local art: Avventuroso Studio

Long term Florida resident, Michael DiDomenico grew up in St Petersburg. Michael says, "I have always been surrounded by art. Growing up my interests have always been artistic in one form or another. I have recently given up on working the 9 to 5 to pursue art full time. I have a few up coming shows and more are being added all the time. You can view info on exhibits and what I might be doing next at www.myspace.com/mikepua. This will be my main info source until my website is up and running."

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local art: Robert Phillips

Active as a composer as well as a performer, classical guitarist, Robert Phillips is known for interpreting the work of contemporary masters as well as bringing new vitality to masterpieces of the past. His repertoire includes works by Luciano Berio, Philip Glass, Alan Hovhaness, Eberhard Weber, and Thelonius Monk, as well as works by Ned Rorem, Benjamin Britten, Frank Martin, and in a more traditional vein Albeniz, Villa-Lobos, Tarrega, Ponce, Bach, Vivaldi, Scarlatti, and others. He also performs his own fine compositions, and has premiered works by Frank Brazinski, Eric Ross, Alfred Giusto, as well as an important new guitar sonata written for him by Meyer Kupferman. Read more....

editorial: by vinnie blesi

The New Tampa Bay Muse

Tampa Bay Muse started last October as a simple idea. Centralize the local art and cultural events into an easy to read calendar. No ads, totally free and not for profit. Unfortunately the execution of the idea proved more difficult than planned and too labor intensive. Getting local venues and artists to submit their events proved frustrating. Researching events became too time consuming so in July I pulled the plug on Tampa Bay Muse, planning on killing it totally. A few supportive artists urged me to continue so here is Volume 2 for your viewing pleasure.

Our new emphasis will be coverage of local artisans and coverage of local art events. Plus we will throw in a little rabble rousing too, such as next issue's story, "Is Tampa Really the City of the Arts?"

Here's Art in Your Face

The New Tampa Bay Muse

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 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 handily caused a resurgence in the stagnant Tampa Bay art scene, will just become another eyesore building on Florida Ave. read more...

Enjoying the Covivant Gallery Vibe

Local Events

Tampa Bay Performing
Arts Center
Ruth Eckerd Hall
Jannus Landing
State Theatre
Tampa Theatre
Polk Museum of Art

behind the scenes: by wendy withers
photos by: sabina

Wearable Art Show

Orianna Kurrus with the world's biggest beverage.

I could hear the sound of the crowd laughing and rowdy from my position backstage. I'd already had my minute-and-a-half of glory prancing back and forth across the span. As the boys cavorted across the stage, the mood of the audience seemed to shift. I couldn't see what was going on, but I knew it was unconventional. The kind of show that could make a more conservative crowd pretty uncomfortable. Such is the life of modeling for Orianna Kurrus.

On August 5, the Dunedin Fine Arts Center held their annual Wearable Art fashion show. Orianna showed her designs off along with other notable Bay Area artists such as Frank Strunk III and Carly Champagne.
Read more..

Josh Sullivan is a prolific local artist as well as the singer for ska band Can't Do It.
make contact:
Josh Sullivan
Can't Do It

wearable art show extra

Frank Strunk III's Hard Wear
read more..

redux

Covivant Gallery Memories

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masthead

Tampa Bay Muse is an online 'zine devoted to art and culture in the Tampa Bay area. Issues are published monthly on the 23rd.

Comments, complaints, suggestions should be sent to info@tampabaymuse.com. All letters received are subject to publication unless designated otherwise.

We are currently looking for artists and writers to write articles and reviews on local events as well as the state of the arts in the Bay area.

all works (c) their respective artists and writers

Tampa Bay Muse is part of
Dharmahead Digital Media,
digital media for the end of the world
(c)2006