29-01-2025
Tampa unveils new art installation at city center
TAMPA, Fla. (BLOOM) — The City of Tampa is expanding its public art collection with the unveiling of a new large-scale sculpture, Open House, a dynamic and interactive piece that symbolizes the transformation of ideas into reality.
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The 28-foot artwork, created by Rhode Island-based artists Erik Carlson and Ericka Carpenter, will be officially revealed Jan 29 at 3:00 p.m. at City Center (2555 E Hanna Avenue, Tampa, FL 33610). Mayor Jane Castor, along with Ann Eliza Taylor of the City of Tampa Public Art Committee and the artists themselves, will speak at the event, highlighting the significance of public art in shaping Tampa's cultural and visual landscape.
Open House is more than just a sculpture—it's an immersive experience. The piece draws inspiration from childhood building blocks, representing the process of construction and growth that happens at City Center. It invites visitors to walk through its open structure and discover a hidden layer of meaning: over 300 Tampa street names, submitted by residents, are etched into its colorful panels, connecting the community directly to the artwork.
Designed to reflect Tampa's vibrant sunrises and sunsets, Open House stands as a bold symbol of imagination and progress, echoing the city's spirit of transformation.
'Public art preserves and tells Tampa's story in a beautiful and thought-provoking way,' said Mayor Jane Castor. 'It also makes art accessible to everyone, which is incredibly important, particularly for younger generations. I strongly believe visual art is one of the strongest statements a community can make to show its values, and we are grateful to continue growing our collection.'
Tampa's public art collection now includes over 800 pieces, valued at approximately $19 million. Notable works include:
'Transportation' (1899) at the University of Tampa, the city's oldest public artwork.
'Lightning' by Jonathan Borofsky, a towering sculpture in front of Amalie Arena.
'Visual Welcome' by Yaacov Agam and 'The Wave' by MaryAnn Ungar, which enhance Bayshore Boulevard's scenic path.
With more installations planned—such as upcoming state-of-the-art sculptures for the Tampa Convention Center—Tampa continues to solidify its place as a city that values and invests in the power of public art.
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