New Port Richey Permanent Art Display 'Tides of Time' Opens June 2025

Published on April 28, 2025

tides of time logo and images of historic downtown new port richey

NEW PORT RICHEY, FLA. (Mon, Apr. 28, 2025) – In partnership with the City of New Port Richey, New Port Richey Main Street will unveil a permanent art display this summer, encouraging visitors to discover the city-on-the-river through the story of its history as told through 11 unique displays placed at different historic landmarks. The permanent art display titled ‘Tides of Time: A Visual Art Experience’ will open to the public on Thursday, June 5, 2025.

“This project will elevate the area’s appeal to local artists,” said New Port Richey Main Street Director, Tina Gordon. “We are drawing visitors to explore our town and encouraging them to eat and shop local while they are here.” 

‘Tides of Time’ is a public art project in recognition of New Port Richey’s 100th anniversary. The permanent mini-bronze sculptures mounted throughout downtown were created by artist, Gillian Harper, who began the project in October 2024. Harper is a St. Petersburg resident with a long list of public art projects to her name, specializing in large and small metal installations. ‘Tides of Time’ sculptures are eight-to-ten-inches in height and will be associated with the historic building in which they are located.

“After we explored many ideas, we formed a team of incredibly brilliant, intelligent, and talented individuals to make our vision come to life,” said Beth Fregger, Chair of New Port Richey Main Street’s Design Committee and project manager of ‘Tides of Time.’ “We are proud of this project and cannot wait to share it with the community.”

Each sculpture display will feature a QR code that will guide users to a page with information including the history of the associated building, identifying the artist, highlighting investors, and an audio-guided tour narrated by local historian Gary Vitacco-Robles.

“I’ve spent many years sharing with visitors the important history of our area through tours and other events,” said Vitacco-Robles. “This experience will exponentially increase the amount of people we can share our story with.”

Sculptures will be located at the following historic landmarks:

  • The Historic Hacienda Hotel and Sasha’s on The Park Restaurant.

  • First Bank of New Port Richey (current home to McPherson and Thomas, PA).

  • Havens/Swafford/Chasco Inn (current home to Relax Results, Gone Juicing Wellness Café, Herschel’s Scratch Kitchen, New Port Richey Main Street, Our Little Sanctuary Massage, Lash Lush, Blaine Law, PA, Outkast Paranormal, and Go Live Tampa Bay).

  • Burnett Arcade (current home to Maharajh Acupuncture & Herb Shoppe and Antique Center on Main Street).

  • Works Progress Administration Municipal Triplex (current home to The Florida Room, Dang Good on Main, and Ordinance One/The Daily Vibe Coffee Co.).

  • New Port Richey Land Company & Train Depot (current home to Rosie’s Tavern).

  • Pasco Building (current home to Ela!, Pint &  Barrel Saloon, The White Heron Tea & Gifts, Julep Hat Designs, and Pink Brick Boutique).

  • Morey Bowman Building (current home to Gulf Shore Décor, Downtown Hair Lounge, Bruce Brother’s Beanery, Mullins Music, and Hudson Art & Décor).

  • Leeston Smith Building (current home to Zen Kitchen & Bar, Sip on Grand, and Grand Salon & Suites).

  • Thomas Meighan Theatre (current home to Richey Suncoast Theatre).

  • Sims Park.

For all press inquiries and more information, please contact Tina Gordon at 727-377-1673 or director@nprmainstreet.com. 


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