Comic Book Dreams Lead to Lifelong Pursuit for Local Artist

Matt Ellrod began his artistic career at a young age.

Stop by the Carrollwood Cultural Center, and one thing is clear: local artists are making their mark in Tampa Bay. One of those artists is Matt Ellrod, who has displayed his artwork at the center, 4537 Lowell Road, and will be featured there next month. We recently talked to Ellrod about how he got his start and how the community can view or purchase his work. Patch: How did you get your start as an artist? Ellrod: As a pre-teen in Maryland, my brother Rick and I made our own comic books, and we were sure we would work for Marvel Comics one day. When I was 11, my parents signed me up for a Saturday morning charcoal drawing class at the local rec center. My teacher, Barney Loiselle, had to twist my arm to try oil painting. I finished my …

• Photos (2)

Local Culinary Arts Students Learn the Ropes at the RNC

Students from the Culinary Arts Academy at Land O' Lakes High School are in downtown Tampa this week at the Republican National Convention.

Wesley Earley was 8 years old when he figured out he wanted to become a chef. His goal? To own a restaurant one day, serving a mixture of Italian and Southern cuisine. His "curation dish" - mashed potatoes with Italian sausage, onions and peppers - might even make the menu's cut. This week, the 17-year-old and about two dozen of his classmates in the Culinary Arts Academy at Land O' Lakes High School spent part of their week in downtown Tampa at the Republican National Convention. Donning chefs' hats and coats, culinary arts students are receiving hands-on experience in the kitchens of the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Criteria required students to be 16 years old and have a minimal grade average of a 'B' to participate, which dwindled the …

•  3 Comments
• Photos (8)

Nancy Stearns Helped Make Cultural Center a Reality

The Northdale resident's enthusiasm for the center is "infectious."

One morning in 2000 while Nancy Stearns was having coffee with a few Carrollwood Village residents, the idea came about to provide the Carrollwood Players with a community center that would serve as a local hub for theater. The plan also involved using the center as a central facility to provide events and activities for the Greater Carrollwood area. "It would have been a win-win for both parties," recalled Stearns, who served as president of the Carrollwood Players. But Stearns, a working mother who was active with the Northdale Civic Association, got sidetracked with life. The idea got shelved. Eight years later, the Carrollwood Cultural Center opened its doors on Lowell Road. "It's a dream come true," said Stearns, a center volunteer. "…

•  2 Comments
• Photos (1)

Want to Serve on the County's Diversity Council?

The council needs members by Sept. 13.

Hillsborough County seeks interested residents to serve on its newly created Diversity Advisory Council.   The Council was created to facilitate communication between Hillsborough County government and diverse populations, and to address matters related to diversity that affect County government and its citizens.  The Council will be appointed by the Board of County Commissioners and be comprised of two individuals from each of the 12 categories below, for a total of 24 members: All nominees must be registered voters in Hillsborough County.  Appointments are voluntary positions; therefore, members serve without compensation.  Terms are for two years each.  The deadline to apply is September 13.  Citizens interested in being considered for …

• Photos (2)

Carrollwood Budget Coach Provides Life-Changing Financial Secrets

Melinda Turner helps clients choose “the pain of discipline” over “the pain of regret.”

Although she and her husband earned a comfortable income, Carrollwood mom of three Melinda Turner remembers the monthly struggle of living paycheck to paycheck, questioning where the money went and wondering why wasn’t there anything left to carry through the month. After frustration and arguments about money, in 2008 she and her husband enrolled in a 14-week class to better understand how to properly budget and save for their future. Armed with the skills they learned, the couple was able to pay off $30,000 in 13 months, leaving the family debt-free. Since 2008, Turner has used the money-saving education to purchase new cars, furniture and vacations with cash, leaving no dent in the family pocketbook. While employed full-time, Turner …

• Photos (2)

Artist Sees Beauty in Everyday Things

Joanmarie Whittinghill draws inspiration from the world around her.

Between the Carrollwood Cultural Center and the Life Enrichment Center, one thing is clear: North Tampa is a community full of talented artists. We recently talked to one named Joanmarie Whittinghill who has shown her work around Tampa Bay. Patch: How did you get your start as an artist? Whittinghill: I took art classes in high school and a few in college. However, I stopped art while I was working. But, I dabbled at it from time to time, doing portraits and taking occasional classes. When I moved to Florida and had more free time, it seemed like a great opportunity to pursue my hobby full time. Patch: Who or what influences you? Whittinghill: Major influences are seeing a beautiful landscape, a wonderful touching moment at sunset, a …

• Photos (3)

Early Training Leads to Career Longevity for Local Artist

Dore' Anderson has shown her work around Tampa Bay.

Between the Carrollwood Cultural Center and the Life Enrichment Center, one thing is clear: North Tampa is a community full of talented artists. We recently talked to one named Dore' Anderson about how she got her start and what her influences are. Patch: How did you get your start as an artist? Anderson: My early training at the Atheneum in Hartford Connecticut on Saturday mornings began at 10; seeing classic and contemporary art masterpieces each week reinforced an  invisible olive branch with all these images hanging on it. In my mind, I started to think in images developing spatial qualities during that formative year. I began to notice people looking at people in paintings, observing both subject matter and viewer and became aware of …

• Photos (3)

French Impressionists Inspire Local Artist

Jeanne Forsythe began painting as a child

Between the Carrollwood Cultural Center and the Life Enrichment Center, one thing is clear: North Tampa is a community full of talented artists. We recently talked to one named Jeanne Forsythe, who has shown her work around Tampa Bay, about how she got her start and how the community can see her work. Patch: How did you get your start as an artist? Forsythe: I got started as an artist the same as most children. I was provided with crayons, coloring books, unlined paper and later art classes at school. The difference between a child interested in art and one who is not, in my opinion, is a matter of encouragement. My mother was my encourager. Patch: Who or what influences you? Forsythe: Originally, Disney was my influence. I had those big …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (3)

Camille C. Spencer

9:31 am on Tuesday, July 17, 2012

What do you think of Jeanne's artwork?   more ›

Bright Colors Influence Local Artist

Anita Adlin began painting years ago

Between the Carrollwood Cultural Center and the Life Enrichment Center, one thing is clear: North Tampa is a community full of talented artists. We recently talked to one named Anita Adlin, who attends classes at the LEC, about how she got interested in painting and how the community can see her work. Patch: How did you get started as an artist? Adlin: When I was 12 or 13, my mom signed me up for art classes for children in Atlantic City.  It sparked my interest, and I have been painting on and off through my lifetime.  I heard about The LIfe Enrichment Center through a friend who is also an artist and have been going to classes there for the past two years.  Patch: What do you enjoy about painting? Adlin: I especially like painting …

• Photos (2)

Carrollwood Man's Body Found in South Florida Canal

William Norman was found in Davie, according to 10 News