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Everybody's Business

New gallery aims for affable, not uppity

By SHARON GINN
Published April 13, 2007

Jen Winchell thinks many galleries can be so intimidating that even potential customers will avoid going in. She and business partner JoAnne Tireman are trying to create the opposite atmosphere for their new venture, Studio 3013.

"We want to introduce Tampa to art, in a different kind of way," Winchell said. "We don't want clients to feel intimidated. ...We want them to see how real artists work.

"It's a working studio. The gallery itself is going to be a very eclectic mix of various types of art. We want it to be fun, laid-back and relaxed."

Winchell and Tireman will throw open the doors to all comers Saturday at 7 p.m. for the grand opening of their gallery at 3013 W San Rafael St. Some pieces will be their own work, and much of the rest will be from other local artists. Most will be very affordable, Winchell said.

Winchell is an interior designer who has worked for many years with Tireman, a muralist and faux finisher. "We always dreamed of having a gallery," Winchell said.

Recently, they decided to convert the old 1920s warehouse that Tireman has been using as a studio for four years.

Studio 3013 will initially be open by appointment only, said Winchell, who will continue operating her interior design business. Call (813) 930-9204 for more information.

Stephanno's Pizzeria will return, owner says

To the dismay of many neighborhood residents, Seminole Heights pizza joint Stephanno's closed its doors in February.

But not to worry, said owner Paul Stephenson: It's only temporary.

"I had too many things going on at one time," said Stephenson, who also owns a catering company, Affairs to Remember, and a small deli in a secured office building in Ybor City.

Stephanno's, which opened 18 months ago at 6607 N Florida Ave., will get a very minor makeover, with a bit of new paint and dcor and a slightly more streamlined menu.

New manager John Butler will run the place. Stephenson said he expects to reopen around April 24.

"It got too crazy," Stephenson said. "I had major help issues. Now I have somebody that's going to run the pizzeria for me and take it off my back. I really didn't want to close it down (permanently)."

Chico's pulls out of Hyde Park Village

Chico's has become the latest major retailer to vacate Hyde Park Village.

The Fort Myers-based chain, a longtime tenant at the village, did not renew the lease that expired at the end of March, general manager Susan Martin said. Chico's officials did not return several calls for comment.

Chico's sister store White House/Black Market left Hyde Park for WestShore Plaza last year.

Chico's already has a store at WestShore and will add another sister store called Soma by Chico's, which features lingerie and sleepwear, to the mall in May.

The parent company, Chico's FAS, owns all three brands.

Starbucks (finally) comes to downtown

What does it say about downtown Tampa that Starbucks didn't open a location there until after it launched stores in Seminole Heights and on Gandy Boulevard?

Ah, well: The curious void was filled April 3 when the heavyweight coffee chain opened a location on the first floor of the 5-month-old Embassy Suites-Downtown Convention Center.

The hotel, at Franklin Street and Channelside Drive, is adjacent to the Tampa Convention Center. The Starbucks is at street level with caf seating outside and free wireless Internet.

Do you know something that should be everybody's business? Call 226-3394 or e-mail sharonlginn@yahoo.com.

. the find

Pirate timer

Time to plunder? Wind up this rascal to tick off the minutes. Time's up when he shakes his head to a pirate jig. No batteries needed, $34, at Art Tarts, 4109 S MacDill Ave. Call 832-5665.

Amy Scherzer

[Last modified April 12, 2007, 07:48:23]