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Once again, Okesene Tilo did not disappoint, but instead thrilled an art loving enthusiastic crowd at the Ritz Ybor in Tampa for Camille Leone.

The wonderful performing artists compelled most of my attention at the last event, Magnum Opus and were even more energized at Camille Leone. However, Ox Images decided to focus our attention towards the artistic talent surrounding the big stage at this creative event. To quote Okie, "This is not like New York, this is Tampa's thing!" I've decided to take que from Okie. Instead of doing a "Top 10" of my favorite artists at the event, I'm doing my own thing with the "Top 11" (plus there were so many great artists, it was difficult to decide!) The artist's are listed only in the order I discovered them at the event, all deserving equal recognition. Please remember this is my "Top 11" not New York's, and if you enjoy the artists I've selected then-BUY THEIR ART (links to their sites are provided in their name.) Support Tampa's thing!

1) FIGURATIVE ART BY GINA-Gina has an amazing eye for color and adds metalic paint for interesting reflection/dimension! Something for the boys and the girls, hot stuff! She says, "Althought the images of the women are not of me specifically, every artist puts themself in their work." We couldn't agree more! Her price range at the event was $10-$225. See Pictures At Ox Images!

2) SHAKIRA NALINI WILLIAMS-Nalini has a gift for the slightly abstract, along with bold intentional meaning behind and story telling within her artwork. She says, "My artwork has been a discovery of myself, an expression of my inner journey." It shows beautifully in her self portrait (not shown in our gallery, it's on her business card) a must see! Her price range at the event was $200 and up. See Pictures At Ox Images!

3) ANASTASIA'S ART & DESIGN-AnaStasia's art ranged from astrological tiles to acrylic canvas to the most awesome metal expansive murals. She says, "She can do any size in the aluminum art, and recently created a counter top for a client." We think that it is the most original art at Camille Leone and look forward to seeing more of this from Ana! Her price range at the event was $5-$100. See Pictures At Ox Images!

4) TERESA CROUT FINE ART & GRAPHIC DESIGN-THE VOODOO SERIES-Theresa offered the crowd something very different on the artistic path. (Although it was a little scary to approach her table, for fear of possibly upsetting her and having a voodoo doll named after Ox Images.) She was actually quite a joy to speak with, an ultimate optimist and divulged (in reference to her work), "Love is a battlefield, and the heart can be put back together." In her piece descriptions, there is a clear understanding of her influence from various artists, history and The Bible. Her price range at the event was $20-$500. See Pictures At Ox Images!

5) SCOTT KING-FINE ART, COMERCIAL ART, EXHIBITIONS-Scott King does it all, from coloring books, to colorful laquered wood art (huge seller at Camille Leone!) Scott says, "I'm just trying to get my name out there and am happy that people have become collectors of my art." We loved his shiny patent leather boots (pictured in our gallery) & humorously twisted interpretations! His price range at the event was Free to $500. (Boots $30-$50) See Pictures At Ox Images!

6) LUIS ANTONIO BATTISTINI-ACRYLICS, ABSTRACTS, & NUDES-Luis is the perfect example of a talented artist making his way to his niche in the art world. One of the more sophisticated and inspirational artists at the event, his work included many mediums. Luis says, "I took the leap, as incredibly scary as it was to leave the security of a big business world job, and decided to pursue my heart and dream to create." We can't wait to see where he lands! His price range at the event was $75-$1000. See Pictures At Ox Images!

7) THE ART OF DUSTY MYERS-Dusty's artwork caught our eye on our way to the main stage. Another artist, just starting to trust his instincts on canvas...and wow, he surely has talent! We can't wait to see where he goes with the confidence of Dali near the end of his work. Dusty is one to watch on the art scene! His price range at the event was $400-$700. See Pictures At Ox Images!

KLAAREN-MURALS, FINE ART, INSTRUCTION-Terry Klaaren was one of the more well established artists we met, with work already steadily commissioned from big names like MOSI and TGH. He has received numerous awards and recognitions. We were dissapointed there would be a charge for Klaaren to visit Ox Babies LGBT Playgroup (we asked because of the really cool "how to" books he has created, pictured in our gallery) but understand he can not do such things for free. This husband/wife team met in art class in the 70's is making a living with art. No pension, no retirement, so buy or commision some art from them! Amazing work! His price range at the event was $75-$2100. See Pictures At Ox Images!

9) DEMIGOD STUDIO-ECLECTIC ART & HANDMADE GIFTS-Ox Images didn't get a chance to speak to the owner of DemiGod Studio's. Due to the location of her art-next to the intense pulsing music for the performing artists on stage. We found her display, of just about every application you can imagine using ceramics, during one of the performances. Necklaces, earings, handbags & statues...DemiGod has it's own Indian infused thing going on and we loved it! Tasteful and lovely packaging...artists could learn some marketing skills from DemiGod! Her price range at the event was $2 & up. See Pictures At Ox Images!

10) TOMASSI-What we love, love, loved most about Adriana Tomassi was that she is a fellow mom, a local art teacher, and an avid Dali fan. She promises her next work, already being displayed at her website, will be a little less "dark and mysterious." There is depth, reason, dancing, humor and sadness in her work. Really cool t-shirts for only $5! The kind of art that takes you somewhere out of this realm of being. Ox Images loves to see a fellow mother living her passion and is looking forward to future work by Tomassi! Her price range at the event was $5-$90. See Pictures At Ox Images!

11) DR. TWISTID-MONSTER PORTRAITS, ODDITIES, DARK HUMOR & MADNESS-Geff Bartrand is a self-proclaimed mad scientist. His art, not likely to adorn a traditional family living space, is extremely surreal. He is well known and regularly commissioned for his "Monster Portraits." Give him a picture, he will turn you into a monster. We have to admit, it's an awesome idea and definately a unique gift. Dr. Twistid simply asks, "Please no cute stuff. I am a monster maker, after all." It was also a relief to find that Dr. Twisted is actually quite funny and even has a comic book coming out soon! He says, "He gets all his evil out of his dreams and into his art!" Phew! (Although we might call his dreams...nightmares by looking at his art!) His price range at the event was $5-$1000. See Pictures At Ox Images!

A special thank you to all of the artists that shared their inspirations, influences, and styles with Ox Images. We are looking forward to seeing you at the next Square One Event at the Ritz Ybor in Tampa, FL. Okie let us know, in confidence, what the likely theme is for November...but we aren't telling, sorry folks! Let's just say, it's going to be unexpected (imagine that from Okie?) possessing distinctive features to an extreme degree. A must attend event, without question. See you there!

Amanda Vagianos, Type-A-Mom Lesbian Moms Editor, is passionate about organizing, creating, and bringing people together.  She does this through the Ox Babies LGBT Play Group, photography business and blog she runs.