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Artists, Fans Drawn To Festival

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By PAUL CATALA, Tribune correspondent

Published: November 26, 2007

NEW TAMPA - For artist Jeff Whipple, a series of firsts led to another first and an extra $5,000 in his pocket.

In his first formal art fair and venture into New Tampa, Whipple, a Seminole Heights "metaphysical" artist, won best of show honors at the New Tampa Arts Festival.

Held Nov. 17 and 18 on the grounds of the Palm Lake at Tampa Palms office building, the festival drew artists from across the Tampa Bay area - and a few from outside - each hoping to win part of $9,500 in total prize money and expand appreciation of the arts in New Tampa.

"There is not much of an art scene here, and it's good when you can bring art culture to an area. ... but I'd also like to see these people go downtown Tampa and see art, too," said Whipple, whose paintings and sculptures have been featured in more than 60 solo exhibitions in galleries, universities and museums.

Building up the arts and an arts scene has been the basis for the New Tampa Arts Festival since its inception this past year, said Frank Margarella, president of the New Tampa Community Council and art events chairman. He said that goal is being realized, as the festival jumped from 46 artists in 2006 to 75 this year. He estimated that about 3,500 people attended, about 1,000 more than last year.

"This isn't a Taste of New Tampa," he said, referring to the community council's popular annual food festival. "You have to build an event, and we just have to keep getting the word out and it will get better and better."

On Sunday, Lisa Gontarski of New Tampa ventured through the parking lot where artists' works were displayed.

"I think this show is great, especially for this area," she said. "You get to see talent from all around, here in New Tampa. It's really good. I'm quite surprised."

As he circled the grounds to check on artists, Steve Rothfarb, community council liaison with the Tampa arts community, said having the interim director of the Tampa Museum of Art - Ken Rollins - as the show judge gave the event more prestige. He said the $9,500 in total prize money was raised through donations and sponsors.

"For a long time, people have been dying for a permanent cultural event like this in this part of town," he said. "We're trying to present that to this part of the community."

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