On July 13, 1997, Tampa Bay artists were invited to exhibit “works on paper” for Image Brewery’s first attempt as an alternative exhibition space. “Located 18 miles East of Tampa” was a boasting point. Not so surprisingly, many artists made the journey away from the big city to spend the evening in rural Valrico. At the time, we were across the street from an orange grove that had wandering Brahman bulls. It was a dark corner off of State Road 60 and Mulrennan Road.
It was named “Flammable Art” because there was a BBQ grill there cooking hot dogs, and works on paper. Such a dangerous exhibition space out in the middle of nowhere.
The response and the support of the local artists and the Tampa Bay community inspired about 4 or 5 years of exhibitions. It was a good shot in the arm for our fantastic art community, energizing collaborations and sparking friendships. Who’da thunk it could actually happen?
The Original Flyer
The List of Participating Artists, with so many spelling errors, like, “Carlos” and “Eric Donalson”
The artists arrived in the afternoon and staged their show.
Jon Karl Holm and JSG Boggs enjoyed the Lazy Boy recliner in the middle of the space.
David Waterman’s “L.O. Sailor” print (top left), Giancarlo Rendina’s anchor drawing, and Kim David’s paintings.
Brian Taylor had 2 works on the left and Ken Echezabal had the piece on the top right and the black piece on the bottom is Erik Donaldson.
Jon Karl Holm had an interactive work that resulted in a mess of spit balls all over the place. He stayed late to help clean up.
Waterman’s hilarious L. O. Sailor Cosmetics poster.
JSG Boggs’ work on the left and Stefanie Kohn’s “Unintended Princess”
Giancarlo Rendina, Steffi Kohn, Kim David and Jan Awai enjoying the park like ambiance.
Michelle Valentonis in the director’s chair and Kim David’s foot in the foreground.
Brian Taylor armed with ninja cooking utensils.