The Henry B. Plant Museum is pleased to announce a new exhibit, Imperial Designs: From The HaBsburg’s Herend to the Romanov’s Faberge.  This exhibit showcases an exquisite collection of porcelains and decorative arts that harken back to the grand dynasties of 19^th century Europe and Asia.  Included in the exhibit are a dozen rare Fabergè designs featuring a lacquered box, elegant cigarette cases, a chamberstick, and a gold mounted brooch.  Other treasures include Russian eggs presented by tsars; Imperial Porcelain Factory china from imperial yachts including the royal private yacht Livadia; an impressive collection of Herend china from Hungary with patterns ordered by the Russian Tsar, royal houses and eminent customers.  These amazing pieces are all from the private collection of Kathy Durdin.

Several Russian pieces take center stage in the exhibit.  The Durnovo Casket, presented to Ivan Nikolaevich Durnovo, a high ranking official in the Russian government, is lovely enameled silver gilt openwork over sheets of lapis lazuli made by the Ovchinnikov firm.  Visitors may recognize the frescoes of renaissance artist Raphael highlighted in the Raphael service.  These pieces feature allegorical figures from frescoes in the Vatican.  This service was commissioned in 1883 during the reign of Alexander III.

During the last quarter of the 19^th century, Henry Plant and other wealthy Americans traveled extensively in Europe, absorbing the culture and acquiring treasures that they brought back to the United States.  This exhibit brings together a collection of items similar to what these travelers would have seen while visiting the great courts of Europe. Plant himself ordered and used Herend china at the Tampa Bay Hotel in the 1890’s.

Imperial Designs: From the Habsburg’s Herend to the Romanov’s Faberge opens on March 23rd and runs through December 23, 2018. The exhibit will open with a lecture by Kathy Durdin and reception at the Museum on March 23^rd.  Entrance to the exhibit is included with admission to the Museum.

This exhibit has been graciously underwritten by BNY Mellon, Greenberg Traurig, KPMG in honor of Kathy Woodard, and The Bank of Tampa.

Tampa Museum of Art will present Vapor and Vibration: The Art of Larry Bell and Jesús Rafael Soto May 3 through September 30, 2018. This exhibition places in dialogue, for the first time, the work of two of the 20th century’s most innovative artists exploring light and space. Since the 1960s, Soto and Bell have pushed the boundaries of traditional painting and sculpture with new materials and forms. While there have been several exhibitions devoted to each artist, Bell and Soto aims to present their works in a fresh context not yet explored by curators and art historians. Bell and Soto is not a survey or historical overview of the artists’ prolific careers. Rather, the show will juxtapose key bodies of work by both artists in three sections: Cubes and Structures; Vapor and Vibration; and Light and Transparency.

Cubes and Structures section will explore the reductive significance of the cube and the grid as both artists pushed beyond traditional painting formats and pedestal sculpture. Vapor and Vibration looks at how Soto and Bell have used color, as well as contrasting properties of light and dark, to render spatial illusion and optical effects in 2D planes. The final section, Light and Transparency, demonstrates the artists’ investigations of light, color, and surface in experiential-based sculpture and installation.  Forty-five objects will be on view in Bell and Soto and will feature influential works from the 1960s through the present.

Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, Joanna Robotham, remarked, “Larry Bell and Jesús Rafael Soto were amongst the trailblazing artists altering the course of art history in the 1960s and 1970s. Although they lived in different corners of the world, they shared similar creative interests, particularly in regards to their explorations of light and space. I am excited to introduce our audience to Bell and Soto’s groundbreaking works of art.”

Patricia Cronin Responds to Classical Antiquity: Conversations with the Collection is the inaugural exhibition in a biennial series exploring synergy between collections that may initially strike visitors as wholly separate from one another – namely, classical antiquities and modern and contemporary art. Patricia Cronin (American, b. 1963) is an internationally recognized Brooklyn-based artist uniquely positioned for such a visual conversation. Winner of a Rome Prize in Visual Art in 2006-2007, and past Trustee of the American Academy in Rome, Cronin is deeply interested in the ancient world, which she frequently references in her work. For the first commission in our biennial series, Cronin has created a large outdoor sculpture of Aphrodite inspired by a fragmentary 1st-century AD marble torso of Aphrodite in the Museum’s collection.

Roy Peter Clark has been called “America’s writing coach,” a teacher who writes and a writer who teaches. Over the last decade, he has authored five books on reading, writing and language. He is also, in his own mind, a garage band legend. In a 90-minute workshop, Roy will lead participants in a journey of discovery into the heart and soul of practical English. His personal goal is “to grow in my craft as a writer every single day.” That means learning from other authors, reading their texts and, through a process he calls X-ray reading, finding the writing strategies that created them. If you aspire to become a better writer and a more insightful reader, this session is for you.

$5 to attend.

Ticket price can be applied towards the purchase of a book on the day of the event.

Roger Ebert told the story of getting onto an elevator with director Mel Brooks, just after the release of his film The Producers. “A woman got onto the elevator,” Ebert said, “recognized him and said, ‘I have to tell you, Mr. Brooks, that your movie is vulgar.’ Brooks smiled benevolently. ‘Lady,’ he said, ‘it rose below vulgarity.’” Mel Brooks’ lasting genius is in recognizing exactly how and when to rise below vulgarity. Blazing Saddles is a powerfully, aggressively vulgar movie. But it also knows who it’s laughing at: bigots, bosses and fools. Self-important, self-righteous jerks. And, unlike so many “comedies” that take offending people more seriously than entertaining audiences, it’s genuinely hilarious.

The plot is really just a coat-hanger for the jokes; it’s theoretically a satire of cowboy movies, but it doesn’t take that role very seriously either. When the sheriff of Rock Ridge is run out of town, convict Bart (Cleavon Little) is appointed the first black sheriff of the all-white township. But the evil Hedley Lamarr (Harvey Korman), never meant for him to succeed at all. Enlisting the help of the town drunk (Gene Wilder), Bart embarks on a plan to save the town of Rock Ridge. But it’s the wild and frenetic humor, veering from the gross to the surreal, is really what keeps Blazing Saddles near the top of every list of best movie comedies of all time.

Immediately after the film, retired Sarasota Herald Tribune film critic George Meyer will lead a short discussion of Blazing Saddles and an audience Q&A. The session is included with film admission.

This is an exclusive opportunity for you to learn about the increased deal flow from Tampa Bay Wave’s newest TechDiversity Accelerator cohort powered by the Nielsen Foundation. The TechDiversity cohort’s caliber and diversity have generated national & local media attention, including this Tampa Bay Business Journal article.

The majority of the newest cohort companies are generating revenue, all have management teams – many very seasoned. They represent some high growth Tech verticals including Health, Education, Cybersecurity, Gaming, and more!

Purchase tickets on the website below.

This session will meet:

4 Consecutive Wednesday evenings, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm

8/08/18
8/15/18
8/22/18
8/29/18

This workshop takes a unique approach to the world of photography introducing beginner and intermediate level photographers to the essential techniques of exposure and composition as well as photographic documentation through the use of presentations, weekly photo assignments, and one on one guidance. Students photograph a variety of subjects in and around the museum, including Portraiture, Landscapes and Architecture. This class is for people of all ages with little or no experience in photography, or for those seeking to renew their knowledge on the basics.
You will be instructed on:

– Camera & Lens
– Automatic vs Manual Shooting Modes
– Color Temperature (White Balance
– Focus and Depth of Field
– Light and Exposure
– Freezing Action vs Creating Movement
– Composition, Content and Photographic Storytelling
– Basic Photo Editing

Prerequisite: There are no prerequisites for the workshop; however, since all camera models have different control layouts, students are expected to know how to find and adjust three exposure settings in their camera: Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO. While a DSLR camera is preferred, any digital camera capable of manual control of Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO will work. Students with cameras that have no way to control these three exposure settings (i.e.: point-and-shoot cameras) will not get the full benefit of the workshop. A tripod is also strongly recommended.

Let the mouth-watering aromas thrill your senses and tempt your taste buds at the 27th Annual Gourmet Feastival. Enjoy signature dishes from Tampa Bay’s finest restaurants and beverage purveyors. Yes, it’s a foodie heaven, with fabulous entertainment, and an impressive silent auction filled with unique items.

Funds raised support The Helen Gordon Davis Centre for Women, a unique but mighty nonprofit that helps women and girls to achieve their potential. Your contribution stays right here in our community and ensures help is available for those who need it most.

Doors open at 5pm for VIP, 6pm for General admission.

• A complimentary glass of Champagne on arrival
• Guided Theatre Mini-Tours and the opportunity to explore the majestic building on your own starting at 6:00pm
• An update from President & CEO John Bell on the Theatre’s exciting current projects at 6:30pm
• Games, prizes and the opportunity to meet and mingle with your fellow Members
• Guaranteed complimentary admission to the SOLD OUT sing-along screening of The Greatest Showman at 7:30pm

Guests will also enjoy snacks provided by PDQ and complimentary soda, popcorn, coffee and water at the concessions stand until 7:00pm. Beer and wine will be available at the cash bar.

A monthly celebration of Tampa’s rich arts and culture scene! An evening of special offerings and programs by cultural venues, restaurants & more!

Fourth Friday participants can pick up a wristband at any of the participating cultural venues during event hours and plan their route with the schedule and suggested itineraries online at FourthFridayTPA.com. Then, just park once and let Downtown’s many alternative transportation options do the rest. Take a complimentary ride on the TECO Line Streetcar, stroll along The Tampa Riverwalk, cruise the Hillsborough on the Pirate Water Taxi, hail the FREE Downtowner ride service with an app on your smartphone, or saunter along 7th Avenue in Ybor, Tampa’s only Historic District. Participants also get a FREE hour of Coast Bike rental with a promo code (visit FourthFridayTPA.com  or the Facebook page for details).

Join us for Art Meets Jazz, featuring a live art demo and art exhibition by local artists with live smooth jazz music performed by professional saxophonist Johnny Magnuson, aka “Johnny Mag Sax.” Johnny has opened for many high profile acts including Kenny G. Dine with us and enjoy Waterworks Bar and Grill’s regular menu as you take in the atmosphere. We suggest reserving a table on OpenTable with Waterworks Reserve Online

Parking is complimentary for this event and is available on-site at the Barrymore Hotel (parking subject to availability).

Paul and Corie Bratter are newlyweds in every sense of the word. He’s a straight-as-an-arrow lawyer and she’s a free spirit always looking for the latest kick. Their new apartment is her most recent find – too expensive with bad plumbing and in need of a paint job. After a six-day honeymoon, they get a surprise visit from Corie’s loopy mother and decide to play matchmaker during a dinner with their neighbor-in-the-attic, Velasco, where everything that can go wrong, does. Paul just doesn’t understand Corie, as she sees it. He’s too staid, too boring, and she just wants him to be a little more spontaneous. Running “barefoot in the park” would be a start…

Cost: $25-35

Produced by the East Coast Consumer Shows, the Tampa Home & Garden Show brings together vendors such as landscapers, pool/spa professionals, builders, and contractors who all specialize in home improvement.

For more information, please visit the website below or call (877) 730-7469.
Produced by the East Coast Consumer Shows, the Tampa Home & Garden Show brings together vendors such as landscapers, pool/spa professionals, builders, and contractors who all specialize in home improvement. This event is open to the public and admission is required to attend.

Regular Admission $8
Seniors $4 All Weekend
Military and Children under 18 FREE

For more information, please visit: www.tampahomeshow.com OR call (877) 730-7469.

Monster Jam Triple Threat Series brings adrenaline-charged family entertainment to fans across the country. These world-class Monster Jam vehicles and athletes deliver what fans want to see most. More trucks, more racing, more freestyle, more donuts, more wheelies, more action! Each event tests the versatility of the athletes as they go head-to-head in seven different competitions driving three different vehicles — Monster Jam trucks, Monster Jam Speedsters and Monster Jam ATVs. These athletes battle for points in challenging Racing and Freestyle events that push themselves and their machines to the limit. The point leader will receive an automatic bid to the prestigious Monster Jam World Finals to compete for the title of World Champion.

Show Times for Saturday, August 25, 2018:

1:00 PM show (Pit Party from 10:30 AM – Noon)

Note: Pit Party to take place inside the venue on the arena floor.

7:00 PM show

Monster Jam® Triple Threat Series will be back again this year and feature the eight most intense athletes. Tampa fans will witness a fierce battle for the championship with each competitor using customized high-powered vehicles: Monster Jam Speedsters, Monster Jam ATVs and the famous Monster Jam trucks closer to the action than ever before. This upcoming tour will feature eight of the most talented athletes all competing in individual racing & skill competitions and overall event championship:

1.         Grave Digger – Tyler Menninga

2.         Max D – Colton Eichelberger

3.         El Toro Loco – Kayla Blood

4.         Scooby Doo – Myranda Cozad

5.         Zombie – Bari Musawwir

6.         Soldier Fortune Black Ops – Tony Ochs

7.         Megalodon – TBA

8.         Monster Mutt Rottweiler – TBA

Note: Trucks and drivers are subject to change.

Paul and Corie Bratter are newlyweds in every sense of the word. He’s a straight-as-an-arrow lawyer and she’s a free spirit always looking for the latest kick. Their new apartment is her most recent find – too expensive with bad plumbing and in need of a paint job. After a six-day honeymoon, they get a surprise visit from Corie’s loopy mother and decide to play matchmaker during a dinner with their neighbor-in-the-attic, Velasco, where everything that can go wrong, does. Paul just doesn’t understand Corie, as she sees it. He’s too staid, too boring, and she just wants him to be a little more spontaneous. Running “barefoot in the park” would be a start…

Cost: $25-35

The Wizard of Oz has permeated popular culture to such an extent that, even if they haven’t seen it themselves, most people know it almost by heart. It’s certainly true that they don’t make them like this anymore. It’s a musical, and it’s a fantasy story, and it’s a kids’ movie, and it’s a morality play about having inside yourself the things you want from the outside world. But it’s also kind of a road-trip movie — Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion make friends and get up to some crazy antics on the Yellow Brick Road. And it’s also kind of a disaster movie — the tornado scene thrilled and terrified audiences. And the moment of transition between black & white and color is maybe the most iconic single instant of film since directors started adding sound. We encourage you to bring somebody who’s never seen The Wizard of Oz to the Theatre. You might find something new in it yourself.

Immediately after the film, Cox Radio film critic T.M. Powell will lead a short discussion of The Wizard of Oz and an audience Q&A. The session is included with film admission.

All Hillsborough County public and private school teachers are invited to join us for an evening at the Museum. Teacher preview events showcase our upcoming or newly opened exhibitions and allow teachers to determine how each exhibition can complement their lesson plans. Educators will receive a reception with light bites and a cash bar, an overview of current exhibitions by the Education Curator, free admission to the galleries, a chance to meet some of our skilled docents, and 10% off at the Museum Store on the night of the event.

The events are free for teachers, but reservations are required. Teachers should respond by email no later than Friday, August 17. Hillsborough County Public School teachers may register through PDS to receive in service credit.

This session will meet:

4 Consecutive Wednesday evenings, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm

8/08/18
8/15/18
8/22/18
8/29/18

This workshop takes a unique approach to the world of photography introducing beginner and intermediate level photographers to the essential techniques of exposure and composition as well as photographic documentation through the use of presentations, weekly photo assignments, and one on one guidance. Students photograph a variety of subjects in and around the museum, including Portraiture, Landscapes and Architecture. This class is for people of all ages with little or no experience in photography, or for those seeking to renew their knowledge on the basics.
You will be instructed on:

– Camera & Lens
– Automatic vs Manual Shooting Modes
– Color Temperature (White Balance
– Focus and Depth of Field
– Light and Exposure
– Freezing Action vs Creating Movement
– Composition, Content and Photographic Storytelling
– Basic Photo Editing

Prerequisite: There are no prerequisites for the workshop; however, since all camera models have different control layouts, students are expected to know how to find and adjust three exposure settings in their camera: Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO. While a DSLR camera is preferred, any digital camera capable of manual control of Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO will work. Students with cameras that have no way to control these three exposure settings (i.e.: point-and-shoot cameras) will not get the full benefit of the workshop. A tripod is also strongly recommended.