James Vann
Reflections of East Tampa

Acrylic on Concrete
Location: Tampa Police Department in East Tampa
22nd Street and E. 31st Avenue

Artist James Vann was selected by the East Tampa Community Advisory Committee and the Aesthetics & Beautification Committee to paint a series of murals at the site of the Tampa Police Department District III, located at 22nd Street and E. 31st Avenue. The space adjacent to the Police Department was originally designed and built as a space for community-based art, so Vann, a local artist, was commissioned to bring the space to life through imagery of East Tampa. Six murals all in a row depict positive images of the neighborhood and feature family, church, music, baseball, community and public safety. It was s specific request by the committee for Mr. Vann to feature the Tampa Police Department black foot patrol officers of the 1940s and 50s. Vann's public safety mural features both current-day officers and those who served on the force from years past. Vann's research on the neighborhood was vast -- and the community was a great help to unveil much history about the area. He hopes the murals will inspire others to learn more about the history of their communities.


Artist Statement
James Vann describes his artwork as Neo Cubism and has studied art since his youth in NYC. "When I study a subject; be it figuratively, still life or landscape, I immediately begin to dissect it into cubes of flat bright colors and geometric shapes. I then contrast the lights & darks, as one cannot do without the other. The thought in process, is spontaneous and calculated with a soulful balanced blend of my life's experience! Something wonderful happens, as the power of the brush and the art connect. Acrylic paints are my choice of medium, as it is patient, forgiving and gels perfectly!"