Downtown Gallery Explores the Fun Side of Politics

Syd Entel Galleries' latest exhibit, Politics, Patriotism and Pop Art, dovetails nicely with the Republican National Convention that's taking place this week in Tampa.

And that is no coincidence.

The idea for the show came from gallery owner Susan Benjamin, who thought a fun, politically inspired exhibit would be a perfect fit at this time, especially with the Tennessee delegates to the convention staying down the street at the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa.

"Obviously, knowing that the , we wanted people to get to know about us," Benjamin said. 

"And I love the fun side of politics, so I wanted to put together a fun, interesting political show."

To pull off her vision Benjamin gathered pieces from a variety of sources, including local and nationally renowned artists.

"I started with my collection of vintage World War I posters I've had for years. I also carry a lot of Dr. Seuss' work. He was a political cartoonist before he became a children's book author," she explained.

"Then I contacted Peter Max, and he was nice enough to loan me some of his political pieces."

Local artist Michael Vollbracht also agreed to do a special collage of all the Republican presidents from Lincoln to Bush just for this show, a piece Benjamin says has received a lot of attention.

Every piece in the exhibit is for sale, with prices ranging from a little as $100 up to $16,000 grand for one of Max's original works.

But the point of the show it to raise awareness for the gallery and to provide a fun distraction for the delegates who are in town.

"Monday during (Tropical Storm Isaac) we had an onslaught of delegates come in and they loved, loved loved the exhibit," Benjamin related. "That's what it's all about."

Syd Entel Galleries

Address: 247 Main Street

Phone: 727-725-1808

Hours: Mon - Fri, 9:30am - 5:00pm; Sat, 10am - 3pm; Sun, closed

Exhibit Info: The Politics, Patriotism and Pop Art exhibit is free to the public and runs through September 29.