article/opinion: by vinnie blesi

Covivant, The Swan Song of an Era

As I drove up to the Covivant Art Gallery for the closing reception of what will probably be their last show, I already had a feeling of doom. Next door were two new eateries and the magical Covivant courtyard had been cordoned off from the gallery, never ever to give the fag hags somewhere to hang out and never to hear the maniacal demonic drum poundings of Leroi ever again.

Studio Owner and founder Carrie Mackin is moving to NYC and unless she can come up with the money to purchase the current building, Covivant Gallery, which almost single handedly caused a resurgence in the stagnant Tampa Bay art scene, will just become another eyesore building on Florida Ave.

What started out as a temporary workspace rented to her by her mechanic to restore a classic VW beetle, soon turned into Tampa'a premiere artspace. Mackin says, "I was ambitious and there was a need to create a space for artists in Tampa. I immediately fell in love with the building's distinct shabby chic decoesque architecture. I soon convinced Larry that I could bring artists to this place". Carrie adds, "The studios came first. There was a need for artists' studio space initially, I had several friends inquire and that is how it started. It was one year later when the small gallery opened and then another year until I had the larger space. We grew gradually as the need for exhibition space became more and more urgent".

Shortly after that the first show at Covivant opened with the help of co-founder Chantel Foretich, "The Devil Made Me Do It", and no ones looked back since. The Gallery, with its famous timecard holders from a previous business, originally housed the Tampa Bay Bubble Gum Company and Seminole Cleaners, and was built in the 1920's.

Last year I interviewed Carrie Mackin about the state of art in Tampa.

Q. How do you think the Tampa art scene compares to those in larger cities like NY and LA?
Carrie Mackin: That is a very difficult question. There are many talented people here in Tampa that produce very challenging works and projects, however, there is such an abundance of this caliber in the larger cities because other cities have more to offer overall. Perhaps with the right direction of our Mayor, we will see this gap narrow over the next several years

Q: As a member of the Tampa artist community do you have any opinions about the city of Tampa willing to throw millions of dollars at a new art museum downtown, instead of developing its own local talent and art scene?
Carrie Mackin: Well….After much research in how other cities spend their tax-based dollars, it has become clear that diversity in spending has been the attribute for their success. Though I find a new museum to be an important asset to the "arts district" and education in the arts, I would like to see the city spend those funds on the greater arts community as well. There are plenty of organizations that go up to bat for competitive funds from the county each year, and there is never enough for real progress. Even if the arts community had 5% of what has gone toward the museum, imagine the possibilities whether it be for individual art projects or for the private/public art sector.

Q: What role if any do you think the government should have in supporting the arts?
Carrie Mackin: I think that is part of the government's responsibility to support the arts. It should be a part of every citizen's education from early childhood to the elderly. Every metropolitan city finds ways to support the arts. The biggest concern is in the power behind the dollars. Any entity can allocate money to a cause, and therefore, it is imperative that the right people are selected to carry out those dollars.

Q: Do you think it is easier for a new artist to start in a smaller environment such as Tampa and then move up to the bigger cities once they have honed their work and built up a portfolio?
Carrie Mackin: It is easier for an established artist to live in Tampa with the lower cost of living and less distractions, however, for the new artist, it is much harder because there aren't enough galleries to represent artists and get them exposed outside of Florida.

Q: What advice can you offer to developing artists in relation to improving there skills, and what it takes to get their artwork shown publicly?
Carrie Mackin: Pay attention to the art scene here as well as in other cities, learn the skill of talking about your work, and tech yourself how to professionally present and market yourself. Many gallery owners in Tampa function a bit different than in bigger cities. Most of us have day jobs in order to keep our doors open, therefore, we don't get many opportunities to help develop these skills on an individual basis.

Kelly Slye and the groovin DJ

Closing Night Photos
The Wall of Fame

Carrie Mackin, Victoria Jorgensen and Angelica Diaz

Gainesville artist William Schaaf

The Last Night?

A Fond Farewell?

World renowned pianist Cory Holt and Mr. Cory Holt.

Not Lawyers!

make contact:

Covivant Gallery