Gala Corina: 1999
Gala Corina I, November 9, 1999, was held in the historic Corina Cigar Factory in Palmetto Beach just south of Ybor City.
The Corina was built in 1895 and was proud to boast having one the first of 43 elevators ever made. The original motor of that elevator is still in operation today.
“The idea for the Gala began quite innocently in the workshop of Mike Calvino, where Mike had been teaching a small group of mostly architects to weld steel, make furniture, art, etc. Having completed a few pieces of sculpture, I set out to show them in some of the local galleries but found that process sort of restricting, ...having to fit into a specific “theme” and the like. Mike and I were discussing the similarities between art and architecture, and wondering exactly how an artist might “emerge” as they say. We were both a little disappointed with our perceptions of the current gallery circuit, when Mike (...in true Mike fashion) bluntly said ”...screw it, let’s just make our own show.” A quick tally of all of our friends that made art easily composed an artist roster, and the rest is his story.
Some details simply fell into place, like the first location and namesake (where I was and still do live). Other details were quite laborious, ...like securing the well needed donations. Everything was decided democratically for the most part and I believe it was a positive experience for everyone involved. The show most definitely didn’t suck. During the opening, I was told by two veteran artists that this is exactly what Tampa needed, ...passion for art with an innocence to the art machine.”—John Langley