MITCH KOLBE
“The Epiphany Cross Diver,”
a bronze statue created by
Mitch Kolbe, reflects the
pride, glory and religious
importance of retrieving
the Epiphany Day Cross.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016
| TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 141
Kolbe’s “The Epiphany Cross Diver” and the St. Nicholas
Greek Orthodox Cathedral, where his statue stands, both
embody the traditions brought to Tarpon Springs by the early
Greek settlers. The significant religious and social meanings
they hold for members of the local Greek community are
boundless. No matter what your religious persuasion, try not
to miss next year’s Epiphany Day, or “Cross Day,” festivities on
January 6th. They are truly one of the many wonders of our
Tampa Bay area. 9
MITCH KOLBE
EDITOR’S NOTE: Mitch Kolbe’s paintings, sculptures and dioramas
can be seen in private collections and on public display in the Tampa
Bay area, in Disney’s Epcot, in Universal Studios Orlando hotel
restaurants, in Richard Kessler’s hotels throughout the country and
as far away as Hawaii and even Istanbul. Kolbe’s 3-foot Beachcomber
statue can be seen at Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber Restaurant on
Clearwater Beach. In addition, several of his works are available at
his son’s Anestis Karistiono’s Sponge Diver Supply Company and
at John Tarapani’s Fine Art and Antiques, which are both located
in Tarpon Springs. Kolbe’s most recent project is a diorama of Walt
Disney’s home and backyard train, which was commissioned by the
Walt Disney Museum in California to celebrate Disney’s December
5th birthday.