Four Tampa artists share their family roots and creative paths at the fair

One hundred and ten artists displayed their work at the Tampa Art Fair from Oct. 16 to 18 at the convention center. Among the exhibitors, four Hispanic artists presented pieces that reflected their personal histories and connections to the city. Their participation added diverse perspectives to the annual event, which serves as a gathering point for visual talent in the region.

Andrea Tansi, a digital artist from Venezuela, showcased illustrations that stand out against the predominantly traditional mediums at the fair. Tansi published "Mila de Viaje" after four years of work. The book features a character named Mila who travels through the United Kingdom, Italy, and Tampa. Tansi noted that the story was inspired by a translation book inherited from her grandparents. The work is available in Spanish, English, and Italian, and includes both a narrative edition and a coloring book. "I want to show little ones that they can get to know parts of the world without needing words," Tansi said.

Jerry Rodríguez, of Dominican heritage, focused his exhibit on the faceless doll. Born in the Bronx, New York, Rodríguez moved to Tampa after his parents retired there. His paintings use the traditional figure to explore identity and human connection. He explained that he initially painted defined faces before switching to the faceless doll to allow the figures to represent a wider range of people. "I love painting stories," Rodríguez said. "We all have a story and something to express, and I want to capture that in my paintings."

Jonathan Menéndez, a Cuban artist, presented representational realism works that shift between monochromatic tones and full color. Menéndez works as a tattoo artist and was invited to the fair by an organizer he knew through that profession. He said he had been looking for local venues in Tampa to display and sell his work, noting that other cities like Miami and New York offered more established platforms. "I see this art fair in Tampa as a great opportunity," Menéndez said.

Giovanni Rodríguez, a Cuban resident of Tampa, displayed a varied collection of portraits and figures. His work includes images of Dolly Parton, Celia Cruz, Jesus Christ, Indigenous people, and a Catrina. Rodríguez said his passion drives him to paint whatever sparks his imagination. He was invited to the fair through friendships with other artists in the local community. "Never stop focusing on the passions that drive your life; fulfill your dreams," Rodríguez advised fellow creators.

The artists joined the 110-person exhibition after being selected by a jury or invited through professional networks. Their presence contributed to the cultural diversity of the fair, which took place during the final days of Hispanic Heritage Month. The event provided a platform for these creators to connect with the public and share their artistic visions in a shared space.