Author: Susana Weymouth

Specially commissioned artists bring their chalk artwork to life

TAMPA, Fla. (March 27, 2019) – Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture & the Arts (TBBCA) is thrilled to pARTner with 11th annual Winthrop Arts Festival & Market for TBBCA Chalk Walk. The free, fun, family friendly live art experience will feature four specially commissioned chalk artists bringing their special genre of art to life
Saturday, March 30th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Winthrop Commons, Riverview. The final chalk art will be on display through Sunday, March 31st as the Winthrop Arts Festival & Market continues for a second day. In the past, the festival has attracted hundreds of visitors from across the region.

Winthrop Arts Inc. President of the Board of Visionaries, Matthew Hamilton, commented, “Winthrop Arts Board and Committee are proud to present the 11th annual Arts Festival, a juried art fair featuring over 50 visual and performing artists from across the south east working in glass, jewelry, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, watercolor, wood and other media.. We’re all looking forward to enjoying it.”

“We are proud to offer this TBBCA Chalk Walk for the first time with our valued Cultural pARTner Winthrop Festival of the Arts,” says Susana Weymouth, Executive Director of TBBCA. “It is a great opportunity to support talented artists of this genre and technical skill while providing a free, fun, family-friendly and accessible program for all ages and levels of art appreciation. TBBCA Chalk Walks help attract the public to area businesses.”

About TBBCA
Tampa Bay BCA (TBBCA) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1989, one of 11 national Business Committees for the Arts, part of the private sector network of Americans for the Arts. TBBCA mission is to unite Tampa Bay area businesses to champion arts education, arts and culture for a prosperous community, ‘the arts are good for business, and business is good for the arts.’ TBBCA provides advocacy, resources and support for arts and cultural organizations, artists, and arts education, and builds awareness of arts and culture as important economic drivers in our community and essential contributors to our quality of life. For information contact susanaweymouth@tbbca.org or (813) 221-2787, or visit www.tbbca.org

About Winthrop Arts
Winthrop Arts is a 501(c)3 cultural arts organization based in Riverview, Florida. Winthrop Arts creates a bridge between the arts and community in tangible and meaningful ways with a focus on developing and inspiring the next generation of artists and patrons. Winthrop Arts run the Winthrop Arts Mobile Art Factory, a program that offers free art classes to underserved children living in Southern Hillsborough County and which is grant, sponsorship and donation driven. It is also offers classes for children and adults based on fee depending on class and artist/teacher. The non-profit organization welcomes support from sponsorships and corporate and individual gifts to fund its programs and events. Contact Executive Director Kathy Collins kathy@winthroparts.org or call 813-758-5161. Information for festival-goers is posted to the Winthrop Arts website www.winthroparts.org
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For Immediate Release
Contact:
Maureen McDole
mmcdole@KeepStPeteLit.org
(727) 798-4530

Arts, Education and Events with a Literary Twist run from April 11-28, 2019
TAMPA, Fla. (March 24, 2019) – KEEP ST. PETE LIT, a non-profit 501 (c ) (3), is proud to bring to Tampa Bay the 5th annual SunLit Festival. This popular springtime celebration at the intersection of literature and the arts celebrates and promotes greater St. Petersburg’s literary community – past, present and future – through approachable and engaging arts, education and events with a literary twist. The SunLit Festival that runs from from April 11 to 28th, with wide ranging partners in locations throughout the city, will a host a kick-off party at the Chihuly Collection on April 11th from 7-9 p.m. literary component to St. Petersburg’s vibrant arts community
“The SunLit Festival is a confederation of like-minded literary, cultural, and civic organizations,” said Maureen McDole, Executive Director of KEEP ST. PETE LIT. “SunLit brings together dozens of different organizations and arts disciplines to celebrate literacy, literature, reading, and writing, for over two weeks of ‘Litertainment’ with interesting exchanges and fun events.” McDole founded KEEP ST. PETE LIT because she believes wholeheartedly in the power of literature to change the world. Referring to the mission, she added, “It captures the spirit of Literature representing a moment in time, and as an exploration of our history, an expression of our experiences and of the life that surrounds us. It is a discussion of who we are, how we got that way and what choices we can make to shape our future.”

“St. Pete has the potential to be one of the world’s great literary destinations.” Said Mayor Rick Kriseman. “Our Sunshine City has inspired and been a haven for writers and poets and is home to historic and unique bookstores, reading festivals, conferences, and a century-old Carnegie library. The literary arts is just one more reason to live, work, and play in St. Pete.”

The Festival schedule includes 23 events throughout Tampa Bay taking place from April 11-28, 2019. For more information, tickets and festival schedule visit https://sunlitfestival.org

KEEP ST. PETE LIT 5th annual SunLit Festival is proud to partner with:
Chihuly Gallery, Florida CraftArt, Antiquarium Book Fair, Preserve the Burg, USF St. Petersburg, Boyd Hill Preserve, Wordier than Thou, Friends of the Mirror Lake Library, Mark Leib, The Studio@620, Florida Folk Show, Friends of the Jack Kerouac House, Creative Loafing Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg Women’s Collective, Lector Wine Bar, Gulfport Historical Society, W.O.R.D Initiative, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, Behar Peteranecz Architecture, Chad Mize, Mark Leib, Lounge Cat, Hello Darlin’ Records, Peter Meinke, Daddy Kool Records, Tombolo Books, Iberian Rooster, Museum of Fine Arts, The Literacy Council of St. Pete, St. Petersburg Main Library, Kitchen Table Literary Arts, Metta Center St. Pete, UU St. Pete, Florida Chapter of Horror Writers Association, TBBCA, Carousal, Warehouse Arts District and ArtXchange.

Thank you to SunLit Festival sponsors:
City of St. Petersburg, Chihuly Collection, Russell Property Group, Sylvia Rusche, Paradise News, Behar Peteranecz Architecture, J. Crayton Pruitt Foundation, Tampa Bay Times, Mize Gallery, The Factory, Green Bench Brewing Company, Black Crow Coffee Co., Cohen Family, Cecilia Lueza Art Projects, Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture and the Arts, and Yann and Susana Weymouth.
To become a sponsor of SunLit Festival, contact Maureen McDole mmcdole@KeepStPeteLit.org or tel: (727) 798-4530

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Thursday, April 11
Title of Event: 5th Annual SunLit Festival Kickoff Party!
Description of event: Come celebrate the kickoff of the 5th Annual SunLit Festival! Enjoy beer/wine and hors d’oeuvres, as you explore the Chihuly Collection. The SunLit Festival brings together cultural organizations, writers, artists, and businesses for 18 days of “Litertainment.” It runs April 11-28, 2019. We will also be giving out the 2019 SunLit Award!
Music by Lounge Cat. Donation bar. Proceeds will support Keep St. Pete Lit’s literary programming.
Contact Name and Number: Keep St. Pete Lit (727) 798-4530 info@keepstpetelit.org
Location: Chihuly Collection- 720 Central Ave, St. Pete
Time: 7:00-9:00pm
Cost: $35 (includes 2 free drink tickets).
For more info: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4078305

Saturday, April 13
Title of Event: Downtown Tour With a Literary Twist!
Description of event: Preserve the ‘Burg (PTB) and our friends at Keep St. Pete Lit are partnering to offer this fun tweak to PTB’s traditional downtown walking tour – a historic tour with a literary twist! Tour goers will learn about some of the ‘Burg’s history and architecture while gaining inspiration from local writers reading from their work. The tour, starting at City Hall, will circle around Mirror Lake an area with historic homes, schools, churches and, of course, the shuffle board courts!! All in all, this tour makes for a great morning, make your reservation now as this tour often fills up!
Contact Name and Number: Preserve the ‘Burg 727.824.7802 info@preservetheburg.org
Location: Tour departs from City Hall – 175 5th St N, St. Pete
Time: 10:00am-12:00pm
Cost: $10/person; free for member of PTB
For more info (Facebook event): https://preservetheburg.org/event-3248993

Title of Event: Ekphrastic Performance inspired by Quest: A Celebration of Glass
Description of event: SunLit Festival, writers and poets perform ekphrastic interpretations inspired by Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey and the art in the exhibition: Quest: A Celebration of Glass.
Contact Name and Number: Katie Deits- (727) 821-7391
Location: Florida CraftArt- 501 Central Ave, St. Pete
Time: 2:00-4:00pm
Cost: FREE
For more info (Facebook event): https://www.facebook.com/events/573908179790222/

Title of Event: Children’s Poetry Night Hike
Description of event: Celebrate poetry with this unique event tailored to children. Children will read poetry related to wilds of the night. This event is organized by Keep St. Pete Lit! Space is limited. Payment at the preserve reserves your spot.
Contact Name and Number: (727) 893-7326
Location: Boyd Hill Nature Preserve- 1101 Country Club Way South, St. Pete
Time: 7:00pm
Cost: $5 ages 3 and up.
For more info (Facebook event):
https://www.facebook.com/events/2199675863628284/?active_tab=about

Sunday, April 14
*Title of Event: Wordier’s 1K Walk and Write (or Read)
Description of event: Have you ever lamented not having enough time to read or write when you get home from work or when the kids are in bed? Well, here’s your chance to make some time for your creative work or for that book you’ve been meaning to pick up!

Part 1K. Part writing workshop. Part silent read-in. Part walking tour of St. Pete. Part pub crawl. There’s something for everyone at Wordier’s 1K Walk and Write (or Read).

We’ll travel in a pack from The Hangar Restaurant & Flight Lounge at Albert Whitted Airport to The Ale & The Witch, stopping at various points along the way for 15 minutes of free writing. For those who choose to read at each stop instead, bring a book!

If you have something you’re already working on, then by all means – keep at it! But if you’re looking to start something new and don’t find inspiration in your surroundings, we’ll have writing prompts for writers to select at each stop.

This is neither a timed nor certified 1K course. Wordier Than Thou will announce when there are three minutes left to each writing period. Writers can also choose to get group texts announcing the completion of each stop. If you choose to stay behind because you’ve been hit by inspiration, awesome! Follow our schedule or keep up with us on social media to see where we are later in the afternoon.
Contact Name and Number: Tiffany Razzano
Location: Departs from The Hanger Restaurant- 540 1st St. SE, St. Pete
Time: 1:30-4:30pm
Cost: $20
For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/397541350672762/

Monday, April 15
Title of Event: Author Talk with Paul Wilborn
Description of event: Join The Friends of Mirror Lake Library and our partners Keep St. Pete Lit, as we welcome local author Paul Wilborn and photographer/filmmaker David Audet to share stories, photos and graphics at an event that celebrates the publication of Wilborn’s new book, Cigar City: Tales From a 1980s Creative Ghetto, published April 1, 2019 by St. Petersburg Press.

Cigar City is a collection of linked short stories about the young artists, writers, poets, musicians and actors who inhabited Tampa’s Ybor City in the 1980s. Drawn by urban authenticity and cheap rents, they created a surreal, chaotic, arts scene set against the backdrop of the empty cigar factories and shotgun shacks of Tampa’s immigrant district. The Ybor scene drew international artists like James Rosenquist, Jim Dine, Chuck Close, among many others and mirrored what was happening at the same time in other districts, including New York’s Alphabet City.

The stories are fictional but they capture the spirit of the district during that vibrant period. Photographs and graphics by Audet and Bud Lee, the internationally known photographer who was at the center of the Ybor arts renaissance, illustrate Cigar City.

Both Wilborn and Audet worked closely with Lee, a photographer for Life, Esquire, Rolling Stone and other major publications. The three were among the founding members of the Artists and Writers Group, which produced surreal, multi-media arts events in Tampa and Sarasota, that drew thousands of revelers. They also produced the literary and arts journal, Tabloid. Lee died in 2015.

As a journalist, Wilborn won top writing awards while working for the St. Petersburg Times, the Tampa Tribune and the Associated Press. He is executive director of the Palladium Theater in St. Petersburg. Cigar City is his first work of fiction.

Audet is a photographer, filmmaker and teacher. He has continued to produce literary, film and other events under the non-profit Artists and Writers Group, including the annual Cuban Sandwich Show, in Tampa.

The SunLit event will include readings by Wilborn, and photos and graphics from the era by Audet and Lee.

Seating starts at 5:00. Opening remarks begin at 5:30 followed by the author’s talk. A reception & book signing will be held from 6:30 to 7:00.
Contact Name and Number: Mirror Lake Library (727) 893-7268
Location: Mirror Lake Library- 280 5th St. N, St. Pete
Time: 5:30-7:00pm
Cost: FREE
For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/297970460884306/

Tuesday, April 16
Title of Event: Howl: A Night of Poetry and Music
Description of event: Hosted by Friends of The Jack Kerouac House. Join us in an evening of live music and a reading of Allen Ginsberg’s “Howl” at the Old Key West Bar and Grill. Musical Acts will be The Florida Boys, Grant Peeples and Ronnie Elliot. Readers of “Howl” will be Bob Devin Jones and Peter Meinke with more readers to be announced soon.
Contact Name and Number: Peter Gallagher (727) 510-5474
Location: Old Key West Bar and Grill- 2451 Central Ave, St. Pete
Time: 7:00-10:00pm
Cost: FREE. Donations are encouraged.
For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/386956135469132/

Wednesday, April 17
Title of Event: Creative Loafing’s (F’n) Fiction Contest Award Ceremony
Description of event: CL’s Fiction Contest returns this year with a twist: Instead of a single-word theme, write a story using one of the five prompts below as your first sentence. We’ve chosen these prompts from Tampa author Matt Starr’s F’n Prompts: Writing Prompts with Some F’n Balls. As part of this year’s SunLit Festival — organized by literary cheerleading squad Keep St. Pete Lit and expanding to Tampa this year — on April 17 we’ll invite the finalists to read their work at the awards ceremony at the CL Space, then we’ll announce the winner.
Contact Name and Number: Cathy Salustri, (727) 656-5420
Location: CL Space- 1911 N 13th St, Tampa
Time: 7:00-9:00pm
Cost: FREE
For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/844220082637046/

Thursday, April 18
Title of Event: Poem in Your Pocket Day Art Installation
Description of event: Join us in celebrating Poem in Your Pocket Day this year!.

Step One: select a poem or write a poem.

Step Two: cut a pocket from an old piece of clothing.

Step Three: place your poem in the pocket.

Step Four: join other poetry-loving people from our community and place your poem and pocket on the rear fence of the ArtsXchange (we have clothespins!).

Step Five: snap a photo of you and your poem and share with others. #poeminyourpocketday #sunlitfestival

Let’s create a world full of poetry!
Contact Name and Number: Emily Page (727) 256-0821
Location: ArtsXchange- 515 22nd Street South, St. Pete (rear parking lot along fence)
Time: 12:00-4:00pm
Cost: FREE
For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/323000551901331/

Title of Event: Lector Social Club w/ Cigar City Journal
Description of event: We’re very excited to lend our stage to several writers and poets for SunLit Fest this year! This bi-lingual event features Jonathan Simkins, Sarah Escue, Marielle Grenade-Willis, and Guillermo Parra.
Contact Name and Number: (813)223-2337
Location: Lector Social Club: A Lit & Natty Wine Shoppe- 305 E Polk St, Tampa
Time: 6:30-8:00pm
Cost: FREE
For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/258541031760491/

Title of Event: Staged Reading of Art People
Description of event: Art People, a play by Mark E. Leib (first produced Off-Broadway), is about the lives, loves and occupational hazards of eleven difference artists – from a narcissistic dancer, a cash-strapped novelist and a viciously competitive cinematographer to a star-struck young poet, a scandalously honest monologuist, and a songwriter trying to forget his youthful ambitions. This is a play about the real lives of artists, the facts of which are usually kept hidden from admiring audiences. It’s a crazy life, being an opera singer, poet, violinist, or painter…and Art People is about that special insanity.
Contact Name and Number: (727) 895-6620
Location: The Studio@620- 620 1st Ave S, St. Pete
Time: 7:00pm
Cost: $10
For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/798522893843936/

Friday, April 19
Title of Event: Porch Party: Gulfport Trolley
Description of event: Getting Gulfported: How the trolley brought people to Gulfport — and beyond. Celebrate the official dedication of Trolley Market Square as an historic site in Gulfport. The Gulfport Historical Society will have kids activities, live music from the Urban Gypsies, and they’ll unveil the new historic marker and their brand-new walking tour.
Co-sponsored by the City of Gulfport and the Gulfport Merchants Association.
Contact Name and Number: Cathy Salustri, (727) 656-5420
Location: Trolley Market Square- Intersection of 49 St. S. & Tangerine, Gulfport
Time: 7:00-10:00pm
Cost: FREE
For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/558210228025480/

Saturday, April 20
Title of Event: Baked in the Florida Sun: A Benefit for Keep St. Pete Lit
Description of event: Join us for an exciting outdoor festival and fundraiser in support of KEEP ST. PETE LIT’s Children’s Literacy Programs!

This celebration of local poetry and visual art will include a sculptural installation by local artist Chad Mize and poetry readings by local poets, including honored guest and Florida Poet Laureate Peter Meinke.

Music by Hello Darlin’ Records, local literary vendors including PRINT ST. PETE Community Letterpress, Dilly Dally’s, Tombolo Books, Bluebird Books Bus, food trucks, Posies Flower Truck, coffee provided by Black Crow Coffee Co Old Northeast, donation bar supported by Green Bench Brewing Co., and more!

Baked in the Florida Sun is open to the public for $5 donation at the gate from 5:30pm – 8:30pm.

Baked in the Florida Sun will also feature an Artist Private Party including a curated conversation with Peter Meinke and Chad Mize on creating art inspired by Florida, access to an exclusive Chad Mize gallery, music, open bar & catering.

The private party begins at 7pm. Tickets can be purchased for $50 at the door or in advance
All proceeds go to Keep St. Pete Lit Children’s Literary Programming.
Contact Name and Number: Jessica Durham (727) 820-1721
Location: Behar + Peteranecz Architecture – 2340 Terminal Dr. S., St. Pete
Time: 5:30-8:30pm General Admission; Private Party starts at 7:00pm
Cost: $5 at the gate for outdoor event. Private party tickets can be purchased for $50 at the door or in advance online here: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4103503
For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/300000250609386/

Monday, April 22
Title of Event: A Celebration of the Erotic
Description of event: What is erotic writing? Popular or high-minded? 50 Shades of Gray or Lady Chatterley’s Lover? Is the erotic about one’s own body or relationships between bodies? Must it illuminate the sensual and avoid the explicitly sexual? Is it best when it comes from a place of fantasy or is the job of the erotic to light up ordinary experiences from the inside out? Most of all, why is erotic literature even important in this #MeToo moment, in this time when gay marriage is still new, when we are still arguing about what bodies can go into what bathrooms? Audre Lorde has written, “when we begin to live from within outward, in touch with the power of the erotic within ourselves, and allowing that power to inform and illuminate our actions upon the world around us, then we begin to be responsible to ourselves in the deepest sense. For as we begin to recognize our deepest feelings, we begin to give up, of necessity, being satisfied with suffering and self-negation, and with the numbness which so often seems like their only alternative in our society. Our acts against oppression become integral with self, motivated and empowered from within.“

Featured Readers: Lisa Birnbaum, Amber DiPietra, Maureen McDole, and Enid Shomer.

Readers will present from their own erotic work as well as share pieces by other writers. A panel discussion is to follow the readings. We welcome Tombolo Books, who will be on hand selling current and classic works from the erotic lit canon. And, to keep the juicy conversation flowing, there will be a cash bar. 18+ audience only, please.
Contact Name and Number: Maureen McDole (727) 798-4530
Location: Venus- 244 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N., St. Pete
Time: 7:00- 9:00pm
Cost: FREE
For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/303335780359771/

Tuesday, April 23
Title of Event: Literary Trivia Night and Costume Contest
Description of event: Come test your literary trivia skills! Show the world you are well-read!
There will be a literary themed costume contest with cash prizes. Dress as your favorite character or book and the audience will vote for the winner. We will have a signature literary drink for the event.
Contact Name and Number: Maureen McDole (727) 798-4530
Location: SubCentral at Iberian Rooster – 475 Central Ave. Suite 100, St. Pete
Time: 7:00-9:00pm
Cost: FREE
For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/2076146189173523/

Wednesday, April 24
Title of Event: The Long and Short of It: The Relevance of Dark Fiction & Horror in Our Time
Description of event: Why are dark fiction and horror breaking mainstream ground in today’s TV, movies, and literature like never before? Join popular Florida authors of dark fiction Steph Post, Kenzie Jennings, F. F. Amati, and K. L. Nappier in an audience discussion about the many ways these genres are speaking to our times. Book signing to follow.
Contact: K. L. Nappier via Facebook Event Page
Location (with address): Books at Park Place- NEW LOCATION! – 6800 Gulfport Blvd., South Pasadena, FL. (Next to Quest Diagnostics)
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE and Open to the Public
For more info (Facebook event): https://www.facebook.com/events/858859447789518/

Thursday, April 25
Title of Event: Literary Carousel at MFA
Description of event: Join us for the 3rd Annual Literary Carousel! Photography from the MFA archives COMES ALIVE through the art of the “Ekphrastic,” a literary interpretation of a piece of visual art. Hand-picked images get the prose and poetry treatment, read live to you. Come join us for this one-of-a-kind event for Literature- and Photography -Lovers alike!

Participating writers:
Roy Peter Clark
Lee Irby
Lisa Kirchner
Cindy Stovall
Jon Kile
Shelly Wilson
Silvia Curbelo
Maureen McDole

Inspired by the experience of an old-fashioned slideshow, the Carousel series allows bay area photographers to present work before a live audience, promoting discussion and strengthening our local arts network. For this very special Literary Carousel at the MFA, the photos will be selected from the photographic collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, and paired with local writers for the 2019 SunLit Festival.
Contact Name and Number: Todd Bates (206) 225- 4993
Location: Museum of Fine Arts- 255 Beach Dr. NE., St. Pete
Time: 6:30- 8:00pm
Cost: The event is included with museum admission: $10 after 5 pm for non-members and free admission for members.
For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/784353521947599/

Friday, April 26 – Sunday April 28
Title of Event: Antiquarian Book Fair
Description of event: The Florida Antiquarian Book Fair is the oldest and largest fair of its kind in the Southeastern United States. The 38th annual Book Fair will be presented in St. Petersburg’s Historic Coliseum, April 26-28, 2019. The book fair features dealers specializing in books of every age and subject matter, antique maps, ephemera and other paper collectibles. You can follow us on the Florida Antiquarian Book Fair Blog and on our Facebook event page.
Contact Name and Number: (727) 822-3278
Location: St. Petersburg’s Historic Coliseum: 535 4th Avenue N., St. Pete
Time: April 26, 5:00- 9:00pm; April 27, 10:00am-5:00pm; April 28, 11:00am-4:00pm
Cost: Friday evening’s admission, which includes a live music performance, is $10; the ticket is good for the entire weekend. Saturday’s admission is $10 for the weekend or $6 for the day. Sunday’s admission is $6 for the day and includes a free appraisal by members of the Florida Bibliophile Society. Children 12 and under, and students with valid identification, are free. Parking is free. Get tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-florida-antiquarian-book-fair-tickets-53792482764?aff=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR3IhQsok8xQr2HZ_AEQIsa2NTDurwRtgNPztloCl8GzPS2KVuLQYklvpeI
For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/212591186330429/

Title of Event: Poets & Lizards: A SunLit Celebration of New Southern Writing
Description of event: Join four southern writers as they launch new books of poetry and fiction.

CYNTHIA ARRIEU-KING is an associate professor of creative writing at Stockton University and a former Kundiman fellow. Her books include People are Tiny in Paintings of China (Octopus Books 2010), Manifest, winner of the Gatewood Prize selected by Harryette Mullen (Switchback Books 2013) and Futureless Languages (Radiator Press 2018). Her poems have appeared in the Tiny, Poetry, BOMB Magazine, and TriQuarterly.

C.H. HOOKS is the author of the novel, Alligator Zoo-Park Magic (Bridge Eight Press 2019). His short works have been published in print and online publications, including American Short Fiction (Bourbon & Milk) and Burrowpress (Fantastic Floridas). He was a Contributor at Sewanee Writers’ Conference in 2018, a Reader for the 2017 & 2018 DISQUIET Literary Prize, and attended DISQUIET: Dzanc Books International Literary Program in Lisbon, Portugal in 2017. He is a Lecturer at the College of Coastal Georgia.

SOHAM PATEL is a Kundiman fellow and an assistant editor at Fence and The Georgia Review. Her chapbooks include and nevermind the storm (Portable Press @ Yo-Yo Labs, 2013) New Weather Drafts (Portable Press @ Yo-Yo Labs, 2016), and in airplane and other poems (oxeye, 2018). She is the author also of the full-length collections to afar from afar (Writ Large, 2018) and ever really hear it (Subito, 2018), winner of the 2017 Subito Prize.

CALEB MICHAEL SARVIS is a writer from Jacksonville, Florida. He is the author of Dead Aquarium (Mastodon Publishing 2019). He is the managing editor for Bridge Eight Press and co-host of the Drunken Book Review Podcast. His work can be found in Volt, Hobart, Split Lip Magazine, Saw Palm, others. You can read his column on FX’s Atlanta at barrelhousemag.com/
Contact Name and Number: (813) 223- 2337
Location: Lector Social Club: A Lit & Natty Wine Shoppe- 305 E Polk St, Tampa
Time: 6:00-9:00pm
Cost: FREE
For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/297961237554238/

Title of Event: “One In Ten”
Description of Event: A one act play about the well-kept secret of adult illiteracy. A fundraiser for The Literacy Council of St. Petersburg
Contact Name and Number: Literacy Council of St. Petersburg, 727-521-1117; litcouncilstpete@gmail.com; facebook.com/litcouncilstpete
Location: Sunshine Center Auditorium, 330 5th St. No.
Time: Doors open 6:30; play begins at 7:00
Cost: $20 Adults; $10 under 16; Beverages available for cash donation before and after play.
For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/363475437593538/

Saturday, April 27
Title of Event: KidsLit!: Poetry in the Gardens
Description of event: Join us in The Legacy Gardens at The Carter G. Woodson Museum! Cultured Books + The WORD! Initiative will host Poetry in the Gardens. An afternoon of exploring #socialjustice poetry. There will be poetry stations, storytime, and a stage where even our littlest poets will have a chance to perform their work!
Bring the whole family!
Contact Name and Number:
Location: Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum- 2490 9th Ave S., St. Pete
Time: 12:00-2:00pm
Cost: FREE
For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/801791676821167/

Title of Event: Writers, Authors, and Winners
Description of event: Two local writers and a researcher will discuss their latest work and answer questions about the journey to publishing. Maureen McDole, founder/executive director of KEEP ST. PETE LIT, is moderator.

Kristen Hare on her guide book, “100 Things To Do In Tampa Bay.”

Cal Branche, a John D. MacDonald archivist

Gale Massey, Florida Book Award winner, on her novel “The Girl From Blind River”

Winners will be announced of the SunLit short story contest, a 1,500 word or less (three or four pages, original story beginning with the words, “When I/he/she opened my/his/hers eyes, light the color of (choose a color) filled the room.”

(Gender-neutral pronouns also acceptable.) Winners must be present to receive their prizes. Winners will be announced on Saturday, April 27, 2019 beginning at 2 p.m.

Submit double-spaced Word or PDF to froelichjanis@yahoo.com before 11:59 p.m. on April 13, 2019. First prize $100. Second prize $50. Young writers (18 and younger) $100.

Co-sponsored by Friends of the St. Petersburg Main Library. Refreshments will be served.

Contact Name and Number: Janet Froelich- froelichjanis@yahoo.com
Location: St. Petersburg Main Library, 3745 9th Ave. N., St. Pete
Time: 2:00-4:00pm
Cost: FREE
For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/321395528576959/

Title of Event: Rob Sanders Stonewall Book Performance and Reading
Description of event: Celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising with the very first picture book to tell of its historic and inspiring role in the gay civil rights movement!

Join us for a readers theater with author Rob Sanders, Studio @620 artistic director Bob Devin Jones, and an ensemble cast!

Q&A with the author and a TOMBOLO BOOKS BOOK SIGNING will follow the performance. Books may be pre-ordered from Tombolo or may be purchased at the event.

OPEN TO ALL AGES

From Rob Sanders, Florida Book Award winner and author of the acclaimed Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag, comes this powerful and timeless true story that will allow young readers to discover the rich and dynamic history of the Stonewall Inn and its role in the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement–a movement that continues to this very day.

In the early-morning hours of June 28, 1969, the Stonewall Inn was raided by police in New York City. Though the inn had been raided before, that night would be different. It would be the night when empowered members of the LGBTQ+ community–in and around the Stonewall Inn–began to protest and demand their equal rights as citizens of the United States. Movingly narrated by the Stonewall Inn itself, and featuring stirring and dynamic illustrations, Stonewall: A Building. An Uprising. A Revolution is an essential and empowering civil rights story that every child deserves to hear.
Contact Name and Number: Alsace Walentine (828) 777-3741
Location: The Studio@620- 620 1st Ave S., St. Pete
Time: 6:00-8:00pm
Cost: FREE
For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/304254770189492/

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TAMPA, Fla. (February 21, 2019) – Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture & the Arts (TBBCA) is thrilled to continue the strong annual pARTnership with Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts for TBBCA Chalk Walk. The free, fun, family friendly live art experience will feature eight specially commissioned chalk artists bringing their special genre of art to life Saturday, March 2nd from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. under the eaves of the Tampa Museum of Art. The 49th Gasparilla Festival of the Arts in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and Kiley Garden continues through the weekend, and the final chalk art will be on display through Sunday March 3rd until 4 PM. Back by popular demand, a specially commissioned high school chalk artist will demonstrate her talents over both Saturday and Sunday in the Festival’s VIP area.

“We are proud to offer this TBBCA Chalk Walk once again at the heart of downtown Tampa with our valued Cultural pARTner Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts,” says Susana Weymouth, Executive Director of TBBCA. “It is a great opportunity to support talented and technically skilled artists of this genre while providing a creative live art experience and accessible program for all ages and levels of art appreciation. TBBCA Chalk Walks help attract the public to area cultural offerings and businesses.”

“Our Board of Directors and Festival Committee are proud to present the 49th Annual Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, one of the America’s premier juried outdoor art shows, featuring over 250 of the nation’s most talented visual and performing artists,” says GFA President, Andy George. “This year’s show will again feature a diverse mix of work in a variety of disciplines, including ceramic, digital, drawing, fiber, glass, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, watercolor, and wood.” In the past, the festival has attracted tens of thousands of visitors from across the region.

About TBBCA

Tampa Bay BCA (TBBCA) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1989, one of 11 national Business Committees for the Arts, part of the private sector network of Americans for the Arts. TBBCA mission is to unite Tampa Bay area businesses to champion arts education, arts and culture for a prosperous community, ‘the arts are good for business, and business is good for the arts.’ TBBCA provides advocacy, resources and support for arts and cultural organizations, artists, and arts education, and builds awareness of arts and culture as important economic drivers in our community and essential contributors to our quality of life. For information contact TBBCA Executive Director susanaweymouth@tbbca.org or (813) 221-2787, or visit www.tbbca.org.

About GFA
Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, Inc. (GFA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation dedicated to producing an annual, premier juried outdoor art festival for the enjoyment and education of patrons, artists and guests as well as for the enhancement of the Tampa Bay area’s cultural arts. GFA relies on support from sponsorships, grants, on-site retail sales, and corporate and individual donations to fund its programs and events. The Tampa-based organization is led entirely by volunteers. For more information, please visit GFA’s website at www.gasparillaarts.org or call (813) 876-1747.

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TAMPA, Fla. (January 14, 2019) – Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture & the Arts (TBBCA), the leading Tampa Bay non-profit organization that for over thirty years has united businesses to champion arts and culture for a prosperous community, is pleased to announce the board of directors 2019 executive officers and the election of four new directors.

Stephen Gay, of Gay & Associates with Smith & Associates Real Estate, will serve as President of TBBCA Board of Directors, Sharon Britton, attorney at Phelps Dunbar is Vice-President; Adam Unger, Director, Oxford Creative Studio is Secretary; and Lisa Carver, CFO of The Wilson Company, is Treasurer.

“I am pleased for new directors Everald Colas, Dorothy Davis, Mario Lovett, Sr. and Jose Miranda to take an active role as leaders and help further TBBCA mission in support of arts and culture as vital economic drivers, catalysts for innovation, creativity, transformation, and essential contributors to quality of life,” said incoming TBBCA Board President Stephen Gay.

“As we celebrate our non-profit’s 30th anniversary year, this is an exciting time for Tampa Bay BCA to appoint new leadership and welcome new directors with diverse cultural and professional backgrounds and passion for the arts,” added Susana Weymouth, TBBCA Executive Director.

Everald Colas is an award-winning architect, educator, and storyteller with design experience in commercial, aviation, multifamily, and institutional buildings. Currently, Mr. Colas is the owner of Storyn Studio for Architecture. Before starting Storyn, Mr. Colas was the lead for Wannemacher Jensen Architects for the James Museum of Western + Wildlife Art in St. Petersburg, FL. Prior to joining WJA, Everald was a senior architect for Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and co-lead the mixed-use E126 Gotham Residential project in New York City. Before joining BIG, Mr. Colas was a specialist at Grimshaw Architects where he worked on the Qatar Civil Aviation Building in Doha, and a project manager at Kliment Halsband Architects, where he completed several New York projects. In 2016 he was awarded the AIA Garcia Award for design excellence. In 2018 he was awarded University of Florida Young Architects Design Award. Mr. Colas holds both a Master of Architecture degree and a Master of Science in Architectural Pedagogy degree from The University of Florida.

Dorothy Davis is President of Dorothy Davis Inc., an international project management and consulting company with expertise in design, management and implementation of strategic international, domestic and municipal cross-sector programs and special projects. Born in Liberia and raised in Tunisia, Nigeria, Switzerland and the U.S., as the daughter of a pioneer African American US Foreign Service Officer, Ms. Davis has an extensive international background. Her company works with Heads of State and government, the United Nations, diplomatic corps, private sector, celebrities, civil society, media, national to local governments and non-profit organizations in the US and around the world. A visitor to Tampa Bay for 20 years, Ms. Davis now resides in St. Petersburg. She is a member of the Program Committee of the St. Petersburg Conference on World Affairs and an Advisor to the Board of Directors of the United Nations Association of the United States of America Tampa Bay Chapter. She also lectures and manages exhibitions of her father’s legacy as a pioneer photographer, journalist and diplomat under Griffith J. Davis Photographs and Archives. Ms. Davis received her M.S. degree from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and her Bachelor’s degree in broadcasting and film with a minor in political science from Boston University.

Mario Lovett, Sr., is founder and President of Legacy Athletics, a non-profit organization that values racial equity, non-discrimination, diversity and inclusion. Established in 2009 with 6 boys, Legacy Athletics now provides services to over 500 student athletes. Coaching, mentoring, financial and personal assistance are offered to address the needs of underserved and disadvantaged students, particularly African American youth. Summer reading and reports are part of the programs implemented, and over 70% of Legacy Athletics student athletes go to college. Mr. Lovett was born and raised in Tampa, and attended Leto High School, where he was a three-year letterman and inducted into the Leto basketball Hall of Fame. Mr. Lovett received his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from University of Central Florida, an NCAA Division I school, where he was a star student-athlete at the. Mr. Lovett is a Certified Fitness Trainer and the member of the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), has successfully completed the Master Trainer Course with the National Federation of Personal Trainers (NFPT), and is a Certified Performance Exercise Specialist with the National Association of Sports Medicine (NASM), one of the top ranked accredited personal training certifications.

Jose Miranda has been an integral member of Behar Peteranecz Architecture in St. Petersburg since 2017. As an architect, he has contributed his skill and insight to several commercial projects around the Tampa Bay area. Prior to relocating to Florida, Mr. Miranda led project teams in the design and construction of residential, educational, and cultural projects throughout the Northeast U.S., primarily in New York City and Boston. Many of those projects included collaborations with local artists to thoughtfully incorporate art into the built environment. His professional experience with architectural firms includes Murphy Burnham & Buttrick, Hickox Williams, Ann Beha, and Carl Abbott, FAIA, Architects. Mr. Miranda received both his Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Architecture from the University of Florida. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects.

About TBBCA
TBBCA is a non-profit founded in 1989, one of 11 national Business Committees for the Arts, part of the private sector network and national pARTnership Movement of Americans for the Arts. In 2019 TBBCA celebrates 30 years of uniting Tampa Bay businesses to champion arts and culture for a prosperous community, because the arts are good for business, and business is good for the arts. Through pARTnerships and programs, TBBCA connects, motivates and recognizes the business community’s leadership and support of arts and culture as vital economic drivers, catalysts for innovation, creativity, transformation and development, and essential contributors to quality of life. TBBCA is a 501 (c) (3) #CH32681 www.tbbca.org For more information contact 813-221-2787 or Executive Director susanaweymouth@tbbca.org

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(Tampa Bay, Florida – January 7, 2019) The New Year ushers in Tampa Bay BCA 1989-2019 – and the launch of TBBCA 30th Anniversary! Throughout the year, TBBCA invites the public to learn more and share in celebrating the non-profit organization’s unique role over three decades linking businesses in support of the arts.

The roots of TBBCA’s storied history reach back to the late David Rockefeller, recognized amongst America’s most important business leaders, philanthropists and art collectors. Rockefeller initiated the movement in American business to create corporate art collections through the formation of his bank’s art program, one of the first of its kind in the U.S. In 1967, Rockefeller founded in New York the first Business Committee for the Arts, “BCA”, reflecting his belief that businesses play a crucial role in fostering and ensuring the development and growth of the arts.

In 1989, using the BCA model developed by David Rockefeller, a group of Tampa Bay business leaders established the Tampa Bay BCA, the very first affiliate in Florida of the National Business Committees for the Arts. Our founding visionaries held the conviction that businesses coming together promoting and supporting our community’s artistic and cultural and creative industries – would give Tampa Bay better opportunity for developing into a thriving regional economy with enhanced quality of life.

Be sure to follow TBBCA Facebook page and check in on “30th Anniversary Thursdays” featuring people and projects key to TBBCA’s strong impact and success. And for invitations to join TBBCA during this 30th Anniversary and enjoy exciting programs and events we have planned throughout the year email Executive Director susanaweymouth@tbbca.org

Talented Tampa Bay area high school juniors and seniors are encouraged to begin the application process!

TAMPA, Fla. (December 10, 2018) – Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture & the Arts (TBBCA) Charlie Hounchell Art Stars Scholarships Program 2019 Call for Applicants is now open to qualified Tampa Bay area high school juniors and seniors. Scholarships will be awarded in Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, Theatre, Dance, Literary Arts, and Visual Arts. Scholarships go directly to help defray tuition expenses for higher education in the arts at the winner’s selected college, university or professional training program.

The guidelines and requirements for application documents, recommendation letters, artist statement, work samples, and other required material with the 2019 application form are posted and downloadable on TBBCA website https://www.tbbca.org/programs-events/art-stars-scholarships/ or contact TBBCA Executive Director Susana Weymouth at susanaweymouth@tbbca.org with any questions or to receive an application via email. There is no fee to apply. Qualified students may apply in one, more, or all disciplines, via separate applications for each category. Winners will be selected based on talent and merit by judges who are experts in their respective fields. Completed application packets are accepted by mail only to TBBCA at P.O. Box 559, Tampa, FL 33601, now through the deadline of Friday, Feb. 22, 2019.

Since the program was founded in 2008 by TBBCA Past President, the late Charlie Hounchell, TBBCA Art Stars Scholarships have been awarded to more than 60 Tampa Bay area students who are some of the most promising and talented young artists and performers in the nation. Past winners have attended prestigious institutions, including The Juilliard School, Yale, Brown, Tufts, The Eastman School of Music, The University of Miami Frost School of Music, New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Savannah College of Art & Design, Penn State, Northwestern, Belmont University, the University of South Florida, the University of Tampa, Florida State University, University of Florida, and others. For information on 2018 judges and CHASS recipients, see https://www.tbbca.org/programs-events/art-stars-scholarships/

TBBCA will hold an awards ceremony for the 2019 winners in May.

About TBBCA
Tampa Bay BCA is a non-profit 501 (c) (3), founded by business leaders in 1989, first in Florida and one of the national Business Committees for the Arts, member of the private sector network and national pARTnership movement of Americans for the Arts. For over 29 years, TBBCA has united businesses to champion arts and culture in our community. To help support arts education or to donate online to The Charlie Hounchell Art Stars Scholarships go to www.tbbca.org or for more information contact TBBCA Executive Director Susana Weymouth at 813-221-2787. Individual scholarship naming rights and sponsorships are available.

Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture & the Arts, “TBBCA,” 29th annual Impact Awards, held Thursday, October 18th, drew over 400 business, higher education and community leaders from across the bay. The non-profit organization’s signature event purposefully underscored private sector support for the arts as economic drivers, catalysts for innovation, creativity, transformation and development, and important cornerstones of our society.

USF Graphicstudio, the third largest university print and publishing atelier in the U.S., led by Director Margaret Miller, was recognized with TBBCA 2018 Innovation in Arts & Education Impact Award. Celebrating its 50th year as a leading center for excellence and collaborations, USF Graphicstudio has attracted to the Tampa Bay area acclaimed artists from around the world, including James Rosenquist, Robert Rauschenberg, Christian Marclay, Diana Al-Hadid, Alex Katz, and hundreds of others.

Stanton Storer was lauded with TBBCA 2018 Patron of Culture & the Arts Impact Award, Storer’s support for the arts has had a transformative impact on our community’s museums, galleries and artists for two decades. One of the area’s most generous cultural patrons, the pharmaceutical oncology consultant’s beneficiaries include USF Institute for Research in Art & Graphicstudio; Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg; Tampa Museum of Art; and many more. His extensive art collection includes world famous as well as emerging artists. He supports arts education through two USF scholarship funds.

Renowned artist Mernet Larsen was celebrated and honored with the TBBCA 2018 Lifetime Artistic Achievement Impact Award. For over 35 years as a professor at USF, Larsen educated, influenced and inspired an entire generation of artists. Now in her mid-70’s, Larsen is at the center of global critical acclaim as one of the most important and impactful artists of our time, with artwork in museums including the Whitney Museum of American Art, LACMA, Carnegie Museum of Art, the Walker Art Center, Tampa Museum of Art, and private collections.

The video presentations on the three honorees were created in collaboration with Glenn Horn, Creative Director of ChappellRoberts and TBBCA Board Director. The videos debuted at the event can be viewed on TBBCA’s website at www.tbbca.org/ImpactAwards2018

The Impact Awards also featured a performance by Siobhan Monique, the first Art Stars Scholarships Vocal Music Recipient when the TBBCA program was started by the late Charlie Hounchell. In just 10 years, TBBCA has awarded financial tuition assistance to over 60 young talents like Siobhan Monique to help them pursue higher education and careers in the arts.

About TBBCA
TBBCA is a non-profit founded in 1989, one of 11 national Business Committees for the Arts, part of the private sector network and national pARTnership Movement of Americans for the Arts. TBBCA mission is to unite Tampa Bay businesses to champion arts and culture for a prosperous community, because the arts are good for business, and business is good for the arts. Through pARTnerships and programs, TBBCA connects, motivates and recognizes the business community’s leadership and support of arts and culture as vital TBBCA is a 501 (c) (3) #CH32681 www.tbbca.org contact:susanaweymouth@tbbca.org