For local multimedia artist Cato Galen, creativity isn’t confined to one medium or one space. Between curating immersive art installations, writing music, leading workshops, and creating spaces for reflection at large festivals, Galen’s work centers on encouraging others to embrace their own creative process and accessibility.
That approach was especially visible through their work with How Bazar’s “Memories and Fortunes” exhibition and the Decompression Space at the Big Culture and Arts Festival in Gainesville.
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Galen created a virtual gallery for “Memories and Fortunes” to preserve the temporary group exhibition presented during How Bazar A La Carte Tampa. Since the installation was on display for only one evening during the busy night market, they wanted audiences to experience the conversation between the pieces long after the event ended.
“I wanted to preserve the story that all the pieces told in conversation with each other,” Galen said.
Accessibility within art spaces
The virtual gallery also solved a practical issue. With packed crowds and limited wall space, there was little room for traditional exhibition labels detailing titles, artists, mediums, and prices. QR codes placed throughout the room allowed attendees to instantly access more information about the artwork through their phones, merging physical and digital experiences into one accessible exhibition.
Galen’s relationship with How Bazar began through the local arts community. After volunteering as a Docent Specialist at the Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg, they connected with local event organizer Attic Cat, who later recommended them to How Bazar organizer Laila Fakhoury.
That collaboration eventually expanded into planning the Decompression Space at the Big Culture and Arts Festival in Gainesville. It acted as a space designed for festivalgoers to rest, create, and regroup amid the energy of a large-scale event.
“I approached the Decompression Space from the perspective of someone that has needed someplace to go and collect myself at a big event,” they said.
Galen partnered with Gainesville-based organizations like Sequential Artists Workshop and Crafting Care while also bringing in Tampa artist Zeitoon Studio to lead a class.
“A lot of people said they appreciated having a place to sit down and just vibe before getting back into the excitement of the festival,” Galen said.
Long before curating exhibitions and organizing workshops, Galen’s artistic background began with dance, music, and poetry. They performed and taught throughout the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area, New York City, and eventually St. Petersburg after relocating to Florida.
Funding their creative pursuits
Though they now work professionally as a Senior Technical Support Manager, Galen sees their career as something that helps support their broader creative ambitions.
“I like to think of my day job as the investor and collector of my artistic pursuits,” they said.
Their creative practice today spans multiple disciplines. Galen writes and performs original music under the name Creating Cato, blending poetry with ukulele, viola, piano, and clarinet. Last summer they performed with Queer Expressions/Futurity, Deviant Libations, and at a local book reading event.
Outside of music, Galen also creates a zine series called “Guide for Blocked Artists,” offering encouragement and strategies for people struggling to start or continue creative projects. They also host “Artist Block,” a recurring gathering where creatives can work alongside one another in a supportive environment.
At the center of all their work is a belief that creativity belongs to everyone.
“I think creativity is a part of being human,” Galen said, “and I just want to encourage people to explore that aspect of their being in whatever ways they can.”
