Barry Wong
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Articles by Barry Wong
Air Force veteran reconnects with herself, community through art
Barry Wong Thu, September 3, 2026 at 4:51 PM EDT 2 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Add Yahoo on Google The Brief Bernadette Dunn turned to painting to process emotions following her military service. Art provided Dunn with a path out of isolation, eventually leading her to join the Veteran Civilians Arts Ensemble. Dunn now teaches mindful art to fellow veterans, helping others heal and foster a sense of community. SEFFNER, Fla.
Veteran finds healing through dance therapy at VA Tampa after breast cancer battle
A VA Tampa dance therapy program helps veterans improve both physical mobility and mental health through personalized sessions. • U.S. Army veteran Traci Davis, recovering from breast cancer and nerve damage, uses movement therapy to manage pain, anxiety and regain function. • The program focuses on rebuilding confidence, helping Davis progress to performing a dance routine in front of fellow survivors. TAMPA, Fla.
Tampa’s Lemonicious Drink Co. turns family recipes into local fresh-fruit favorite
The Brief The Lemonicious Drink Company started at the home of Curtis and Nadine Knight. After friends and family kept asking about the tasty drinks, they decided to try selling them. The drinks feature only a handful of natural ingredients. BARTOW, Fla. - For husband and wife Curtis and Nadine Knight, the Lemonicious Drink Company started at home. "My wife was making amazing drinks for us, and people would come and would always ask where you got those drinks from?
Tampa’s Lemonicious Drink Co. turns family recipes into local fresh-fruit favorite
The Lemonicious Drink Company started at the home of Curtis and Nadine Knight. • After friends and family kept asking about the tasty drinks, they decided to try selling them. • The drinks feature only a handful of natural ingredients. BARTOW, Fla. - For husband and wife Curtis and Nadine Knight, the Lemonicious Drink Company started at home. "My wife was making amazing drinks for us, and people would come and would always ask where you got those drinks from?
Beyond the Mona Lisa: MOSI’s Leonardo da Vinci exhibit showcases the ‘original innovator’ in Tampa
"Machines in Motion" is a MOSI exhibition featuring 20 different machines created from Leonardo da Vinci designs in the 1400s. • Both children and parents are encouraged to interact with many of them. • Organizers say da Vinci was STEAM before STEAM was a thing. TAMPA, Fla. - While many equate the name Leonardo da Vinci to the art world, his impact on the world of innovation may be more valuable to the current world. "Leonardo da Vinci was really the original innovator.
Eight O'Clock Theatre brings Broadway musical 'Crazy for You' to Largo
The Brief Eight O'Clock Theatre is performing "Crazy For You" from May 1-10. The romantic comedy features tons of big dance numbers. Performers hope to get the audience on their feet with lots of tap dancing. LARGO, Fla. - For Eight O'Clock's performances of "Crazy For You", performers created rhythms in a variety of ways. "It's a massive production. The set is big. There are multiple levels," Eight O'Clock Theatre Director James Grenelle explained. "They're dancing on roofs.
Lakeland Community Theatre performers, past and present, take the stage for a special 40th anniversary gala
The Brief Around 100 performers will take the stage for Lakeland Community Theatre's 40th anniversary gala, including some parents with their children. The gala will feature music from over 40 different shows. The performance will be at the Historic Polk Theatre on April 18. LAKELAND, Fla. - It's a reunion for many former Lakeland Community Theatre performers as they prepare for a special 40th anniversary gala on Saturday.
Art Center Sarasota's 'Art of the Spectacle' honors the human experience behind the scenes
The Brief "The Art of the Spectacle" exhibition is on display at Art Center Sarasota until April 18. Lifetime performer Maria Schaedler-Luera juried the show. A juried show is a curated art exhibition where a panel of experts ("jurors") selects participating artists and artwork based on quality, originality, and technique. Schaedler-Luera drew from her own experiences while viewing the submissions. SARASOTA, Fla.
MLK and Malcolm X face off in Stageworks Theatre's powerful 'The Meeting' in Tampa
The Brief ‘The Meeting’ is a one-act play where Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X meet in a Harlem hotel room. The play highlights their similar goals but different executions. Cast and crew hope to focus on the humanity of both. TAMPA, Fla. - In reality, Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X only briefly met once, but the Stageworks Theatre play "The Meeting", imagines a full "what if" conversation between the civil rights icons. "Two different world views on civil rights.
Gulf Coast Ballet Theater students prepare for ‘Cinderella’ performance at St. Pete’s Palladium
The Brief Gulf Coast Ballet Theater will perform the classic ballet Cinderella at the Palladium Theater in St. Pete. Fifty students, from various ages and experience levels, will take the stage. The students will perform without any words, relying on dance and facial expressions to tell the tale. LARGO, Fla. - At the studio of the Gulf Coast Ballet Theater, 50 students and teachers are preparing for one of their biggest performances of the season, Cinderella.
Florida CraftArt celebrates 75 years with ‘The Makers Who Made Us’ exhibition in St. Pete
The Brief The 'Maker's Who Made Us' exhibition celebrates Florida CraftArt's 75th birthday. Florida CraftArt in downtown St. Pete is the only organization in the state that's part of "Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026". The St. Pete celebration coincides with the country's 250th birthday. ST.
Tampa preschoolers use 'hands-on learning' quite literally during embryology project on chickens
Students at Ivybrook Academy are participating in a month-long embryology study on baby chickens. • They observe and handle the chickens, from egg stage to hatchlings, to the birds’ early steps. • Hands-on work is a core curriculum at the academy. TAMPA, Fla. - Ivybrook Academy preschoolers may not be able to answer the riddle of "chicken or egg first", but they can provide a lot of information about the life cycle of the birds.
Tampa charter school's new 'BIZI' currency credited with changing culture on campus
The Brief IDEA Hope K-8 launched the BIZI program, a rewards system where students earn points for good behavior, academics and attendance, similar to a "mini Amazon." Students can redeem points every two weeks for prizes ranging from snacks and school supplies to larger items like scooters and video games, as well as special experiences. School staff say the program has reduced disciplinary referrals and boosted student accountability, motivation and sense of belonging. TAMPA, Fla.
Tampa charter school's new 'BIZI' currency credited with changing culture on campus
The Brief IDEA Hope K-8 launched the BIZI program, a rewards system where students earn points for good behavior, academics and attendance, similar to a "mini Amazon." Students can redeem points every two weeks for prizes ranging from snacks and school supplies to larger items like scooters and video games, as well as special experiences. School staff say the program has reduced disciplinary referrals and boosted student accountability, motivation and sense of belonging. TAMPA, Fla.
New studio in Tampa showcases sculptures made of a mix of metals Original
Thu, March 26, 2026 at 10:02 PM UTC The Brief Modern Art Creations studio opened its doors in February. Artwork features both recycled metal and raw metal. The goal is to make viewers wonder what the piece of art is. TAMPA, Fla. - Artist Felipe Lopez hopes visitors to the Modern Art Creations studio in Tampa will second guess what they are looking at. "I want people to see it and think that they were made exactly for that purpose," Lopez said.
Sarasota's 'Rooted in Community' exhibition highlights artwork from 2 historically Black neighborhoods
The Brief The "Rooted in Community" exhibit highlights artistic contributions from Sarasota’s historic Newtown and Overtown communities, featuring both emerging and established artists. The showcase emphasizes emotion, identity and local history, with all participating artists having lived or worked in Newtown. Organizers hope the exhibit sparks meaningful conversations about culture, Black identity and the importance of understanding local history. SARASOTA, Fla.
Plant City High School theatre program honored with prestigious Disney grant
The Brief Disney on Broadway Schools of Excellence grant focuses on student leadership. Plant City High School is one of only 21 schools in the country to receive the honor. 50 students are currently preparing to perform "Peter and the Starcatcher." PLANT CITY, Fla. - Plant City High School is one of 21 schools honored to receive the Disney on Broadway Schools of Excellence grant.
Kids receive crash course in performing arts at New Tampa Performing Arts Center Spring Break Camp
The Brief Kids are spending their spring break learning about performing arts at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center. They learn acting, set design and stage makeup. Encore! Camp returns with four two-week sessions this summer. NEW TAMPA, Fla. - Twenty kids are spending their spring breaks learning all about performing arts at Encore! Camp at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (NTPAC).
Artist that struggled with bipolar disorder inspires exhibit to benefit National Alliance of Mental Illness
The Brief ‘40 Self-Portraits in 40 Days’ will be on display at NAMI's second annual Arts & Minds fundraiser. The exhibition features portraits by artist Joanna Barnett. Barnett struggled with bipolar disorder her entire life. SARASOTA, Fla. - The National Alliance on Mental Illness highlights mental health struggles through 40 self-portraits at the Sarasota Art Museum.
Artist that struggled with bipolar disorder inspires exhibit to benefit National Alliance of Mental Illness
The Brief ‘40 Self-Portraits in 40 Days’ will be on display at NAMI's second annual Arts & Minds fundraiser. The exhibition features portraits by artist Joanna Barnett. Barnett struggled with bipolar disorder her entire life. SARASOTA, Fla. - The National Alliance on Mental Illness highlights mental health struggles through 40 self-portraits at the Sarasota Art Museum.
Carrollwood Cultural Center exhibition spotlights the use of light in art
The Brief "The Color of Light" features 122 pieces of art. The curator wanted a topic that could be interpreted in many ways. It is on display until March 28. CARROLLWOOD, Fla. - Whether it's sunlight, indoor lights or abstract lights, they are all highlighted at Carrollwood Cultural Center's "The Color of Light" exhibition.
MOSI exhibition 'Dreaming in Bamboo' highlights blend of science and art
The Brief Artist Alexander Nixon repurposes bamboo he has collected from the area to create large pieces of art. The ‘Dreaming in Bamboo’ exhibit highlights a blend of science and art. The material used for each piece is 100% bamboo. TAMPA, Fla.
Artist's calming painting session during hurricane prep prompts art exhibition
The Brief ‘Fresh Wave’ is on display at the 502 Gallery in Sarasota. Artist Tim Jaeger started by painting one fish, which grew into schools of fish for a dozen different pieces. Jaeger was trying to relax before Hurricane Milton's arrival when he found himself in the art studio. SARASOTA, Fla. - As artist Tim Jaeger tried to relax prior to Hurricane Milton's arrival, he found himself in his art studio.
Mix of traditional and non-traditional materials make up pieces at 'The Art of Collage' exhibition
The ‘The Art of Collage’ exhibition is one of the shows currently showing at the Depot Arts District in Lakeland. • The exhibit is on display until March 15. LAKELAND, Fla. - Artists blend traditional and non-traditional art materials to create their work at the Depot Arts District's "The Art of Collage" exhibition. "The idea behind it is that we're bringing together pieces of art that wouldn't necessarily come together any other way," artist Mary Correa said.
Downtown Bartow taken over by all kinds of art at annual Bloomin' Arts Festival
The annual Bloomin' Arts Festival debuted in Bartow in 1971. • Ninety artists will have their work on display and for sale. • The two-day event also includes live music, a car show and a student art show. BARTOW, Fla. - Art takes center stage at the 55th annual Bloomin' Arts Festival this weekend. "This is my second year there. This is only my second festival," fine artist Sheryl Marie Phelps said.
'My Name is Asher Lev' brings powerful family story to Tampa's Stageworks Theatre
The Brief Stageworks Theatre debuts "My Name is Asher Lev," a play about a young artist torn between family expectations and pursuing his passion for art. The production comes from the novel by Chaim Potok and follows Asher’s journey growing up in a Hasidic Jewish family in New York in the 1950s. The show runs in Tampa from March 5–22, with a three-actor cast portraying multiple roles and exploring themes of family, faith and individuality. TAMPA, Fla.
Sarasota art sculpture 'Purpose' honors young ballerina who battled bone cancer
The Brief ‘Purpose’ is one of the sculptures created by artist Angela Mia. It tells the story of a young ballerina, Izzy Martin, who battled bone cancer. Mia created 12 sculptures whose proceeds go to a foundation created in Izzy's honor. SARASOTA, Fla.
Tampa's Gasparilla Festival of the Arts showcases work of emerging artists
Tampa's Gasparilla Festival of the Arts will feature 15 emerging artists displaying their work in individual 10’x10’ tents at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park. • The program’s goal is to help artists transition from hobbyists to professionals through mentoring and real-world festival experience. • Participants receive business-focused training, including lessons on taxes, marketing and networking to prepare them for long-term success. TAMPA, Fla.
Tampa's Gasparilla Festival of the Arts showcases work of emerging artists
The Brief Tampa's Gasparilla Festival of the Arts will feature 15 emerging artists displaying their work in individual 10’x10’ tents at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park. The program’s goal is to help artists transition from hobbyists to professionals through mentoring and real-world festival experience. Participants receive business-focused training, including lessons on taxes, marketing and networking to prepare them for long-term success. TAMPA, Fla.
Stories from Titanic continue to be told over a century later at large traveling exhibition
The Brief The "Titanic: An Immersive Voyage" exhibition is in Florida for the first time. It features over 300 artifacts. A two-story immersive room features full-size lifeboats. TAMPA - For the first time in Florida, "Titanic: An Immersive Voyage" tells stories of passengers and crew. The exhibition combines artifacts, physical set pieces combined with monitors, an immersive 360-degree room and a virtual reality room. What they're saying "We have artifacts from the ship itself.
Mulberry Cultural Center exhibition explores art off the canvas
‘Surface Tension’ is on display at the Mulberry Cultural Center through March 6. • Materials include such items as a lunchbox, lawn chair and mirror. MULBERRY, Fla. - A new Mulberry Cultural Center exhibition called "Surface Tension," explores the use of non-traditional materials in art.
Morning chair-based exercises helping seniors at Oak Tree Manor
The day begins with exercises for the 60-some senior residents that live at Oak Tree Manor. • For many of the residents, the morning workouts set the tone for the rest of the day. • From Monday–Friday, they all gather for a variety of chair-based exercises for around 60 minutes each morning. SEMINOLE, Fla. - The day begins with exercises for the 60-some senior residents that live at Oak Tree Manor.
‘Day Dreams’ exhibit depicts dreams at Morean Art Center in St. Pete
'Day Dreams' Exhibition is on display at the Morean Arts Center in St. Pete. • Artists from the S|ART|Q Artist Collective are featured in the exhibit. • Organizers wanted topics that anyone could contribute to. ST PETERSBURG, Fla. - The ‘Day Dreams’ exhibition at the Morean Arts Center depicts dreams in artwork. "I hope everyone that sees this exhibition just gets really mesmerized by everything," Morean Arts Center Chief Curator Amanda Cooper said.
'Low Tide / High Root' exhibit highlights cultural balance for Asian Americans living in the US
"Low Tide / High Root: APIDA Diasporic Perspectives" is on display at the Dunedin Fine Art Center. • APIDA stands for Asian Pacific Islander Desi American and the show is on display until Feb. 22. • It showcases the divide and balance for multiculture Asian Americans living in the U.S. DUNEDIN, Fla.
Mix of art and science matches Dogs Inc. guide dogs with their owners
Dogs, Inc. matches around 100 guide, therapy and service dogs each year. • Traits like walking pace, energy level and temperament are all considered. SARASOTA, Fla. - Like pairing Valentine's Day partners, a lot goes into matching guide dogs with potential owners. "As we're training the dogs, we kind of have ideas in our mind as time goes on, or maybe this dog could work for this person," Dogs Inc. Apprentice Guide Dog Mobility Instructor Chelsea Aldrich said.
Friends honor lifelong artist with exhibition in Lakeland
‘The Art of Pat Percy’ is on display at the Depot Arts District. • Percy created hundreds of pieces, but never sold an original for profit. LAKELAND, Fla. - Two friends are honoring their close friend by displaying her creations in the exhibition "The Art of Pat Percy" at the Depot Arts District. "Gee and I have handled Pat's art for years, and the feeling always has been, it really needs to be in a gallery somewhere. It should not be just contained in these boxes and storage," Thelma Willis said.
Patel Conservatory's 'To the Stars' hopes to start a love of theatre for younger kids
The Brief ‘To the Stars’ is a 30-minute show featuring puppets, crops, and music. It encourages 3-6-year-olds to participate and even ask questions during the performance. Three performances are scheduled at the Straz Center on Feb 7-8. TAMPA, Fla. - By encouraging participation and interaction, the writer and actors of "To the Stars" foster a love of theater for young kids. "Very young means typically like ages 3–6 years old," playwright of "To the Stars" Cory Kennedy Barrow said.
51st annual International Miniature Art Exhibition brings tiny masterpieces to Tarpon Springs
The 51st Annual International Miniature Art Exhibition is at the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art. • The show is held by the Miniature Art Society of Florida. • 550 pieces from all across the world were featured. TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. - The saying "Good Things Come in Small Packages" could be the motto for the 51st Annual International Miniature Art Exhibition. "We are focused on trying to bring back the whole concept of miniature art," Miniature Art Society of Florida President Julie J. McGowan said.
Art Center Sarasota celebrates its members for centennial celebration
Art Center Sarasota is celebrating 100 years by shining a light on its members' work. • The center has more than 700 members, and 228 of them have pieces featured in the exhibition. • The members' show will be on display until Feb. 21. SARASOTA, Fla. - To celebrate a centennial milestone, Art Center Sarasota is shining a light on the work of its members.
‘Live Since '85’ showcases 40 years of concert memories through local promoter's flyers and photos
The Brief "No Clubs! Presents" started booking concerts throughout Tampa in 1985. The exhibition features more than 600 flyers, with a couple handfuls of originals. Many artists' concerts were held right before they became famous. ST PETERSBURG, Fla - Through hundreds of flyers, photos and memories, "No Clubs! Presents Live Since '85" showcases 40 years of concerts in Tampa Bay.
‘Live Since '85’ showcases 40 years of concert memories through local promoter's flyers and photos
Fox local Barry Wong January 30, 2026 at 1:35 PM The Brief "No Clubs! Presents" started booking concerts throughout Tampa in 1985. The exhibition features more than 600 flyers, with a couple handfuls of originals. Many artists' concerts were held right before they became famous. ST PETERSBURG, Fla - Through hundreds of flyers, photos and memories, "No Clubs! Presents Live Since '85" showcases 40 years of concerts in Tampa Bay.
New nonprofit brings theatre into living rooms with 'The Pink Unicorn'
The Brief Story Keepers, a new nonprofit, is bringing the theatre experience into people's living rooms. Shows can be in homes, backyards, bars and hotels, all to create a more intimate setting. The debut show, ‘The Pink Unicorn’, is a one-woman show. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Story Keepers, a new nonprofit, is bringing the theatre experience into people's living rooms. "We are not going to be on a proscenium stage too often.
Capybara fans meet residents of future habitat CapyCove
The Brief CapyCove is a planned 1,700-square-foot outdoor facility for capybaras in St. Petersburg. Three featured capybara residents are meeting the public at various Kahwa Coffee locations. The estimated opening date is in June. TAMPA, Fla. - The world's largest rodents seem to be popping up all over Tampa Bay, but like many other capybaras, the trio with CapyCove, seem to be welcomed by most.
Stageworks Theatre actors tell grand story in small, intimate space in 'Touching the Void'
The Brief The play, "Touching the Void" is about two mountain climbers’ journeys in Peru. Stageworks actors have the challenge of portraying a story about a journey on a 20,000-foot mountain within a small, intimate environment. Actors will be on an 18-foot wall to tell the story. TAMPA, Fla. - For the play "Touching the Void," Stageworks Theatre actors have the challenge of portraying a story about a journey on a 20,000-foot mountain within a small, intimate environment.
Encaustic artists hope Carrollwood exhibition highlights 'painting with wax'
The Brief Carrollwood Cultural Center exhibition is called "Encaustic Impressions: A Florida Wax Show." The ancient medium dates to the Greeks. Encaustic means "to burn in." TAMPA, Fla. - A new Carrollwood Cultural Center exhibition, "Encaustic Impressions: A Florida Wax Show," shows what artists can create when they "paint with wax." "It's very addictive, but it's also extremely versatile," encaustic artist Gina White said.
Glass art from around the world on display in St. Petersburg
The Brief Magic + Migration: Nature in Contemporary Glass is at the Chihuly Collection. The exhibition is in partnership with the Duncan McClellan Gallery. Each piece is inspired by nature. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.
Sarasota Art Museum exhibition highlights 40-year career of Janet Echelman
The Brief The visual artist is known for creating vast, flowing, mesh sculptures around the world. The exhibition features smaller scale models used in the creative process. Visitors get inside to look at materials used in the sculptures. SARASOTA, Fla. - In "Radical Softness" at Sarasota Art Museum, visitors are taken through visual artist Janet Echelman's 40-year career. "Walking into this exhibition, it's quite emotional to see four decades of my life unfold," Echelman said.
Holiday show highlights variety of work at Beach Art Center
The Brief An annual holiday show represents the second exhibition at the Beach Art Center since storm-related repairs this year. The show features 70 different pieces. This year, the show welcomes two pieces by 15-year-old artist Beckett Smith INDIAN ROCKS BEACH, Fla. - An annual holiday show represents the second exhibition at the Beach Art Center since storm-related repairs this year.
More than 200 ballet students prepare for 'The Nutcracker' at Straz Center
The Brief Next Generation Ballet is the Straz Center's resident ballet program, and they perform The Nutcracker every holiday season. Students audition from all over the country. The Straz Center will present six performances of the classic show. TAMPA, Fla.
High school seniors learn about Hillsborough College workforce programs at 'Day of Discovery'
Barry Wong Sun, December 14, 2025 at 8:40 PM UTC 2 min read The Brief Each year, hundreds of Hillsborough County high school seniors get a glimpse of possible futures through workforce programs at Hillsborough College's "Day of Discovery." The Annual Career Quest event is part of a more than 15-year partnership. 650 Hillsborough County high school seniors were invited. 70 workforce programs were featured. TAMPA, Fla.
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