The inaugural Medici Award has been rescheduled to 2009.

The award will honor Margaret Word Burnside and Aaron Fodiman, John and Mary K. Wilson, and Judith Lisi in recognition of their past and ongoing contributions to the cultural arts of Tampa Bay. 

Best of the Bay 2008: Brandon Dunlap

Creative Loafing's Best of the Bay

The winners come in two varieties: those selected in the Readers’ Poll, and those chosen by writers and editors. Readers voted online in record numbers this year.

critics' pick

BEST IN WEARABLE ART: (tie) Brandon Dunlap & Ivanka Ska, Frank Strunk III

Over the past few years, the Bay area has seen an abundance of artsy fashion shows -- particularly those that blend music with visual art exhibits and apparel, and those proudly proclaiming a do-it-yourself or recycled aesthetic.  The Ybor-based Dirty But Sophisticated show, the fourth installment, featured an even bigger runway set up in a space that could accommodate upwards of 800 people; before and after parties at the DFAC; live music by Bradenton band Have Gun, Will Travel; drag queen Natasha as emcee; and nine talented artist-designers exhibited their outrageous creations. Making a significant appearance this year was artist Brandon Dunlap and designer Ivanka Ska. Her dresses paired with his distinctive, multi-layered silkscreens? The perfect match, and the 2008 Best in Wearable Art. 

Creative Loafing's Best of the Bay 2008

Enspirati Artist Brandon Dunlap Featured in Tampa Tribune

Featured in the June 20, 2008 Friday Extra “Art Smart” of the Tampa Tribune, Brandon Dunlap is one of several local artists receiving recognition as a “heads-up” artist in the Tampa area.  Sarah Hoye focused on the importance of buying from local artists in her center spread “Buy Local”. In order to keep the strong art community alive “those in the know” gave tips on how, you can support art in Tampa.

Brandon Dunlap’s art can be found on his website and can be purchased through G.A.M.E. in the Bravada Art Gallery.

You can see more of his work in person by visiting the Front and Centre II Exhibit at the Centre Club Tampa.

Non-members feel free to drop by between 4:00 and 5:30 pm Wednesday thru Friday.

One Urban Centre, Tampa, FL 33609  |  p: 813.286.4040

G.A.M.E.’s First Exhibit Raises Thousands of Dollars for Mayor’s Arts Education Fund
Proceeds from “A Tapestry for Life” display at Tampa International Airport surpassed expectations

(January 24, 2008 – Tampa, FL) Global Arts Movement for Education, an innovative non-profit organization dedicated to funding arts scholarships and providing resources for emerging artists, generated thousands of dollars in proceeds to benefit Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio’s Arts Education Fund.  “A Tapestry of Life through Art”, G.A.M.E.’s inaugural exhibit comprised of artwork by three diverse local artists, displayed at Tampa International Airport from July 2007 through January 2008. 

In such a brief period of time, stunning masterpieces by Chinese artist Ping Chen, Peruvian artist Patty Filomeno Hunter and American artist Anne Kavanagh generated a buzz that led to over a quarter of the paintings being sold to art enthusiasts, visitors and guests of T.I.A.  Additionally, The Unsinkable Molly Brown Foundation, Inc. matched $1 for every dollar raised on behalf of G.A.M.E., doubling the total contributed in educational funds for Hillsborough County schools.

The success of “A Tapestry of Life” put G.A.M.E. on the map; the world of business and art is already taking notice.    G.A.M.E. has many exciting initiatives in the works for the upcoming year.  G.A.M.E.’s current “Front and Centre” exhibit, on display at the Centre Club, will benefit the funding of scholarships for the Self Employment in the Arts Conference at the University of Tampa.

Leonard David Stone appointed Chairman of the Board for G.A.M.E.

Mr. Stone’s decades of experience managing orchestras will elevate the foundation to a whole new level.

Global Arts Movement for Education is proud to welcome Leonard David Stone as its Chairman of the Board.  A seasoned veteran with over forty years of experience managing world renowned orchestras, Mr. Stone’s expertise will take the G.A.M.E. to new heights.   

Click here to read more about Leonard D. Stone

Self-Employment in the Arts Conference:
Teaching Artists the Business Aspects of Art

This all-day conference will educate artists on how to turn their passion into a living – from survival to success.

Emerging artists from all over the Southeastern U.S. are gathering at The University of Tampa on April 12th, 2008, to attend the 2nd annual Self- Employment in the Arts conference. This event will feature professionals dedicated to educating artists on the tools necessary to ensure their survival in the business world of art, including marketing, intellectual property, representation and finance matters.

Emerging artists are encouraged to attend. Register at www.seaconf.com