Every year, the strength of the Festival begins with the people who help shape it. Our 2026 jurors bring a depth of experience, perspective, and passion that reflects the high standard artists and collectors have come to expect. Tasked with reviewing hundreds of applications from across the country, they look
When Atlanta-based artist Lauren Lane began painting Flourish Anyway in early 2025, the world felt noisy and uncertain. “With so many voices and opinions swirling around, I kept feeling this quiet nudge to stay rooted and grounded in peace rather than fear,” she said. “I wanted to create a piece
Each year, the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts’ Emerging Artists Program provides a platform for new voices in the visual arts, offering not just an opportunity to exhibit, but also mentorship, professional development, and the chance to connect directly with collectors. At the 2025 festival, painter Ryan Michael Kelly stood
Together, we’re making the arts more accessible for thousands across Tampa Bay. From scholarships and youth programs to a bold new mural by Nneka Jones, and, of course, the 55th Annual Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, your support is shaping a vibrant arts community. Explore the highlights in our
Ummarid “Tony” Eitharong was there, back in the early days of the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, when artists’ booths filled a few streets in downtown Tampa. “I remember it vividly,” Eitharong said. “It was 1976, and we were set up on Whiting Street in downtown. Even then, the Gasparilla
Helen Gotlib is a printmaker, and her work title “August Sun” earned her the Best of Show award in the 2025 Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, held March 1 and 2 in Tampa, Fla. The top award provided her with $15,000. It’s a good feeling to win the
The Tampa Museum of Art’s longstanding partnership with the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts culminates each year with the purchase of an artwork for the permanent collection. For the past five years, the Museum Purchase Award has been juried by curatorial staff and the Executive Director. Recipients represent a range
The Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts is pleased to welcome Tiffany Williams, Curator, Art in Embassies Program, US State Department as our Festival Juror for the 55th annual Festival. Over a decade with the Office of Art in Embassies, Ms. Williams has curated dozens of U.S Ambassador residential
Art scholarships provide college students with invaluable opportunities that extend beyond financial assistance. For many aspiring artists, the cost of higher education can be a significant barrier. Art scholarships help alleviate this burden, allowing students to focus on their creative pursuits without the stress of mounting debt. This financial support
Story by Sarah Worth Sprinkled among the many artists at The Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of Arts (GFA) are 15 people who are just entering the world of professional art. They are part of the Festival through GFA’s Emerging Artists program, a unique opportunity that allows budding artists to transition
Investing in the arts is more than a cultural luxury; it is a powerful catalyst for economic growth, social cohesion, and individual well-being. Across communities worldwide, the positive impact of supporting the arts is evident in the ways it transforms economies, strengthens local identities, and fosters social connection. Economic Benefits
While the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts doesn’t start until next March, plans are already underway for the upcoming event. In mid-May, members of the GFA Festival Committee members and organization leadership met at the Baisden Gallery in Tampa to fulfill a long-time tradition of the “Passing of the Chairs.”
Story by Sarah Worth, Gasparilla Arts. Challenges bring opportunities. It’s a cliche that says a lot yet can’t truly convey the enormity of challenges Miriam Zimms faced while battling cancer and then the pure joy she found in the artistic opportunities that later grew out of that experience. In 2010,
The Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts is pleased to introduce our esteemed group of Selection Jurors and our Emerging Artist Juror for the 55th annual Festival. Main Show Selection Jurors Leslie Elsasser Curator of Education, USF Contemporary Art Museum and USF Educator Leslie Elsasser serves as Curator of Education
Tampa, FL – The Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts (GFA) is excited to announce that the Emerging Artists Program (EAP) applications open on October 1st. This unique program, held as part of the renowned festival, provides a platform for emerging artists from across the country to showcase their work,
Gasparilla Festival of the Arts is pleased to welcome ten members to the Voting Board of Directors. GFA warmly welcomes Cindy Banua, Sean Patrick Bevil, Kimberli Cummings, Eileen Goldenberg, Rebecca Hagen, Charlie Kemmerer, Jacob Labutka, Maxine Stull and Jenn Versaggi to its esteemed Board of Directors. Eric Page was elected
At the GFA Collegiate Scholarship Ceremony, presented by HCI Group, five budding artists each were awarded a $3,000 scholarship and the accolades of GFA leadership. This was the first time scholarships were awarded separate from Festival weekend and it was made more special by each recipient being surrounded by loved ones. Special thanks to our jurors, Dolores Coe and
**UPDATE** Nneka Jones has completed her mural at the Pam Iorio Parking Garage. GFA commissioned the project with Work with the generous support of the Tampa Mobility Parking Department and the Tampa Downtown Partnership. Special thanks to Permanent Art collection sponsors: Campegia Sugar-van Calcar, Karen Price, and Johnson, Newlon &
Applications for the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts Collegiate Art Scholarship are officially open! This year we are offering $3,000 scholarships to five students! If you’re pursuing an associate, bachelor, or graduate degree with a declared major in fine arts, including studio art in the disciplines we feature at the
A new book explores how making and appreciating art makes you happier and healthier. What better place to test that theory than at the Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts?
The Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts is pleased to welcome Robin Nicholson, executive director of the prestigious The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art as our Festival Juror for the 54th annual Festival. An accomplished Cambridge art historian and innovative ‘outside the box’ museum leader, Nicholson joins
Meet the artist behind the 54th Raymond James Festival of the Arts Festival image, Karina Llergo.
In this post, we reached out to some of the applicants who hope to be selected for 2024’s Emerging Artist class to get their thoughts on where the Program might take them.
We dive into how three Emerging Artists’ careers have blossomed after their first appearance at the Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts.
When it comes to the arts, the first things that might spring to mind are the emotional and cultural benefits. Art, in its myriad forms, nourishes the soul, enriches the community, and brings a sense of cultural identity. But did you know that the arts have a significant economic impact
On May 25, members of the GFA Festival Committee members and organization leadership met at the Tempus Projects in Ybor City to fulfill a long-time tradition of the “Passing of the Chairs.” GFA 53 Co-Chairs Clay Hollenkamp, Jeff Nader, and Sabrina Pollard passed their respective chairs along to the Co-Chairs
May was an exciting month for GFA as new Board Members and Officers were elected to lead the organization. The importance of strong leadership in an all-volunteer organization like GFA cannot be overstated, and this year’s elected Voting Board Members truly reflect the commitment to succession planning. With a challenging
Scott Coulter set up his booth at this year’s 53rd Annual Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts (GFA) just as he’s done every year for the past 25 years. Only this year, he won his first award and it was top honors—Best of Show. “Festival jurors at shows like
The Emerging Artists display their artwork near the boat docks on the Hillsborough River side of Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park. The Gasparilla Festival of the Arts celebrated it’s 50th Anniversary just three short years ago. In the long history of our beloved festival, one program to note is the
As Inc. Magazine wrote, “giving back is good for the soul…and in many cases, good for the bottom line.” Let’s take a deeper dive into why this is so.
If you’re an emerging artist on the fence about whether to apply to the 53rd Annual Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts Emerging Artists program in 2023, you should learn more about Nneka Jones.
GFA is pleased to announce the Festival jurors who will be selecting artists for more than $92,000 in prize money at the next Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, which will be held March 4 and 5, 2023 at Julian B. Lane Park on Tampa’s downtown riverfront. Meet Festival Awards Juror
Gasparilla Festival of the Arts presents artist Nneka Jones with Best of Show Award for her piece entitled “Modern Renaissance.” A full list of winners is available on the GFA website.
We are honored to announce that renowned artist and Tampa Bay native, Janet Echelman, will jury the 2022 show. Artist Janet Echelman defies categorization. She creates billowing sculpture engineered to the scale of buildings, choreographed by wind and light, that shifts from being an object you look at, to a
GFA’s selected festival image for 2022 is “Twister II – Twist Again” by printmaker Betsy Best. This joyful, playful and colorful image is an acknowledgement of the human need for fellowship. The festival image is celebrated each year on all festival promotions, t-shirt, poster, and other merchandise.
Jonathan Barnes has been selected the 2022 Juror for the Emerging Artist Program, which recognizes and features the artwork of up-and-coming artists who wish to establish themselves in a professional visual arts career. Jonathan Barnes was born in Kissimmee, FL. From the age of three, Jonathan and his parents sailed
We are pleased to announce our distinguished art professionals who will serve as our 2022 selection jurors. The selection jurors will anonymously select the works that will be included in the 52nd Annual Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, which will be held March 5-6 at Julian B. Lane
Nominations are now being accepted for upcoming board director vacancies for the 2021/22 fiscal year, beginning June 1, 2021. We will hold elections during the May 20 board meeting. If you have a passion for the arts and Tampa Bay Community and would like to work with an amazing group of professionals and
The Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts is pleased to announce this year’s $2,500 GFA Collegiate Scholarship recipeint, Marie-Ange Pollonais. About Marie-Ange Pollonais Marie-Ange Pollonais I am a graduating fine artist at the University of Tampa who has recently added graphic design to my creative mix. This allows me
Selecting from a field of more than 250 acclaimed artists, juror Dr. Nadiah Rivera Fellah of the Cleveland Museum of Art, selected the recipients of the 51st Annual Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts. $80,000 in award monies were awarded to the participating artists, including the $15,000 Raymond James
Blanket Approval is a 4-piece indie rock band from New York City. They formed in 2021 when lead singer Jack Matteucci took a collection of demos recorded in the basement of his physics lab, moved to Brooklyn, and met drummer/singer Joey Hadden. The two were later joined by bassist Max Mena and keyboardist/guitarist/singer Rahul Chakraborty. The group has played dozens of shows around New York City and the Northeast, from Burlington to Baltimore. They’ve released 10 singles to date, blending hard rock with tight melodies and groovy bass lines; drawing from influences like Portugal. The Man and Franz Ferdinand.
The Savants are a nine piece southern soul group from Gainesville, FL. They perform original soul music inspired by the Muscle Shoals Sound as well as the iconic and legendary music that came out of labels like Stax Records and Atlantic Records during the 1960s & 1970s.
Formed in 2011 in Gainesville, FL, the group has undergone several personal changes over the years but settled into its current lineup around 2020.
The band has made its presence felt around the southeast, notably playing Red Gorilla at SXSW in 2017, Suwannee Hulaween in 2016 and Changeville in its hometown in 2018 and 2016. Along the way they have been featured alongside groups such as; Gary Clark Jr., Durand Jones and the Indications, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Kendra Morris, Charles Bradley and His Extraordinares, George Porter Jr of the Meters, The Original Wailers, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Postmodern Jukebox and more.
Tv Breakup Scene is an indie pop punk band from Tampa, FL inspired by Paramore with a gaze-y twist. After a year of writing they finally made their debut with their new release Troubled Mind!
Music’s ability to release energy within us is overwhelming. Capturing moments of emotion and expression to elicit that reaction is such a joyful honor. It’s allowed me to connect, create, and cultivate so many beautiful experiences. Let this be with you… Cheers!
Danish-American, California-born, and Florida-raised multi-instrumentalist Mia Marlene offers a vibrant sonic world through her indie pop music, which is infused with hues of 1980’s synth pop and lush, captivating melodies. Her self-produced debut album, “good for my art,” features songs about living abroad, creative aspirations, and terrible exes (because, well, you know).
Mia Marlene’s music is anchored in her many experiences living in London, Copenhagen, Colorado, and Washington D.C.; places that shaped her sonic vision and imprinted onto her the wealth of the human experience, and how all of these experiences can serve as creative fuel for songwriting and music-making.
PRIZILLA is a pop-soul whirlwind, where horns wail, melodies sparkle, and every beat feels like an invitation. With a microphone in one hand and a saxophone in the other, she leads her band through a kaleidoscope of pop, funk, and soul, crafting music that’s as bold as it is unforgettable. It’s a sound that dances between the playful and the profound, wrapping stories in irresistible rhythms that refuse to stand still.
Since releasing PEOPLE PERSON, their debut EP, the band has been turning heads and moving feet. With over 50,000 fans following along online, PRIZILLA has earned a reputation for live shows that are part concert, part catharsis, and entirely unmissable.
The band has shared stages with Nick Hakim and Madison McFerrin, lit up NYC with Couch and The Retrograde, and shaken the rafters with St. Paul & the Broken Bones and Flipturn at FL Fin Fest. PRIZILLA shows no signs of stopping, proving that music isn’t just something you hear—it’s something you feel. And they feel it. This is music for anyone who craves the unexpected, the unforgettable, and the kind of energy that makes you lose track of time. Come for the sax solos; stay for the magic.
The Bronx New York-based singer-producer Pusha Preme has been making waves with his delicate blend of heartfelt melodies; Goal-oriented lyrics, and harmonies that reel you in like a fish on a hook. Above all, Pusha’s music is often praised for its high intimacy and familiar themes that find their way to a special place in the listener’s heart.
Mk Blessed was born in Congo Kinshasa in Sep 18th He is a singer/songwriter and a speaker who started writing songs at the age of 7 and taught them to His Church worship team, which enjoyed singing His songs.
He formed His first Music group at the Age of 10 and was doing secular music.
When He was 13 he fled his home country and went to a Refugee camp due to war, He lived there for 10 years and then immigrated to the USA in 2016, though He has been writing for a while Mk Blessed released His first single on Dec, 4 2021 entitled Faithful God.
MK blessed is a husband of one wife and a father of two girls, He went to Kampala High School and later attended Bible college in Uganda East Africa, He is a founder of a non profit organization named Fociom that shares love with the underprivileged of the world like himself, Mk Blessed passion is to help others.
Singer, songwriter, guitarist. I aim to write emotional music that addresses the world we live in and how it makes us all feel.
This unique & unscripted collection of Sideshow characters are of various talents and backgrounds to make for a spectacle of amazing musical entertainment. Experience the anecdotal mishaps from the wild to the fantastical. Boho Sideshow comes from parts unknown, but are known for performing an exhibition of Eclectic Americana Music.
FABIOLA MÉNDEZ is a Puerto Rican cuatrista, singer, educator, and Emmy-nominated composer. Her artistic vision and original music focus on the exploration of her culture, her ancestry, and her identities.
Native to Caguas, PR, Fabiola began playing the cuatro, Puerto Rico’s national instrument, at the age of six. She got her early music trainings at the Antonio Paoli School of Music in Caguas and her Bachelor’s in Music from Berklee College of Music, where in 2018 she made history as the first graduate to play the Puerto Rican cuatro as principal instrument.
Fabiola’s mission has always been to share and celebrate the cuatro, folk music, and collective story-telling. In doing so, she’s had the honor of performing at venues such as the NPR Tiny Desk, Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC, Celebrity Series of Boston, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Fred Rogers Productions, Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña, among many others. She has also collaborated with many local and international artists, including the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, Totó La Momposina, Pedro Capó, Andy Montañez, Danny Rivera, Chicago Philharmonic, and the Boston Landmarks Orchestra.
Her list of recordings include: Herencia Criolla (2009), Al Otro Lado Del Charco (2019), Afrorriqueña (2021), and Flora Campesina (2024). In 2022, she produced her first
documentary “Negrura”, showcasing Afro-Latinx stories in topics around colorism and discrimination within our own communities.
In recent years, she’s had the honor of receiving recognitions such as the Quincy Jones Award, ambassador for the Puerto Rican Day Parade in NYC, the Brother Thomas Fellowship, the Whippoorwill Arts Fellowship, and the ASCAP Foundation Lucille and Jack Yellen Award 2022. She was also nominated for a Children’s and Family Emmy in the category of Outstanding Interactive Media and won the “Latin Artist of the Year 2023” by the Boston Music Awards. Her music is featured on the film Beautiful, FL (Disney+), on the tv shows Alma’s Way, Work It Out Wombats (PBS Kids), and Mecha Builders (HBO Max), as well as indie films, jingles, and TV commercials.