Spotlight Spain

Art Wednesday, October 10

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month and its newly renovated and expanded space, the HCC-Ybor Art Gallery unveils a new international exhibit. En Español is made up of original works by two artists from Oviedo, Spain, one of Tampa's "sister cities." The handmade paper and mixed-media paintings of Consuelo Vallina — a teacher at the Atelier Aperto of Venice — have been described as "lyrical abstraction" by Curator Carolyn Kossar, their strong, clean colors inspired as much by Vallina's experiences as her exposure to a variety of other cultures, environments, art and craftsmanship. Illustrator and graphic designer Ester Sanchez is the founder of Pintar-Pintar, a graphic design and publishing company that promotes artistic expression for children. She also designs and illustrates fictional books, and educational books and games; En Español features selected illustrations from five of Sanchez's books. The works are on display through Nov. 3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon. and Wed.-Fri., noon-8 p.m. Tues., Performing Arts Building, Palm Avenue and 15th Street, Ybor City, free admission,

813-253-7674.