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New Exhibit Ponders The Part-Time Artist

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By STEPHEN HAMMILL

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 4, 2008

WESTCHASE - The Westchase Artists Society is ready for its biggest show yet, one that explores art made by those busy with families and careers - in other words, real life.

"Art at the Speed of Life" opens Friday at the Jacey Gallery, 4802 Gunn Highway, Suite 114, and will feature work from members of the society comprising 30 upper Tampa Bay residents.

Explaining the show's title, Teresa Trubilla, secretary with the Westchase Artists Society, said, "The theme reflects the challenges and choices of the society's members. For the majority of them, this is a passion they pursue in addition to their jobs. The need to still create is so strong, despite being up with a baby or going out of town on business."

Ten members are scheduled to display two or three pieces each at the exhibit, which runs through July 28. Trubilla will be among them. Her photographs, including a shot of Westchase Golf Course at dawn, will be on display.

This is a first-time partnership for the Westchase Artists Society and the Jacey Gallery, which opened last year. About half the gallery's space will be devoted to the exhibit of paintings, photographs, ceramic works and digital models, Trubilla said.

Vanessa Montenegro and Leah Mondino founded the Westchase Artists Society in 2006 after a chance meeting.

Its members meet at the Westchase Swim and Tennis Center once a month to provide art education, promote activities and create opportunities for members to gather and share their work. Membership is open to all skill levels for a $25 annual fee.

At its most recent get-together, Tampa sculptor Joseph Rotella offered techniques and advice to the group.

"Art at the Speed of Life" is the society's fourth show and the first hosted away from the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Library.

The opening reception takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday. Most of the artists showing works will be in attendance, Trubilla said.

The group plans to hold exhibits in the coming year in different locations throughout the area, Montenegro said.

For information, go to www.westchaseartists.com or contact the Jacey Gallery at (813) 960-5400.

Reporter Stephen Hammill can be reached at (813) 865-1523 or shammill@tampatrib.com.

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