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Westchase Artists Branch Out

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By STEPHEN HAMMILL

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 18, 2008

CARROLLWOOD - The Westchase Artists Society kicked off its first gallery show recently, as about 60 turned out for the opening of "Art at the Speed of Life."

The show at the Jacey Gallery, 4802 Gunn Highway, Suite 114, explores the theme of art made by people busy with families and careers.

"Before, I've always donated my work and just given it away. It's nice to share it with new people," said Jeremy Ramos, an artist and president of the society.

Ramos is one of nine member artists showing works ranging from bucolic scenes to vibrant sculpture.

It's the society's fourth show overall and the first hosted away from the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Library.

"Compared to the library space, it's a little smaller and more intimate," Ramos said. "Our members put a lot of time and effort in bringing this together."
Artist Nancy Jacey, who opened her gallery in August, met with the society about hosting the show after attending one of its meetings.

"They seemed like good candidates for a show here," she said.

Founded in 2006, the Westchase Artists Society began with a simple plan: to bring artistic flavor to an area where there was none.

Waterchase resident Sonya Lorraine Whipple, co-coordinator of the event, whose colorful acrylic paintings grace one of the gallery's walls, joined the society last year after a life of painting and a degree in studio arts took a back seat to raising a family.

"When we come together, it's nice to take a deep breath and just enjoy each other's time," said the 41-year old. "Now I'm shifting gears, trying to again feed my soul."

"That was one of my goals, to take my art out of the house and show it to the world, and through that influence me to do more with it," said Ramos, who originally began painting as a hobby.

It's a small group but is growing. Ramos said members will begin holding elections soon. "We felt it was time to get a little more organized to take it to the next step."

That goal involves increasing membership to 40 or 50 by year's end.

Ramos said the exhibition will help, and despite the group's name, he stressed that it is open to artists and would-be artists from anywhere in the area.

Members pay a $25 annual fee and regularly meet at the Westchase Swim and Tennis Center for workshops.

"We're here to serve the artists and our membership," Ramos said. "A lot of us work in more traditional media, so requests for workshops in digital art and photography are something we want to get into more.

"There's really no barrier to join. If you're a total novice and you're interested in art, you're welcome to the group. Just by networking alone you'll learn where is the best place to go take classes."

The exhibit runs through July 28.

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

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

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