You know you're an arts patron of a certain age when you see icons of your youth co-opted in exhibitions. Love it or hate it, the brave new world of subject matter represents yet another milestone that 30- and 40-somethings now face, reminders that we are indeed middle-aged now. On the upside, it's nice to see art combined with punk rock T's, mixtapes, Star Wars, skateboards — all represented at three art shows this weekend.
I Still Have a Bad Feeling About This ...
When: Fri., Dec. 9, 7-10 p.m.
Where: West Tampa Center for the Arts
Price: Free (donations accepted)
Click here for Facebook event page
Remember when Star Wars wasn’t cool? Me neither. A while back, in a galaxy just up the street, artists Deon Blackwell, Adam Kitzerow, and Vincent Kral unleashed their previous Star Wars-themed exhibition entitled I Have a Very Bad Feeling About This ..., but what is a Star Wars-themed anything without a sequel? Oh yeah, they’ve struck back, but this time artists Robb Fladry and James Reiman have joined the Force. Sincere to sarcastic interpretations of that which sprang from George Lucas will be explored in a variety of media along with live Jedi vs. Sith performances, limited edition giveaways, door prizes, and a costume contest. Yep! You know you’ve been looking for a non-Halloween excuse to dust off that metal bikini or Stormtrooper wear! There will be appetizers and a donation bar as well as tunes by Nikki d’Kat. The show can be seen in the Gallery 209 (second floor) of the West Tampa Center for the Arts, 1906 Armenia Ave. (Text by Nastasya Trudeaux) wtca.org
Mixtapes and Tees
When: Fri., Dec. 9, 7-10 p.m.
Where: Tempus Projects Price: Free (donations accepted)
When it comes to Mixtape and Tees, Tempus Projects taps into our nostalgic sweet spot. Both items express a home-spun, individual aesthetic, transcending the utilitarian to become uniquely biographical. Tempus’ first ever exhibition of illustrated playlists offer “a wistful affection for the past and a current edge.” In the show, selected artists and mixtape enthusiasts share their illustrated playlists and favorite tracks on themed cassettes. All will be available for listening on headphones via vintage Walkmen and boom boxes. Featured artists were selected by jurors Megan Voeller, Visual Art Critic for Creative Loafing, and Joran Slane Oppelt, Marketing & Promotions Director for Creative Loafing, with Tracy Midulla Reller, curator of Tempus Projects. They include Hildebrando Bellizzio, Neil Bender, Joe Griffith, Allen Hampton, Ryann Slauson, Brian Taylor and more. All original illustrated playlists are available for purchase. For Tempus’ 3rd T-shirt show, selected one-color designs will be on display as printed tees will be made to order at time of purchase ($17). Featured artists were selected by guest juror Kurt Piazza. Artists include Neil Bender, David Diaz, Scott Draft, Matt Normand and more. The BlueBird Books Bus rolls up to the reception as DJ Brian Oblivion spins and Austin England exhibits in the courtyard. Light refreshments served while they last. Tempus Projects is at 5132 N. Florida Ave., Tampa. tempus-projects.com.
untitled by Dan Lasata
Kahwa Coffee South
Opening reception: Dec. 10, 7-9 p.m.
Price: Free admission.
Skateboard artist/Best of the Bay winner for Best Breakout Visual Artist premieres his solo untitled show, offering more twists on his unique use of color and figurative distortions. On display will be a combination of media that includes painting on wood, skateboards and found objects. Lasata says he tinkered with a lot of experimentation, so the work may be a little different than what he’s produced in the past. 204 Second Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 727-821-1942.
