Tampa, FL – Seldom offered in the United States, paintings by acclaimed Cuban artist Josè Carlos Jerez Tornès are available through silent auction bidding at the Franciscan Center’s Stress Less Open House, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 5 to 8 pm.

The six paintings are oil on canvas and range in size from 20 by 12 to 22 by 30 inches. Subjects include colorful rural Cuban scenes: horses galloping, a vibrant rooster, a flowering tropical tree, a young girl by a window. All of the paintings have been legally imported from Cuba by Josè Remon of the Tampa Bay area. Remon is a long-time sponsor of Tornès.

The artist was born in Manzanillo, Cuba on June 23, 1987. He studied painting and drawing at the Professional Academy of Plastic Arts “Carlos Enriquez Gomez” of Manzanillo from 2002 to 2006. Tornès’ career was interrupted by an 18-month period of “Mandatory Military Service” after which he resumed his artistic endeavors as an Instructor Professor at La Casa Cultura de Manzanillo in Cuba.

Remon supports the painter by supplying him with paint, canvas and wood for frames. Due to government restrictions, these items are very difficult to obtain in Cuba. Remon is careful to follow all the proper channels in bringing the artwork to the United States. He then donates them as fundraisers to various non-profit organizations, including the Franciscan Center. Due to his efforts and those of other sponsors, Tornès’ work can be found internationally in over seven countries.

The paintings will be on display with silent auction bids taken from 5 to 8 p.m., Dec. 3, at the Franciscan Center, 3010 N. Perry Ave., Tampa, FL 33603.