“CATfe Hey” by Cory Robinson/Photo courtesy of the artist
By Hannah J. Farrow, AliveTampaBay Correspondent
Ten years ago, Cafe Hey brought some life to the desolate N Franklin Street in Tampa, offering those passing by a place to eat and a hot cup of coffee. It’s always been known as a place for creatives—they still host a weekly open mic night on Thursdays and hang local artists’ pieces on their wall for the artists to sell.
If you passed by the cafe only months ago, you’d notice Tara Zanzig’s “Yellow Brick Row” mural, as it was one of the only vibrant sights on the abandoned walls north of the city. Fast forward to today and Ms. Zanzig’s mural is accompanied by seven more—all on the walls surrounding Cafe Hey.
This week’s spotlight mural highlights a piece titled “CATfe Hey” by Cory Robinson. And the name says it all: the engaging mural has more than 100 cat heads on it.
“ I want people to have fun with my art and just keep it playful,” the artist said. “ I wanted to make sure the mural brightened up what had been a very dull landscape.”
Mr. Robinson created a smaller version of his mural two years ago when he helped create “The Cube” at the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Tampa. And as more businesses move to Tampa Heights, the growth of art is sure to follow closely with it.
“ I love my neighborhood, and I’m glad to contribute to its growing landscape,” Mr. Robinson said.
Mr. Robinson’s mural is a part of a community art movement called Heights Walls. Find his o-worthy mural and more at 1542 N Franklin St.