We Won!
There is a new fun public art exhibit coming to Tampa, brought to us by the Crew Tampa Bay artLOUD! Steetcar Challenge Project. “Dishing with Mark and Carrie” is proud to be one of the 41 sponsors. We were very lucky to have artist Wende Wilkerson create our streetcar dream. Wende did an incredible job that we all can be proud of. Of course we had to represent the LGBT community! All the finished streetcars were brought together on the “Yacht StarShip” in Channelside for a beautiful party. There were eight awards given out. The first award went to “Dishing with Mark and Carrie.” It was the “Most Creative Use of the Streetcar.” The real big winner of the night is the Tampa community. These streetcars will be on public display at Tampa International Airport and in downtown Tampa and Ybor City. A BIG THANK YOU goes out to CREW Tampa Bay!
A Message from Metro CEO Lorraine Langlois
To address recent rumors regarding the move of our St. Petersburg location at 3251 3rd Avenue North, St. Petersburg:
“Metro is not moving. If and when we choose to move from this location, we will certainly be the first to let our clients and the community know.”
Metro was founded in 1993 and serves the Tampa Bay community with locations in Tampa, St. Petersburg and New Port Richey. The organization provides HIV services, prevention and education, HIV testing, HIV medical care, LGBT Community Center programs and services, counseling, psychiatric meds management and services, primary care, nPEP and PrEP, STD testing and treatment, youth services, older adult programs and support services, trans health, HRT, and support; and operates the METRO Thrift and Gift and LGBT Welcome Center on Central Avenue. For more information, visit metrotampabay.org.
On behalf of our staff, board of directors and the clients we serve, thank you for your continued support of Metro.
Sad News
The excerpt below was on Kurt King’s facebook page this week. Please feel free to go to his facebook page and share memories.
“This is hard to say but after 34 years, Baxter’s will be closing this month due to the building being sold; they’re tearing the building down. Our last day will be October 25th.” facebook.com/kurt.king.7161
Stephen Handschu
Artist Stephen Handschu is not your typical sculptor. Born 95% blind, his parents encouraged their young son to do what was in his heart. Against much adversity, they fought against the machine that would label their son “disabled,” and in doing so, molded a self-made, determined man that has achieved more in his lifetime than most able-bodied individuals. Adeptly skilled with tools most sighted people would find daunting, Handschu uses his hands, blades and power tools to bring his visions to life.
Currently, Handschu can be found sharing his love of the art of sculpture with students, young and old at the Tampa Jewish Community Center. Nurturing inspiration first through a clay model, then step by step instruction on carving in alabaster, Handschu helps open a window of creative inspiration in every student’s being. Classes begin October 12 (Monday and Friday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.) For more information on this project or information on the artist, contact Stephen Handschu at (773) 209-4539 or via email at stephenhandschu@gmail.com.
Small Art, BIG Cause, and Rosenquist at FIVE by FIVE
FIVE by FIVE 2015 returns for its fourth year and takes over the first floor of the Tampa Museum of Art on Oct. 16. Nearly 600 pieces of 5”x5” art donated by 395 artists in 17 states and eight other countries will fill the main atrium. New this year is a limited edition raffle for a signed James Rosenquist work. For more information about the Arts Council’s FIVE by FIVE 2015, visit FivebyFiveTampaBay.com.
