Creative Tampa Bay’s 10/100/1000 challenge finalist the Cuban Sandwich Show is a month-long series of cultural events about Tampa running June 1 – 30. All of the art in the program is exclusively about Tampa and/or Cuban sandwiches, with the motto: All Art – All Tampa – No Mayo. The Artists and Writers Group hopes to evolve the event into a cultural highlight of the summer in Tampa Bay.
The inspiration for the show came from a popular annual arts exhibition conceived by Gordon and Denise Mhyre that originated in Ybor City in 1991 and continued in Seminole Heights. This year’s show, an expanded version of the original event, will mark the twentieth year anniversary of the concept.
The group is looking for a break from traditional art, with an emphasis on whimsical, satirical, silly, fun, wacky and especially new and fresh perspectives. Folks are encouraged to “make something” about Tampa. They welcome all types of artists from all genres – from paintings to dance. Artists can live anywhere, although most are from the Tampa Bay area. Remaining light-hearted, the motto is meant to both celebrate as well as gently mark Tampa’s history and the group itself. They’re also hoping the project will challenge other communities to determine what defines them.
When asked about next steps, David Audet, the group’s president responded with “work our butts off!” The show is running nowthrough July 8 with events taking place every week. You can support the project by contributing as an artist, attending an event and spreading the word.
Current participants are (subject to change): Arts Council of Hillsborough County Advisory Committee, Bamboozle Café, Blue Bird Books, Café Hey, Community Stepping Stones, Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, Gram’s Place, Grown Man Brand Studios, Hillsborough Community College-Ybor Art Gallery, Tampa Regional Artists at Old Hyde Park Art Center, King Corona Cigar Cafe, La France, MacDonald Training Center, Michelle Faedo’s On the Go, New World Brewery, The Pyramid, Silver Meteor Gallery, Tre Amici at the Bunker, Ybor Art Association, Ybor City Saturday Market, among others to be announced.
More information
Event schedule
by: Megan Hendricks
BUZZ editor, Creative Tampa Bay
Source: David Audet
President, Artists Writers Group
Also published in Creative Tampa Bay’s Buzz, June 8, 2011