Kickstarter

I graduated from the University of South Florida with my MFA in studio art in 2007 and I was excited to jump into the art world around me.  But I began to notice that many of my fellow artists were leaving the area.  I didn't understand why.  Tampa is such a great city to live in.  Sports, weather, beaches, all the things that people leave other areas to come to.  But I did notice that Tampa did lack some things.

   I contacted my colleagues that left the area and asked them what they would want in a contemporary art space.  The list that I received was the basis for the idea of the OPEN SOURCE space.  It will be a space that will host all forms of creation, not just studio art, but also music, performance, dance, or anything else that is needed for Tampa.  I have talked to many people about this idea and everyone loves it.  It seems like everyone is waiting for someone to make it.  And that is where I come in.  I have been teaching for the last 5 years at the University of South Florida.  I have been trying to help cultivate a strong young artist identity in Tampa.  It is time to take the things that I have learned teaching and put it into public practice.  Projects will be based on a theme and all mediums are welcome for each project.  Early themes include: Star Wars, Zombies, Live Action Labyrinth, Rube Goldberg and many more.

   I am raising money to start the first theme project.  "October is for Zombies"  The theme will include any and all mediums that can encompass the zombie theme.  Included in the project will be low budget zombie films, zombie charity walks, workshops on makeup, and a gallery show for the zombie art. As you can imagine, it will take some money to budget the materials to get all of this started.  I am also looking for a dedicated space to host this theme.  Any money collected will go towards the location and materials.  

Thank you

DEON BLACKWELL