Much has been made of the recent Ybor City influx of architecture and engineering firms, multimedia producers and even new residents. The question on everyone's mind: Will a creative industries boom help the historic district shed its reputation as a raucous nightclub quarter and grow into a diverse, livable community? The Ybor Art Association wants to do its part. This week, the group launches its inaugural First Saturday Art Walk, a self-guided tour of local art galleries, artists' studios, alternative performance spaces, museums and workshops. "We would like to create a sustainable environment for the artists and galleries here," says Brad Cooper, longtime gallery owner and one of the event's masterminds. Pick up a map from Cooper's gallery and stop by the Ybor Art Studio, Cigar Theater, Hoffman Porges Gallery, the Ybor City Museum and the newly formed Romeo Gallery, among others. Individual artists whose studios will be open to public include Theo Wujcik, Noah Deledda, David Rothman and Greg Latch. First Saturday Art Walk in Historic Ybor City, Sat., June 7, noon-6 p.m., various venues. For more information, call Brad Cooper Gallery at 813-248-6098.
This article appears in Jun 4-10, 2008.