Tampa Museum of Art gets ready to light up Tampa

You won't be able to miss the new Tampa Museum of Art when it opens in February of next year. The new 66,000 square foot, modernist rectangle building, drenched in LED lighting, will almost appear to hover above the river at night.

The exhibits inside are expected to shine a spotlight on cutting-edge contemporary art.

I had a chance to talk to the Tampa Museum of Art Director, Todd Smith, before his trip to Art Basel Miami Beach. The international art show is considered to be the most prestigious art show in the U.S. It brings together 2,000 artists of the 20th and 21st centuries from galleries in 33 countries.

(See photo gallery below)

TMA is partnering with the prestigious and world-renowned Margulies Collection, which is based in Miami, for four shows over the next three years.

What are you looking forward to seeing at Art Basel?

TS: Really curious about the feeling of the fair. Last year was rather somber; I hope that this year there is more optimism. (And it turned out to be a much better fair this year in terms of attitude from gallerists and fairgoers). People seemed ready to spend some money on art.

I am always excited to see the private collections which are opened to the public. The Rubell, de la Cruz' and the Margulies collections always inspire. I am also excited to sneak away for a few hours and see the new show at the Norton Museum of works by William Kentridge. (Believe me, this show did not disappoint; make sure you see it in West Palm before it hits MoMA in NYC in the spring)

How would you describe Art Basel to someone who has never been before?

TS: There is definitely something for everyone from the masters of the art world shown at the main fair, Art Basel, to the emerging artists shown throughout the secondary and alternative fairs. It is a mixture of commerce, fashion, attitude and some really good art. And every once in awhile you can spot a star. This year I was only a few tables away at Nobu from Val Kilmer.

Tell me about some of the relationships you've built with collectors and artists at Art Basel and how that will translate to what we will see at Tampa Museum of Art.

TS: The museum recently announced a three-year partnership with The Margulies Collection in Miami. The result of this partnership will be four exhibition drawn from the Collection. The Collection is well regarded as one of the most important collection of contemporary art in the region and country. It is a golden opportunity for the museum to show progressive and edgy work in a more consistent manner.

What were the highpoints of the fair for you?

TS: There were some real gems on view: Jack Shainman Gallery always offers a strong showing, this year with two striking paintings by Kerry James Marshall; the paper cutouts of Dylan Graham at Waterhouse and Dodd Gallery from London were mesmerizing in their intricacies and conceptual underpinnings; the recent video work of Eve Sussmann at Winkleman Gallery of NYC was captivating in how it translates a train journey across Asia into an elegy on the past and the present.

Describe what people can expect to see when TMA opens...

TS: What we have striven to create is a new space for the visual arts in the region. More than an art museum, it promises to become a true alive space for residents and visitors. From the LED lights that are an integral part of our metal facade, to the soaring space of our lobby, and from the slowfood movement offerings at Sono Cafe to the new educational offerings, the museum has definitely found a new voice and direction.

Anything else you would like to add?

TS: We are excited to open our doors in less than 2 months and welcome our friends, neighbors and newbies Our public grand opening will be on Saturday morning, February 6. We welcome all to our new home.