TAMPA – Jan. 11, 2021 – Popular nature artifacts artist Trent Alyse, who specializes in sculpture, jewelry and other art forms using ethically sourced materials including bones, exoskeletons and plants, received a 2021 Professional Development for Artists grant from the Arts Council of Hillsborough County.
An emerging artist who has developed an international following on social media, @kittybombcurios, and her Etsy shop, KittyBombCurios, Trent Alyse’s creations transform throwaway taxidermy, human and animal bones, gemstones and other materials into unique, exquisitely crafted works of art.
“I can see the attention to detail in her work, for sure, the craftsmanship,” noted Arts Council grants judge Caitlin Albritton.
“I think she represents Tampa Bay and Hillsborough County in a great way,” added judge David Valdez.
Trent Alyse is a Hillsborough County Public Schools art teacher. Her work has been featured in Venom Magazine, was recently accepted for permanent display at Crab Devil’s Peninsularium Gallery in Tampa, and will be featured in the TV pilot of Surreal Camile. She has been invited to/accepted as a featured artist at numerous Tampa Bay Area arts shows, including the upcoming Dark Art Show, 4-8 p.m. Jan. 16 at Dark Door Spirits Distillery, 6608 Anderson Road, Tampa. Visit Dark Art Show for details.
“As a Tampa native, I’m so proud that we have an organization like the Hillsborough Arts Council investing in artists,” said Trent Alyse, whose grant will fund silversmithing lessons and tools. “I’m a kid who benefited from wonderful Hillsborough County public and private school art teachers. That creative outlet in my formative years helped me excel academically, socially and emotionally.”
Trent Alyse, who graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor’s in studio arts, notes that her education was paid for largely through scholarships. That’s a tangible benefit of arts education for all ages, she said.
The Arts Council of Hillsborough County provides support for the professional growth of accomplished local artists. The Professional Development for Artists Grant Program was established to recognize the important contributions of creative individuals to the cultural vitality of Hillsborough County.