Tampa Tribune (November 7, 2009)

Nov. 7--TAMPA -- Nude Nite, an artistic event that celebrates the human body, is coming back to Tampa for a second year and Tampa area artists are invited to submit works for exhibit.

The Orlando-based Nude Nite, the largest nude art show in the United States, is seeking works for its 2010 shows in Orlando from Feb. 11-13 and Tampa from March 4-6, according to event coordinator Kelly Stevens, an Orlando Realtor and art lover.

Launched in 1999 as an effort to put some fun and excitement into a gallery show, the event has grown to become one of Central Florida's most popular art events.

Last year, Nude Nite expanded to Tampa for the first time, staging a three-night event in a 20,000-square-foot Ybor City warehouse that featured more than 100 "cutting-edge works from local and national artists."

She says more than 1,000 people attended the first Tampa event. The second will be held in a warehouse in Tampa Heights.

Stevens says the goal is to get people who have never been to an art show to attend.

"It's not about sex, it's about art," she says.

Last year's event in Tampa featured nude paintings, sculptures, photography, fine art, metal and abstracts, and a "naked sushi" bar. There also were tongue-in-cheek burlesque shows, nude models posing for do-it-yourself sketches and actors that created "living nude sculptures."

Stevens says all interested artists may submit up to two images by Jan. 14 for the Orlando show and Jan. 28 for the Tampa show.

An application is available at http://nudeniteorlando.com. Entries can include all media and interpretations, including performance art.

Examples are fine art, photography, experimental, 3-D, 2-D, sculpture, wood, metal, mixed media and digital. There are no size limitations. Performers, body painters and installation artists should e-mail their concept/talent to info@nudenite orlando.com.

The chosen artists will get an artist's party, gift bag, an Artists "All Niter" pass and three guest passes to the event. Professional portfolio photography is available at a minimal charge. There is a $40 non-refundable administrative fee for each application.

Reporter Walt Belcher can be reached at (813) 259-7654.

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