Michael Vahl: Fine Artist @ArtByVahl

Art has been a passion of Michael Vahl’s since he was 5 years old. He moved to St. Petersburg 11 years ago from California, where the city’s murals and artists inspired him to pursue his calling. Through his work, he has raised more than $175,000 for charities, donating pieces to the Children’s Cancer Center’s annual Wine, Women & Shoes event, the Nursey Foundation and the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. He also collaborated with his brother on a large-scale mural at Sligh Middle School with the Bullard Family Foundation.

ABOUT ME

My mother sparked my love of art. She would ask me to draw her pictures every morning as she got ready for work. I had an early ability that shocked and impressed her. Her praise and encouragement inspired me to keep practicing. I specialize in portraiture and realism, specifically the dry-brush painting technique.

MY LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

I enjoy the art scene in St Pete whenever I’m down there. It’s incredible to see the amount of murals spanning the city. 

Murals and fine art are not just decoration — they’re cultural landmarks and craftsmanship that take immense time, planning and skill.

A unique spot for enjoying art would be Ulele and Casa Santo Stefano. While I can’t disclose what’s on the walls there, you may be surprised by what you find. They have an incredible collection of art most people would never expect. 

I have an appreciation for Salvador Dalí and the fact that we have the Dalí Museum in Tampa Bay is incredible.

I’m Mexican and Salvadoran and love both cuisines. One of my favorite hidden gems is Taco Las Californias — it reminds me of the food back home in Los Angeles. Another is a Salvadoran restaurant called Pupuseria Centroamericana.

Casa Santo Stefano opened a few years ago, and I’m a big fan. It’s some of the best Sicilian food I’ve had.

For breakfast or brunch, my favorite spot has to be Oxford Exchange. It’s a nice setting where you can sit and enjoy the atmosphere. I love the coffee bar and bookstore.

For a casual lunch, my favorite place is Psomi. Great atmosphere and delicious food — I usually get the grilled octopus horiatiki.

I wish more people knew about Ebisu Sushi Shack. I feel it’s a hidden gem in Seminole Heights. Very limited seating, but some of the tastiest sushi I’ve found in Tampa.

I love to rollerblade and bike on the Riverwalk and Bayshore. I’ve also developed a newfound passion for pickleball, and I like to play at Julian B Lane Pickleball Courts.

I work out at Powerhouse Gym, where I also have some of my artwork hanging.

A perfect date night would probably start at a nice steakhouse like Bern’s or dinner and drinks in Hyde Park, followed by the Edition — either the Arts Room or the Rooftop.

For an evening out on the town, Water Street has a wide selection of high-end restaurants, rooftop bars and Sparkman Wharf.

If I were designing a day out with family, we’d probably start at Armature Works for lunch, spend some time by the Riverwalk, then go to a Bucs or Lightning game after.

I recently had family in town from L.A. and took them to some of the local hot spots, like Ybor, the Riverwalk and restaurants such as Ulele and Columbia.

This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.