Reax Space

posted by: Tony Krol

In addition to the work being purchased through the event, and right at Cafe Hey for the duration of the show, there is also work available at Reax Space, which is a boutique in Ybor City (1911 N. 19th Street) that carries independent artists’ clothing, books, and artwork. Drop by there to check out some of the latest stuff from Dementa (By Raven Reda) and Hugsmugglers.

Reax Space opened in April with Eleanor Grosch’s show called Menagerie. Eleanor Grosch has shirts and pillows on the Resist Today website as well. Since the Menagerie show, Reax Space has held music events in the store such as interviews with Kevin Devine, and most recently on June 25th, Joey Cape of Lagwagon. The latest art event in the space was a solo show, which is up currently called “In Stereo” featuring selected screen prints by Tampa-based artist Craig Kaths.

I encourage a look into Reax Space, not only to check out Craig’s current show, but if you are looking to buy a tie for a fancy night out, or if you are thinking “I want to buy a shirt today to cover my back”, you can get one with a design from an independent artist who most likely put more heart into the images on the clothing then most “regular store bought” items.

In addition to local independent artists, there are also other independent designers, and artists who have regular swag in the space, namely Scott Hansen (ISO50 - design, art, Tycho - musician) based out of San Francisco (which by the way, check out his recent layer tennis match against Shaun Inman).

When you stop by, you will see some other great stuff to browse, such as limited edition art zines and inspirational books. Even drop by to say what’s up to some rad dudes from Reax, or Raven, who is the merchandise manager who may be up there working to keep the place thriving with fresh, local, rad, heartfelt designed and passion-promoting merchandise.

The stuff you will see in the place really isn’t priced far off than what you would find in most mainstream boutiques. Artists understand that they have to make a dollar to keep making art, but the respect in what they do really is in the art, economics is just a natural part of that.
If you wear independent art products, you are supporting not only local talent economically in most cases, but you also promote creative freedom. The more of that going around in our community, in big or small ways, the more we will live in a thriving cultural community that is not only inspiring and motivational, but interesting and aesthetically pleasing. The economic support of independent artists goes right back into supporting progressive culture, and that is good for everyone.

So visit Reax Space, and buy some art. Come to the Outlook show; support a rad local business, and buy some art. Tell your friends.

Hours are:
Sunday & Monday: Closed
Tuesday & Wednesday: 11am to 7pm
Thursday - Saturday: 11am to 10pm
- T