Whimsical charm in an “augmented” Artsi reality, with a high-end stylistic charm and a pick of the litter, fun, Phartsi kind of way. With all the class in the world ArtsiPhartsi in Tampa etches out a piece of the 4,000 block of S. MacDill Avenue like a beacon of what’s good in the world.
If you had the opportunity to stock a retail store/art gallery, what would you do? Well, a lot would depend on your personality, right? Enter Carmen. Carmen Smith Barkett is the owner/curator of ArtsiPhartsi and her personality is, well, a smile. And, when you enter ArtsiPhartsi, it’s as if everything is smiling at you. It’s uplifting, energetic and beautiful. Just like Carmen’s smile. It’s a place you really wouldn’t mind living, day in and day out.
According to their website;
“The quality of the artwork that ArtsiPhartsi displays and the artists’ specially selected for their creativity and craftsmanship are paramount. What’s remarkable is Carmen’s ability to discern who the most talented artists are throughout the decades since ArtsiPhartsi first opened in 1991. By staying true to her deep knowledge of fun fine art, Carmen makes extraordinary and beautiful things available to us.”
With ArtsiPhartsi’s new gallery space, outdoor patios, decks, porches and winding secret passageway indoor retail/gallery space it’s like a treasure hunt, and there’s plenty of treasure to be found. Speaking of gold and diamonds, ArtsiPhartsi was transformed into a pirate’s paradise during Gasparilla. Pirate outfits, boots, hats, treasure chests and beads, beads, beads and more beads, etc. The biggest beads ever to be seen. Envious beads! You could find whatever a good pirate would need to secure a fair berth at Gasparilla.
ArtsiPhartsi’s inclination to “go with the flow”, to alter its stock to fit the celebration or holiday is a testament to why it’s been so successful for so long. This holiday season visit ArtsiPhartsi to find some treasure to pass to all of your shipmates.
The smile comes with, no charge!
