Flocas 2008 opens tonight in Tampa, and I’ll tell you—my reaction to this project (the consortium of Florida university masters degree programs) is like, why didn’t someone think of this sooner? Best. Idea. Ever.

We have some really talented graduate students in the state, and it breaks my heart when they leave after graduation. We need to somehow get them to stick around and be the people who open art galleries or start a contemporary art center.

So, anyway—I’m looking forward to tonight’s show. (Above is the postcard they’ve been sending around; they had me at the Mike Kelley/Paul McCarthy-looking mess two from the top. What the hell is that?? I’m dying to know.)

The Bustillo y Diaz cigar factory does not keep regular hours. If you want to see this show after tonight, don’t be shy—call and ask to be let in. There’s no expectation for you to buy something if you make an appointment to see the show. (I get asked this question about twice a week, with so many of Tampa’s galleries running by-appointment-only these days.)

Enjoy!

Full press release after the jump:

2008 FloCas Traveling Exhibition

The Florida Consortium of Art Schools (FLoCAS) is a collaboration between the dedicated graduate students and educators from major universities through out the state of Florida.   As a result of this collaboration, the 2008 FloCas Traveling Exhibition will open to the public at Tampa’s Bustillo y Diaz Cigar Factory on October 7th.  The exhibition runs through October 24th, and there will be an opening Reception on Friday, October 10th, 6 PM  - 11 PM.

The 2008 FloCas Traveling Exhibition was juried by North Miami Museum of Contemporary Art Director Bonnie Clearwater. There are a total of 30 graduate students from USF, FSU and UF exhibiting their artwork in the show.  Before arriving in Tampa the exhibition has been displayed in both Tallahassee’s 621 Gallery and WarpHaus in Gainesville.

Please visit http://www.flocas.org for more information about FLoCAS and upcoming events.

When:

Exhibition Runs:  October 7-24, 2008

Opening Reception: Friday October 10th, 6-11 PM

Where:

Bustillo y Diaz Cigar Factory

2111 N Albany Ave.

Tampa FL 33607

Gallery Hours:

M-F 9 AM - 5 PM by appointment only.

Please contact Cecile Raynaud.

813.598.4498

craynaud@aol.com