Dave Decker has made a name for himself as a prominent photographer in the Tampa Bay area over the past two years. His ability to capture the essence of his surroundings through his lens has brought Creative Loafing readers directly into his world. From documenting street protests and community events to showcasing the vibrant energy of Tampa Bay, Decker's photographs offer a unique and captivating perspective on our beloved region. Recently, Decker has taken his craft further by opening his own studio in historic Ybor City, solidifying his presence in the local creative scene.

Sarah Hull is an award-winning, Florida-based studio painter who received her Masters in Fine Art Degree from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Boston MA in 2021, with previous art studies at the Rhode Island School of Design, RI and The New York Studio School, NY. Her work has been included in solo, invitational and traveling exhibitions throughout the United States and abroad including Tokyo, Japan, New York, Maryland, California, Minnesota, California, New Mexico, Virginia and Florida.

Jess Veguez is a New Jersey transplant and self taught photographer who has been taking photographs since she was 15 years old. While her career began as a fine art film photographer, she began Jess Veguez Photography in 2020 with a focus on portraits of women. Specializing in both Branding and Boudoir photography,  she aims to help women regain their confidence by providing a safe and judgment free environment for women to feel the freedom of self acceptance as a practice of self love.  She uses photography as a medium to empower women and elevate their self-esteem,  whether that it through imagery for Women Owned Businesses and Female Entrepreneurs,  or by capturing the essence of feminine sensuality. Through her lens, she strives to show women of all ages and body types that they are powerful and beautiful in the skin they wake up in. 

Lisa Ramudo is a sculptor and basket maker. 

“My work is rooted in history and tradition. I trained in fine arts as a teen and adult, but learned weaving, sewing, knitting and other traditional crafts as a child. The two are combined in my current work which brings together painting and sculpture with basketry and jewelry making. 

I paint watercolor paper with acrylic paint, then cut the paper into strips which I weave into baskets and other sculptural forms. These objects are then finished with thread, wire, and natural elements.”

Lisa was born in Michigan of Cuban immigrant parents, but spent most of her early life in Mexico and Costa Rica. She received her Bachelor’s of Fine Art at the School of Visual Arts in New York. She’s also studied at the University of Michigan, the Art Students League, and the Penland School of Craft. 

She currently lives in Tampa, Florida. 

Carlos Pons is a self-taught Tampa, Florida based artist originally from Guatemala. With over 15 years of experience his expertise lies in showcasing breathtaking oil paintings, immersive murals, and striking digital illustrations. His work can be found locally all over Tampa and across the state.

Mary-Helen Horne creates layered, improvisational artworks by combining intaglio, relief, and monotype printmaking processes, using non-toxic inks and materials on high-quality, acid-free printmaking paper. She is honored to be part of Kress Contemporary, as well as Tampa Bay’s 24 Hands Printmaking Collective, Tampa Regional Artists, and the Women’s Council for Art. Recognition includes first place award at Tampa Regional Artists' 2023 "Art in the Garden" exhibition, third place at the 2022 Dunedin Fine Arts Center “#SMF” exhibition, and honorable mentions in the 2023 Bay Area Art Show 16 and the 2022 Carrollwood Cultural Center member exhibition.

Ashley Cantero is a Tampa, FL native and artist who actively engages in the local art scene. Best known for her precise line work and bold, emotionally expressive female characters. With themes that are inspired by 60’s psychedelia, Atomic Age design and Sci-Fi, Ashley’s work is ever evolving through various mediums and artistic forms of expression.

The wide breadth of artistic creations created by Chase Parker consistently astounds its viewers. Parker creates two- and three-dimensional artworks using traditional and nontraditional materials to create illusions and fantasy. Parker aims to create artwork that creates illusions that engage viewers, deceive the mind, and create wonder and awe. The interactions are both in the mind and through physical interaction, allowing imaginations to run wild. He can take any object or material and see a new form, whether it be a portrait created from book pages or a body from bullet shells, the realism is surreal. Parker has always been interested in creating art but did not see it as more than a hobby until he began receiving commissions for paintings. Parker finds inspiration throughout his life experiences, being able to transform beauty out of pain, grief, love, and youth. Parker continues to share his art with the public as a way to truly fulfill his life’s meaning.

Influenced by the unique culture and strong creative environment of the city, she knew at a young age that she wanted to be an artist. Graduating from University of New Orleans with a major in painting, Elizabeth opened The Youth Corner Studio in the Garden District to teach art to children and pursue free-lance commercial art. To keep her hand in her fine arts, she would enter local exhibits.

I'm Karol Batansky. Since 2017 I've been creating vibrant abstract artwork from a mix of media, reflecting my unique take on culture, fashion and travel. I play with color, balance, and texture to create pieces that invite viewers into my world, encouraging a fresh, engaging perspective. My goal is to inspire thought and appreciation for the diverse beauty life offers, and to share my colorful and amusing view of the world.

Kim Radatz is a multi-disciplinary artist living in Tampa, FL. Her work serves as both a contemplative reflection and a counter narrative to the pervasive subjugation of women and the LGBTQ+ community. Radatz’s portfolio includes mixed media sculpture, fiber, flocking, encaustic and damn near any other material she can get her hands on. Radatz received her MFA at the University of Miami and her BFA at Florida International University.

In a previous life you would have found the Principal (me) walking the halls of various schools, chatting with students and dropping into classrooms. Today, having morphed into an artist, you’re just as likely to see me on the floor taking particular joy in the messiness of paint drips and splatters, with the same ending up largely on myself. There is no longer a need for straight lines nor to color within the lines. I love this thing I now do!

Marc is a self-taught emerging artist who specializes in portraits and figurative art. Using primarily graphite and polychrome colored pencils, his portraits tend to explore and celebrate diversity, with subjects representing various ages, races, ethnicities and religions. Marc’s drawings have been featured in several online and print publications, and his art is included in private collections around the world with clients in 18 countries across five continents.

Mary-Helen Horne creates layered, improvisational artworks by combining intaglio, relief, and monotype printmaking processes, using non-toxic inks and materials on high-quality, acid-free printmaking paper. She is honored to be part of Kress Contemporary, as well as Tampa Bay’s 24 Hands Printmaking Collective, Tampa Regional Artists, and the Women’s Council for Art. Recognition includes first place award at Tampa Regional Artists' 2023 "Art in the Garden" exhibition, third place at the 2022 Dunedin Fine Arts Center “#SMF” exhibition, and honorable mentions in the 2023 Bay Area Art Show 16 and the 2022 Carrollwood Cultural Center member exhibition.