[ad_1]
The 34th Professional Association of Visual Artists Cool Art Show offers live art demonstrations at St. Pete Coliseum Art as an act of fun.
[ad_2]
Virginia Johnson
Source link
Tag: APP Human Interest
-
Working women dignified by Riverview photographer
[ad_1]
TAMPA, Fla. — Angelika Kollin is standing barefoot in front of a residential building, adjusting the angle of Elliot Kingsley’s head as she stands in the bright sunshine in a wedding dress.
What You Need To Know
- Florida Museum of Photographic Art’s latest exhibition is at Tampa International Airport through August 18
- Angelika Kollin is the Winner of 12th International Photography Competition
- Kollin photographs domestic workers with golden halo-like circles behind them
- FMOPA plans a new home in Ybor City to open this summer
Kingsley was a person Kollin met while they were at work as a Riverview barista. Kollin takes pictures of the people she meets at work.
The Estonian native and Riverview resident won the 12th International Photography Competition at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts in Tampa.
Kollin took the award-winning picture in Cape Town, South Africa, of an immigrant day laborer named Lucy, with the look of a halo behind her and a broom in her hands. It’s part of a series where she adds a painted, gold, halo-like circle behind domestic workers.
She says their demeanor changes as they recognized the worth in themselves. They stand up taller.
She’s photographed people on three continents.
“We are all participants in every story. We can all find some points in it that either resonate or bring something up in us,” she said.
All this is thanks to the collapse of communism. Her family emigrated to Germany from Estonia in 1991. She was 15 when she got her first camera, and she tried to keep her gear simple.
“In my opinion, it’s really, truly not about the camera,” said Kollin.
It’s about the bond between the photographer and her subject. A bond has a bride-to-be happily posing in 90-degree weather on the side of a townhome. That’s what produces the art.
[ad_2]
Virginia Johnson
Source link -
Bay Area Youth Wind Band Alumni reunite for Summer Breeze concert
[ad_1]
TAMPA, Fla. — It’s the last rehearsal for Francisco Quixtan and his fellow alumni from the Bay Area Youth Wind Band before their annual reunion concert.
“I was one of the first to join this group in 2012. I was a senior in high school,” said Quixtan.
The band welcomes back the best middle and high school wind musicians in the Tampa Bay area as Summer Breeze, under conductor and founder Dr. Matthew McCutchen, who is also the University of South Florida’s Director of Bands.
And there is another concert that involves a flow of different instruments.
“So the wind band is made of all woodwind, brass and percussion instruments, so we don’t involve any string instruments,” said Tony Negron, executive director of the Florida Wind Band. “And so they are going to see two different ensembles — the first is going to be the Summer Breeze group, which is the Alumni for Bay Area Youth Winds, and then the second group that they’re going to see is the Florida Wind Band, which is the professional ensemble.”
While some of these musicians only pick up their instruments once a year for this ongoing tradition, others never let it go.
“I play the clarinet. I’ve been playing since fifth grade, then went to college, got a degree in Music Education and Performance. I love music so much,” Quixtan said.
As for his current work?
“I’m an orchestra high school director,” Quixtan said. “I’m also a conductor, a community band conductor and a professional musician.”
With such a full plate, why come back every year? To be surrounded by people from different walks of life, in different stages of life, brought together by the music of life.
“People that just want to do this because they love it,” he said.
The Florida Wind Band and Summer Breeze concert will be held on July 1 at 5:30 p.m. at Carrollwood Village Park in Tampa.
And the Florida Wind Band will have another concert that will be held on July 2 at 6 p.m. at Palma Cela Presbyterian Church in Tampa.
[ad_2]
Virginia Johnson
Source link -
Saxophonist offers training, advice for teen musicians
[ad_1]
TAMPA, Fla. — It’s Day one of a Jazz Intensive Workshop at the Patel Conservatory. There are trombones, a piano player named Zion, trumpets and laughter.
What You Need To Know
- The Jazz Intensive Workshop will end in a Jazz Intensive Showcase at the Straz Center
- It will take place on Saturday, June 10 at 7 p.m. and cost $18.75
- The teacher has been playing for years, and enjoys sharing his expertise
By week’s end, this group of teens plan to perform at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, under the ear of Matthew Weihmuller.
“Evan, don’t be afraid to play out, man,” said Weihmuller to one student. “You sound great on the keys, man,” to another.
The professional saxophone player has been teaching students at the Pate about a decade.
“It’s really always been my passion that I think the way to really continue the art of playing jazz is through the youth of today and student,” said Weihmuller.
Blind from birth, it’s Weihmuller’s literacy in Braille Music that connects his world and his pupils.
“I’ve had to teach how to read music to sighted individuals, which would be impossible without the Braille Music,” said Weihmuller.
It basically levels the playing field for Weihmuller as an instructor. When he himself is performing—it’s not the same.
“The only difference is I have to memorize everything,” said Weihmuller. Something he’s been doing since middle school.
“Well, I have to say, where there’s a will, there’s a way,” said Weihmuller about his advice for others dreaming of life as a musician.
Weihmuller encourages the next generation to surround themselves with the professionals of the trade.
[ad_2]
Virginia Johnson
Source link -
AKC All Breeds Dog show brings obscure canines
[ad_1]
TAMPA, Fla. — “Now is the time people start to get nervous — now is the time the anxiety starts building up,” said Aaron Wilkerson as he explains the walk to the show ring at a dog show.
Wilkerson, a veteran dog handler, says he doesn’t really get nervous anymore.
“Now it’s just the fun, now it’s just the fun part,” said Wilkerson, lining up a golden retriever into the competition zone at the AKC All Breed Dog at the Expo Hall at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. The show started on Wednesday and runs through Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For the golden girl he’s leading, preps started more than an hour ago with her hair. Her name is Sassy and she is competing as an open bitch golden retriever.
Wilkerson said that the flatter the hairdo, the better Sassy’s body structure shows for the judges.
“She shows every weekend, so her hair is pretty trained,” he said.
Wilkerson usually uses chicken meat to treat his dogs in the ring, but now it’s beef heart, thanks to a vendor buddy at the show.
Hair and treats down, Wilkerson is getting the dog into her show time routine, just as he has his own routine down pat.
[ad_2]
Virginia Johnson
Source link -
Unique architecture helped hotel transform Tampa skyline
[ad_1]
TAMPA, Fla. — Richard Ellis has been studying Orientalist Architecture for as long as he’s lived in Tampa.
“I’ve been in the city for a decade and so looking around at these familiar places from a vantage point is really refreshing,” said Ellis.
This is his first time he’s been inside a minaret at the former Tampa Bay Hotel, which is now Plant Hall at the University of Tampa. It’s 10 stories off the ground.
“It was built in the style of Islamic architecture because that style was associated with supreme luxury,” said Ellis.
The hotel was completed in 1891.
A teacher of Art History, Ellis helped interpret the Henry B. Plant Museum’s latest exhibition– “Imagined East—Decorative Art and the Imperial Gaze.
Railroad magnate Henry B. Plant traveled the world and brought back international treasures for the hotel. One of the pieces on display is a painting of the Alcazar of Seville in Spain.
“Alcazar is Arabic– it means the castle,” said Ellis, explaining how the building bears similarities to Plant Hall. “We might see some elements in the kind of gingerbread trimming on the veranda out here that are trying to evoke the very intricately carved stucco arches and soffits here in this courtyard.”
The table service depicted places like Taj Mahal in India and was all for imperialistic bragging rights.
“And of course, that was property of the British Empire at that point in the 19th Century so sort of a way a causally displaying the realms,” said Ellis.
The realm of the minarets is 10 stories off the ground. They’re wood covered with metal structure, which is a convention from mosque architecture also seen in Europe, but something Ellis has only seen in books. Now he is sitting inside one- a cool breeze blowing, the water in view.
“It’s very surreal and of course being an educator at the university it’s a wonderful moment,” said Ellis.
The minarets have watched all in its sight grow up around them. They are how the Tampa skyline began. Enjoy the exhibition on Orientalism through August 20th.
[ad_2]
Virginia Johnson
Source link -
Art Garage Sale welcomes all creators
[ad_1]
TAMPA, Fla. — Art lovers celebrate! Trashy Treasures Art Garage Sale is upon the Tampa Bay area, in Dunedin.
What You Need To Know
- Dunedin Fine Art Center’s Trashy Treasures Weekend
- Sat.: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., admission $10, Free hot dog and drink
- Saturday night dress code is your version of a Trashy Treasure
It’s time for Trashy Treasures, the one night, one day art garage sale at the Dunedin Fine Art Center. Saturday night, there’s a party selling donated art mostly through a live auction. And then on Sunday, it’s art plus everything used to make it.
It’s one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for the DFAC.
“So if you are a student of art, if you are an artist you don’t want to miss being here on Sunday because that is art, brushes, canvases and paints, fabric, galore,” said Catherine Bergmann, the Center’s Curatorial Director.
Adrian Smith is an artist and teacher in addition to being the Gallery Shop Manager at DFAC. Like the other members of the DFAC, Smith is filled with gratitude.
“It’s so fun for me as an artist to be in here and look at all the supplies and see what we have and see what people have been so gracious to donate to us,” said Smith.
[ad_2]
Virginia Johnson
Source link -
Once a school bus, Krewe of Zingaro float now a dream and beer carrier
[ad_1]
TAMPA, Fla. — Preparations got underway for a Krewe about to join in on the biggest pirate party in Tampa Bay.
What You Need To Know
- There are more than pirates in Gasparilla: there are Rough Riders, Fire Fighters and Gypsies
- The Krewe of Zingaro celebrated their 25th anniversary
- The Krewe is 50 to 60 gypsies strong, doing charitable work throughout the year
- Most of the Krewe walk alongside their float — an old school bus painted purple and fitted with bathrooms and keg coolers
The Gasparilla Parade of Pirates kicks off on Saturday, Jan. 28.
“We are putting some beads on the float,” said James Raulerson, a gypsy with the Krewe of Zingaro.
The Tampa Bay native knows these plastic trinkets will be vied for like real, precious jewels.
“Everybody wants beads,” said Raulerson, smiling. He and his Krewe are ready.
They ride on a mostly purple float. They call her ‘Barney.’
“It’s our gypsy wagon, an old school bus,” Raulerson said.
Restrooms are a must for a float crawling down the 4.5 mile parade route and so is room to throw beads, though most of his crew walks.
And of course, there’s a cabinet to store adult beverages.
“And here,” Raulerson said, pointing to a cooler sitting just below three taps, “We have a keg, which is nice.”
With the float loaded, Raulerson checks for safety and design.
Raulerson noted any ripping fringe or missing lights. The float will get all its superficial design repairs once it’s off the highway and into the staging area. The Krewe will be closer to the end of the parade in spot #111.
The floats, dignitaries, community leaders, dancers, bands and community organizations will be stretched down Bayshore Boulevard starting at Bay-to-Bay Boulevard, lined up stretching toward Gandy Boulevard.
Raulerson devotes time and energy to the group’s charities throughout the year, and Gasparilla is a chance to not only celebrate, but also bring a lot of cheering joy for a tiny, inexpensive souvenir.
“You’re giving beads to people, but they’re so happy. It’s great you’re bringing happiness to people. You never know,” Raulerson said about the people they’re throwing beads to. “That person might be having a horrible week at work or something, and they come out to Gasparilla and get to have fun. It might just change your whole attitude. So that’s the fun part.”
The Krewe is about 50 to 60 gypsies strong.
[ad_2]
Virginia Johnson
Source link -
Gasparilla is based on disproven pirate lore: nobody cares
[ad_1]
TAMPA, Fla. — It’s the height of Gasparilla season with huge crowds screaming for beads and throws as pirates ignite cannons for massive explosion excitement.
It’s a huge juxtaposition from the quiet of the Touchton Map Library at the Tampa Bay History Center conference room, where Director Dr. Rodney Kite-Powell quietly carries the knowledge that it’s pretty much all a story.
The study of the records relating to Gasparilla, along with maps from 1700s Florida and beyond, point to a reality without Jose Gaspar.
“The possibility of pirates being here is just very unlikely because there was nothing to steal,” said Kite-Powell.
While there are records of piracy on the gulf coast of Florida, activity happened in south Florida and the east coast, not here.
And not with Jose Gaspar.
“I’m from here. I grew up with this. I’ve heard about the Jose Gaspar legend since I can remember,” said Kite-Powell.
But the center’s Treasure Seeker gallery further separates fact from fiction.
“You can learn about all the different things the real pirates in Florida were looking for and what they did,” said Kite-Powell.
Of course, pirates were always looking for treasure on their captured ships, and the gallery has fine gold chains and gold ingots, but they took everything on board.
“Everything is worth something at sea,” said Kite-Powell. “Whether it’s something to eat. Or it’s a map that will tell you where something better is.”
Textiles and tobacco were valuable, and pewter plates and drink storage vessels had practical use.
Back in the library, Kite-Powell says he’s made peace with the myth and the reality of Jose Gaspar.“Gasparilla’s been around for 119 years now. So it has become a celebration. So whether he existed, which he probably didn’t, has become less relevant to me over the years,” said Kite-Powell, smiling.
If you are looking for more history on Gasparilla, you can check out the exhibition “Gasparilla: A Tampa Tradition” at the Henry B. Plant Museum at the University of Tampa.
They hold more of Tampa’s Gasparilla secrets, from ball gowns to feathered hats to Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla artifacts. Their exhibition is open until March 5.
[ad_2]
Virginia Johnson
Source link -
‘Making a Snifference’: Conservation dogs help locate bumble bee nests
[ad_1]
MILWAUKEE — When researchers wanted to collect data on wild bumble bee nests this past summer, they turned to man’s best friend to help sniff them out.
What You Need To Know
- Bumble bee nests are difficult to locate
- The dogs help sniff out nests of 20 species of bumble bees
- They are used to locate invasive species as well as turtles
One is affectionately named Betty White, and her partner in crime is Ernie. The two spent the summer sniffing out bumble bee nests for researchers.
“Nests, in general, are just super hard for humans to find by themselves. Any valuable find for the dogs is helpful for the researchers,” said Laura Holder of the Conservation Dogs Collective.
Their slogan is “Making a Snifference.”
(Spectrum News 1/Jon Fuller)
The dogs are trained to locate Wisconsin’s approximately 20 species of wild bumble bees.
On a recent training day in Wauwatosa, Holder hid parts of nests for the dogs to locate.
“We train with different volumes of the bumble bee nest material. Out in the wild, there could be a tiny little nest or a really large nest,” explained Holder.
A dog’s superior sense of smell makes it possible to locate nests and collect data on these important pollinators.
“These dogs are super impressive. When they find a nest, they know exactly where it is,” said Jade Kochanski, University of Wisconsin-Madison Ph.D. graduate student.
(Spectrum News 1/Jon Fuller)
With a keen interest in pollinators, Kochanski witnessed the dogs working this summer.
“If we can increase the efficiency and accuracy of finding bumble bee nests, that can help us answer research questions,” explained Kochanski. “Are there species-specific differences in their nesting preferences? Are prairie restorations helping them?”
The dogs love to run and sniff, but their contributions are invaluable.
“Finding the correlation between where they are foraging to where nests are found is a critical piece of information that’s missing right now,” said Holder.
(Spectrum News 1/Jon Fuller)
Sniffing around looking for bees may sound like you’re asking for trouble, but problems are rare, Holder said. She carries Benadryl just in case.
“Bumble bees, you have to make them upset for you or the dog to get stung,” said Holder.
The dogs can detect more than just bee nests. They can also help locate invasive species like the New Zealand mud snail.
“We just had a team that came back from Iowa last week. They were doing ornate box turtle surveys. Wood turtles are another thing here in the area that are of great importance,” said Holder.
The practice is an emerging field that continues to provide useful data for scientists — there’s no doubt it’ll also keep the valuable noses of Ernie and Betty White quite busy.
[ad_2]
