For those who appreciate art and enjoy going to art galleries for the events or to purchase a painting, photograph, glass or sculpture there are four in Tampa Bay you should look into. They all feature local, state and regional artisans depicting the Florida landscape or other scenes. These are located in artistic surroundings with one in Tampa’s historic district, downtown St. Petersburg, at a private university and in South Tampa’s design district. Each gallery offers something unique, so let’s find out more about them.
1.) Hoffman Porges Gallery – Tampa, Florida
Located right in the heart of Ybor City’s historic, entertainment and arts district is this 6,000 square foot showroom. The Hoffman Porges Gallery has been at this location for 20 years. It’s in a bohemian warehouse setting featuring two floors of exhibition space, in addition to a museum quality framing facility right inside the gallery. You can even bring in pieces to be framed. They exhibit the works of established artists and those up and coming. Hoffman Porges has specialty collections of contemporary art, original paintings on canvas, antique engravings that are rare and natural curiosities. 1907 East 7th Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33605 (813) 247-2000 Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2.) Morean Arts Center – St. Petersburg, Florida
Here’s another downtown location right in the heart of St. Petersburg’s booming arts district. They are the oldest, largest and most comprehensive visual arts organization in Pinellas County. It was founded in 1917 where they have continued to provide art exhibitions and art classes to the community. Not only do they showcase works of international, national and statewide artists, but also cultivating those artists with great talent locally. Be sure to visit their gift shop to purchase what they have to offer.
When you become a member and take art classes you will get an opportunity to show your work. This is a very hands-on arts center. They even feature a tour and DIY at their glass studio and hot shop. This is ideal for the professional and amateur artist to get involved with. 719 Central Avenue St. Petersburg, Florida 33701 (727) 822-7872 Hours: Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
3.) Lee Scarfone Gallery – Tampa, Florida
This is University of Tampa’s teaching gallery where they showcase work by the art students at UT. I attended the University of Tampa and use to walk by this gallery. It was always interesting to see what was on display. These are all contemporary artists in all media. If you happen to be on the campus visiting the Plant Museum come on over and check out the Lee Scarfone Gallery. 401 W. Kennedy Boulevard Tampa, Florida 33606 (813) 253-6217
4.) Tampa Artist Emporium – Tampa, Florida
Last but never least, an art gallery that exclusively features Tampa’s finest collection by local artists. There are over 100 artists represented from paintings, ceramics, hand-blown glass, evocative sculptures, handcrafted jewelry, photographs and much more. Tampa Artist Emporium also hosts regular art events. Their website is absolutely extraordinary with its tour of the gallery and the many featured art work. They are located in South Tampa’s Palma Ceia Design District. Starbucks Plaza, 3415 Bay to Bay Boulevard, Tampa, Florida 33629 (813) 835-0212 Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is closed on Sunday and Monday.
Talk about an eclectic mix of art galleries with custom framing in addition to their exhibits, a hands-on arts center with exhibitions as well as art classes for all levels, a teaching art gallery at a local university and a gallery devoted to artists from all over Florida and Tampa Bay. This is the perfect variety for those who love and appreciate art.
SOURCES:
Tampa Art Galleries and Museums, Tampa Guide
Hoffman Porges Art Gallery – Ybor City, HP Art Gallery
Morean Arts Center – Learn, Create, Exhibit – Arts Center.org
Tampa, FL Metro Art Galleries, Citysearch
Tampa Artist Emporium – Tampa’s Finest Collection of Local Artists, Tampa Artist Emporium
