By Jennifer Kennedy
For award-winning local artist Tatiana Becklund, her love of art began as a therapeutic outlet for intense emotions in childhood. Growing up, the Tarpon Springs native would look for ways to create and express herself anywhere she could. At recess, you could find her drawing elaborate designs with sidewalk chalk. At home, she’d illustrate the pages of her sister’s stories. As a member of the drama club, Tatiana developed an interest in performance art on stage, but would stay to paint the sets after rehearsals. While still a student at East Lake High School, she was invited to be a featured artist at the Dali Museum and realized her passion could become her profession.
Today, the University of South Florida student is the assistant curator for Libertine Contemporary Fine Art Gallery. Located in the heart of St. Petersburg, Libertine is a destination for innovative exhibitions and it features paintings, sculptures, lithographs and photographic prints available for acquisition. The unique two-story space, located on the corner of 1st Ave. South and 2nd St. South, is also available for private functions.
Becklund spends the majority of her time at their new Hyde House Public Studio in Tampa’s Hyde Park Village. Created by Station House, the curated, gallery-style workspace offers a mix of co-working, private offices and an immersive event space that has become a popular wedding venue.
Founder and collector Darin Kucera works closely with prominent artists to provide Greater Tampa Bay area residents with access to connect with and purchase world-renowned artwork.
As a young up-and-coming artist, Becklund has found that the people in the GTB area have provided unparalleled support. “There is an endless possibility of connections and creativity flowing in this city. The influx of diversity here is enlightening and inspiring. People love the energy that we have here.”
Becklund’s Artist Residency with PTL, a new nightclub venue in Ybor city, opens June 17. The nightlife destination is designed to elevate Tampa’s dance and electronic culture and integrate local art. Guests will have access to entertainment and atmospheres from a venue that is typically reserved for larger cities while embracing local talent and tastes.
She also suggests newcomers to GTB attend St. Petersburg’s Second Saturday Art Walk. An online map provides directions to each of the galleries participating in the city-wide collective event each month. For next month’s walk scheduled for July 14, Libertine will stay open late from 5-9 pm for a “Sugar Show;” an exhibition of 18 local artists and their perspectives on the word, “Sugar.” Guests can tour the artwork and meet the artists.
