Art Snax: Represent, and other art events on local menu in April

Over the course of time, artists and galleries have been questioning the works being shown in exhibition spaces: What is determined as “art” or “fine art?” Is graphic design “art?” Why are ceramics sometimes deemed just “craft?” 

In a move considered more off-the-beaten-path, Cass Contemporary in Tampa will be presenting the works of illustrators in “Represent.”
 
“This is our first all-illustrators exhibit, so we’re really excited. With this show we picked illustrators that were experts in their craft, and the rest was up to them. We give them the artistic freedom to make whatever they want. The work is all different, so it’s been a surprise everyday when we get a package of work for the show,” says Janet Malin, Gallery Director of Cass Contemporary.
 
Eight artists will be participating with two of them local artists you may already know: Conrad Garner and Palehorse. National artists include Monica Garwood, Rewina Beshue, and Skye Bolluyt. International illustrators Hilda Palafox, Lorraine Sorlet, and Agostino Iacuri hail from Mexico, France, and Germany, respectively.
 
“What we’re doing is holding the opening night on April 27 at 7 p.m. at Armature Works in their theater, then the exhibit will run at the gallery (2722 S. MacDill Ave.) as usual where it will be up for 12 weeks,” Malin says. "Armature Works is a multi-use space. The part that everyone is hearing about is their food hall, but they also have a big courtyard, the theater that’s on the second floor, and an upscale rooftop lounge that will be opening up soon.”
 
The opening reception is free and open to the public with food, drinks, and a great crowd.
 
Other upcoming art events:

• If you’re a fan of the handbuilt, a touch of kitsch, and a bit of the grotesque, don’t miss out on the next USF Kennedy Family Visiting Artist Lecture on April 3 from 4-5 p.m. at FAH 101. Roxanne Jackson is a ceramicist and sculptor who is interested in themes of extinction, death, and transformation, creating narrative-ish objects that riff off horror films and pop culture.
• PhilFest hosted at the Phillipine Cultural Foundation will be coming back to town from April 6-8. Touted as the biggest Phillippine Festival in Florida, come see who will be dubbed Mrs. Philfest, check out the art exhibit at the Bayanihan Arts and Events Center’s Grand Sampaguita Ballroom, and we can’t forget the Yugyugan Street Dancing Competition. The full entertainment schedule can be found on the PhilFest website to plan ahead.
• The Kitchen Table Literary Arts is sending out a call for Tampa-area Black women and women of color who are writers, poets, publishers, editors for a networking mixer on April 7 from 1-3 p.m. at Stageworks Theater.
• Feelin’ jazzy? On April 9, Brain Rainwater and the Florida College Jazz Band will be dishing out tunes from jazz to swing to blues during their jazz concert at Florida College’s Puckett Auditorium from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• After merely watching a YouTube video of their America’s Got Talent performance, it’s clear Sons of Serendip has got that it factor. Don’t miss their April 12 performance at the Straz Center and get your tickets now.
• Looking to support the local art scene, but also wanting an invite to a killer party? The Tampa Museum of Art has you covered with their Strange Beauty: Pride & Passion 13 fundraiser on April 14, which will have a surrealist spin this year.
• During the University of Tampa Alumni Reader Series on April 17, Donna Long, Christian Collier, and Jen A. Miller will be coming back to their alma mater to read experts from their work at the Scarfone/Harley Gallery from 7-8 p.m.
• Never heard of Carnival? It’s just one of those things you have to experience instead of explain. On April 21, the 13th Annual Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival will be heading to the Florida State Fairgrounds for a day of dancing, music, colorful headpieces, and definitely a lot more.
• As the school year winds to a close, USF will be presenting the opening reception for their BFA Thesis Exhibition “25 Cents Per Play” held at the Carolyn M. Wilson Gallery on April 27 from 7-9 p.m. The exhibition will be open from April 23-May 3.
• People usually think of oranges and strawberries when they think of Florida, but don’t discount those tomatoes! On April 28, eat your way through the Ruskin Tomato and Heritage Festival from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. They'll even be picking a Tomato Festival Queen. And what about a tomato eating contest, and some arts and crafts? You have that here too.