110 Artists at Tampa Art Fair Include Four Hispanic Creators

The Tampa Art Fair operated as a major showcase for regional talent, drawing a large group of creators to a single location for a three-day event. The gathering took place at the Tampa convention center from October 16 through 18. A total of 110 artists participated in the exhibition, presenting a wide range of mediums and subjects to the public.

Four specific creators of Hispanic heritage were selected to display their work within this larger group. These artists included Andrea Tansi, who is from Venezuela; Jerry Rodríguez, who is of Dominican descent; and two Cuban artists, Jonathan Menéndez and Giovanni Rodríguez. Each brought a distinct style and background to the fair, ranging from digital media to oil painting.

Andrea Tansi focused on digital art and illustration, a medium that stood out against the prevalence of canvas paintings and sculptures at the venue. She presented her recent book, “Mila de Viaje,” which is available in Spanish, English, and Italian. The narrative follows a character named Mila as she travels through the United Kingdom and Italy. Tansi noted that the story was inspired by a book of translations she inherited from her grandparents. She also displayed illustrations featuring locations in Tampa, including Ybor City and the University of Tampa, where she previously studied.

Jerry Rodríguez, who was born in the Bronx, New York, to Dominican parents, presented a series of paintings centered on the traditional faceless doll. His work uses this cultural symbol to explore themes of identity and equality. Rodríguez explained that he initially painted figures with defined faces before shifting to the faceless style to create a more universal representation of people. He moved to Tampa after his parents relocated there for their retirement. During the fair, he encouraged the Hispanic community to maintain connections and build a supportive local network.

Jonathan Menéndez, a Cuban artist who also works as a tattoo artist, displayed work in the style of representational realism. He described his artistic process as a method for conveying emotions through imagery that alternates between monochromatic tones and full color. Menéndez stated that he had long sought a local platform to exhibit and sell his pieces, noting that opportunities in Tampa had been limited compared to cities like Miami or New York. He was invited to the fair by an organizer he knew through his tattoo work. He viewed the event as a vital step for the local art scene, arguing that the city needed more venues for creators to reach an audience.

Giovanni Rodríguez, another Cuban artist based in Tampa, presented a diverse collection of portraits. His work featured subjects such as Dolly Parton, Jesus Christ, Indigenous people, and Celia Cruz. He credited friendships with other artists for his participation in the fair, emphasizing the role of collaborative networks in helping creators access new platforms. Rodríguez advised fellow artists to balance passion with consistent hard work, urging them to remain focused on their goals.

The presence of these four artists added specific cultural perspectives to the broader exhibition. Their work ranged from children's literature and symbolic painting to realistic portraiture and diverse subject matter. The fair provided a physical space for these creators to connect with the public and with one another, offering a platform for their work to be seen and sold in the Tampa area.

The event concluded with the artists having successfully displayed their pieces to attendees during the three-day period. The participation of the four Hispanic creators contributed to the total count of 110 artists who exhibited their work at the convention center.