TAMPA, Fla. — There is a call being put out for artists to participate in a brand new immersive art space currently under construction in Tampa.
Tucked away on Nebraska Avenue, the abandoned building has served a number of purposes over the years, including a church. Now thanks to a collection of local artists teaming up, the 8,000 square-foot-space is being turned into a Florida themed creative destination.
“Tampa needs a place like this because Tampa is growing, and we have had a beautiful, rich, art community for a very long time, that often has not had the support that it needs to really flourish,” said Tracy Midulla.
Midulla and Michael Lemieux are two of the nine local artists who have teamed up to form the new immersive art space. They call themselves Crab Devil.
“It is very important that people understand it's a community project as well as an art endeavor, it's a place for everybody to come and spend time,” said Midulla.
“Bring a little bit of positive energy to the neighborhood, we want to bring some jobs to the neighborhood,” said Lemieux.
Inside will be a brewery surrounded by rotating exhibits, including a hallway coined the Cabinet of Curiosities. While outside there will be a series of shipping containers with permanent installations, which they are calling The Peninsularium.
“A Peninsularium, I would say, is a place you would go to experience all things Florida,” said Midulla.
Crab Devil is scheduled to officially open in the Spring of 2021. Right now they are asking artists nationwide to submit their work, the only requirement is it has to reflect Florida.
“Really kind of get a sense of all of the beauty and mystery of Florida that we all know so well,” said Lemieux.
For more information on how to submit your artwork, visit www.crabdevil.com.
