Mark Switzer performing at the Ukombozi and Facing the Music reception on Jan. 23, 2025. Credit: Photo via hccfl_arts/Flickr

It’s always cool, figuratively and literally, in college art galleries, and Hillsborough Community College’s back-to-school auction has really spread its wings.

In its third year, the “Silent Hawktion” continues to give the community a chance to immerse themselves in Gallery114 (where the “In Case of Flood” exhibition is up), bid on one-of-a-kind pieces from Tampa artists (lowest bid is $25), and mingle with other art-loving locals (mocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served).

Students get a free print, and the rest of us get to experience the magic of HCC (pictured is Mark Switzer performing at the Ukombozi and Facing the Music Reception last April).

There’s no cover for the third annual “Silent Hawktion” happening inside Gallery114@HCC in Ybor City on Thursday, Aug. 21. Readers are invited to submit their own events to Creative Loafing Tampa Bay’s things to do calendar.

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This article appears in Aug 14-20, 2025.