drawn to tampa

Local artist Lynn Ash recently completed a painting for the City of Tampa.  Called “The Story of Tampa,” the piece depicts geographical, biographical and historical tidbits of life in Tampa.  If this webpage was a piece of art, “The Story” is very close to what I would want it to be.

The entire outline of the painting includes little postcard-like graphics of things you see every day in Tampa, and the center is filled with all sorts of Tampa-related stuff.  As you might imagine, it’s this homer’s new favorie piece of art.

I took a look at the real thing at the City Hall Annex building, and found a secret message within the piece, so I called Lynn to ask him about it.  With one quick conversation, you can tell he is quite proud of the job he’s done.  He was happy to have been chosen to do the commissioned painting, and put a lot of effort into getting it just right.

You can see more of Lynn Ash’s excellent work online at Royal Graphics Resource.

Lynn went on to tell me about several hidden messages within this work Take a look at it on the city’s website.  But if you have the time, I recommend you go to City Hall, and take a look at the real deal – it’s quite impressive.  Let me know if you find any of those hidden messages.

6 comments - add to the conversation! → “drawn to tampa”


  1. AM

    4 years ago

    Anybody know where you can get a re-print?

    I would love to buy one.


  2. Pam

    4 years ago

    At the unveiling reception May 1st, there were posters approx 15″ x 26″ available for free. We picked up 2 of them. I’m sure some are still available. I’d contact the City of Tampa Public Arts Department. Tommy, next time you stop in, ask Rooster Tom to show some earlier works of Lynn’s. Rooster Tom and Lynn have been friends since they were 4 years old and boy, are there some stories to tell!! One year Lynn painted his donkey like a zebra for Halloween!! Lynn always puts a wish bone and/or a tear in all his paintings; often the wishbone is in the form of a woman’s cleavage or hairline.


  3. Meredith

    4 years ago

    Very very cool!


  4. Theresa

    3 years ago

    I would love to in touch with Lynn. We worked together many years ago at Busch Gardens. Does anyone know how I can get in touch with him?


  5. Barb Fletcher

    3 years ago

    Lynn Ash is my uncle. If you want to give me your name, I’d be happy to let him know you are trying to contact him.


  6. Jerry Nichols

    2 years ago

    Great stuff, Lynn has a long and unusal
    career and is still producing excellent
    paintings. Lynn has moved his work to GraphicsShowcase.com were you can also view a video of the “Story of Tampa”. You can reach Lynn at: LynnAsh@GraphicsShowcase.com .


Leave a Reply

Recent Articles

© 2010 Sticks of Fire: a Tampa blog.