scher's life. Scher hopes the film can hope build the bridge of shared experiences and of course entertain and challenge the audience to think. You can watch the trailer for "Popular Theory" below.

Sources:

Original article: https://www.wusf.org/arts-culture/2024-02-08/ali-scher-popular-theory-debut-tampa-hollywood-feature-film
Ali Scher's IMDb page: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3262251/?ref_=tt_ov_dr

A Look into Making A Film with Jasmine Liaw

malaikah@wusf.org (Malaika Hollist) — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 19:12:02 GMT

Axis Florida has collaborated with the Black Box Film Festival to celebrate its debut this Friday April 28th. A Look into Making a Film with Jasmine Liaw is a short documentary on Jasmine, a senior student at the University of Tampa. To finish off her 4 years as a Film and and Media Arts major she must complete her Senior Seminar Thesis Film. In this video, she walks us through the process of making her film. From moving from China to Florida for school knowing little about cameras to making a film, Jasmine tells us how she made her way to success.

New Paragraph

Wearable Art with DemiGod

malaikah@wusf.org (Malaika Hollist) — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 19:11:50 GMT

In this video, we speak with DemiGod (Demeree Barth) a mixed media artist based in St. Petersburg, Florida. In this interview we discussher last creation for the recent Dunedin Fine Art Center's Wearable Art Show this past fall and why wearable art is what she loves to create.

Follow DemiGod

Keep it Thrifty: Library Culture Passes

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 16:50:57 GMT

Keep it Thrifty: Library Discovery Passes

Learn How to Harness the Full Power of Your Library Card

By Hana Abdel Magid

Beyond books, public libraries provide a wide array of resources for patrons, from research workshops to rentable power tools. Many libraries work closely with community-oriented institutions and offer discovery passes that can be used to explore local arts and culture attractions such as museums, gardens, and theatres.

Residents of Tampa Bay and surrounding counties have access to many pass programs through their library systems. Museum admission can be pricey, especially for families with children. Discovery passes allow you to reserve free or discounted passes for the whole family- all you need is your card!

PRO TIP: If your county does not offer a discovery program, many library systems offer non-residents reciprocal borrowing privileges or cards for only a small fee. Check with your library of interest to learn more about your options.

PINELLAS

The Pinellas Public Library Cooperative partners with area museums to offer free daily passes for up to 2 adults and 3 children at member institutions. Each library branch offers two passes for every partner that can be checked out in-person on a first-come, first-served basis. The passes are available for one visit during a 7-day period.

Participating institutions include The Collection on Palmetto, Dunedin History Museum, Florida CraftArt, The Florida Holocaust Museum, Glazer Children’s Museum, Great Explorations Children’s Museum, Henry B. Plant Museum, Imagine Museum, The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, Leepa Rattner Museum of Art, Museum of Fine Arts, Safety Harbor Museum & Cultural Center, and the Tampa Bay History Center.

PASCO

Pasco County Libraries offer free museum access to play, uncover, and explore Tampa Bay attractions. Passes may be checked out to one verified card at a time through the library’s catalog system. Passes may be used for one-time entry during a 7-day period.

Partner institutions include the Glazer Children’s Museum, Florida Holocaust Museum, Imagine Museum, Tampa Bay History Center, and the St. Pete Museum of Fine Arts.

HILLSBOROUGH

The Hillsborough Public Library system offers free or discounted admission at local attractions through their Discovery Pass program. Discovery passes can be reserved online and printed at home for one-time admission during a thirty-day period.

Partner institutions include the Tampa Bay History Center, Hillsborough County Conservation Parks, Glazer Children’s Museum, American Victory Ship & Museum, Tampa Theatre, Henry B. Plant Museum, Florida Holocaust Museum, Stageworks Theatre, Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, Tampa Museum of Art, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, and the Florida Orchestra.

LAKELAND

In partnership with the Florida Children’s Museum, Lakeland Public Library patrons have the opportunity to checkout a Culture Pass for same-day general admission for up to five people to the Florida Children’s Museum. Each branch offers one pass per day which can be checked out on a first-come, first-served basis.

ORANGE

Orange County Library System’s Local Wanderer program allows patrons to check out single-use admission to local arts and culture venues with their system card number and PIN. Passes are good for up to two weeks.

Partner institutions include the Orlando Ballet, Art & History Museums of Maitland, Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, Central Florida Community Arts, Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Central Florida, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Mennello Museum of American Art, Orlando Family Stage, Orange County Regional History Center, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Orlando Museum of Art.

MANATEE

Manatee County offers a Library of Things to cardholders which include Museum and Attraction Passes to local venues. Manatee Library members can reserve one pass per week and up to two passes per month.

Partner institutions include Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary, Florida Railroad Museum, and the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature.

MARTIN

Friends of the Martin County Library System offers cardholders reservable passes to local attractions and museums accessible through the online library catalog.

Partner institutions include the Elliot Museum/Gilbert’s House of Refuge, Children’s Museum of Treasure Coast, and the Florida oceanographic Society Coastal Center.

COLLIER

The Collier County Public Library provides residents with reservable pass programs to the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples and local beaches. Passes must be picked up at the branch where the pass is located.

MIAMI-DADE

The Miami-Dade Public Library System offers a Museum Pass program for free entry to art, culture, and entertainment attractions good for up to a family of four. Only one pass per organization may be checked out at a time, valid for one-time entry during a seven-day window.

Partner institutions include The Bass Contemporary Art Museum, Black Police Precinct & Courthouse Museum, Coral Gables Museum, The Curtiss Mansion, Deering Estate, Fruit & Spice Park, History Miami Museum, Jewish Museum of Florida, Lowe Art Museum, Miami Children’s Museum, Museum of Art and Design, Museum of Graffiti, Patricia & Phillip Frost Armartt Museum, Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science, Pérez Art Museum Miami, Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, The Wolfsonian, and Zoo Miami.

An Evening with Sylvia Moreno Garcia

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 19:20:38 GMT

An Evening with Sylvia Moreno-Garcia

In Conversation with the Best-Selling Author of Mexican Gothic

Written by Hana Abdel Magid

New York Times best-selling author Sylvia Moreno-Garcia is a master of speculative fiction, known for her genre-defying stories inspired by her Mexican Upbringing. In an unforgettable evening hosted by the USF Humanities institute, Moreno-Garcia discusses her latest novel, Silver Nitrate , with Tampa-based book influencer Carmen Alvarez. The two covered topics ranging from media preservation to Hispanic identity, writing advice, and ghosts.

Since her critically-acclaimed 2020 novel, Mexican Gothic , Moreno-Garcia has made a name for herself as a trailblazer in Latin American horror. Her most recent work, Silver Nitrate , expertly combines the golden age of Mexican horror cinema with Nazi occultism in a supernatural suspense novel about a cursed film. The title takes its name from the volatile and once highly valued film with a flammable reputation.

In conversation with Alvarez, Moreno-Garcia reflects on her relationship with new and old media, the latter a recurring element in her works. She admits she is enamored with the idea of media “having some kind of transformative power.” Moreno-Garcia sought to explore this narrative potential by combining her childhood love of cinema with elements from her previous short story, Flash Frame . Certainly, her writing continues to attract readers through its captivating plots and social commentary which expands beyond the boundaries of setting and time.

Moreno-Garcia also examines the effects of emerging technology and media on her work, considering the role of AI and algorithms in the current creative landscape. She confesses she now has to face “all these problems I didn’t quite think through when I was thinking about Keanu Reeves and the Matrix.”

For one thing, algorithms have proven to be a double-edged sword for her discoverability as an author. Though her success has created more opportunities for Latin American writers, she has found that internet algorithms rarely highlight the work of more diverse creatives and oftentimes limit people from discovering emerging authors. She also addressed the difficulties of self-published authors in competing with “AI jumpbooks”- nonsensical works created with generative technology for profit- which have started to saturate online marketplaces.

Prompted by Alvarez, the author contemplates her own creative journey and her reputation as writer who defies expectations. She explains that her lack of creative writing education meant she wasn’t aware that what she was interested in doing was actually that unconventional; “When I was starting out, I didn’t recognize how hard it was to move between genres.” She claims she has no intentions of revisiting old novels, she like to keep things entertaining by moving on to the next project.

Sylvia Moreno Garcia has two upcoming works to looks forward to. The Lover , a self-described “fantasy inspired pseudo-horror story” will be released November first, but is available now to Kindle First readers. The second, her first non-genre historical fiction novel, The Seventh Veil of Salome , will be released Summer of 2024. If you are interested in more of her work, check out her website at silviamoreno-garcia.com. Carmen Alvarez, the evening’s moderator, can be found on Instagram @tomesandtextiles.

Wearable Art 17

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 15:27:50 GMT

Wearable Art 17

Fabulous Fashions from Tampa Bay's Premiere Art Show

By Hana Abdel Magid

Last month, the Dunedin Fine Art Center's hosted their 17th Annual Wearable Arts Fashion Show. The show featured 10 collections created by over a dozens artists each showcasing a unique theme.

The Human Struggle: Good Vs. Evil

Melissa Dolce

Celestial Bones

Rya De Mulder

Transmutation/Reincarnation

Amy Wolf

Chakras

Olga Saratsky // Kikimora Studios

What Used To Fit

Johnny Hunt

Welcome To Our World: Ms. Universe Pageant

Bay to Bay Wearable Art Collective

Run Away With Me

Artemis & Aphodite // Kelli-Lynn Luckey

The Planet Goddesses and The Monarch

Julian Hartzog // Sandy Schwartz

Alice's Dream

Jeanne Halle // Kina Kouture, Featuring Dana Rizutto

ICONS

Mark Byrne

Fabulous Fashions

DFAC Wearable Arts Patrons

SHINE on St. Pete

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 16:43:01 GMT

SHINE on St. Pete

Everything You Need to Know About This Year’s Mural Festival

Written by Hana Abdel Magid

Now in it’s ninth year, the SHINE Mural Festival of St. Pete will be returning October 13th to 22nd. This year’s festival will feature 14 new murals, revitalizing outdoor spaces in the community. The festival is organized by the St. Pete Arts Alliance in an effort to support new public art initiatives. Today, nearly 150 works have been created since the festivals inception. The festival is a major tourist attraction and it's continuing cultural and economic impact draws in millions in revenue for the city.

SHINE9 will fall the same weekend as the St. Pete Second Saturday Art Walk, so visitors will be treated to twice the art. A kickoff event will be held at Overspray and many local galleries will be collaborating with SHINE to offer themed exhibits. In addition to the main event, SHINE will also be offering "Bright Spots" to highlight specific causes in community.

SHINE has partnered with the tech platform PixelStix to offer an audio tour and mural viewer for each of these pieces. With custom smart plaques, users can scan the artwork to learn more about it. Alternatively, the SHINE website includes an interactive map with their locations. Check out our video exploring St. Pete's past SHINE murals:

So far, six artists have been announced, all from Tampa Bay! This year's roster includes:

Fabstraq - Fabstraq is known for his vibrant abstract pieces. He is the founder of ART!CULATE Tampa.

Michael Vasquez - Vasquez is a returning SHINE artist. His work typically focuses on urban life and histories.

Sarah Sheppard - Sheppard's colorful and creative murals can be found all over St. Pete. This is her first year with SHINE.

Chris Dyer - Dyer just recently moved from Canada to St. Pete, but he's had his Positive Creations all over the country.

Artist Jones - Jones was a SHINE8 Unity Project artist and this year she returns with another of her lively pieces.

Rhys Meatyard - Meatyard is a new muralist, but a veteran artist and illustrator. He was featured in Mize's SHINE7 exhibit.

Stay tuned for festival updates and the next round of artist announcements.

Learn more:

Jenne Priebe, SHINE Mural Festival Director

What's On: Fall 23

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 18:53:17 GMT

What's On: Fall '23

The Best of This Season's Music, Arts, and Culture

Written by Hana Abdel Magid

Fall is a busy time for many of our organizations as they wrap up their seasons and prepare for the new year. Check out some of the amazing events they have scheduled and stay posted on our social media @artaxisfl for more.

Music

Tampa Bay Symphony

Passion & Power | Select Dates November 5-12 | Tickets

On-Again, Off-Again – Jack Frerer
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43 – Rachmaninoff – Dr. Hui Xu, Piano soloist
Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67 – Ludwig van Beethoven

EMIT Series

Latin Jazz Festival | October 6 & 7 | $20 General Admission

José Valentino Ruiz Quintet at the Music Center at St. Petersburg College
Dimas Sanchez and the Afro Latin Jazz Project at the Music Center at St. Petersburg College

The Florida Orchestra

Morning Matinees

October 4 & 5 | Take Flight: Music Inspired by Birds | Tickets
November 8 & 9 | Natural Wonders: Sounds of the Outdoors | Tickets

Masterworks

September 30 & October 1 | Holst's The Planets: A Trip Through the Galaxy | Tickets
October 21 & 22 | Copland's Appalachian Spring: The Beauty of American Sound | Tickets
October 28 & 29 | Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini w/ The Metropolis Symphony | Tickets

Special Events

September 16 | The Music of James Taylor, Neil Diamond & Paul Simon | Tickets
September 22 & 23 | Live Orchestra Film: Jurassic Park in Concert | Tickets
October 7 & 8 | Cirque Dances with Troupe Vertigo | Tickets
November 2 | Fusion Concert: Steve Hackman's Tchaikovsky X Drake | Tickets
November 3 & 4 | Women Rock: Honoring Female Singers & Songwriters of Rock 'n' Roll | Tickets

Lakeland Symphony Orchestra

Gallery Concert Series

September 14 | LSO String Quartet & Polk Museum: Sound Curated by Art | Tickets
November 9 | Gallery Series at Polk Museum: Sound Curated by Art | Tickets

Artist Series Concerts

Musician Spotlights

October 1 | NEXUS Chamber Music | Tickets
October 10 | Ilya Yakushev - Piano | Tickets
October 18 | Joseph Parrish, Bass-Baritone with Joseph Holt, Piano | Tickets
October 29 & 30 | Amit Peled, Cello and Solomon Eichner, Piano | Tickets
November 2 | The Chopin Project® Featuring Matthew Graybil, Piano | Tickets

Ensemble New SRQ

Special Events:

October 23 | Beyond the Veil: Haunting Sounds From the World Beyond | Tickets
November 20 | Legeti’s 100th: Celebrating a Legacy of Music | Tickets

Perlman Suncoast Music Program

Special Events:

November 15 | The Tobias Quartet at Sarasota Art Museum | Tickets

Punta Gorda Symphony

Special Events:

October 22 | John Williams Star Wars – A Galaxy Far, Far Away | Tickets
November 12 | Dvořák Symphony No. 9, “From the New World” | Tickets

Performances

Jobsite Theatre

Special Events:

September 13 - October 8 | Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead | Tickets
October 18 - November 12 | Frankenstein | Tickets

Tampa Rep

Special Events:

September 29 - October 15 | The Crucible | Tickets

New Tampa Players

Special Events:

October 20 - 29 | Shrek: The Musical | Tickets

Enzian Theatre

National Theatre Live:

September 2 | The Best of Enemies | Season Pass $49.50
October 28 | Good | Season Pass $49.50

Special Events:

September 17 | Meet the Filmmaker: Red Earth | Tickets
October 15 | Central Florida Film Slam | Tickets
November 4 | Science on Screen: Computer Chess | Tickets

Orlando Repertory Theatre

Special Events:

September 9 - October 1 | Dinosaur Dance Party | Tickets
September 9 - December 2 | Family Theatre Workshop | Tickets
October 2 - October 31 | Click, Clack, BOO! A Tricky Treat | Tickets
November 6 | Teen Perspectives Lab: Plays to End Gun Violence | Tickets

Orlando Shakes

Special Events:

September 6 - October 1 | A Comedy of Errors | Tickets
October 4 - October 29 | Boulevard of Bold Dreams | Tickets
October 18 - November 11 | The True Story of the Three Little Pigs | Tickets

American Stage

Special Events:

October 4 - 29 | Indecent | Learn more
November 21 - December 17 | Acts of Faith | Tickets

FreeFall Theatre

Special Events:

October 6 - November 5 | Nightsweat | Tickets

The Players Centre

Special Events:

September 8 - 17 | Indecent | Tickets
September 27 - October 15 | Ruthless! The Musical | Tickets

Asolo Repertory Theatre

Special Events:

November 15 - January 4 | Crazy for You | Tickets

Urbanite Theatre

Special Events:

October 20 - December 3 | The Sound Inside | Tickets

Van Wenzel Performing Arts

Special Events:

September 30 | The Rocky Horror Picture Show 48th Anniversary Spectacular | Tickets
October 8 | Romeo and Juliet - International Ballet of Florida | Tickets
November 1 | Celtic Thunder Odyssey | Tickets
November 27 - 28 | Pretty Woman: The Musical | Learn more

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe

Special Events:

October 11 - November 19 | Once on This Island | Tickets

Culture

Dali Museum

Rotating Exhibits:

August 26 - September 4 | Talent Within: The Dali Staff Art Show
September 9 - January 7 | Leonora Carrington: Writer, Painter, Visionary

Special Events:

September 19 | An Evening of Art & Food with Chef Chuck Bandel | Tickets
October 5 | Performance: Hispanic Heritage with Orilla | Tickets
October 28 | Sueños de Dalí 2023 | Tickets

Morean Arts Center

Rotating Exhibits:

September 9 - October 26 | SHINE Mural Festival Artist Exhibition
September 9 - October 26 | ARTofficial Intelligence: The St. Pete Robot Exchange
September 9 - October 26 | Ermin Tabakovich: Transcending Space

Special Events:

September 13 | Gallery Grooves: Live Music Broadcast with Radio St. Pete | Learn more
October 14 | Yoga in the Chihuly Garden | Tickets

Orlando Museum of Art

Rotating Exhibits:

September 16 - December 10 | Something Like a Hello: The Picture Book Art of Loren Long
October 20 - January 28 | NORMA: Selected Works by Norma Canelas Roth

Special Events:

September 2 & October 7 | Art's the Spark | Learn more
October 18 | Symphony Storytime | Learn more
October 21 | Family Day | Learn more
Select Wednesdays | Art Night Out | Learn more

Mennello Museum of Art

Rotating Exhibits:

June 23 - September 24 | Anila Quayyum Agha: Flourishing Patterns
October 6 - January 15 | In Nature's Studio: Two Centuries of American Landscape Painting

Special Events:

October 28 | 2023 Indie Folk Festival | Learn more
Second Sundays | Free Family Funday | Learn more

Tampa Museum of Art

Rotating Exhibits:

January 6 - November 12 | Taking Pictures: Women of Independent Spirit
September 28 - January 7 | Frontiers of Impressionism: Paintings from the Worcester Art Museum

Special Events:

October 8 | Antiquities Circle Lecture: Painted Funerary Portraits from Roman Egypt | Learn more
September 15 | Art & Aces | Learn more
September 21 | Rufino Tamayo and Pepe Mar: Bridging Worlds through Myth and Magic | Learn more
November 4 | Pavilion XXXVII: La Vie En Rose | Learn more

Tampa Bay History Center

Rotating Exhibits:

March 4 - October 15 | Etched Feathers: A History of the Painted Bird
April 15 - October 15 | Key West and the Florida Keys: Mapping the History of the Conch Republic

Florida Conversations:

September 20 | Florida History is Latino History | Learn more
October 17 | Tampa's Soulwalk | Learn more
November 15 | Florida in the 1920s | Learn more

Henry B. Plant Museum

Rotating Exhibits:

September 9 - December 23 | Captain's Log: Voyages in the Age of Steam

Special Events:

Second Saturdays | Free Entry Saturday | Free
Sundays | Upstairs/Downstairs: Character Performances | Free with entry

Harn Museum of Art

Special Events:

October 31 - October 26, 2025 | Metamorphosis: Reshaping Contemporary Art

Special Events:

September 14 | Museum Nights: Noche de Museo | Learn more
September 28 | Chic Radicals: Street Drag as Critical Performance Art in the 1970s | Learn more
October 28 | Museum Days: "Under the Spell of the Palm Tree" | Learn more
November 2 | Los Carpinteros and the Meaning of Beauty | Learn more

Polk Museum of Art

Rotating Exhibits:

September 2 - October 15 | Summer Art Camp 2023
September 30 - February 4 | Illustrations from the Mirror: The Art of Ahmad Taylor
October 21 - November 12 | Learning to be Me: Artwork by Polk County Students Grades K through 2
November 18 - December 31 | Art Out Loud: Artwork by Polk County Middle School Students

Special Events:

Mondays, September 25 - October 30 | After School Art | Tickets $5
September 21 & October 19 | Art Connects ALZ | Learn more
October 5 | Art Access: Special Needs | Tickets

Art Center Manatee

Rotating Exhibits:

September 7 - 30 | Create
October 4 - 28 | Color Outside the Lines
November 1 - 28 | Raymond Lawler: Tales of a Traveler

Art Nights Out:

October 27 | Holiday Ornaments with Sarah Bocchi | Tickets $45
November 3 | Baby Pig Watercolor with Barbara Doty | Tickets $55
November 11 | Holiday Market Baket with Kay Johnson | Tickets $55

Dunedin Fine Arts Center

Rotating Exhibits:

September 8 - October 15 | PLAY On! Artist-Made Toys
September 8 - October 15 | LOL! Funny Papers
September 15 - December 23 | Amy Santoferraro: Kowtow Mountain
September 15 - December 23 | Nancee Clark: Insights and Follies
September 15 - December 23 | At Home with “City of Ghosts”

Artist Opportunities

Orlando Museum of Art

Call for Artists:

October 6 | PLATFORM: Quarterly Artist Showcase | Learn more

Tampa Museum of Art

Art Networking:

October 11 | Lunch on the Grass - Artist Networking | Free to Register
October 26 | NextGen: Art, Network & Vibe | Free to Register

Morean Arts Center

Call for Artists:

October 8 | All is Bright: Morean Annual Holiday Show | Learn more
November 13 | Fresh Squeezed: Florida Emerging Artists | Learn more
November 14 | Four Decades: PCCA 40th Anniversary Alumni Exhibition | Learn more

St. Pete Art Alliance

Call for Artists:

September 8 | City of Orlando Fire Department Public Art Opportunity for Station 11 | Learn more
September 8 | The International Exhibition “The Value 2024” - CICA Museum | Learn more
September 13 | Artistic Incubator Guava Gala Showcase | Learn more
September 18 | Contemporary Art Solo Show Series Fall 2024 - CICA Museum | Learn more
September 18 | Passions: Exploring Passions Through Art @ Five Deuces Gallery | Learn more
September 20 | No Place Like Home - Midwest Nice | Learn more
September 28 | “Seasons” Online Art Competition | Learn more
September 29 | S witch 2023 - Artists Working with Video | Learn more
September 29 | Historic Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks' Illuminated Art Boxes | Learn more
September 29 | Murals - Riverside Park Concession Building Tarpon Springs, FL | Learn more
September 30 | Honeymoon Island Fall Festival | Learn more
October 14 | Heritage Village Artisan Festival - Artists & Demonstrators | Learn more

Creative Pinellas

Artist Grant:

September 6 | Emerging Artist Grant 24 | Learn more

Orlando Downtown Arts District

Call for Artists:

September 8 | Inspired by Great Artists | Learn more
October 13 | Dia de los Muertos with CityArts | Learn more
October 13 | Monster Art Showcase with CityArts | Learn more
October 16 | Dia de Los Muertos & Halloween Street Party Vendors | Learn more
October 30 | Edgar Allen Poe Prize Ehibition | Learn more

Gainseville Fine Arts Association

Call for Artists:

September 11 | Portals: Oak Hammock Prize Exhibition | Learn more
November 3 | Kanapaha Gardens Sculpture - Public Art | Learn more

Art News Now

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 17:22:23 GMT

Art News Now

Tampa Bay Art Scene to Face a Season of Change

Written by Hana Abdel Magid

The Florida art scene is constantly expanding and adapting to supporting it’s thriving community. This summer has been an especially eventful transitional period for many Tampa Bay’s arts institutions.

Dali Alive Immersive Experience

Following the success of Van Gogh Alive, St. Pete’s Dali Museum will be unveiling a new immersive experience focused on it’s namesake. The multiscensory art experience will be held in the museum’s Avant Garden and is set to open this summer. In preparation, The Dali has built a geodosic dome where the project will be held. You can join the Dali newsletter for updates.

New Clearwater Venue

Coachman Park’s The Sound, Clearwater’s newest events venue opened just last month as part of the Downtown Clearwater Waterfront Redevelopment Project. The outdoor music space is set to be a fan-favorite and it’s upcoming concert lineup, including Ringo Starr, continues to fuel excitement. With room to comfortably seat 9000, it’s expected to attract quite the crowd.

Powerstories Theatre to Find a New Home

After 22 years, Powerstories Theatre has been forced to relocate as developers received the go-ahead to rezone the property they were located on. Although the theatre company fought hard to save it’s space, Powerstories has ended its 2023 programming following this month’s Voices of Women Theatre Festival. Don’t worry just yet, Powerstories will continue it’s season in 2024 with a pop-up productions throughout Tampa as they search for a new space.

Creative Pinellas Searches for CEO

In the seven years Barbara St. Claire has acted as CEO for local non-profit arts agency Creative Pinellas, she has made a name in the arts community funding and supporting artists and art organizations. In April, St. Claire announced her retirement. She plans to stay with Creative Pinellas as consultant to help with the transition once she steps down at the end of this year, but is hoping to use this time to pursue creative endeavors. Creative Pinellas’ Board of Directors has established a committee who has started to search for her replacement this summer.

For previous blog entrie s click here.

All About Reciprocal Agreements

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 14:06:40 GMT

All About Reciprocal Agreements

Keeping the Arts (and Beyond) Affordable

Written by Hana Abdel Magid

In the 1980s, a small group of Florida museums joined together in an effort to offer greater benefits for their members and patrons. In the years that followed, the group that started as a short member list circulated within the state grew to national organization with members across the country and beyond.

The National Association of Reciprocal Museums was the first of its kind, and it continues to lead efforts to connect people and museums across North America with more than 1300 member organizations. Alongside similar programs, individuals have greater access to arts and cultural institutions than ever before, and most don’t even know it!

What are Reciprocal Agreements?

A reciprocal agreement is a mutual agreement between member institutions which allows you to access benefits from institutions within the same network. This means that by joining the membership of one organization, you may be eligible for perks such as free admission or shop discounts. You may also have priority access to special events or exclusive offers.

Some of the largest of these reciprocal associations include:

Know Before You Buy

There are many benefits to obtaining a reciprocal membership, but joining one of the associations still costs money, so it pays to research which is best for you. To gain membership of a reciprocal association, you need to become a member of an institution within its network. You can often find a list of these institutions on the network website.

Don’t just choose the institution closest to you. Membership prices can vary significantly and some organizations may offer better deals for families or individuals. Additionally, certain institutions may offer you access to more than one association depending on which networks they are part of. There is typically no limitations on whether or not you need to live close to an a given institution in order to become a member, so take the time to search for the one that appeals to you most.

It’s important to note that these memberships may have limitations. For example, many network institutions offer free general admission, but if you want to see a special exhibit you will need to buy a ticket. Oftentimes, you cannot use full membership privileges on museums within a certain radius of your “home” institution. Local museums are more likely to offer you access, whereas larger ones can be more strict. You can call ahead or check your reciprocal association’s website to learn which restrictions may apply to you.

Member Organizations

Since Florida is where it all started, Florida citizens have more access than most to member organizations. In fact, many of Arts Axis Florida’s organizations offer reciprocal membership programs. This includes:

Internation Zine Month

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 16:59:00 GMT

International Zine Month

Bringing Back Independent Journalism

Written by Hana Abdel Magid

In an increasingly digital world, print media has become a lost art, but there is a significant and growing movement to revive print culture through independent publishing. Alex Wrekk, the founder of International Zine Month, refers to this as the “Stolen Sharpie Revolution.”

What is the “Stolen Sharpie Revolution”?
The name comes from Wrekk’s 2002 resource guide to all things zine. In short, it’s a DIY movement that advocates for accessible, non-commercialized print-works. Because they are not a form of “mainstream” media, they promote creativity and can offer a platform to otherwise underrepresented voices. It’s fringe reputation led it to becoming a popular medium for documenting subcultures particularly in the 70s-90s. Traditionally, they cover topics relating to politics, culture, and personal interest, but they can really be about anything!

How is a Zine Made?

Zines can be made any number of ways, usually involving some combination of image and text. They are typically created using a master copy that is reproduced using a printer. In fact, you can create a zine with as little as a single sheet of paper. If you’re interested in creating your own, check out Malaika’s handy tutorial from last year’s zine:

Florida Zine Culture
Florida has a rich zine community, particularly in Miami, Tampa Bay, Orlando, and Tallahassee. Many cities host festivals throughout the year where zine makers can share and trade their work with each other and the public.

Florida also serves as inspiration for many of these zines. The Islandia Journal is a quarterly publication focused on folklore and ecology in Florida and the Caribbean. Many libraries, such as the Jacksonville Public Library , also offer zine collections which highlight local creators.

AAF Zines

This year, AAF has created two zines which you are welcome to print out and use:

The Art of Fireworks

Florida Arts & Culture Road Trip

Sources:

https://nationaltoday.com/international-zine-month/

https://www.zinelibraries.info/events/zinelibraryday/

Strange News

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 08:33:29 GMT

Strange News

Crashes, Counterfeit, and Creative Congressmen

written by Hana Abdel Magid

Among beaches, theme parks, and a vibrant culture scene, Florida is known for many things, but perhaps most notably by its reputation for weird news. In this month’s Strange News, we examine the "Florida Man" headlines that made it to the art world. From a car accident involving a giant blue bunny to fake art dealers and a congressman in concert, it’s been a busy few weeks.

Man Crashes into Bunny Sculpture to Get Back at Former Mayor

In an act of intentional destruction, Derek Alan Modrok drove his car into the sculpture of a 14-foot blue bunny at Justin Flippen Park in Fort Lauderdale. The sculpture, Thunderbunny by artist Hunt Slonem, is worth $200,000 and was on loan to the city. The work faced significant structural damage, but may still have a chance of being repaired. Modrok claimed to have targeted the piece due to its location, as the park is named after a former mayor who he blames for the birds in the area. Slonem, a self-described “bird freak”, expressed confusion over Modrok’s reasoning. Modrok was charged with three counts of criminal mischief for this and other recent vandalism.

Art Dealer Charged with Money Laundering in Counterfeit Art Scheme

Palm Beach art dealer Daniel Elie Bouaziz, of Danieli Fine Art and Galerie Danieli, has been sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for money laundering. Bouaziz knowingly sold fakes of pieces by famous artists such as Andy Warhol, Banksy, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. He purchased reproductions of the pieces online and created counterfeit documents of authenticity before reselling them. At one point, Bouaziz attempted to sell a $495 Basquiat reproduction to an undercover FBI agent for $12 million. Bouaziz has since returned $246,000 to his victims, with a restitution hearing set for August 16.

Florida Congressman Performs with Paramore

It’s not every day that you get to see a national representative rock out, but Friday night Florida Democratic congressman Maxwell Frost performed alongside Paramore at their D.C. show. Though now a lawmaker, Frost has a passion for music and even performed in the parade at President Obama’s second inauguration. His rendition of “Misery Business” showed his talent for both song and dance. Frost showed his appreciation in a tweet of the show, captioning it: “Very grateful for this moment. I’ve been practicing in the shower for YEARS.”

For more Strange News check Arts Axis Florida Writes next month!

Sources:

New boost