Category: News

TAMPA, Fla. (July 9, 2024) — The Tampa Museum of Art today announced Cornelia Corbett has been named chair of its ambitious Centennial Capital Campaign. Corbett steps into the leadership role following the recent passing of the campaign’s former chairman, A. G. “Jerry” Divers, who died after a brief illness in mid-May.

Corbett has been a steadfast supporter of the museum for over a quarter of a century. She has previously served as chair of the museum’s Board of Trustees and is a current member of the Tampa Museum Foundation Board. Her deep involvement in the ongoing Centennial Campaign as a member of the Centennial Campaign Cabinet positions her well to steer the campaign toward its transformative goals.

Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Corbett remarked, “Jerry Divers spent decades as a champion of the Tampa Museum of Art, and I have been honored to work with him on not one but two capital campaigns over the past two decades to ensure that Tampa has a world-class art museum.”

“Jerry never missed an opportunity to share his excitement and enthusiasm about what the museum could accomplish with the bold expansion of the facilities this capital campaign will underwrite.” The Centennial Campaign will allow the museum facilities to grow from 69,000 square feet to 120,000 square feet and to expand the exhibition and collection spaces from 14,800 square feet to 43,000 square feet. Once the expansion is complete, the new facilities will allow the Museum to serve 24,000 Hillsborough County school students annually.

Corbett’s vision for the future is clear: “I am honored and humbled to take on this role and to continue working with the Tampa Museum Foundation Board and the Museum Board of Trustees to accomplish the mission that Jerry Divers’ dedicated leadership has provided since the campaign was launched in 2019.”

Michael Tomor, Ph.D., the Penny and Jeff Vinik Executive Director of the Tampa Museum of Art, expressed his confidence in Corbett’s leadership: “Cornie Corbett is a deeply committed, no-nonsense advocate of the missions she undertakes. By becoming the leader of the Centennial Capital Campaign at this crucial time, the museum is confident that her perseverance will ensure that Jerry Divers’ vision of a stunning expansion will be achieved at the Tampa Museum of Art.”

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TAMPA, FL — We are thrilled to share that Tampa Museum of Art Board Member, Ron Christaldi, has been selected as the Chair of the Leadership Florida Board of Directors for the 2024-2025 term. A distinguished business lawyer and community leader, Ron’s new role with Leadership Florida is a testament to his deep commitment to fostering leadership and progress across the state.

As Vice-Chair of the Tampa Museum of Art’s Governing Board of Trustees, Ron’s dedication to leadership extends into the arts, enriching our community’s cultural and developmental initiatives. His extensive experience and strategic insight will greatly benefit Leadership Florida’s mission to cultivate leadership throughout the state, which aligns with our goals at the museum of driving community engagement and growth.

We are excited about the possibilities this appointment holds for strengthening leadership within Florida. The museum family looks forward to supporting Ron in his new role and continuing our collaborative efforts to make a positive impact.

For more details, visit Shumaker.com to read the full press release.

Dear Museum Supporters and Friends,  

It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of A. G. “Jerry” Divers, a steadfast champion of our Tampa Museum of Art. Jerry’s unwavering dedication and visionary leadership have left an indelible mark on this Museum, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of working alongside him.  

As we mourn Jerry’s passing, we also reflect on his legacy and the profound impact he has made on our Museum community.  Jerry’s involvement with the Tampa Museum of Art over a 40-year stretch has been characterized by a remarkable dedication to growth and his ability to unite visionaries from our community to shape Tampa Bay’s cultural future.   

Jerry exemplified excellence in every role he undertook, serving as Tampa Museum of Art Board Chair from 1990–1992 and Campaign Committee Chair from 2003–2006; then again for the Centennial Campaign from 2018–2024. Until his passing, Jerry held prominent positions as Tampa Museum of Art Foundation Board President and a member of the Board of Trustees and its Executive Committee, as well as a seat on the Foundation’s Legacy and Investment Committees. His leadership has been pivotal in guiding the Tampa Museum of Art Centennial Campaign Cabinet, overseeing the transformative project resulting in our newly renovated campus and our upcoming 51,000 square foot, $100+ million expansion, for which he was one of our greatest champions. We are so thankful we were able to honor him at our most recent Pavilion gala. 

Jerry played a vital role in the Tampa Museum of Art’s development for more than four decades, and it is difficult to imagine our Museum’s life without him. His vision and advocacy for the Museum will be remembered forever. 

We extend our gratitude to the Divers family for sharing Jerry with us all these years, and we express our sincerest condolences to them.  

With heartfelt thanks and respect for a true luminary in our Tampa Museum of Art family,   

Michael A. Tomor  

Penny and Jeff Vinik Executive Director, Tampa Museum of Art  

A new exhibit, which opened on April 18, features 85 artworks from the Tampa Museum of Art’s permanent antiquities collection, adding to the over 500 objects already on view. Thanks to additional gallery spaces added during the Museum’s Centennial Renovation 2023, this is the largest proportion of the Museum’s permanent collection of ancient Greek and Roman antiquities ever on display at one time.

Joseph Veach Noble: Through the Eye of a Collector displays artworks the Tampa Museum of Art acquired from the eminent collection of Joseph Veach Noble for the first time since 1986. Mr. Noble was an administrator at the Metropolitan Museum and later director of the Museum of the City of New York, who amassed perhaps the largest private collection of ancient Greek and Italian ceramic vases.

“The breadth of themes, styles, forms, and techniques within the Noble collection of Greek and Italian vases is of international renown. Upon completing our Centennial Renovation project last year, we knew we had to seize the first opportunity to spotlight this collection more fully,” said Michael Tomor, Ph.D., the Penny and Jeff Vinik Executive Director of the Tampa Museum of Art. “For the first time, our expanded galleries allow us to collectively illuminate important aspects of the Noble collection, including ancient Athenian myth and religion, warfare and athletics, wine culture and cosmetics, daily life and entertainment.”

The Tampa Museum of Art’s 1986 acquisition from Noble’s collection became the cornerstone of its burgeoning permanent collection of antiquities that has since grown to about  875 objects (and counting). The Centennial Renovation provided for enhanced gallery spaces, allowing the museum to feature exhibitions such as the Noble collection. The renovation project also expanded the gallery space for multimedia projections and more kinetic exhibitions. In addition, the renovations added state-of-the-art storage for enhanced maintenance operations. The Centennial Renovation project also included the following transformations:

• The education department expanded from 1,400 square feet to the 8,000-square-foot Vinik Family Education Center, with its own entrances and exits so programs can take place outside regular exhibition gallery hours. The Vinik Family Education Center also features new, expanded student exhibition spaces.
• Areas previously occupied by administrative and curatorial storage functions were renovated to include lecture rooms, classrooms, and artist workspaces.
• A new Docent Lounge allows volunteers and staff to meet in a designated area to plan programs and receive instruction about exhibitions and the permanent collection from staff. 

Fundraising continues for the next phase of the Centennial Campaign, a 51,000 sq. ft. expansion of the museum’s footprint, creating an interconnected series of multi-functional spaces that will more than triple the current 7,200 sq. ft. of event space. A new 150-seat, raked-floor auditorium, an art lounge, a large event space with digital exhibition opportunities, and a rooftop sculpture terrace will provide flexible settings for a wide range of art and cultural programming. An additional 72,000 sq. ft. surrounding site redevelopment that includes outdoor dining and sculpture areas will bring life and art to the redeveloped public spaces along Curtis Hixon Park and the Tampa Riverwalk. This phase of the comprehensive and expansive master plan will create a more vibrant space for art and our community. Support of this project will connect the community, inspire individuals, and contribute to the economic health of the Tampa Bay region.

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The highly anticipated Skyway 2024: A Contemporary Collaboration exhibition is set to be showcased at five leading art institutions across the Tampa Bay area this year. The museums participating in this triennial exhibition—the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg; The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art; Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design; the Tampa Museum of Art; and the University of South Florida Contemporary Art Museum—are proud to announce their joint effort in presenting this groundbreaking showcase.

Skyway 2024 embodies the theme of boundless exploration and unity, reflecting the limitless potential of artistic expression in the region. This collaborative effort will feature a diverse array of contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, installations, and multimedia presentations by 63 artists and art collectives living and working in the Tampa Bay area.

Exhibition Dates and Artists

Each museum will host a distinct grouping of Tampa Bay area artists and art collectives in Skyway 2024, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to embark on a comprehensive journey through the vibrant contemporary art landscape of the Tampa Bay region.

On view at The Ringling from May 25 through January 26, 2025: Caitlin Albritton, Ainaz Alipour, Mohsen Azar, Saumitra Chandratreya, Elisabeth Condon, Robyn “Avalon” Crosa, Rachel de Cuba, Jake Fernandez, Akiko Kotani, Carol Mickett and Robert Stackhouse, Libbi Ponce, Michael Vasquez, and Joo Woo.

On view at the MFA St. Petersburg from July 13 through November 3, 2024: Will Douglas, Kendra Frorup, Emily Martinez, Cynthia Mason, Carola Miles, Anat Pollack, and Emiliano Settecasi.

On view at the USF Contemporary Art Museum from July 19 through November 23, 2024: Elisabeth Condon, Keith Crowley, John Gurbacs, Karen Tucker Kuykendall, Caui Lofgren, Bruce Marsh, Eric Ondina, Sebastian Ore Blas, Andres Ramirez, Bradford Robotham, Erin Titus, and Susanna Wallin.

On view at Sarasota Art Museum from July 28 through October 27, 2024: Kim Anderson, Ryan Day, Sue Havens, Dominique Labauvie, Tatiana Mesa Paján, Samantha Modder, Roger Clay Palmer, Herion Park, Gabriel Ramos, Eszter Sziksz, Jill Taffet, Rob Tarbell, Kirk Ke Wang, Willow Wells, and Corinne Zepeda.

On view at the Tampa Museum of Art from August 28 through January 5, 2025: Marc Brechwald, Samo Davis, Aesopbookofrot (Danielle Dragani), Joe Fig, Adrian Gomez, JD Hardy, Sami Harthoorn, Cort Hartle, Latonya Hicks, Dallas Jackson, Aimee Jones, Candace Knapp, David Mack, David McCauley, Marina Shalthout, David Sibbitt, Yajaira Urzua-Reyes, and Corinne Zepeda.

Collaborative Curation and Community Engagement

The selection of artworks for Skyway 2024 was a collaborative endeavor, with curatorial teams from each museum working together to showcase the region’s dynamic and varied artistic talents. Museum curators reviewed over 300 submissions in response to an open call to artists from Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties. This initiative highlights local artists’ creativity and strengthens the community’s connection to contemporary art. The curators working together for this third iteration of Skyway include the following:

• Evan Garza, Guest Juror for Skyway 2024 and Independent Curator
• Christopher Jones, the Stanton B. and Nancy W. Kaplan Curator of Photography and Media Art, The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
• Katherine Pill, Senior Curator of Contemporary Art, Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
• Joanna Robotham, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, Tampa Museum of Art
• Christian Viveros-Fauné, Curator-at-Large, USF Contemporary Art Museum
• Ola Wlusek, the Keith D. Monda Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
• Rangsook Yoon, Ph.D., Senior Curator, Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design

Anticipated Impact and Legacy

Skyway 2024: A Contemporary Collaboration is more than an exhibition; it is a celebration of artistic innovation and a testament to the collaborative spirit of the Tampa Bay art community. This project promises to leave a lasting impact on the region by shining a spotlight on the artistic voices of the central gulf-coast Florida region, inspiring future generations of artists and art enthusiasts alike.

A full-color catalog will accompany the exhibition. It will include curatorial essays and information about each artist and their work.

This exhibition is supported by the Gobioff Foundation and the Stanton Storer Embrace the Arts Foundation.

For more information, visit the official Skyway 2024 website at skywaytampabay.com

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The Tampa Museum of Art is delighted to announce the opening of Embellish Me: Works from the Collection of Norma Canelas Roth and William Roth, an exquisite showcase of vivid canvases, intricate embroidery, and opulent gold foil and mosaics. Running from February 17 through July 28, 2024, this exhibition is a celebration of sumptuous artistry and a tribute to the late Norma Canelas Roth, a fervent advocate for underrepresented art.

Embellish Me explores the journey from pattern painting to elaborate fiber works, capturing the spirit of artists who indulge in the extravagant and defy conventional restraint. It’s a testament to the influence of feminism in art, with many pieces elevating techniques and color palettes traditionally linked to women artists.

Curated in memory of Norma Canelas Roth, the exhibition draws from her and William Roth’s extensive collection, highlighting pieces associated with the Pattern and Decoration movement. This impressive collection reflects Norma Canelas Roth’s enduring passion for art, Puerto Rican heritage, and Florida roots.

Visitors to the Tampa Museum of Art will be treated to works from celebrated artists such as Rudy Autio, Lynda Benglis, and Miriam Schapiro, among others. This diverse group of artists represents the breadth and depth of the Roths’ collection and their commitment to showcasing a variety of artistic expressions.

“Embellish Me” is not just an exhibition; it is a vibrant legacy of Norma Canelas Roth’s life and her unyielding dedication to collecting impactful art. The Tampa Museum of Art is proud to partner with the Patricia & Philip Frost Art Museum at FIU to bring this significant collection to the public.

Join us at the Tampa Museum of Art to experience the lavish world of “Embellish Me” and celebrate the artistic contributions of Norma Canelas Roth and the many talented artists featured in this unique exhibition.

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TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa Bay’s premier event venue management group, SEAM Hospitality, is excited to announce its newest collaboration with the iconic Tampa Museum of Art. This partnership showcases SEAM’s dedication to curating a diverse portfolio of premier event spaces throughout the Tampa Bay area.

SEAM Hospitality, an Event Venue Management Group specializing in venue management, emerged as a natural progression from the rapid success of Armature Works’ private events program. Recognizing the valuable insights gained from orchestrating hundreds of private events, a unique opportunity was identified to extend this expertise to benefit other venues’ operations. With 30+ years of collective experience and over 5,000 successful events executed, SEAM Hospitality offers guests convenience and expertise, while providing venues with increased bookings and operational efficiencies. Over the past year and a half, they have expanded into managing distinctive event spaces such as Station House, Hyde House Public Studio, Barefoot Beach Club, and now the renowned Tampa Museum of Art.

Nestled in downtown Tampa beside Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, the Tampa Museum of Art is not only a beacon of cultural pride for the region but also one of the few waterfront event venues in Tampa. These attributes firmly establish it as an exclusive and highly coveted event space. With its rich cultural heritage and capacity to offer a breathtaking setting for private events, the Tampa Museum of Art offers an unparalleled setting for occasions that require a touch of artistry and elegance.

“As a Tampa native, the opportunity to develop the partnership between the Tampa Museum of Art and SEAM holds a deeply personal significance,” says Ashley McChesney, Managing Partner of SEAM Hospitality. “The venue’s uniqueness and beauty are truly unmatched in Tampa. While the current team has already produced remarkable private events, my team and I envision even greater potential ahead. We’re excited for this new collaboration to take their private event program to the next level.”

“Partnering with SEAM Hospitality is a strategic and exciting move for the Tampa Museum of Art. SEAM’s exceptional track record in event management aligns perfectly with TMA’s vision for providing unparalleled experiences within our space. Together, we aim to celebrate the Museum’s cultural heritage and unique ambiance, ensuring that each event held here is not just an occasion but a work of art in its own right,” said Michael Tomor, the Penny and Jeff Vinik Executive Director of the Tampa Museum of Art.                                                                                                                

Incorporating the Tampa Museum of Art into their diverse collection of event venues, SEAM Hospitality continues to underscore their commitment to expanding unique local event spaces across the greater Tampa Bay area. This partnership announcement solidifies their reputation as a leading Event Venue Management Group.

About SEAM Hospitality

SEAM Hospitality is an Event Venue Management Group founded in 2020, specializing in venue management for existing venues or for those looking to expand into the event venue space. SEAM Hospitality brings over 30 years of collective experience, and has successfully planned, produced and executed over 5,000 events throughout Florida. To date, SEAM hospitality currently manages six event venue spaces throughout the Tampa Bay area. Additional information can be found at https://www.seamhospitality.com/.

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Revolutionary Impressionist Works From the Worcester Art Museum’s Collection Make Their Southern Debut in the First Leg of an International Tour.

TAMPA, FL – The Tampa Museum of Art is thrilled to host Frontiers of Impressionism: Paintings from the Worcester Art Museum from September 28, 2023, to January 7, 2024. This breathtaking exhibition, which paints a vivid picture of the global expansion and influence of Impressionism, showcases 53 works by renowned artists—including Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissarro, Mary Cassatt, and more. Unique to the Tampa Museum of Art’s showing, many of these pieces will be displayed for the first time outside of the Worcester Art Museum in Massachusetts, offering visitors a fresh look at historic works.

“Presenting these impressionist masterpieces is a testament to art’s enduring ability to challenge and redefine conventions. Their significance transcends aesthetic appeal, offering Tampa Bay audiences a crucial education on how art breaks from tradition,” said Michael Tomor, the Penny and Jeff Vinik Executive Director of the Tampa Museum of Art. Tomor also noted, “Thanks to our recent gallery renovations, we are positioned better than ever to introduce larger-scale exhibitions, such as Frontiers of Impressionism, which enrich educational experiences for our community.”

Showcasing over 30 artists, the exhibition not only traces the roots of Impressionism in 19th-century France but also its expansion to Europe, the United States, and beyond. Visitors can immerse themselves in the groundbreaking artistic techniques, including the penchant for en plein air (outdoor) painting and the distinct brushwork that characterized the movement. A section of the exhibition takes a special look at the unique American rendition of Impressionism, from its manifestation in landscapes of the American West to its presence in New England. Frontiers of Impressionism offers a panoramic view of a movement that forever changed the world of art.

Thanks to the generosity of the presenting sponsor, Ferman Automotive Group, sustainer sponsor, the David A. Straz, Jr. Foundation, and community sponsors Dr. Robert and Susan Isbell, this exhibition promises an unmatched artistic experience for all attendees.

To delve deeper into the artworks, the Tampa Museum of Art will offer related programming, including docent-led tours and special events throughout the duration of the exhibition. For a full list of events and additional details, please visit TampaMuseum.org.

Frontiers of Impressionism is curated by Claire C. Whitner, the Worcester Art Museum’s Director of Curatorial Affairs and the James A. Welu Curator of European Art and Erin Corrales-Diaz, WAM’s former Assistant Curator of American Art. TMA’s presentation of Frontiers of Impressionism is coordinated by Joanna Robotham, Curator of Modern and Art. Following the exhibition’s Tampa Museum of Art dates, it will go on to the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum (January 26–April 7, 2024), followed by additional locations in Japan through the end of 2024.

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Tampa, FL – The Tampa Museum of Art was fortunate to be spared some of the worst effects of Hurricane Idalia’s landfall in Florida. Unfortunately, other communities across the state were not so lucky. Our hearts go out to the individuals and communities who were impacted by the worst of the storm.

The Tampa Museum of Art will reopen and resume regular hours beginning Thursday, August 31, at 10 am. We invite anyone who lost power in Tampa Bay to find some tranquility in our exhibition galleries and use our free Wi-Fi or recharge cell phones in the Museum’s Vinik Family Education Center.

The museum thanks the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County teams that kept our community safe during this storm. Please continue following official communications from the City of Tampa or your local government regarding hurricane recovery efforts and the restoration of services and infrastructure.

• https://www.tampa.gov/emergency-management/hurricane-information
• https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/residents/stay-safe/storm
• https://pinellas.gov/emergency-information
• https://www.stpete.org/residents/public_safety/hurricane_center.php

General Hours and Information

For tickets and information, visit TampaMuseum.org or call (813) 274-8130. Located at 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza. Tampa, FL 33602, the Tampa Museum of Art is open seven days a week, Monday – Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm, and Thursdays from 10 am – 8 pm.  

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