Emerging Artists Program Alumna Returns to Support Next Generation at Tampa Exhibition

TAMPA, Fla. - EntSun -- Gasparilla Arts is highlighting the continued success of Emerging Artists Program alumna Shannon Thek Prier, who presents her art under the name THEK. Her current exhibition, The Shape of E/motion, was developed in close collaboration with OXH Gallery and is presented as a solo exhibition at the gallery.

A public reception and fundraiser for the program is scheduled for April 29. The event will include a silent auction, with proceeds supporting the Emerging Artists Program, as well as a portion of sales from select works.

"Gasparilla Arts gave me the momentum I needed at a pivotal moment in my career," Prier said. "This exhibition is both a continuation of that experience and a way to support the next generation of artists."

The exhibition reflects the artist's development and ongoing connection to the local arts community, while the fundraiser aims to expand access and visibility for emerging artists.

"Our Emerging Artists Program is designed to provide artists with the resources and exposure to take the next step," said Clay Hollenkamp, who leads the program's committee. "It's rewarding to see artists succeed and return to support others."

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The partnership between THEK and OXH Gallery highlights the gallery's intention to serve as a platform for deeper engagement and sustained dialogue with the artists it presents.

Event details:
What: Exhibition reception and fundraiser for the Emerging Artists Program
Who: THEK, 2025 Emerging Artists Program alumna
When:  April 29, 6–8 p.m.
Where:  OXH Gallery, inside Hyde House, 1646 W. Snow Ave., Tampa
Admission:  Free; RSVP required https://tinyurl.com/THEKatOXH

The event underscores the broader impact of community investment in the arts, demonstrating how early support can translate into sustained opportunities for artists across the Tampa Bay region.

About Gasparilla Arts, Inc.

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Founded in 1971, Gasparilla Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping artists thrive, supporting arts education, and increasing access to the arts for all. Through its signature event, the Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, scholarship program, public art installations, and a variety of other year-round initiatives, the organization nurtures creativity, fosters community engagement, and champions the vital role the arts
play in shaping a vibrant and inclusive Tampa Bay.

About OXH Gallery (https://www.oxhgallery.com/home)
OXH is a gallery and public space focused on contemporary art that explores interior life, lived experience, and thoughtful dialogue. Its program features long-form exhibitions and conversations that emphasize depth and reflection over spectacle. The gallery also hosts salon-style gatherings that bring artists, writers, and thinkers together to discuss the role of art in both personal and civic life. As Tampa continues to grow, OXH aims to
contribute to the city's cultural landscape through ongoing dialogue and engagement.