In 2009, Tempus Projects opened their doors for the first time, and with it, a mission to bring together local and international artists, give them a space to show and discuss the visual arts, while engaging the Tampa Bay community. 5 years later, and a location change, Tempus Projects has become a staple of the local arts scene, and has more than achieved their goal. In celebration of this milestone, as well as the generous grant given by The Gobioff Foundation to support the exhibition programing for the 2015 year, the gallery threw a party like only they can (with the help of local spirits, Mermaid Tavern and Commune + Co., of course).

One part exhibition, one part pop-up shop, the Hi-5 soiree brought out a diverse crowd of artists, professors, and just about anyone else from the community; a true testament to the appeal and bond that Tempus Projects has created within Tampa Bay. One half filled the walls with multimedia works of over 20 artists, while the the other half featured buttons, stickers, cards, and other small-scale works from some of the gallery’s favorite artists of the last 5 years. In addition to the artist crafted items, the pop-up also housed curated art books from Blue Bird Books Bus, and special limited edition Tempus Projects tees supplied by Trinity Graphics. The event also held a raffle, for a suggested donation of $5 per ticket, to win certificates to local businesses and restaurants, such as Kahwa, Duckweed Urban Market, Jobsite Theater, Sherry’s YesterDaze, The Refinery, and more.

Founder and Creative Director Tracy Midulla Reller, ever the amazing hostess, was in and out of the crowd all night. She was left speechless when asked to comment on her wildly successful journey. No surprise, of course, considering the amount of time and work she has put into the project over the years. Where would one even begin to describe it? Most exciting for the space is the prospect of what’s to come for 2015. Supplied with a fancy, new grant to make for a promising year 6, Reller says, “The Gobioff Foundation has an impressive record of supporting organizations doing great things in Tampa and it’s the best 5th-anniversary present I could ever have imagined.”

With yet another outstanding event under their belts, Tempus Projects shows no signs of stopping. You’d be hard-pressed to hear anyone complain about this fact. Their dedication to local businesses, and support of the local arts is a true inspiration for the Tampa Bay community. Their fortune should come as no surprise, and their next 5 years will only prove just how important their venture is to the changing landscape of Tampa Bay’s local culture.

Exhibiting artists include George Anderton, Wendy Babcox, Hildebrando Bellizzio, Neil Bender, Jeremy Chandler, Ryan De La Hoz, Becky Flanders, Corbett Fogue, Joe Griffith, Vince Kral, Gigi Lage, Lauren Moradi, Justin Bryan Nelson, Kym O’Donnell, Taylor Pilote, Anthony Record, Mario Schambon, Ryann Slauson, Brian Taylor, Christopher Wharton and more.

The Hi-5 Pop-Up Shop will remain open until New Years Eve, and the hours can be found on Facebook.
For more information: www.tempus-projects.com / tempusprojects.art@gmail.com / 813.340.9056