One of Tarpon Springs’ most popular locations, the historic Sponge Docks, now has a new art gallery, but not in the traditional terms. The City of Tarpon Springs has installed fifteen unique solar-powered Illuminated Art Boxes along the Sponge Docks’ Dodecanese Boulevard procured by the City of Tarpon Springs through the Tarpon Springs Public Art Committee (TSPAC). Each box houses two works of original art created by local artists. In addition to providing inspirational images during the day, the art boxes are illuminated at night providing the viewer with a totally different experience. The project is the brain-child of TSPAC member Joan Jennings and incorporates solar-powered technology. The art boxes were custom made by Portaboards Enterprises, LLC and the custom images were printed by Alan Goniwich of the Tarpon Springs UPS store.
Residents and visitors have enjoyed the unique art gallery over the last twelve months. Due to its popularity, the TSPAC wanted to provide more artists with an opportunity to display their art in the Illuminated Art Box Gallery and put out a second “call to artists” selecting thirty new works of art. The art or photographs currently displayed are works by the following talented artists (listed alphabetically): Maria Bouris, Sylvia Durell, Shari Gaines, Martha Hickey, Teresita Hightower, Steven Kenny, Bess King, Paul Linder, Denise Cormier Mahoney, Kathryn Marks, Peggy McCardle, Rose Metz, Mark Mitchell, Margaret Modjeski, Patty Renz, Ari Robinson, Mary Silvia, Ljuba Simovic, David Sonderman, Betty Stallard, Tom Wilke, Jana Withers and Sherida Wysocki.
Each of these artists received an honorarium from the TSPAC. A downloadable Illuminated Art Box brochure is available online that includes the artist contact information and a corresponding art image for reference. It is available online at Tarpon Arts’ website: www.TarponArts.org/Public-Art. Enjoy your own art treasure hunt at the historic Sponge Docks both day and night!