The Tampa Bay Lightning and the Lightning Foundation unveiled the 2026-27 class for the Local Artist Collaboration on Sept. 3, 2026. The program incorporates local artists’ work into the Tampa Bay Lightning logo on custom specialty jerseys. The jerseys will support Noche Latina, Pride, Hockey Talks, Black Heritage and Women in Sports during the 2026-27 season.
The initiative supports the “Hockey Is For Everyone” effort through designs that reflect the artists’ cultural heritage and personal experiences. The artwork also will be used for merchandise, apparel and in-arena elements displayed during the selected theme nights. The program gives local artists an avenue to showcase their work in the hockey community.
The 2026-27 Local Artist Collaboration class
Carlos Pons was selected for Noche Latina. Originally from Guatemala and based in Tampa, Pons has more than 15 years of creative experience in canvas painting, large-scale public murals and modern digital illustration. His style features vibrant colors, dynamic geometric patterns and rich cultural elements.
Selena Ferrer was selected for Pride, presented by Open Water. The Puerto Rican artist is known for surrealist paintings and large-scale scenic art. Her work creates immersive experiences through storytelling and fantastical visions.
Brian Kostar was selected for Hockey Talks. The Florida artist creates illustrative surrealist pieces defined by bold linework, vivid colors and humor. His work emphasizes shared human connection and a joyful philosophy of living fully.
Quinn Cale was selected for Black Heritage. Cale’s work focuses on history, resilience and community storytelling while blending traditional cultural emblems with a contemporary artistic voice. The art draws on family legacy, cultural roots, personal memory and ancestral honor.
Michelle Sawyer was selected for Women in Sports, presented by Raymond James. The Tampa visual artist’s work elevates women’s voices and tells stories of women who lead and succeed in the face of adversity. Her work addresses gender equality through narratives of resilience and triumph.
Lightning theme-night schedule
The five collaborations will be featured during the announced 2026-27 theme nights. Each event includes a Tampa Bay Lightning game against the listed opponent. The schedule is:
- Noche Latina: Oct. 15 against the Seattle Kraken at 7 p.m.
- Pride, presented by Open Water: Jan. 14 against the Vegas Golden Knights at 7 p.m.
- Hockey Talks: Jan. 26 against the Los Angeles Kings at 7 p.m.
- Black Heritage: Feb. 28 against the Utah Mammoth at 7 p.m.
- Women in Sports, presented by Raymond James: March 30 against the Toronto Maple Leafs at 7 p.m.
The designs will extend beyond specialty jerseys to merchandise, apparel and in-arena elements displayed during the selected theme nights. Each artist’s work is connected to one of the five initiatives announced by the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Lightning Foundation. The first listed event is Noche Latina against the Seattle Kraken on Oct. 15.
FSB Take
The Local Artist Collaboration connects Tampa Bay Lightning theme nights with local artists and the experiences reflected in their work. The program gives the five artists a platform across specialty jerseys, merchandise and arena presentation rather than limiting their designs to a single format. The announced schedule places the collaborations across the 2026-27 season, from Noche Latina in October through Women in Sports in March.
Source: Original report