NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — A new art experience is highlighting history throughout downtown.


What You Need To Know

  • A new art experience is being put on display permanently at various locations throughout New Port Richey's historical district

  • Titled "The Tides of Time," the art experience is designed to take a look at New Port Richey's past, highlighting the city's 100 years and the landmarks that have shaped it
  • Various sculptures have been made as part of the experience and are on display at various buildings, each designed with a special meaning

It's called "The Tides of Time," and this new art expo is a permanent art display in the city’s historical district. It showcases some of New Port Richey’s unique characteristics.

"(It's) a lot of research, which is something I really enjoy with my work in general. I enjoy the research and learning more," said Gillian Harper.

Flipping through the pages of her sketchbook, Harper reviews her most recent work.

“We all start from somewhere and, of course, so do cities," said Harper. "I think that representing history and continuing to grow and show that is a really important aspect for a sense of place and home.”

Harper is the sculptor behind New Port Richey’s new art display. The experience designed to take a look at New Port Richey’s past, highlighting the city’s 100 years and the landmarks that have shaped it.

“Is there a bigger word than ‘elated?’" said Harper. "I don’t know. I was very excited. This is a huge opportunity for me. This is my favorite kind of art, making — casting metal — so it was really just exciting.”

Harper’s sculptures will be a permanent fixture at various buildings throughout downtown, including the Richey Suncoast Theatre.

“We have the arches here that are at the front of the building," said Harper, pointing at her sculpture. "Of course, that being from when it was originally built. In here, I tied in the current carpeting that’s actually inside the theatre and, of course, an old school camera.”

Each piece has a QR code underneath it for viewers to scan with their smartphone to provide a unique audio and visual experience as well as background on their accompanying building.

“We were looking for a way to honor the city for their 100th anniversary, which was ’24-’25," said Beth Fregger, the project manager behind the experience. She says attracting visitors to New Port Richey was another influence behind the project.

“One big part of our project was to bring people to the downtown and people that are outside of our core community," said Fregger, who is also the chairperson of New Port Richey Main Street’s design committee. "So, trying to reach out to not only the Tampa Bay area, but throughout the country.”

With the hopes of encouraging visitors to discover the "City on-the-Water.’"

“Bringing people into some of the places they wouldn’t normally be walking towards," said Harper. "That’s what’s so fun about these being in various locations throughout downtown.”

"The Tides of Time" visual art experience is now on display throughout New Port Richey. You can find a full listing of displays online here.