When an artist spends years weaving the soul of a city into a single frame, that work can become more than decoration — it can define an entire weekend. That is exactly what will happen in March 2027, when Jesse Kunerth’s layered collage “TAMPA 813” serves as the official face of the 57th annual Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts.
Kunerth’s distinctive technique marries architecture, photography, patterns, color, and cartography to distill a city’s essence into one composition. The festival has announced that “TAMPA 813” will be the signature image for the event, which runs March 6-7, 2027, at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park in downtown Tampa.
Artist Jesse Kunerth’s “TAMPA 813” selected to represent the 57th annual festival, March 6-7
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TAMPA, FL, UNITED STATES, November 13, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Gasparilla Festival of the Arts (GFA) has chosen “TAMPA 813” by artist Jesse Kunerth as the official image for the 57th annual Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, set for March 6-7, 2027, at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park in downtown Tampa.
The artwork celebrates Tampa’s distinct architecture, its waterfront setting, lush tropical landscape, and layered history. Through Kunerth’s singular lens, “TAMPA 813” captures the city’s character and vitality. The piece will appear in promotional materials, advertising campaigns, and official festival merchandise throughout the 2027 season.
“I’m incredibly honored to have my work selected to represent the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts,” said Kunerth. “I’ve always loved creating art inspired by cities, but Tampa is special. From its architecture and waterfront to its palm trees and history, there’s inspiration everywhere. I’ve spent years creating art inspired by the 813, so being chosen as the festival’s poster artist is especially meaningful to me.”
Kunerth’s creative process draws on a background in graphic design and architectural photography. After 12 years working in both disciplines for an architecture firm in Melbourne, Florida, he found a way to fuse those skills into a distinctive art form. In 2015, he became a full-time artist, exhibiting at art festivals across the country. His workflow often starts with early morning photography sessions, capturing the architectural details and unique personalities of the cities that fuel his work.
“Jesse’s work beautifully captures the spirit of Tampa and the vibrant community that makes our festival so special,” said Alexis Mootoo, President of Gasparilla Arts. “His unique artistic perspective celebrates the city’s character, making TAMPA 813 a fitting image for our 57th annual festival. We’re thrilled to showcase his work as we look forward to another outstanding celebration of the arts.”
The Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts ranks among the nation’s top juried outdoor art events. Each year, it draws accomplished artists, emerging talent, and art lovers together for a weekend devoted to creativity and artistic excellence along Tampa’s downtown waterfront.
“TAMPA 813” will be featured across the festival’s 2027 promotional campaign and on official merchandise.
For more information, visit gasparillaarts.com.
About Gasparilla Arts
Gasparilla Arts is a Tampa-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching lives and strengthening communities through the power of art. With a mission to connect people with art, create opportunities for artists to thrive, and advance arts education, the organization fosters creativity, cultural engagement, and accessibility through year-round programs and its signature event, the Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts. Supported by corporate and individual contributions, sponsorships, and community partnerships, Gasparilla Arts is committed to cultivating a vibrant and inclusive arts community throughout the Tampa Bay region.
About Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts
The Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts is a premier annual juried outdoor art festival presented by Gasparilla Arts. Held along Tampa’s scenic downtown waterfront, the festival brings together accomplished and emerging artists from across the country, showcasing exceptional works of art while connecting the community with diverse artistic talent. As one of Tampa Bay’s signature cultural events, the festival celebrates artistic excellence, supports artists, and offers an accessible, engaging arts experience for visitors of all ages. Proceeds help support the broader mission and year-round initiatives of Gasparilla Arts.
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Recap of the Live Entertainment at the 56th Annual Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts
Why it matters: By selecting a local artist whose work is explicitly rooted in the city’s identity, the festival reinforces its role as a platform for authentic regional expression. For attendees, the poster is not just a souvenir — it is a visual argument that Tampa’s creative community deserves the same spotlight as the national talent that fills the park each year.
