This is the last issue of the Buzz for 2007. When we return on January 8, Megan Voeller will become the new editor of the Buzz. You may send items for publication to her at voeller@gmail.com. Join us in welcoming Megan, were confident you'll enjoy what we have in store for 2008.

Megan is a freelance writer and art critic. She writes a weekly column on the visual arts in Tampa Bay for Creative Loafing and teaches at the University of Tampa and the Art Institute. Her writing has also appeared in NY Arts Magazine, d'Art International, Cigar City Magazine, the Tampa Tribune, the St. Petersburg Times, and Tampa Bay Metro Magazine. Megan grew up in Tampa and attended Williams College and the New School's Media Studies Program. When she's not updating her blog, Artsqueeze.com, Megan enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, Frank, and riding her bike. Contact her at voeller@gmail.com or 727-488-5002.

CreativeTampaBay wishes you a joy filled holiday and a prosperous 2008!

When not consumed by the busyness of the holidays, check out two views on the latest trends. The first, from www.Trendwatching.com focuses on consumer trends and the second, the book “Microtrends, the small forces behind tomorrow’s big changes," speaks to multiple small trends that could have a big impact.

At www.trendwatching.com, 8 important consumer trends that have to be on your radar for 2008 are highlighted. We're talking STATUS SPHERES, ECO-ICONIC, SNACK CULTURE, PREMIUMIZATION, CROWD MINING and more. We promise they will inspire you to come up with new products, services and experiences for your demanding customers. To be in the know, just go to this month's briefing » http://trendwatching.com/briefing/. 
 
“Microtrends, the small forces behind tomorrow’s big changes," by Mark Penn with E. Kinney Zalesne, published in September 2008. This book is more like a reference read, full of interesting and relevant info not to be digested in a single sitting. A fascinating look at over 75 microtrends impacting us today and tomorrow.

We have all heard of the terrible tragedy that befell 15 Dunedin artists the morning of December 9th, as their studios were reduced to a charred memory. The flames were barely extinguished however, when the hearts of concerned citizens began to open with an outpouring of support. On Wednesday, December 19th, the Dunedin Fine Art Center will host a fundraising event to gather together and uplift those affected. Beginning at 6:30, the Dunedin Fine Art Center will offer music…food and drinks and a live auction of donated Art works with all proceeds going to the IMAGO Artist’s Group.

For more information on the event, click here >>

The history of America is interwoven with contributions of descendents of African and African American. The Tampa Bay Black Heritage Foundation, Inc, annually, endeavors to bring a sampling of these contributions to the forefront. With events and activities showcasing the Artistic, Historical and Cultural aspects of the African and African American Diaspora, the 2008 Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival will bring to the community nationally and internationally renowned artists and exhibits, speakers and entertainment. Read the full article >>

Stackhouse’s Swimmers and Floaters at Polk Museum of Art
December 1 – March 2
 
Swimmers and Floaters refers to the snakes and boats featured in much of Stackhouse’s work, both of which embedded themselves in his consciousness during his teen years on Lake Juliana in Auburndale. This thirty-year retrospective will be on display December 1, 2007 – March 2, 2008. Robert Stackhouse: Swimmers and Floaters is sponsored by ASC Geosciences with additional support from a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information about the exhibition, please call 863-688-7743 or visit www.PolkMuseumofArt.org.

The Tamburitzans of Duquesne University Leap into Tarpon Springs
Jan 2-3, 7:30 PM

Folk dances and music from Eastern Europe and neighboring cultures 7:30 pm on Jan. 2 and 3, 2008 Based on the exciting music, songs, and dances of Eastern Europe and neighboring cultures, the Duquesne University Tamburitzans is the longest-running live stage show of its kind in the United States. The Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center is located at 324 Pine Street, Tarpon Springs. Admission: $25; center member or student, $23; reserved seating. Go to www.tarponarts.org or call 727-942-5605 for tickets/info.

Winter Vacation Day Camp At Camp Bayou “Be a Citizen Scientist”
January 3 & 4, 9 Am – 4 PM

A special winter vacation day camp will be offered at Camp Bayou on Thursday and Friday, January 3 and 4, 2008, from 9am-4pm. Camp theme is 'Be a Citizen Scientist'. In the morning, tour a re-created Indian camp, then learn how archaeologists work and discover 'artifacts' in the simulated dig. In the afternoon, learn how naturalists discover the wonders of nature. Time will be alloted to create some equipment to monitor wildlife in your own yard. Participants should bring a bagged lunch. Cost for each day of camp per child is $75. Ages 7-12. Registration required and limited to 18 children.

Camp Bayou is located 3 miles south of SR 674 at the end of 24th St SE in Ruskin. For more information or to register, contact Dolly at camp@campbayou.org or call 813-363-5438. General info: www.campbayou.org or call 813-641-8545.

Haven’t booked your New Year’s Eve celebration yet? Here are some Downtown Tampa ideas:

• * The Florida Aquarium
  * Yacht StarShip
  * Channelside Bay Plaza

All-American Classical Ballet School of Tampa Presents “The Nutcracker”
December 21 and 22, 8 PM
December 23, 2 PM

The classic holiday favorite "The Nutcracker" is presented by the All American Classical Ballet School of Tampa and stars renowned leads Julio Montano and Giselle Durand at the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center on December 21-23, Friday and Saturday, 8 PM & Sunday, 2PM. Tickets: $18, $16 for Center members and children are available at the box office 727-942-5605 or online at www.tarponarts.org.

 Jobsite Exits Holidays with Dysfunctional, Delicate Family Comedy
 January 3-20, Thursdays – Saturdays, 8 PM and Sundays, 4 PM
 
Eleemosynary has been called "alternatively funny and poignant" by Variety, and "a funny, perceptive and eloquently written play'' by the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Told through direct narration and flashbacks as well as linear storytelling, the tale unfolds via the reversal of cause and effect. Eleemosynary is a celebration of the beautiful, mysterious and painful bonds between mothers and daughters. Eleemosynary plays Jan. 3-20, 2008. Thursdays through Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 4pm with all tickets priced at $24.50. Rush ticket prices for students, seniors and military are $10, and will only be available 30 minutes prior to curtain with cash and valid ID at the TBPAC Ticket Office window.

You may subscribe/unsubscribe to this newsletter by clicking here. If you have a story idea, information on an upcoming event or wish to submit a by-lined article, please email Donna Manion .  Please submit events in paragraph form like the formatting in this newsletter. You may include graphics which will be used at the editor's discretion. If you are having problems receiving this newsletter, contact the CTB webmaster.

Special thanks to this week’s BUZZ volunteers:
Editor: Donna Manion
Creative Contributors: Deanne Roberts and Megan Hendricks
Design and Distribution: Sean Kelly