Art News: ‘Greetings From Tampa Bay,’ Jazz Trio, WWII Statue

Tiffany Razzano
·2 min read

TAMPA BAY, FL — If you’re looking for a creative spark or want to support the local arts, here’s the latest news and events from the Tampa Bay area’s vibrant arts scene.

Tampa Airport Debuts ‘Greetings From Tampa Bay’ Public Art

Tampa International Airport's public art is meant to create a sense of place for passersby, providing a first look at what Tampa Bay has to offer or sending them away with one last memory of their visit. And that's exactly what artist Sheryl Oring has accomplished in her piece, "Greetings from Tampa Bay," located on the Main Terminal transfer level near the walkway to the long-term garage.

Jazz Trio Returns To Music In An Uncertain Pandemic World

The James Suggs Trio went from playing jazz every Sunday for packed crowds to almost seven months of pandemic uncertainty with canceled gigs in 2020 as they wondered, "When will we get to play again?"

Sarasota Should Be Sued Over WWII-Themed Statue: Petition

A Sarasota woman and critic of the "Unconditional Surrender" statue on the bayfront launched a petition seeking a copyright infringement lawsuit against the city. There’s been much debate about the statue among residents in recent years some view it as a celebration of the end of World War II, while others criticize the work as a symbol of a woman groped against her will.

Submissions Open For Manatee Libraries Lit Magazine LGBTQ+ Issue

"805 Lit + Art," a literary magazine published by Manatee Libraries, will publish a special issue to celebrate LGBTQ+ writers and artists. LGBTQ+ creators worldwide can submit their work to "805" by April 18 online here.

WBTT Featured As Part Of Janis Ian’s ‘The Better Times Project’

In April, the day after John Prine died, renowned folk singer – and recent transplant to Sarasota – Janis Ian wrote a new song, "Better Times Will Come," and then posted it online. Ian and her colleagues were all canceling their 2020 shows and she thought that maybe some could generate some revenue and social media buzz by recording homegrown versions of the tune. Nine months later, "The Better Times Project" has been born and nearly 190 versions of the song have been recorded – including an upbeat, gospel-flavored version by Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe.

Hermitage Artist Retreat Upcoming Events

The Hermitage Artist Retreat presents several upcoming arts events:

  • A virtual conversation with Hermitage Fellow Emily Kaczmarek, a bicoastal playwright, screenwriter, librettist and performer, Friday, Jan. 29 at 5 p.m.

  • Writing Under the Banyan Tree with Alex Marzano-Lesnevich at the Hermitage Artist Retreat (6630 Manasota Key Road, Englewood) Wednesday, Feb. 3 at 4 p.m.

  • An evening with Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning playwright David Auburn in person at Hermitage Beach (entrance at 6660 Manasota Key Road in Englewood) and via livestream Friday, Feb. 5 at 5 p.m.

More Arts News And Events From The Region:

Have a story about the arts you want to share with Patch? Email Tiffany.Razzano@Patch.com.

This article originally appeared on the Sarasota Patch