Carolyn F. Heller, artist and art advocate, left her creative mark on Hillsborough County
Recently, the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners unanimously accepted artwork created by the late painter and printmaker, Carolyn F. Heller. The artwork will be displayed in the Pat Collier Frank Courthouse for the enjoyment of all residents.
The seven donated pieces include six screenprints and one acrylic painting. All works are untitled with the exception of one screenprint, "A June Bug in July."
The Heller family donated the artwork in honor of the artist's memory.
A life of art and art advocacy
A Tampa resident, Heller had a 60-year career as an artist and helped establish the County's Public Art Program. Her wide-ranging works are held in private and public collections across the United States and have been featured in galleries, art shows, and exhibitions in Florida and the Southeast.
Heller was born in Alexander City, Alabama in 1937. She attended the Sophie Newcomb College, which at the time was a women's college affiliated with Tulane University, where she graduated with a degree in fine arts.
In 1958, Heller married and the couple moved to Tampa a few years later. For years, Heller continued her art studies at the University of South Florida and the Tampa Museum of Art. After her four children went to college, Heller began to focus full time on creating.
Much of her work incorporated acrylic paint and woodblock prints. However, Heller also used mixed media to paint decorative designs on furniture, scarves, tote bags, and other everyday objects intended for functional use.
Her colorful style often combined botanical themes and abstract compositions. Her use of bold shapes, vivid colors, and tropical elements -- such as flowers, palm trees, and fish -- contributed to the playful tone found throughout much of her work.
Heller's impact on local art went beyond her vibrant creations. She also played a role in supporting the creative and professional growth of other area artists. She was a charter member of the Hillsborough County Public Art Committee, in addition to serving on the board of the Arts Council of Hillsborough County for eight years.
Heller died in 2011 at the age of 74.
Hellers in Hillsborough
Much of Heller's work is held in private collections. However, her art can still be enjoyed by the public. In addition to the recently donated seven pieces that will be displayed in the County's courthouse, several other pieces are hanging in local libraries.
"Two Butterflies" can be seen in the lobby of the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library. "Tampa Stars" is on display at the Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, along with two untitled screen prints.
Interested in viewing other artworks in the County's collection? Enjoy virtual gallery tours through the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library and Artifact Collection.This collection is comprised of works of art from the Hillsborough County Public Art Collection, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library Education Art Collection, and the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library Permanent Art Collection. These records are a work in progress and only include a portion of artworks on display.
Additional art under the care of Hillsborough County can be viewed using the public art story map.