TAMPA, Fla. – June 7, 2023 — The Gasparilla Festival of the Arts (GFA) has elected a new slate of leadership for 2023-2024.  The Voting Board chose from a qualified list of candidates for new Board members and then from its members, selected the new leadership team. GFA’s new slate promises to continue this 54-year-old non-profit’s increasing impact on the arts in Tampa Bay.

The Newly Elected Officers Are:
(Photo Shown top Left – clockwise)
Karen Price – Re-Elected Board Member and Incoming Board President:
Karen was GFA’s Treasurer in 2022-23 and has been a member of the Board since 2021. Her dedication to detail and process-oriented approach has enriched her understanding of all facets of GFA during her three-year tenure. As a successful CPA, Karen brings a wealth of experience in business advisory and tax planning solutions to the organization.

Clay Hollenkamp – New Board Member and Incoming Board Vice President:
Clay is a passionate advocate for GFA, having served as the Festival Co-Chair for the 53^rd annual festival. He has been involved in non-profit arts administration and development for over a decade and became a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). Beyond GFA, Clay has been actively involved in the arts community through various roles, including being a board member at the Arts Council of Hillsborough County, President of the Board of Directors of Make Plant City and co-founder of Periphery Media.

Joy Jansen – Re-elected Board Member and Incoming Treasurer:
Joy’s deep appreciation for art stems from her upbringing and her mother’s influence. With 30 years of finance and management experience, including executive leadership roles, Joy is well-equipped to handle the financial responsibilities of the organization. Her focus on building relationships and creating positive impacts aligns perfectly with GFA’s mission. Currently, she serves as the VP of Finance for Amalie Oil Company.

Sandra Sroka – Incoming Board Secretary:
Sandra’s appreciation and involvement in the arts have been significantly enriched by her experience with GFA. With over 40 years of administrative experience in the health and disability fields, both in the public and private sector, Sandra brings a wealth of expertise to her role on the Board. She has been instrumental in ensuring compliance with disability rights laws and now serves as the Adult Program Coordinator for Arts4ALL Florida.

GFA welcomes its new Board members.
Bernadette Casey
Bernadette Casey brings extensive experience working with nonprofit Boards of Directors and currently serves as the Development Director for the Pace Center for Girls in Hillsborough County. Her expertise in fundraising and development will be invaluable to GFA. During her tenure as the Development Director for the Tampa Museum of Art, Bernadette successfully secured support from major donors, oversaw exhibition openings, and managed a large budget.

Patricia Fosnaught – Past and Returning Board Member:
Patricia Fosnaught’s dedication to GFA spans over 30 years, making her one of the longest-serving supporters of the organization. As an experienced art educator, she has contributed significantly to the promotion of emerging artists and has played key roles in various GFA initiatives.

Derek Johnson
Derek Johnson’s passion for art was instilled by his grandmother, who nurtured his creativity and appreciation for artistic expression. In his professional life, he has excelled in business development and finance, generating substantial revenue for the firms he has worked for.

Alexis Mootoo, PhD, MBA
Alexis Mootoo is committed to the transformative power of the arts in bridging gaps between diverse communities. Her leadership positions at the University of South Florida and her involvement with the Straz Performing Arts Center demonstrate her dedication to fostering community engagement through the arts.

Jeffrey Nader
Jeffrey Nader is a passionate designer with a deep-rooted love for the arts. For the past 16 years, his affinity for the arts has been a driving force in his career, stemming from his innate desire to create and craft that began at an early age.  In 2020, he joined GFA as a Festival committee volunteer, and ultimately rose to the position of Festival co-chair for the 53^rd Annual Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts.

About GFA: The Gasparilla Festival of the Arts is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation dedicated to producing an annual, premier juried outdoor art festival for the enjoyment and education of patrons, artists and guests as well as for the enhancement of the Tampa Bay area’s cultural arts. The organization relies on support from sponsorships, on-site retail sales, corporate and individual gifts to fund its programs and events. To learn more, visit GasparillaArts.com.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – March 27, 2023 — Owen Sweet has been commissioned to create a custom wine charm for the VIP attendees at this year’s Los Vinos de Dalí. The annual fundraising event hosted by The Guild at the Dalí will commemorate its 10th Anniversary Year with Sweet’s original design in Sterling silver that will be given to all attendees who purchase VIP tickets to the event.

“I’m honored to be working with The Guild at the Dalí for this special project,” said Sweet. “Custom work is my absolute favorite thing to do and this collaboration with the Guild has been a terrific experience. It’s nice to be working on something to help raise funds for this incredible museum in our area.”

Los Vinos de Dalí began as a fundraising idea by founding Guild members with the first event held in 2012. Since that time, the event has grown ten-fold. The Guild at the Dalí Los Vinos Committee created this premier event for those interested in food and culture, all while having a surreal time on the grounds as well as inside the iconic Dalí Museum.

“We wanted to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Los Vinos de Dali by working with an artist to design a special piece in honor of this milestone event. Owen Sweet, known for his unique, imaginative jewelry creations was the perfect design partnership for Los Vinos de Dalí. We are excited to be working with him,” said Adele Giovanazzi-Visiaggo, Guild at the Dalí Member.

This year’s event will take place on April 29th with proceeds benefitting the Museum’s mission to preserve and share Dalí works, create unique perspectives on art and technology, enrich our community and reduce barriers with free and reduced-price admissions, tours, and programs.

About Owen Sweet
Owen Sweet, Jewelry Designer, is widely recognized for his distinctive modern style and has been creating extraordinary pieces for over 40 years. A native of South Africa, Sweet trained under some of the best European designers before embarking on his own business. He draws much of his inspiration from Europe as well as world history and a wide range of cultural traditions. Currently, he gains inspiration from the urban landscape of St Petersburg Florida – his home for the past 35+ years. Owen Sweet Design is located in South Pasadena Shopping Center,  6856 Gulfport Blvd S, South Pasadena, FL 33707; online at www.ohsosweet.com or call 727-392-6936.

About Los Vinos de Dalí
Los Vinos is an evening of wine, craft beer and spirit sampling, tastings from local restaurants, music, art and more. It will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023 | VIP: 6:00 – 7:00 pm | General Admission: 7:00 – 10:30 pm at The Dalí Museum. Prices range from $110 for members, $120 non-members; $600 for VIP tickets. For tickets or sponsorship information visit https://thedali.org/event/los-vinos-de-dali-2023/

TAMPA, Fla. – Nov. 3, 2022 — Veteran’s Day is observed annually on November 11th honoring men and women who have served in the U.S. armed forces coinciding with the anniversary of the end of World War I. That does not stop the Tampa Bay Charity from honoring Veterans through their Veterans for Vehicles Program all year long. Veterans who go through the program are referred to the charity through a verified agency and are required to make $100 monthly payments for one year, attend a Car Care Class and complete 36 volunteer hours back to the charity. WOS provides a hand up not a hand out to keep people working and sustain their independence.

“Our Vehicles for Veterans Program was created to help veterans re-enter the workforce after serving our country. The program started with funding through State Farm in 2009 with continuing annual support, making it easier for veterans to keep the jobs they have, get the medical care they need and keep them from sliding into homelessness,’ said Susan Jacobs, Founder and CEO of Wheels of Success.

The Wheels of Success car recipient Brad Houston, U.S. Army veteran, served on active duty from 2008-2011 and completed one tour in Iraq. He was also the awardee of a High Miler Award while in the military. Currently he is working outdoors for Screen Boss re-screening pool cages and needs to have reliable transportation to get to and from work. Houston is grateful to receive his car to make sure he gets to work on time and keeps his job .

“I know what it’s like first-hand to live without a vehicle. Our Tampa area is so spread out and because of that, it’s hard to do the things you need to do. It’s hard to function without a vehicle and the public transportation is not always time-reliable so you have to really budget your time. A car affects your living situation – and I know that from experience not having a home, where a car I used to have was my only shelter and I was living out of it. So getting a place to live and securing reliable transportation is huge for me,” said Houston.

About Wheels of Success:
Wheels of Success is dedicated to providing personal transportation solutions by partnering with the community in a circle of support to keep people working and sustain their independence.

Since June 2003, Wheels of Success has helped more than 1,500 families obtain or continue work by providing them with reliable transportation through a program of car repairs, vehicle replacement, related licensing services, car payments, down payments and car-care classes. For more info visit http://www.wheelsofsuccess.org

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Sept. 1, 2022 — Featured artist, Lance Rodgers will be exhibiting his newest body of work titled: “The Premonition’s Promise” at Woodfield Fine Art Gallery. The opening reception will be held on Friday, September 9 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at 2323 Central Avenue in St Petersburg, Florida. The public is invited.

“This is the must-see art event of the year in St. Petersburg. An exhibition of the latest paintings by nationally renowned artist Lance Rodgers, who just happens to be a St. Pete native,” said Jim Woodfield, owner of Woodfield Fine Art. “Now his amazing new paintings will be on view and available to discerning collectors at our gallery.”

Rodgers is known for creating visual narratives through his use of realism to transport the viewer on a visual journey. Some are introspections, others are larger, worldly observations often laced with humor and symbolism. All are thoughtful in subject, design and execution. The Premonition’s Promise will be an interesting body of work true to Rodgers’ painting style.

“I’m excited to be showing my first exhibit with Woodfield Fine Art. I appreciate the way Jim works with, and for the artists in addition to his customers. He’s what I look for in a gallery director,” said Lance Rodgers, artist. “I’m looking forward to the opening.”

About Woodfield Fine Art Gallery
Located at 2323 Central Avenue in St Petersburg, FL  Woodfield Fine Art Gallery is known for representing and providing a retail outlet for Tampa Bay visual artists since 2015. Gallery owner Jim Woodfield continues his original intent of presenting laudable art works of local artists where art patrons can view and buy original art. As an artist, Woodfield understands the intersection between artist, gallery and clientele. For more information about the gallery visit https://www.WoodfieldFineArt.com

About the Artist, Lance Rodgers
Lance Rodgers is an award winning contemporary artist with a strong emphasis on painting and photography. Since 1980, Rodgers has displayed his art in numerous galleries, museums and collections in the United States and abroad. His work is on permanent display at The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art, The Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art, Arts & Sciences Museum of Ormond Beach, Gulf Coast Museum of Art, the American Embassy in Madrid, Spain as well as numerous private and corporate collections. Rodgers resides and maintains a studio in the Old Southeast Artist Enclave in St. Petersburg, FL. For more information visit https://lancerodgersart.com

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Aug. 16, 2022 — Woodfield Fine Art Gallery presents a panel to dispel some of the mystique around acquiring art by hosting an informal, informative evening at The Poynter Institute on Thursday, August 25th from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Patrons, collectors and artists on the panel will take part in an open discussion about buying, collecting, and commissioning art.

Host:
Jim Woodfield – Owner, Woodfield Fine Art Gallery – Jim is a gallerist, artist, art collector, and patron of the arts. After retiring in 2010 he focused his energies on his art and community of artists. Opening his gallery in 2015 allowed him to fulfill his dream of being immersed in the arts and providing an outlet for local artists to display and sell their work.

Panel Moderator:
Lance Rodgers –  Artist, Photographer – Known for his thought provoking paintings, Rodgers is an award winning contemporary artist with works in permanent collections of The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, The Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art, The Museum Arts & Sciences in Daytona, as well as corporate and private collections.

Forum Panel includes:
Ken Rollins – Collector, Museum Director, Art Consultant – For 30 years Ken Rollins was an art museum director at the Museum of Florida Art, the Polk Museum of Art, the Gulf Coast Museum of Art and finally Interim Director of the Tampa Museum of Art. Currently, he is President of Rollins Fine Art, LLC, an art consulting company.

John Bayalis – Artist – John Bayalis earned a BFA degree in art and MFA degree in painting at the University of Delaware and taught art at levels from elementary school through college. He has been affiliated with fine art galleries throughout the United States including The Leslie Levy Gallery in Scottsdale, AZ and the ACA gallery in New York City.

Margaret Bayalis – Artist – Margaret studied graphic design/illustration at the University of DE. and director of publications at Wesley College in Dover, DE. Her artistic skills were employed as a courtroom artist and freelance illustration work. She has exhibited works in Maine, Rehoboth Beach and Wilmington, DE, including the Delaware Art Museum.

Susanne Byram – Collector, Patron, Restaurateur –  An art collector for years, Susanne has been involved in various art boards and charities in the Houston and Austin areas. She recently commissioned artwork for her restaurant. Susanne will talk about commissioning and working with an artist to make a concept come to life.

Space is limited. RSVP required to thall@doubletakefl..com
The Poynter is located at 801 Third Street S., St Petersburg with free parking.