Magnified Voices spent Saturday evening at the Art Bear Open House, sharing resources with families and neighbors while introducing more people to who we are and the work we do. Our team listened to community concerns, made meaningful connections, and strengthened relationships across Tampa’s creative and civic spaces.
We also had the opportunity to speak with City Councilwoman Lynn Hurtak, discussing city processes and how different departments impact the everyday experiences of families in our community. These conversations help us better understand the systems our neighbors navigate and how we can advocate alongside them.
More about the Art Bear’s Community Outreach Program
The event highlighted the powerful partnership between Art Bear, a community-rooted organization that blends art, skilled trades, and hands-on learning, and Factory on Fifth, a collaborative studio space in Ybor that supports local artists and makers. Art Bear not only creates space for young makers to explore creativity, but also teaches welding classes, introduces young people to the welding trade, and helps support job placement for those pursuing skilled‑trade pathways. The open house featured art sales benefiting Art Bear’s mission in trade skills education and youth empowerment, along with increased visibility for their work uplifting young makers and creating real opportunities for future careers.
After our outreach wrapped, MV members stayed to enjoy the music, art, and good vibes, celebrating the work of Art Bear’s founders and the welcoming community they continue to build.
