Hi I'm Malaika, Brand Manager of Arts Axis Florida.
This blog is my to my current favorites of the week. Click to the right to learn more about all my TOP of the AXIS picks. I hope from this blog you can add to your favorites of things, people, or places you enjoy!
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
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
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.
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3. The Heights Icon: "Woman with the Wind"
Where: The Rialto Theatre (Tampa Heights)
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.
That’s the TOP! See you next week.
