Transitions Art Gallery
Words:  Lily Richeson
Photos: Kendra Mamula

It’s been almost a year since I walked into Transitions Art Gallery to see my very first show. Only about five people showed up on that Sunday afternoon. Little did I know that I would be walking into one of Tampa’s fastest growing communities. In the short amount of time I’ve passed through the door, those five people have turned into fifty, and even into three hundred.

Every week six o’clock rolls around and about seven or so close knit people head up to the gallery to get things in motion. Their lives are all separate; all have different day jobs, social circles, and families, but once they walk into the doors they act like they’ve known each other for years. Working on autopilot, almost as a machine, they hook up the PA system and microphones. They change the lighting and get tables set up for selling tickets and merchandise. Drinks and coolers are provided in the back room for the bands.  Idol hands are never seen. They take on tasks and if finished quickly, find ways to help each other out. They double check to make sure the back room is clear and help the bands load and unload all of their equipment. Every detail you tend to take for granted when you go into a venue is all part of what this group does.

The doors open and people start to filter in. Sometimes the show barely has 10 people to it, but sometimes Transitions gets over to 150. Either way every event has this kind of beauty to it. With every show comes a new memory and with every band or artist that rolls through this town our community grows and grows. Florida in itself has been looked down upon for its lack of “scene” but it’s starting to flower into one of the most desirable places to take part of.
Transitions Art Gallery is developing into something really special. It’s got a very DIY feel to it, which is something a lot of other local venues lack and something plenty of bands are still searching for. They try to approach every band on a personal level by introducing them to the local Taco joint or finding them a place to crash for the night, yet keep things on the verge of professional by paying the bands and creating flyers for every event held.

Recently, Transitions has opened up a newer, better venue in the warehouse right next door. Fully loaded with a fresh sound system, air conditioning and second story balcony. The new space has been a huge leap forward. For nearly two years now, Transitions Art Gallery has been struggling to make a difference in Tampa’s music community. They have booked show after show, packed with local bands, artists and people that just want to be a part of something. Hopefully the new space will open the eyes of others to just how fantastic and diverse Tampa can be.