Firehouse Events
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9:30 AM - Open Pottery Studio - A.M. Tuesdays
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9:30 AM - Open Pottery Studio - A.M. Thursdays
6:00 PM - Open Pottery Studio - Thursday Evening
7:30 PM - Comedy — Dean Napolitano and Jeff Klein
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1:30 PM - Paint it Your Way: Watercolor Or Acrylic
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10:30 AM - Winnie – The – Pooh
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7:30 PM - Prescription: Murder
7:30 PM - Prescription: Murder
3:00 PM - Prescription: Murder
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10:00 AM - Glass Fusing Workshop - Sept. 23
9:30 AM - Intro to the Pottery Wheel
7:30 PM - Prescription: Murder
3:00 PM - Prescription: Murder
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7:30 PM - Girl's Night Out: Comedy
7:30 PM - Serenading the Moon
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Welcome to our Open Pottery Studio – a supervised, creative space where potters of all skill levels can explore, practice, and perfect their craft. This monitored environment ensures safety and support while offering access to professional-grade tools, wheels, and kilns. Whether you are hand-building, throwing, or glazing, our staff is available during all open studio hours to assist, answer questions, and maintain a safe, respectful studio atmosphere. Must have class experience to attend. Tuesdays: 9:30am – Noon. Adults. March 2025 - December 2025.
Welcome to our Open Pottery Studio – a supervised, creative space where potters of all skill levels can explore, practice, and perfect their craft. This monitored environment ensures safety and support while offering access to professional-grade tools, wheels, and kilns. Whether you are hand-building, throwing, or glazing, our staff is available during all open studio hours to assist, answer questions, and maintain a safe, respectful studio atmosphere. Must have class experience to attend. Thursdays: 9:30am – Noon. Adults. Book March 2025 - December 2025.
Firehouse Cultural Center in partnership with Patel Conservatory @Straz Center presents a Kids Theater Program.
This Free program will start Thursday, Sept. 4 through Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 10:30 – 5:00 pm. Schedule follows Hillsborough School Calendar. This program will conclude with “Show Off Production” for all to see. Limited Space for ages 7 – 15. Free Programming provided by Patel Conservatory. Underwritten by The Straz.
Welcome to our Open Pottery Studio – a supervised, creative space where potters of all skill levels can explore, practice, and perfect their craft. This monitored environment ensures safety and support while offering access to professional-grade tools, wheels, and kilns. Whether you are hand-building, throwing, or glazing, our staff is available during all open studio hours to assist, answer questions, and maintain a safe, respectful studio atmosphere. Must have class experience to attend. Thursdays: 6:00 – 8:30 pm, Adults. Book from April 2025 - Dec 2025.
Pottery Workshop: Learn about basic clay types, tools, and techniques. Hand-build a piece using techniques like pinching or slab work.
You create one-of-a-kind Art, with surface decoration techniques like textures or carving & glazing. You'll leave your piece behind for firing FCC will contact you when they’re ready for pickup. All materials supplied.
Fri. Sept. 5 from 6:00 – 8:30 pm.
5 Week Course. You’ll explore hand-building in this creative 5 week clay course designed for beginners and experienced artists alike. Each class will introduce new techniques such as pinch pots, coil building, slab construction. Whether you're creating functional pieces or sculptural forms, you'll learn how to shape, join, and refine your clay creations with guidance from your skilled instructor. All materials, tools, glazes, and firing included. All Skill Levels Welcome.
Saturdays, Sept. 6 – Oct. 4 from 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Roger Bartlett has earned two platinum and gold records for his work as a session guitarist, played on movie soundtracks for Urban Cowboy, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Rancho Deluxe. Roger played on albums by Jimmy Buffett and many other artists. He has opened for Little Feat, Three Dog Night, The Eagles, The Doobie Brothers, James Taylor, Lightning Hopkins, Heart, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Jerry Jeff Walker and many others. Come out and join us at the Firehouse Center Stage on Saturday, Sept 6, 2025 at 7:30 pm to see Roger Bartlett and the Quantum Mechanics.
Pottery Workshop: Learn about basic clay types, tools, and techniques. Hand-build a piece using techniques like pinching or slab work.
You create one-of-a-kind Art, with surface decoration techniques like textures or carving & glazing. You'll leave your piece behind for firing FCC will contact you when they’re ready for pickup. All materials supplied.
Wed. Sept. 10 from 6:00 – 8:30 pm.
Pottery Workshop: Learn about basic clay types, tools, and techniques. Hand-build a piece using techniques like pinching or slab work.
You create one-of-a-kind Art, with surface decoration techniques like textures or carving & glazing. You'll leave your piece behind for firing FCC will contact you when they’re ready for pickup. All materials supplied.
Fri. Sept. 19 from 6:00 – 8:30 pm.
Before Columbo became a legendary TV detective, he made his stage debut in this gripping psychological thriller. Prescription: Murder introduces audiences to the cunning Lieutenant Columbo as he unravels a sophisticated murder plot masterminded by a suave, brilliant psychiatrist and his mistress. What begins as the perfect crime slowly unravels under Columbo’s seemingly disarming demeanor and sharp intellect. Opening Night, Friday, September 19.
Before Columbo became a legendary TV detective, he made his stage debut in this gripping psychological thriller. Prescription: Murder introduces audiences to the cunning Lieutenant Columbo as he unravels a sophisticated murder plot masterminded by a suave, brilliant psychiatrist and his mistress. What begins as the perfect crime slowly unravels under Columbo’s seemingly disarming demeanor and sharp intellect. Saturday, September 20 @7:30 p.m.
Before Columbo became a legendary TV detective, he made his stage debut in this gripping psychological thriller. Prescription: Murder introduces audiences to the cunning Lieutenant Columbo as he unravels a sophisticated murder plot masterminded by a suave, brilliant psychiatrist and his mistress. What begins as the perfect crime slowly unravels under Columbo’s seemingly disarming demeanor and sharp intellect. Sunday, September 21 @3:00 p.m.
Be the artist and create your own butterfly, cactus garden, or flowers. Choose the pattern and colors, and make it unique. This 4x6 pieceof glass will brighten any room and is a great alternative if you don’thave a green thumb. All materials are included, and all skill levels are welcome.
Tuesday, September 23 from 10:00 – 11:30 am.
Pottery Workshop: Learn about basic clay types, tools, and techniques. Hand-build a piece using techniques like pinching or slab work.
You create one-of-a-kind Art, with surface decoration techniques like textures or carving & glazing. You'll leave your piece behind for firing FCC will contact you when they’re ready for pickup. All materials supplied.
Wed. Sept. 24 from 6:00 – 8:30 pm.
You’ll discover the joy of working with clay in this hands-on, beginner to intermediate course focused on the fundamentals of wheel throwing. In 5 weeks, you'll learn how to center clay, pull walls, and shape basic forms like bowls, mugs, and cylinders. We'll also cover trimming, surface decoration, and glazing techniques so you can finish and fire your own unique pieces. No experience necessary – just bring your curiosity and willingness to get your hands dirty! Includes 25 lbs. of clay, glaze and firing.
Thursdays, 9:30am until 12:00pm Sept. 25th – Oct. 23
Before Columbo became a legendary TV detective, he made his stage debut in this gripping psychological thriller. Prescription: Murder introduces audiences to the cunning Lieutenant Columbo as he unravels a sophisticated murder plot masterminded by a suave, brilliant psychiatrist and his mistress. What begins as the perfect crime slowly unravels under Columbo’s seemingly disarming demeanor and sharp intellect. Friday, September 26, 7:30 pm.
Be the artist and create your own butterfly, cactus garden, or flowers.Choose the pattern and colors, and make it unique. This 4x6 pieceof glass will brighten any room and is a great alternative if you don’thave a green thumb. All materials are included, and all skill levels are welcome.
Saturday, Sept. 27 from 2:00 – 3:30 pm.
Before Columbo became a legendary TV detective, he made his stage debut in this gripping psychological thriller. Prescription: Murder introduces audiences to the cunning Lieutenant Columbo as he unravels a sophisticated murder plot masterminded by a suave, brilliant psychiatrist and his mistress. What begins as the perfect crime slowly unravels under Columbo’s seemingly disarming demeanor and sharp intellect. Saturday, September 27, 7:30 pm.
Before Columbo became a legendary TV detective, he made his stage debut in this gripping psychological thriller. Prescription: Murder introduces audiences to the cunning Lieutenant Columbo as he unravels a sophisticated murder plot masterminded by a suave, brilliant psychiatrist and his mistress. What begins as the perfect crime slowly unravels under Columbo’s seemingly disarming demeanor and sharp intellect. Sunday, September 28 @3:00 p.m.
Welcome to our Open Pottery Studio – a supervised, creative space where potters of all skill levels can explore, practice, and perfect their craft. This monitored environment ensures safety and support while offering access to professional-grade tools, wheels, and kilns. Whether you are hand-building, throwing, or glazing, our staff is available during all open studio hours to assist, answer questions, and maintain a safe, respectful studio atmosphere. Must have class experience to attend. Thursdays: 9:30am – Noon. Adults. Book March 2025 - December 2025.
Welcome to our Open Pottery Studio – a supervised, creative space where potters of all skill levels can explore, practice, and perfect their craft. This monitored environment ensures safety and support while offering access to professional-grade tools, wheels, and kilns. Whether you are hand-building, throwing, or glazing, our staff is available during all open studio hours to assist, answer questions, and maintain a safe, respectful studio atmosphere. Must have class experience to attend. Thursdays: 6:00 – 8:30 pm, Adults. Book from April 2025 - Dec 2025.
Girl's Night Out: Headliner Helen Keaney with friends Larry Venturino and Trish Keating. Helen Keaney began her career in New York City where she honed her comedy skills at The Boston Comedy Club and The Comic Strip. She caught the attention of television executives, landing a job co-hosting "Short Attention Span Theater" on Comedy Central. Larry regularly performs at clubs, theaters, and private events across the country. Trish is a stand-up comedian, teacher, actor and crazy Aunt! Seen on NBC, FOX, HSN and CBS.
Join us Friday, Oct 3 at 7:30 pm.
From the girl groups of the early 60's to Surf music, the British Invasion, California Folk Rock and Motown to R&B, Soul, Disco, Classic Rock, New Wave and Punk of the 70's leading into the 80's pop tunes from the MTV era and on to 90's alternative rock and the modern sounds of the millennium ... Serenading The Moon's talented line-up of musicians take you through time with music stories. Come out and join us at the Firehouse Center Stage on Sat. Oct. 4th at 7:30 pm to listen to Serenading the Moon.
Hot Spot News — Fall 2017
/in Hot Spot News /by Elaine SimmonsWelcome to the fall edition of FCC’s newsletter! Designed to inform, involve, and communicate with our growing membership, this issue of Hot Spot News brings with it a major announcement which will not only impact the immediate future of the Firehouse Cultural Center, but also has the potential to alter Southshore in exciting ways not seen since we first opened in 2011.
We are thrilled to announce that the FCC is growing!
A fund raising campaign has been launched to purchase the 1600 sq. ft. building which sits on one-half acre of land adjoining our current property. The new building will be remodeled to accommodate an artist’s studio and additional workshop space. In addition, our own Phoenix Radio Station (WPHX-101.9) will continue to rise, finally getting a more satisfactory recording studio! The new property will allow for future FCC expansion, while immediately adding much needed parking space. Most exciting of all is that the FCC will be able to schedule more art programs and events on an extended, ongoing basis!
Expansion Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
On Monday, October 23 at 4:30 p.m. dignitaries including Hillsborough County Commissioner Sandra Murman and Representatives from Commissioner Stacy White and Congressman Vern Buchanan joined Executive Director of the Hillsborough County Arts Council Martine Collier, and CFO of the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Lorrin Shepard, Tampa Museum of Art Director Michael Tomor, Hillsborough Community College SouthShore Campus President Allen Witt, Ph.D, FCC Executive Director Georgia Vahue and the FCC Board of Directors in a ribbon cutting ceremony and reception to celebrate our new acquisition.
So, yes, Friends of the Firehouse, we will be calling on you to help support this expansion. Our funding goal is $300,000 for the purchase of the property and an additional $50,000 for the remodeling. The great news is that we already have $75,000 in hand to match contributions! LET’S SEIZE THE MOMENT!!!!
How can you donate?
There are several ways to offer your gift: cash, check, or credit/debit card. The donation page also explains how to donate stock shares, should you so desire. Here at the Firehouse we are all seriously “fired up” about this move forward, and we hope you will be, too! We ask you to support the FCC Mission to offer quality programming to the community with a focus on the performing, visual, and literary arts, and education for all. We invite you to share the FCC Vision to provide a lively, multi-use, cultural and educational facility that will be a vital catalyst and resource contributing to the quality of life for all in our diverse community and region.
Positive, positive, positive!
Hot Spot News thinks the following email reveals much about the affection and enthusiasm generated by the Firehouse Cultural Center. Everyone who walks in the door—be they visitors from out of state, guest artists and entertainers, or local residents— falls in love with the FCC.
From: Janice Bayruns, FCC Board Member
Re: Culture, the Firehouse & WHY
Greetings Board and Committee Members of the Firehouse Cultural Center,
I am both excited and so humbled beyond words by the passion and perseverance each of you has exhibited in advancing our mission at the Firehouse Cultural Center. The acquisition of the new property will give us all the opportunity to see our visions of the Firehouse and culture in Ruskin and Southshore grow in a whole new direction.
During my interactions with many of you as a board and committee member, I found that each of us has at times felt the struggle with articulating exactly THE WHY. WHY are we so passionate about not only the existence of culture in our community, but the continued growth of this profoundly important component of our lives? WHY do we happily put hours of sweat and time into supporting the Firehouse Cultural Center and it’s mission?
This past year I attended my nephew’s graduation from a college in upstate New York called St. Lawrence University. One of the keynote speakers was Caroline Mastin Welsh, an art historian, curator, advocate of arts in the Adirondack area. Her eloquent speech on why we should support culture and arts moved me to no end and I sought a copy of her speech.
Today I share with you an edited excerpt from that speech that I hope will help you as we go out into our community and ask for support of the Firehouse and advancement of the arts and culture in Southshore.
“Why do the arts and culture matter? Imagine society without the humanizing influence of the arts and you will lose most of what is pleasurable in life. The value of arts and culture always starts with their intrinsic value to illuminate and enrich our inner lives.
“Life without the collective resources of our libraries, museums, theatres and galleries, or without the personal expression of literature, music and art, would be devoid of creative analysis about the past and creative responses to frame the present and dream of the future. Support of culture nourishes the creativity of artists and writers and preserves our historic and cultural heritage.
“Art and culture can be a means to achieve ends beyond the immediate intrinsic experience and value of the art itself. We know that arts and culture play a transformative role in promoting social and economic goals through community regeneration, attracting tourists, developing talent and innovation, improving health and wellbeing and contributing to the delivery of public services.
“The arts are a major catalyst for stimulating awareness, compassion and new thinking. Without them none of us will reach our full potential.”
[Edited – Caroline Mastin Welsh]
How was your summer? Ours was pretty fine, thank you!
Even though that nasty Irma did some damage to the roof, building overhang, and air conditioner, we lucked out with no flood damage. A very big thank-you to all of the staff who pitched in with the clean-up!
Things are generally a little quieter around the FCC during the hot summer months, but the Drawing Studio continued meeting with Bruce Marsh at the helm every Thursday evening. And, while The Pub takes a little breather in July and August, Summer Camp 2017 was wild and woolly.
The nine-week camp was funded in part by the Children’s Board Hillsborough and Hillsborough County. This year ninety-six campers participated with half receiving scholarships to attend. This year’s camp revolved around an innovative movement known as STEAM.
Championed by the Rhode Island School of Design, the program couples varying aspects of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math in a summer camp setting. In this fun environment, learning happens at the FCC!
Campers kept journals to encourage literacy and reading, were introduced to robotics and programming, and, at the end of each week, they presented a performance or “show-off” for family and friends.
“My nephews love your summer camp and appreciate every moment they spend there.”
“Very impressed…my daughter absolutely thrives at musical theater. The instructors are a treasure. She begged to come back.”
Free upcoming events at FCC
Our calendar is full! You can find EVERYTHING going on at the Firehouse—programs, workshops, performing arts, lectures, music, and more—on our website. There will be events of all types for the remainder of 2017 and some of them are FREE! You can check the website for more information about these presentations.
Space is limited! Register online or call 813-645-7651 to reserve now!
2nd Tuesday November 2017 – May 2018, 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
This FREE Straz Center Arts Education Series for adults will explore music written for the symphony orchestra; music from cultures around the world; and popular music genres developed in the U.S. from the early 20th Century.
Opera Tampa
November 18, 2:00 p.m.
A FREE mini-performance and Q&A for all ages in partnership with the Straz Center.
Family Holiday Concert with Santa
December 2, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
A celebration featuring choruses from South County schools with Marines on hand to collect Toys for Tots.
Vivien Morgan: How Videography Changed Journalism
December 14, 7:00 p.m.
Join BBC TV News video-journalist Vivien Morgan on the history of broadcast media. This is a FREE Inside Journalism event.
The Greatest Ever 4th Annual BBQ & Blues Fundraiser!
If you missed this Fourth Annual bash held on October 7th, you missed a heck of a good time! The live music with Rick Hatfield and Kenny Carlyle was hot, and the feast from Buttman BBQ was smokin’ good. A big round of applause goes to Ann Hathaway for organizing this bash and to all who helped out.
DON’T FORGET our most important link, the link that will link you to all links, the MOTHER of all links is this one: firehouseculturalcenter.org. It is here that you will find EVERYTHING happening at the Firehouse between now and December. There are links to all of the programs, all of the Pub events, information on room rentals, the Figure Drawing Group, how to become a member, how to volunteer, and much more.
FCC Board of Directors
Bruce Marsh, President
Janice Bayruns, Acting Vice-president
Tom Grimm (Past President)
Hillsborough County Commissioner Sandra Murman (Ex officio)
Patti Beckett
Laurie Burhop
Dolores Coe
Tom Cook
Craig Hardesty *
Ann Hathaway
Jeff Knauff
Sandy Council
Laurie Kepler
Gabriel Mbulo *
Ann M. Mohin
Bob Mohr
Michael Parker
Melanie Rimes
Lorrin Shepard *
Allen Witt
* Welcome to our newest Board Members.
Our Staff
Georgia Vahue, Executive Director
Frances Hereford, Volunteer and Facility Coordinator
Beth Ann Stein, Rental & Events Coordinator
Rudy Ortiz, Facility Tech & Maintenance