TAMPA, Fla. - Jan. 11, 2024 - PRLog -- The Gasparilla Festival of the Arts (GFA) announced the selection of the Festival Image which will be used to promote the 54th Annual Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts. Entitled Ride Your Way by Karina Llergo, the image represents the quality of art on display by the 230+ main show artists and 15 emerging artists on March 2-3, 2024 at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park in downtown Tampa.

Born and raised in Mexico City, Karina Llergo received her bachelor's degree in graphic design as well as advanced degrees in multimedia, animation, and abstract art. She studied with famed Mexican artist Roberto Cortazar and portraitist Enrique Estrada, who both encouraged her to continue her artistic journey.

While continuing her artistic path, Llergo enjoyed a successful career as art director for Mexico City's top newspaper Reforma and at renowned advertising agency McCann Erickson. Among the many campaigns she helped create include clients such as Coca-Cola, Revlon, and Kimberly Clark.

Since moving to Chicago in 2007 and transitioning to art full time, Llergo's work has received accolades throughout the vibrant Chicagoland art world. Among her honors, Karina has received numerous Outstanding Achievement and Best In Show awards at distinguished art shows all over Chicagoland and exhibits in galleries throughout the United States.

Of Mexican, Armenian, and Spanish descent, Karina's diverse background influences her life in every way, as does her passion for the creative arts. Additional awards include; 2022 Best of Category at the Hinsdale Fine Arts Festival in Hinsdale, Illinois and 2021 Best of Category in the Gold Coast Art Fair in Chicago.

"The significance of having my painting selected for the Festival holds great personal and artistic value for me. Ride Your Way is a piece of my soul, and having it chosen creates a deep emotional connection," said Llergo. "It's a moment of celebration and inspires me to continue pushing boundaries by exploring new facets of my artistic practice."

Llergo has been part of the GFA main show for the last three years and feels it is one of the top shows she's participated in. She credits its commitment to promoting and showcasing diverse art, exemplary organization, outstanding award recognitions, and community engagement as what sets GFA apart. She anticipates being a part of GFA for years to come.

As a lifelong dancer, Llergo has always been drawn to artwork that features movement and the human form.

"I continually seek fresh ways to capture the magic of energy through motion of the human body," said Llergo. "I turn figures into fluid entities. I weave dance, air, and water, into my paintings to create another unworldly likeness."

Ride Your Way will be featured on all promotional materials, ad campaigns, and merchandise that will be available at the 54th Annual Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts. To learn more, visit www.gasparillaarts.com.

About GFA: The Gasparilla Festival of the Arts is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation dedicated to producing an annual, premier juried outdoor art festival for the enjoyment and education of patrons, artists and guests as well as for the enhancement of the Tampa Bay area's cultural arts. The non-profit organization relies on support from sponsorships, on-site retail sales, and corporate and individual gifts to fund its programs and events.