Get to Know Local Tampa Artist Curtis M. Corbin

Are you visiting Tampa? You'll want to learn about Curtis M. Corbin, then. Curtis M. Corbin has lived most of his life in the state of Florida. He was born in Panama City and raised there until he pulled a tour of duty for four years in the Navy. It wasn't until 1973 that he made his home in Tampa, Florida after being discharged from the service.

The Healing Power of Art

Art had always been a love of Curtis' but he didn't pursue it with any seriousness until a few years ago. They say art and music have miraculous healing powers and in Curtis Corbin's case this became a fact.

Like many returning veterans, Curtis was plagued by the disease of alcoholism for many years. It was in March 2003 that he went into treatment for alcoholism, depression and hypertension at James A. Haley V.A. medical center located in his adopted city of Tampa. There he began to dabble in arts and crafts as a form of physical therapy. He was in the V.A. medical center for 28 days in the drug and alcohol abuse treatment program.

He was then sent to the Agency for Community Treatment Services also located in Tampa. Here too, arts and crafts were used as a form of therapy. While he was there, a woman came to the wards once a week and she brought supplies for patients to master arts and crafts. The therapy was a true healing experience and it wasn't long before Curtis realized he had a real talent for art.

Healing and Beyond

Health problems still plagued Curtis and later in 2003 he prepared for open heart surgery. There was no physical therapy program waiting for him after his successful heart operation, though he was still residing at the Tampa Agency for Community Treatment Services. Once again he reached for arts and crafts for physical as well as mental therapy and it was during his healing process that his love for art began to take root.

Going to art shows was his next step and he attended many at the Hillsborough Community College as well as other art galleries and venues where art shows were held in the Tampa area. As his interest and passion grew he decided the next step was to enroll in an art program which he found in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Art Instruction Schools is where he began his art education. At present, he is under guidance of Darrell Crow, a master artist.

Success is Within Reach

In February of 2006, Curtis had the honor of winning second place at the V.A. National Arts and Crafts Show that is held in Tampa. The piece was "The Spirit of The American Veteran," a graphite pencil drawing upon a canvas board. Curtis also produces pieces in acrylics, oils, as well as his pencil pieces. One of his most moving pieces is "Heroes and Friends," which depicts an old man and a boy sitting upon a dock fishing, surrounded by faithful dogs.

His works can be seen in the National Homeless Coalition in Washington, D.C. and will be on permanent display. His story is a true inspiration for those who feel that there is no hope as his success and stunning paintings can attest. Tampa takes pride in one of her hometown heroes that made good use of his God given talent.