Aid for artists

The Exhibiting Society of Artists provides support, display space and promotional help for its members.

By BRANDY STARK

© St. Petersburg Times,
published September 2, 2001

LARGO -- Whether they're newcomers or have deep roots, the Tampa Bay area's many artists share similar challenges: getting their art seen by the public and connecting with other artists.

Enter the Exhibiting Society of Artists, also known as TESA, a nonprofit organization formed last year to help professional artists market and promote their work.

TESA helps artists find events and galleries where they can exhibit and also stages its own exhibitions three or four times a year. These shows allow artists to split the mailing and promotional costs and to share in contacting the media, sending out invitations, finding sponsors and setting up the location. All members of TESA are expected to attend and work at each exhibition.

"Artists have to initiate interaction with the public. Our track record shows that once people get to know the artists and their works, they are more likely to make a purchase," said local artist Marlene Tenorio, president and founder of TESA.

"This is a new millennium, and the art world has changed. Artists have to do the legwork to be discovered. This organization is here to help," she said.

The organization also sponsors the TESA gallery, housed within the Stellar Industrial Finishers building in Largo. Here, 30 artists present some of their most recent works for sale to the public. TESA also uses the office space next to the gallery to show how the art might look in a typical workplace.

Member artists keep updated portfolios at the gallery for visitors to view. If one artist's work finds particular favor with a patron, the gallery will arrange for the two to meet for a private show.

The association also seeks corporate sponsorships and new indoor spaces for exhibitions. Raymond James has donated the use of a conference room in its downtown St. Petersburg offices for the display of TESA member artworks. The room is now hosting Randall Brewer's one-man show.

Brewer, a self-taught artist who depicts seascapes and marine life in oil paintings, has been a member of TESA for eight months.

"The organization is a big support to me," he said. "It gives me more than just a place to display; it offers a way for me to learn more about the whole business of art."

To become a member of TESA, individuals must be invited by a current TESA artist. Members pay a $30 annual fee, are expected to volunteer on a committee and must have a portfolio for display.

For information, call Marlene Tenorio at (727) 768-0744. The TESA Gallery is at 10841 Endeavor Way, off Bryan Dairy Road in Largo. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

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