Soon to be established
The Carolyn Kossar Sculpture Garden
Hillsborough College Ybor City Campus
Honoring the legacy of the Artist, Art Gallery Director, and Educator
Carolyn Kossar
(1949-2020)
Carolyn Kossar served as the Art Gallery Director at Hillsborough Community College (HCC) in Ybor City for 20 years. She was instrumental in transforming the HCC Art Gallery into a vibrant, relevant contemporary art and educational cultural space.
Kossar was not only a gallery director but also an accomplished artist specializing in printmaking, fabrics, and fiber sculpture. Her artistic vision influenced the gallery's exhibitions and programming, showcasing a diverse range of artworks and practices. Under her leadership, the gallery became a platform for both established and emerging artists, as well as a hub for community engagement.
Kossar's impact extended beyond her administrative role. She was known for her dedication to fostering artistic talent and promoting the arts within the community at large. Her passing in 2020 marked a significant loss for the Tampa Bay cultural community. Her legacy continues through the programs and initiatives she established. The Kossar Sculpture Garden is being created in her honor.
Carolyn transcended the institutions and academia, funneling her love of creativity and art into everyday life. Her generous spirit and childlike curiosity gave her the courage to exhibit Art and Artists she knew could inspire both the students and the community at large. She cared deeply about expanding the artist community and giving her students authentic and challenging experiences. She dedicated her life to making the HCC Ybor Gallery a special place for the community and touched many artists and students with a genuine spark of love.
"Family Ladder," is a steel and stainless steel found object assembalge construction by Bradley Arthur.
The sculpture is being donated by the artist to establish a lasting legacy in memory of Carolyn. "Family Ladder" will be the first sculpture to establish the garden space in front of the Performing Arts Building. Through the years, additional Public works will be exhibited by additional artists and possibly donated to grow the garden.
"Family Ladder" was created in 1982 in a series of 6 large outdoor metal sculptures. Each work of art is constructed from discarded metal from the Commercial Metals Recycle Yard just east of Ybor City. Over the past 40 years, many of the sculptures have been sited and on exhibition throughout the Tampa Bay in various locations.
A sister piece titled "Chair Muse" sits in the City Hall Plaza on the Franklin Street Mall (Smithsonian Archives).
Coming to rest in Ybor City, where its story began, "Family Ladder" celebrates a visionary woman and the cultural legacy of a higher education landmark—bringing the artworks' journey full circle.
A few of Arthur's sculptures are in the permanent collections at
Yale University Art Gallery and the Museum of Fine Arts at Florida State University.
Click on an image to start the gallery, and on the link below to see additional Public Art
