110 Artists Gather at Tampa Art Fair

The Tampa Art Fair wrapped up on Oct. 18 with 110 artists exhibiting at the city convention center. The three day event ran from Oct. 16 to 18 and showcased a wide range of visual styles. Among the participants were four Hispanic artists who presented work rooted in their specific cultural backgrounds and current lives in Florida.

Andrea Tansi, a Venezuelan digital illustrator, displayed work that contrasts with the traditional canvas paintings dominant at the fair. She presented “Mila de Viaje,” a children’s book published after four years of development. The story follows a character named Mila through the United Kingdom and Italy. Tansi said she wants to show children they can explore the world without needing words. Her illustrations also feature local Tampa landmarks such as the Ybor City streetcar and the Tampa Theatre, blending her Venezuelan heritage with her present residence in the University of Tampa area.

Jerry Rodríguez, an artist of Dominican descent born in the Bronx, New York, reimagined the traditional faceless doll in his paintings. He explained that removing defined facial features allows the figures to represent universal human experiences rather than specific identities. Rodríguez moved to Tampa after his parents retired in the city. He stated that his goal is to capture the stories people carry within them, using the doll motif to emphasize equality despite different origins.

Jonathan Menéndez, a Cuban artist specializing in representational realism, was invited by an organizer he knew through his work as a tattoo artist. He described the fair as a long sought after opportunity for local talent. Menéndez noted that while other cities like Miami and New York offer similar venues, Tampa lacked a comparable platform for artists to display and sell their work. He used the interview to urge the local community to take pride in its Hispanic heritage and continue supporting these artistic spaces.

Giovanni Rodríguez, another Cuban artist in Tampa, presented a diverse collection of portraits including Dolly Parton, Jesus Christ, and Celia Cruz. He joined the fair through a network of artist friendships. Rodríguez emphasized that passion must be paired with hard work and focus. He advised fellow creators to never stop pursuing the passions that drive their lives, viewing consistent effort as the path to fulfilling dreams in the art world.