Over a decade ago, Jake and Cassie Greatens founded CASS (Contemporary Art Space and Studio) with the shared mission of fostering creativity and connecting communities through contemporary art. Based in Tampa, Florida, CASS has evolved from a traditional gallery into a multidimensional art company, specializing in murals, exhibitions, large-scale installations, art consulting, and private acquisitions.
While the CASS brand reflects the couple’s passion, it’s Jake’s dual identity as both artist and curator that adds a distinctive dimension to the company’s vision.
The Artist Behind the Vision
Jake is not only a co-founder of CASS, he’s also an active artist with an ever-evolving creative practice. “I have a creative itch, it’s part of my DNA,” he says. That constant drive to explore and innovate fuels both his personal work and the broader mission of CASS.
Jake’s relentless creativity is guiding him toward a new body of oil paintings that will debut in 2026. This upcoming series will explore growing up outside of urban areas in contrast to his current life. The collection of paintings will examine themes of nostalgia, identity, and the tension between rural simplicity and urban complexity.
Jake’s experiences as an artist greatly influence his curatorial approach, allowing him to empathize with the challenges and triumphs of the artists he works with. One of his favorite initiatives is Paint It Forward, a recurring exhibition that brings together established artists and emerging creatives in one cohesive show. “I love the theme of this exhibit,” he shares, “because it encapsulates what we do, working with prolific artists while also finding the newest talent in the industry, all in the same show.”
Location: The Motown Suite at United Record Pressing
This philosophy of balancing experience with fresh perspectives underscores much of Jake’s curatorial work. His goal is to create exhibitions that both challenge and inspire audiences while supporting a diverse range of artists.
Jake deeply understands the importance of connection. “The benchmark of success for an artist is selling work,” he notes. “But constantly producing and creating allows artists to work and achieve greatness by trial and error.” Ultimately, he wants viewers to form meaningful relationships with art. “The connection I want people to feel is one where the art resonates so deeply that they want it to be part of their everyday life.”
Expanding CASS
CASS’s impact continues to grow. In September 2025, Jake and Cassie will open a second CASS Contemporary gallery in Nashville, Tennessee. Nashville offers an ideal backdrop for the expansion, with its rapid development and vibrant creative community.
Jake sees the new gallery not just as a commercial space, but as a gathering place that sparks dialogue and engagement. “A gallery allows for open discussion about the curation or exhibited artists,” he explains. He hopes that the Music City space will attract longtime locals while also appealing to new residents and visitors seeking significant experiences with contemporary art.
For Jake, art is more than a profession; it’s a way to shape the cultural and visual fabric of cities. Through public art activations and large-scale projects, CASS transforms spaces and ignites conversations that unite communities. He continually seeks to enhance or transform the cityscape through creative work, whether that’s with exhibitions, installations, or public events.
Looking ahead, Jake’s focus remains clear: “In the next few years, the CASS goal is to grow the passion for collecting while promoting local, national, and international artists.” He envisions CASS as a platform that not only elevates artists but also educates and encourages new collectors to see the transformative power of art in their daily lives. By cultivating these relationships, Jake aims to create a ripple effect that strengthens the global art community and leaves a lasting cultural impact.
