FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Susana Weymouth
813-221-2787
susanaweymouth@tbbca.org
Tammy Archer announced winner of TBBCA Call to Artists for 2018 Gasparilla Music Festival Poster Contest sponsored by Hill Ward Henderson in partnership with Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture and the Arts

TAMPA, Fla. (February 28, 2018) The 7th annual Gasparilla Music Festival (GMF) Poster Contest winner Tammy Archer’s original artwork will be unveiled at GMF’s Soundcheck Party Wednesday, February 28th, 2018. Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture & the Arts (TBBCA) issued the Call to Artists and organized the contest, which was presented by Hill Ward Henderson. Artists from throughout the greater Tampa Bay area submitted original works of art to TBBCA. Judges including Sarah Howard, USF IRA Curator for Public Art and Social Practice, and the GMF Poster Committee evaluated submissions based on concept, originality and creativity, and how well they incorporated GMF and Tampa Bay’s wide diversity of culture into its design adaptability. Tammy Archer’s selected winning entry will be recognized as the Official Commemorative Poster of the 2018 Gasparilla Music Festival that will take place in Curtis Hixon Riverfront Park and Kiley Gardens Park on March 10 & 11. Meet the artist and have your poster signed at the festival both Saturday and Sunday 2:00 – 3:00 PM at the Kiley Garden merchandise tent.

Archer said of her winning original art submission, “I combined my interest in visual arts and music for the 2018 Gasparilla Music Festival, and drew inspiration from the song, “Open Your Eyes” by Phillip Phillips. With my mixed media “Open Your Eyes and Open Your Heart”, I wanted to show love and unity, and how in society, music and art hold a very inspirational and spiritual meaning to all. They both create energy in our minds, hearts and souls, and bring together people of all walks of life”.

As winning artist, Archer will receive a cash award and VIP ticket packages to GMF 2018, and her bio will be featured in the GMF program and on GMF social media sites. There will also be a featured poster-signing session at the festival, and recognition at the GMF Soundcheck Party. Other selected finalists will be present and their artworks auctioned at the GMF VIP event, with proceeds split 50% to the artist and 50% to benefit Gasparilla Music Foundation arts education and Recycled Tunes program.

About Tammy Archer
Tammy Archer was born and raised in a small country town in New York. Tammy has been developing her artistic skills and talents since early childhood. In 2003, her strong desire to create artwork and entrepreneurial spirit led Tammy to turn her art into a full-time passion and small business. She began selling her artworks at art festivals in New York and online. In just 5 years, Tammy sold over 1200 paintings on Ebay. After moving to Florida in 2008, Tammy opened her art studio and gallery in Sebring. Tammy loves fishing and being outdoors, taking in all of what Mother Nature has to offer. This is evidenced and reflected in her artwork’s signature style of bringing ideas to life with vibrant colors and bold lines. Being a self-taught and self-represented artist has given Tammy the freedom to experiment and express herself through several techniques and mediums, including oils, acrylics, gouaches, inks, fabric and paper, and her favorite – watercolors. Tammy is always thinking of her next original creation, daring to be different and taking her work to new levels. She has won several awards for her whimsical designs and her bright, vibrant colors. Tammy Archer’s work can be found in private and business collections throughout the U.S.

About Gasparilla Music Festival
The Gasparilla Music Festival is a 501c-3 nonprofit that organizes an annual music festival in downtown Tampa. The 2018 festival will take place in Curtis Hixon Riverfront Park and Kiley Gardens Park on March 10-11 and will feature musical acts from a wide variety of genres on several stages and cuisine from the region’s top restaurants. As part of its mission to support and promote music and education, the organization is involved throughout the year in several initiatives, including providing instruments to local schools and music programs. 2018 GMF Lineup: For an updated schedule, visit www.gasparillamusic.com

About Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture and the Arts (TBBCA)
Tampa Bay BCA is a non-profit 501 (c) (3), one of 11 national Business Committees for the Arts of the private sector network and national pARTnership movement of Americans for the Arts. For over 29 years, TBBCA has united businesses in support of arts education, and culture and the arts in our community, based on the philosophy that ‘the arts are good for business, and business is good for the arts’. TBBCA is proud to help support and promote Cultural pARTner Gasparilla Music Festival and Foundation, and individual artists through TBBCA programs including Call to Artists. www.tbbca.org

About Hill Ward Henderson
Hill Ward Henderson is a full-service law firm with multi-disciplinary practices headquartered in downtown Tampa. With more than 100 attorneys, the firm has a wide range of local, regional and national clients. One of Hill Ward Henderson’s guiding principles is a commitment to giving back to the community. The firm is honored to support the Gasparilla Music Festival and TBBCA and appreciates the wonderful work they are doing to bring great artists and art to Tampa Bay.
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