[F]lorida Museum of Photographic Arts participates in every Fourth Friday sponsored by the City of Tampa Downtown Partnership, The Arts Council, and many other arts and culture venues. This Fourth Friday, in particular, was an event of historical wonder. Dorothy Davis, proudly owning all of her father, Griff Davis’ work, hosted a private party on the third floor to celebrate our new exhibition: Griff Davis and Langston Hughes, Letters and Photographs 1947-1967: A Global Friendship, which is on view to the public until April 19, 2020. The third floor also included Roger Ballen: In Retrospect, which is open to the public until April 26, 2020. As the guests discovered his work they were intrigued as it was a stark contrast to the Griff Davis and Langston Hughes photography exhibition. Roger Ballen based his photography on South Africa, but it feels as if his work hangs in the balance of a different universe taking the viewer on a journey within their own minds. This private party held only half of the excitement of the night; our second floor housing all of our visitors exploring our exhibitions available for Fourth Friday guests, including Griff Davis and Langston Hughes, and our Annual Benefit Sale. This photography places the viewer in the past to educate and present to them the narrative of not only the photographer Griff Davis but of Langston Hughes and black history, a perfect exhibition to open towards February. The Annual Benefit Sale also gives a chance for collectors of art to support some local Tampa photographers. This event always gathers a lot of attention to our museum for marvelous people to visit. There were complimentary refreshments and conversation filling the halls of the exhibitions. Fourth Fridays are always a great way to gain some familiarity with the arts district among the Tampa Bay area, with many visitors coming back every month to experience new exhibitions and our friendly and knowledgeable staff. Join us on February 28th to participate in our next Fourth Friday event. 

Written by: Haley Searcy