Tampa, FL – As Tampa Bay artists Jose Gomez and Annie Rosse Gonzalez prepared to open their new art gallery in South Tampa, they had no way of knowing that it would become an instant success. House of Shadows, located on Kennedy Blvd only miles from downtown Tampa, opened its doors with its first major exhibit, Out of the Dark, on May 15, 2021. The modest 1,500 gallery was shocked to see visitors waiting outside its doors as it opened, hosting over 400 art fans, artists and patrons throughout its opening night. Over 20% of the art featured in the exhibition was sold to local and out-of-state buyers, creating a solid foundation for the fledgling art gallery.
Of the course of the first month, House of Shadows prepared for its second exhibition, The Invented Self, which would feature artwork created to allow artists to express their true, perceived, or expressed self through their work. The gallery established a format of Friday and Saturday events like Midnight Mass, where it showcases 70s and 80s cult movies and allows patrons to sit at lanterned tables with games and activities. Every event filled the venue, selling more art and merchandise from its retail market. Local photograph artist Jim Miller also opened his exhibit installation titled The Transmutation of Souls, ten contemplative works about the nature of the human soul.
On June 19, the second major exhibition opened to an equally successful night. Local art critic and supporter, Luis Gottardi wrote of House of Shadows,
“Like its owner, the space is utterly charming, warm and welcoming, including the small gift shop by the entrance. It is a relevant space in a central location, very independent, spirited, and different from the Seminole Heights/USF centered scene along Florida and now Nebraska Avenues.”
As House of Shadows continues its current showcase, it prepares for its next exhibition - Vulva - Deconstructing Femininity. Over 80 works depicting femininity across multiple perspectives and worldviews will be featured on July 17, 2021. It continues its weekend events and prepares for its next rotation of photographic art from TBSoPA members.
About House of Shadows Creative Gallery and Market
House of Shadows is an art gallery in Tampa, Florida focused on showcasing a unique, curated blend of local, national, and international visual and performance art. Our gallery is divided into a main gallery with two minor galleries and our House of Shadows Market - a collection of locally produced art products that are chosen for their creativity, quality, and cohesion with our Shadow culture. Our space is a haven for personal and creative expression.
