Join us at Hotel Haya on Thursday, September 4th from 6:00–8:00 PM for the opening reception of Mario Javier Pérez Salabarría’s exhibition, Open Doors to History. Presented in partnership with Hillsborough Community College, this special evening celebrates art, heritage, and the enduring story of Tampa’s cultural identity.
Pérez’s striking series of urban landscapes pays tribute to the immigrants who built the “Cigar Capital of the World” and to the architecture that holds the city’s memory. Created with mixed media on unique surfaces including salvaged doors from homes impacted by the 2024 hurricane, his work invites viewers to step through a symbolic gateway of resilience, history, and cultural restoration.
This free event will take place in Hotel Haya’s Valencia Foyer, where guests can explore the collection, connect with the artist, and experience an evening of creativity and community.
About the Artist: Mario Javier Pérez Salabarría is a Cuban-born artist and writer who came to the United States in 2004. With a background in Architecture and Art Teaching in Cuba, and later a Master’s in Guidance Counseling in the U.S., Pérez has built a career that bridges art, education, and community. Currently serving as an Assistant Dean at Hillsborough Community College while pursuing his Doctorate in Education at USF, he continues to create works that honor heritage and history while inspiring cultural connection.
Admission is free. All are welcome.
$10 Event Valet Parking or nearby city parking is available
