In August 2017, what started as a birthday celebration transformed into a groundbreaking event that brought together Tampa’s art and music scene. Ari Chi, singer and musician, threw her partner Cody—better known as visual artist, Jitt Brodie—a birthday party featuring his favorite artists alongside his own work. The addition of live performances turned the gathering into something extraordinary. “It ended up being a great time and a huge success, so we made it a recurring event and named it Art Raffle,” Ari shared.
For two years, Art Raffle thrived as a cornerstone of Tampa’s creative community. However, the momentum came to an abrupt halt in March 2020. “When the pandemic lockdown began, we made the decision to postpone our lineup until things felt safer,” Ari explained. The pause coincided with a period of profound change for the couple. “During this five-year gap, we moved to Atlanta and then back to Florida to have our daughter, Solace, and to be closer to family during this new era of parenthood.”
Now, after half a decade, Art Raffle is making its long-awaited return, and the timing couldn’t be more perfect. “We are finally adjusting to being parents, and it just felt like the right moment to reconnect with our creative community,” Ari reflected. This year’s lineup is a blend of familiar faces and fresh talent. “Everyone on the art lineup is a recurring artist, and I’m so excited to see how their work has evolved. We also have some new musical acts and a special guest to close out the night. I can’t wait for everyone to experience them!”
The past five years have been a whirlwind of self-discovery for Ari. “In 2020, I was forced to slow down and realize there is more to me than just music and travel,” she revealed. Exploring new hobbies like baking sourdough and crocheting offered unexpected outlets for her creativity. “These are things I can teach my daughter as she grows up,” she added with pride. Though her music took a backseat during this time, Ari’s journey has come full circle. “In the next few months, we’ll transition to a new schedule that will allow me to spend more time working on music. I’m excited to fall back in love with it as a hobby, not a career.”
Returning to Tampa’s art and music scene after such a long hiatus has its challenges. “Everything has changed so much, which is a good thing,” Ari acknowledged. “But I’ll be honest, I feel out of touch. Still, I think it’s important to be uncomfortable sometimes—that’s how we grow, right?”
Art Raffle’s comeback will also see some changes. Moving forward, the couple plans to host the event quarterly rather than bi-monthly. “I want to leave room for other event ideas that we’ve been holding onto but never got to execute,” Ari explained. The upcoming Art Raffle will take place at a new venue, Crowbar, marking another layer of experimentation. “This first one will definitely be an all-around experiment, but I’m so excited for it. I know our city will show up and show out—even on a Monday,” she said with a laugh.
Inclusivity remains at the heart of Art Raffle’s mission. The event is family-friendly, ensuring that parents like Ari and Cody can participate without worrying about finding a babysitter. “The community we built through Art Raffle is still out there, and I’m excited to reunite with our people,” Ari said.
Art Raffle Tampa is more than just an event—it’s a testament to resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of community. With its return, Ari and Cody are rekindling a space where art, music, and connection flourish, inspiring both seasoned artists and new creatives to keep the spirit of Tampa’s vibrant scene alive.
Join us at Crowbar for Art Raffle Tampa on Monday, January 13.
