Exhibit emphasizes femininity, Latin heritage

The Singing Stone, one of Ybor City's newest art galleries, rarely misses a chance to make art a part of the weekend.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, the gallery will kick off an exhibit by John Gascot.

A native of Puerto Rico, Gascot is committed to supporting and preserving his Latin heritage through his paintings, particularly his "Latin Pop" paintings.

In this series he combines visual, lyrical and musical elements of Latin culture for a striking dynamic.

"The female form dominates a vast majority of his canvases," wrote gallery co-owner Nataly Balk in an e-mail.

"Their bodies are curvaceous and large, but their mass speaks more about strength and presence than physical size. The female constants of his paintings also express his connection to femininity, defying the traditions of "machismo" his heritage dictates."

Meet the artist and see his work during a free opening, which includes refreshments and Latin music.

It's a chance also to see the talents of 30-plus other artists who display in the gallery.

The Singing Stone is at 1903 N. 19{+t}{+h} St. in Ybor City. Call (813) 247-2787 or visit www.singingstoneonline.com for details.

Ybor Art Association Changes Events

Take note: Saturday will be the last day of the Ybor ArtWalk. It will take place from noon to 6 p.m.

Hosted by the Ybor Art Association, the self-guided walking tour of Ybor's galleries, museums and restaurants, which has been held on the first Saturday of the month for more than two years, will be no more.

Its purpose was to provide counterbalance to the nighttime bar scene by emphasizing the many daytime activities to be found in Ybor. Though many venues participated, the event suffered from lack of attendance.

"Actually we've kind of wound it down these last couple of months," said Walter Romeo, co-founder and treasurer of the art association. "We've come up with another event."

It is an event centered on the Ybor Art Colony, emphasizing the dozen artists who rent studio space at 1521½ Seventh Avenue above the Corona Café.

Held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the second Saturday of every month, it is free and open to the public. The next one will be Dec. 11.

"It's really taken off," Romeo said. "We've had good crowds. It's totally free. Donations are requested for beer and wine, and that money all goes to the Ybor Art Association."

For more information, visit www.yborartassociation.com.

ehammer@tampatrib.com