Here are some of the upcoming events at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts this upcoming summer. Everything from the display of upcoming artists to photography classes.
Through their Lens: A Journey of Self-Exploration
Hillel Academy Tampa and the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMoPA) are delighted display the winners of the inaugural Student Photography Contest, held in memory of former student Jacob Ari Kamis.
The contest, themed “Through their Lens: A Journey of Self-Exploration,” was open to all sixth through 12th graders in the Tampa Bay Area. The winning photographs, along with a selection of Jacob’s own work, will be showcased in an exhibition at the museum from May 22 through June 16.
Jacob Ari Kamis, who tragically passed away in 2022, discovered his passion for photography while in middle school. He continued to hone his skills in high school, capturing his travels and his love for automobiles. In 2022, Jacob was appointed the official photographer of the Aston Martin Owners Club of Florida, and his work was prominently featured in the AMOC annual magazine.
Beyond photography, Jacob had a wide range of interests, including volleyball, baking, travel, and aviation. Known for his fashion sense and love for dance, Jacob’s infectious smile could brighten any room. The contest pays tribute to his memory by bringing the community together to celebrate his artistic vision.
“We are deeply grateful for the support from Hillel Academy Tampa and the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts in honoring our son Jacob through this contest,” said Katherine Alano and Jeffrey Kamis, Jacob’s parents. “Photography was not just a hobby for Jacob, but a way of expressing himself and exploring the world around him. Through his lens, he captured moments of beauty and wonder, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire others.”
Thomas Sayers Ellis: Paradise | Paradise Layered
This exhibition will feature works by Thomas Sayers Ellis, the first Photo Laureate of Saint Petersburg, Florida. This exhibition will be on view in FMoPA’s Gallery 2, from June 18－August 4, 2024.
In May 2023, Ellis was named the inaugural Photo Laureate by the Saint Petersburg Month of Photography. Throughout his tenure, he documented the life of St. Petersburg and its inhabitants. His work presents a multifaceted view of the city’s tourist industry, its workers, and its visitors.
The exhibition showcases a blend of black-and-white and color photography, using both digital and film formats. Accidental double exposures add to the eclectic and layered narrative, offering a comprehensive look at Ellis’s year in St. Pete. An accompanying photo book, Paradise Paradise Layered, featuring an extended collection of Ellis’s photographs and poems, will be released at the opening.
Admission price for the exhibit at FMoPA, 1630 E. 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605, is $12.
Joel Meyerowitz: Confluence, 1964-1984
The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMoPA) presents, “Joel Meyerowitz:
Confluence, 1964-1984,” featuring the iconic works of photographer Joel Meyerowitz. Running now through July 7, this exhibition offers a rare opportunity to experience the visionary artistry of a pioneer in the field of color photography.
Renowned for his innovative use of color to capture the essence of urban life and natural landscapes, Meyerowitz emerged amidst the artistic landscape in the 1960s.
The exhibition presents a captivating confluence of Meyerowitz’s early works. It showcases both black and white and color photographs, from the bustling streets of New York City teeming with eccentric characters, to the shores of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, lit by the play of light and shadow.
“Joel Meyerowitz was a pioneer of color photography and he fills each frame with extraordinary vibrancy, light, and life,” says Executive Curator Robin O’Dell. “This exhibition is not to be missed by anyone who wants to be reminded of the importance of paying attention to the world around us in big and small ways.”
Selected from the generous gift of 374 prints donated to FMoPA in 2021 by an anonymous benefactor, the photographs featured in the exhibition exemplify Meyerowitz’s mastery of the medium. Meyerowitz’s photographs have been featured in over 350 exhibitions in galleries and museums all over the world.
Classes at FMoPA
The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMoPA) is excited to announce the resumption of its highly anticipated photography classes, commencing this April. After a brief hiatus, FMoPA is proud to bring back diverse courses catering to photographers of all skill levels and interests. Led by respected instructors in their respective fields, these classes offer insights, techniques, and inspiration to photography enthusiasts. FMoPA is excited to welcome back Scott Bolendz, Simone Leal, Lance Rothstein, and Gianna Russo as instructors for the upcoming sessions.
Scott Bolendz, a seasoned traveler and fine art photographer, will lead the Travel Photography class.
Students will learn how to select appropriate camera gear for different kinds of travel and how to plan ahead to be more productive with their time as they review practical photography tips and explore creative ideas for getting priceless shots of places and things.
Simone Leal will guide students through the nuances of capturing images using only their mobile devices. The Smartphone Photography class promises to unlock the full potential of participants’ smartphones as powerful tools for photography.
Lance Rothstein will offer a comprehensive learning experience in both Photo 101 and street photography genres, from understanding camera basics to capturing the energy of urban landscapes.
Gianna Russo, a celebrated poet, will lead the Ekphrastic Workshop, a unique opportunity for participants to explore the intersection of poetry and visual art. Through immersive exercises and collaborative discussions, students will delve into the symbiotic relationship between words and images.
Registration for FMoPA’s photography classes is now open, with sessions scheduled to begin this April. Classes start at $75, and discounts are available for members of the museum.
