The Artists and Writers Ball was founded in the late-1970s in Tampa, FL by Bud Lee (photographer), Peggy Lee, David Audet, Paul Wilborn, Jeff Dunlap, Beverly Coe, Bebe Williams, Mary D. Scourtes and Charley Greacen as an alternative to the exclusive Gasparilla Pirate Festival krewes and parade.
[1] In the late-1970s, photographer Bud Lee moved to Tampa, FL as part of the National Endowment for the Arts Artists-in-Schools program.
While working in the Artists-in-Schools program, Lee married art teacher Peggy Laseter and they moved into a storefront in Ybor City.
[3] It would be the undergrounds alternative to the exclusive Gasparilla parties held by Tampa's social clubs.
It, also, expanded from the ballroom to encompass the entire four floors and patio of the Cuban Club attracting thousands of participants.