In a conversation with Michael A. Tomor, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Penny and Jeff Vinik Education Center at Tampa Museum of Art, he shares how much he is looking forward to the coming fall and winter season at The Tampa Museum of Art. 

“It’s an exciting moment when the museum can introduce an extraordinary collection of Impressionist works to Tampa, especially those never before seen in Florida.” Frontiers of Impressionism from the Worcester Art Museum features a cross-section of 19th century western and eastern European paintings by luminaries of the art world, including Monet, Renoir, Pissarro, and Cezanne matched with works by North America’s Cassatt, Whistler, and Sargent. 

Also featured are three exhibitions of Haitian art spanning the 20th century — from paintings to sequin textiles — reflecting a large percentage of our community members. In case you didn’t already know, the third most-spoken language in the Tampa Bay community is Haitian Creole; furthermore, Florida is home to the largest migrant population of Haitians in the United States. 

Michael adds, “We are also thrilled to have on view Prelude, Purvis Young: Redux, and Classical Inspiration: C. Paul Jennewein focusing on 20th and 21st century works from the museum’s collection, and Identify in Antiquity and Life and Death in the Ancient World, two exhibitions dedicated to the museum’s celebrated collection of ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan art spanning 2,000 years of art making.” 

How do TMA and cultural institutions contribute to cultural tourism and the overall cultural landscape of our region? 

“The Tampa Museum of Art attracts tourists to the community seeking cultural invigoration while visiting throughout Tampa. 

“Situated at Curtis Hixon Park, TMA sits adjacent to the Glazer Children’s Museum, the Straz Performing Arts Center, and Tampa Theatre; all are within a one-block walking radius and provide a cross-section.” 

The density of arts organizations and the prevalence of arts events play a role in attracting residents and businesses to (re)locate to a community by improving its image. Where do you see TMA in this equation? 

“I am always inspired and intrigued by culture, people and storytelling. 

“We all come from many different backgrounds, but still have so many similarities. As an artist, I am inspired by my own experiences as well as others who are brave enough to tell their stories.” 

How do you believe TMA influences individuals and communities? 

“When we see through the eyes of others — through the world of Monet’s gardens of Giverny, the border cities of Mexico and the United States, the Haitian world of Hispaniola, the city streets of Miami, or the waters of the Gulf of Mexico — we become part of a world much larger than the one we created for ourselves.” 

Can you share a less-known, however important, fact about TMA? 

“The Tampa Museum of Art is the oldest cultural asset in Tampa Bay. For 103 years, the museum has been a safe location for all members of all communities around the world and in our backyard.” 

ArtScape is curated by Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture and the Arts: a proud partner of the Tampa Bay Times. To nominate a local artist for this monthly feature, contact 813-221-2787.