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What's Brewing

Ensuring stronger art scene

By SUSAN THURSTON
Published April 7, 2006

Seldom a month goes by when Skipper's Smokehouse doesn't get a request to host a concert to raise money for a musician or other artist who has been injured in an accident or suffers from a medical condition.

Owner Tom White most often obliges. Most recently, it was for blues musician Damon Fowler, who was injured in a car wreck and unable to fully work for months.

"It's important that we step up to the plate when they have a problem,'' he said. "They are helping all of us.''

The frequent benefit shows are the unfortunate result of many artists not having enough - or any - health insurance. Many don't qualify because they work part-time jobs to supplement their artistic endeavors. Others can't afford to buy insurance on their own.

A recent survey by the Arts Council of Hillsborough County found that about one in five local artists does not have health insurance. More than two-thirds of the artists who responded work second jobs, and more than half are not satisfied with the stability of their arts businesses.

The statistics trouble people like Art Keeble, director of the Arts Council, but don't come as a surprise. Keeble knows plenty of artists who wait tables or take unrelated part-time jobs to make ends meet. Several scaled back their artistic pursuits for more lucrative jobs unrelated to the arts.

It's sobering news in a place like Tampa, which hails itself as the next city of the arts. What good is being a city of the arts if we leave artists to fend for themselves?

We've already seen the effects in the Channel District. Once an affordable enclave for artsy types, the neighborhood has become ground zero for condos and lofts, most of which artists can't afford. Last year, painter Jeff Whipple, the poster boy for the arts in the Channel District, moved to - where else? - Seminole Heights.

Musician Maggie DiPietra has been trying for years to put together a program to provide affordable or free health insurance to qualifying local artists. Cities such as Memphis have been doing it successfully for years.

Offering low-cost insurance would enable more artists to pursue their passions full time, thereby developing their skills more fully and likely earning more money.

"If we want to be the next arts community, we need to start addressing these issues,'' DiPietra said.

She knows the dilemma firsthand. Years ago, she was a single mom in need of health insurance. She played music when she could but got a regular job for the insurance. As a result, she had to turn down touring opportunities, which may have bolstered her career. She also couldn't devote as much time to creating and marketing her music.

Now a full-time grant writer for the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, DiPietra plays music occasionally. She gets tons of phone calls inviting her to attend benefit concerts for so-and-so who got a kidney removed or so-and-so who broke a leg.

In February, invites came on behalf of Misty Schroeder, a mixed-media artist who was gravely injured in a car accident. Friends organized an art show at Mirta's Gallery Coffeehouse on Hyde Park Avenue to raise money to help cover some of her medical bills not covered by her limited insurance.

The response was overwhelming. About 15 artists donated pieces, and 1,300 people attended. Nearly all the artwork sold, raising several thousands of dollars for Misty. Mirta's also donated portions of food and drink sales.

"Some people didn't even know Misty,'' said friend April McGown, who worked with Misty at Starbucks on Howard Avenue. "A lot of people were just there to show their support.''

Misty has shown signs of improvement, McGown said, but declined to give specifics about Misty's condition.

Artist support will be a key component of the Art Council's upcoming community cultural plan, due out by the fall. Over the past several months Keeble and his staff have held public forums, conducted surveys and interviewed artists, citizens, and business and cultural leaders to seek input for the plan.

In the next few weeks, various task forces will meet to develop recommendations.

"I hope we get some definitive, achievable plans,'' Keeble said. "I don't want it to sit on a shelf.''

He wants a plan for guiding the arts community in the next decade, one that supports artists in good health or in bad.

THE LAST DROP: Wild Oats finally opened Wednesday at that multilevel shopping center at Interstate 275 and Dale Mabry Highway. Bring your coupons - they sent several in the mail - and your organic appetites. I hope the store is worth the hassle of parking there.

Susan Thurston can be reached at thurston@sptimes.com or 226-3394.

[Last modified April 6, 2006, 14:17:24]