BEST LOCAL MUSEUM The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

The grown up equivalent of show and tell, museums grant us the permission to spend the day roaming around, using our inside voices and admiring other people’s incomprehensible talent. Tag along on a tour, grab some headphones to immerse yourself in the story or simply jump from plaque to plaque absorbing tidbits of history to impress your friends at trivia night—museums, and all their beautiful bounty, are a rare opportunity to slow down and soak up culture. No pressure, big rewards. Year after year The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art finds themselves at the top of this list for their treasure trove of unforgettable arts—positively Platinum. Sarasota Art Museum goes for Gold and Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy frames a Silver-winning success.

Rebecca Johnson (on The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art) I have been going here since I was in high school and I am never tired of it. I love that they have such a large art collection and they have different museums on site if you want something different than fine art. I love the miniature and carnival museums, personally. The grounds are also incredibly beautiful. Jere Ouellette (on John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art) As a Sarasota native, I’ve grown up with The Ringling practically in my backyard. From kindergarten field trips and brown bag lunch under the banyans, to taking visitors, the Ringling museum is always a new experience. Every time I walk the gallery, I am transported back in time before my eyes could even appreciate the collections of art. And each time I am captivated by old and new exhibits alike! Maureen Gebhardt (on Sarasota Art Museum) I love SAM’s diverse exhibitions for the whole family! And the building itself is a perfect backdrop for showcasing contemporary art with its large, open spaces. Truly a gem! Been a member from the beginning. Diane Lane (on the Sarasota Art Museum) So, so beautiful from the inside out. Tammy Hauser (on Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy) Marietta says that she created her museum to put a smile on people’s faces. If you don’t laugh when you visit, you have to get your meds checked!

BEST LOCAL GALLERY The Artful Giraffe

A zoo for the arts. Where we go to ooh and aah at the beautiful or frightening or shocking artistic animals in their cages…frames and then take them home. In a town overflowing with fantastic finds to feast your eyes on, these are the galleries our SRQ readers love to gaze at. The Artful Giraffe pulled focus for Platinum. Creative Liberties Artist Studios & Gallery drew an impressive Gold and Witchgrass Studio had no room for negative-space—with only rave reviews brushing their way to Silver. There’s nothing abstract about State of the Arts Gallery’s Bronze win. Stand back and admire the Honorable Mentions MARA Art Studio + Gallery and Boulevard Fine Art.

Marsha Summers (on The Artful Giraffe) Best place in town for a gift or home decor. Owners are helpful and very friendly. Best place to buy local and support residents of the community. Muriel Chesner (on Creative Liberties) They are providing a wonderful opportunity for local artists. Abbey Stumpf (on Witchgrass Studio) Wide variety of glass art with a funky vibe! Janet Combs (on State of the Arts Gallery) We expect art galleries to represent thought-provoking, interesting, diverse styles and mediums, but State of the Arts Gallery has a secret weapon: Tre. She is so easy to engage with and there is truly no pressure. If you want to just browse her gallery like a bookstore, guess what, you can! Tre and her staff welcome everyone in and discussions are fun. Nadia Ratycz (on MARA) Mara is an amazing artist and she shares her gift and supports others.

BEST LOCAL CURATOR TIE David Berry, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and Elizabeth Doud, Ringling Museum

The untrained eye might have seen a splatter of paint, an odd square-shaped man, an enlarged Campbell’s soup can—a curator, however, saw a Pollack, a Picasso, Warhol. They say beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, but sometimes we need an expert to hold our hand and say no, look again—that one. Those aforementioned art world mega-stars could have been tragically overlooked if left simply to public perceptions. Now, emblematic of their respective movements, it was gallery owners and curators who put them on the map. Hoping to find the next great artist to make an impressionist on the world are these SRQ curators. The prize-winning pair picking out Platinum winning paintings are David Berry, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and Elizabeth Doud, Ringling Museum respectively with Angie Lukas, ArtCenter Manatee grabbing an avant-garde Gold. Rounding out the competition Tim Jaeger, Ringling College of Art and Design and 502 Gallery baroque the mold for a bold Silver.

Catherine Clouse Ferrer (on David Berry, Marie Selby Botanical Garden) The kinds of immersive experiences curated at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens have elevated a beloved place to transformative. We are lucky to be able to experience the stories of amazing artists through living, thriving, beautiful exhibits here in our community. World-class yet local! Susan McGivern (on Elizabeth Doud, Ringling Museum) I think The Ringling Museum is a treasure and I credit their current and past Curators with bringing interesting exhibits and items to the Ringling. I visit there with guests and enjoy seeing the artwork and items on display. Even if I have seen something before, I always enjoy going back to see what has changed and to revisit those pieces I really enjoyed. Beth Graves (on Elizabeth Doud) Provides a welcome variety of offerings when choosing which productions are featured at the Historic Asolo Theatre at The Ringling. She never fails to bring in performances that are unexpected and thrilling. Tammy Hauser (on Tim Jaeger) Tim’s 502 Gallery and his curation of exhibits at Ringling College bring a refreshing sense of whimsy to Sarasota’s art scene by mixing current art trends with under-appreciated artists and art styles from past decades. Andrea Knies (on Tim Jaeger) Beyond being a talented artist himself, Tim Jaeger also has a deep appreciation for the cultural community of Sarasota. He values the contribution of other artists and is extremely talented in providing new and innovative ways for those artists to be discovered and appreciated by the community.

BEST VISUAL ARTIST Monar Media

Regardless of other sensations—we always feast with our eyes first. These visual artists had the best ingredients to feed our starving souls. Monar Media proved a Platinum winning first place while Pfanntastic Photography shuttered the competition as our Gold winner. Lipstick Lex smooched her way to Silver and Clifford McDonald beholds the Bronze. Take a look at Honorable Mentions Andrea Hillebrand - Photographer, Karen Chandler, Olivia D’Amico, Brandon Thrift and Teresa Stone.

Olivia Loveridge (on Monar Media) Jess is wildly creative and her talent is beyond measure. My favorite memory is her riding a longboard while photographing and taking videos through the crowd of costumed runners at the 99 Bottles 5k Run. Rachel Borock (on Pfanntastic Photography) Stunning visuals. Truly uses her craft to create a story. Amazing work. Vanessa Anderson (on Lipstick Lex) She’s so talented! And unique. Love her and her work. Dionndra Kinsey (on Clifford McDonald) His art reflects diversity, equity and inclusion. Something we all need to understand and acknowledge.

BEST LOCAL ARTS ORGANIZATION Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Shakespeare in the park has its appeal, but a house to call your own in the arts is a very special thing indeed. These local arts organizations give an address to artists and unlock unlimited potential that may have been squandered by a need to store an entire orchestra’s instruments in the back of a van. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall puts up a Platinum place for its actors while Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe guarantees their cast nothing short of Gold star dressing rooms. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art sets a Silver standard for artistic success while Bronze winning Florida Studio Theatre and The Circus Arts Conservatory celebrate the fourth spot together. Give a round of applause for Honorable Mentions Creative Liberties Artist Studios & Gallery, Friendly City Foundation, Kirk & Baker Inc., Art Center Sarasota, Sarasota Opera, Sarasota Film Society, The Sarasota Players and The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School.

Margarita Fazioli (on The Van Wezel) Enables the youth and families in the surrounding communities to experience high quality performances. We love the Van Wezel. Judith Braunstein (on Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe) The performers at WBTT are amazing—so professional and talented. We love the performances there and always enjoy the intimacy of the small theater experience. Bravo to Nate Jacobs for continuing his service to the community as well as providing everyone the ability to enjoy great acting, singing, and dancing. Luisa Leone (on The Ringling) I get amazed by every inch of that museum, I love art and how it can portray a story based on the artist’s point of view, and the John and Mable Museum does a great job in gathering so many great pieces in such a beautiful place. Catherine Clouse Ferrer (on The Ringling) Not one to rest on their laurels, this museum continues to evolve and innovate, benefitting all of us in this community as we enjoy performances, new exhibits, and much more. Alyssa Holcomb (on The Circus Arts Conservatory) The legacy of the circus arts lives on through The CAC. Their work in particular with the Sailor Circus has shaped our community for the better while maintaining the vitality of such a storied art form. Sandy Koolkin (on Creative Liberties) Creative Liberties strives to offer great art to the community through affordable studio spaces, year long exhibits, art classes and a free monthly family art day.

BEST LOCAL THEATRE Asolo Repertory Theatre
Who says you can’t have Broadway and the beach? SRQ is chock-full of stages to visit after a day in the sun because us Floridians know your tan only glows brighter under stage lights. In all seriousness, Sarasota has cemented itself as an enclave for global and national talent to premiere their best and brightest. Revived and revitalized plays of the past, groundbreaking new scripts making their stage debut—Sarasota’s very own theater district has it all. Asolo Repertory Theatre played their best plays for a Platinum win while Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe got Gold—and a standing ovation or two. Florida Studio Theatre settles into Silver while SRQ ushers Pineapple Kitchen into a Bronze best. Raise the curtain on Honorable Mentions Venice Theatre, The Sarasota Players, Urbanite Theatre, Dingbat Theatre Project and Tree Fort Productions.

Fiona Farrell (on Asolo Repertory Theatre) I chose Asolo Repertory Theatre as the Best Local Theatre for SRQ Magazine because of its commitment to producing high-quality, diverse performances that engage the community. The talented ensemble and incredible staff also consistently captivate audiences, making it a cultural gem in the region.Helene Duvin (on Asolo Repertory Theatre) Asolo Theater never disappoints. They offer a variety of shows with stellar performers. Silvia Nunez (on Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe) The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe delivers powerful, dynamic performances that celebrate Black culture and talent. With exceptional acting, music, and storytelling, every show is engaging and inspiring. The intimate setting and passionate artists create a truly unforgettable experience. A must-visit for theater lovers! Alyssa Holcomb (on Florida Studio Theatre) I look forward to attending winter musicals at FST every year! It truly feels like a real night out at the theatre, nestled in the heart of downtown Sarasota. Mike Schenk (on Pineapple Kitchen) Pineapple Kitchen’s Mystery Diners is a great show and great food. Kai Haaskivi (on Tree Fort Productions) A small but powerful theater. Wonderful original shows and often with local casts, directed and often performed by the top level professional Katherine Michelle Tanner. Amity Hoffman (on Urbanite Theatre) Intimate, top quality and providing works that you won’t see anywhere else in the area.

BEST ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Nate Jacobs, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe

Every great performance has a mysterious figure behind the curtain calling the shots. A Wizard of Oz so to speak that inspires the cast to give their best each night. While you can’t always spot them in the theater’s velvet-backed chairs, their influence and expertise can be spotted in the smallest of details. An actor exits stage left—artistic direction. The chorus enters through the aisles onto the stage—artistic direction. The band stops abruptly during a dramatic moment for emphasis—artisit direction. For SRQ readers these theatrical titans took the top spots. Nate Jacobs, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is positively Platinum nabbing number one while Ian Webb, The Sarasota Ballet gilded the way to Gold. Summer Wallace, Urbanite Theatre created a star-studded Silver sensation and Amanda Finnerty, The Sarasota Players brought the house down with Bronze. Honorable Mentions Carla Nierman, ArtCenter Manatee and Ariel Serrano, Sarasota Cuban Ballet are here for their curtain call.

Beth Graves (on Nate Jacobs) Brings an incredible variety of shows to WBTT. They are always entertaining, many are thought-provoking and his original shows are engaging, fresh and a welcome addition to each season. Jonathan Acosta (on Summer Dawn Wallace) Best selection of plays. I wish all theatres in town were like this. R. Lee Stump (on Summer Wallace, Urbanite Theatre) The magic she works with the tiny black box space and even tinier budget is nothing short of miraculous. Drita Dawn (on Amanda Finnerty, The Sarasota Players) I voted for Amanda Finnerty because she is a powerful queen and force in the theatre community. I’ve known of her for years, and have been a stagehand in the past.

BEST LOCAL FESTIVAL Sarasota International Chalk Festival

The vibe of a concert, the laid back feel of hanging out at the park with a group of friends, a chance to drink wine and shuck oysters while maybe dancing to a bit of live salsa under the stars? Festivals truly encompass the best parts of life neatly packaged into one awesome event. With our jealousy inducing year-round good weather, Sarasota is a shoo-in for a full schedule of festive festivals. SRQ readers flocked this year to the Sarasota International Chalk Festival—a Platinum place to admire a unique and underappreciated art medium. Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival gets Gold and Forks & Corks secures Silver. Last but certainly not least is Bronze winning Friendly City Flea. Head over to Honorable Mentions Sarasota Salsa and Bachata Festival and Modern Works Festival, Urbanite Theatre for a day of fun.

Mark Alan (on The Sarasota Chalk Festival) Here in Sarasota we don’t see sidewalks and concrete—we see a canvas. And thus . . . the art begins. Allison Imre (on Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival) This Paragon Festival is my favorite (and a massive economic driver)! Moving his heritage event to the Fairgrounds made it even better. LeeAnne Home (on Forks & Corks) Beautiful venue, great food & wine, perfect way to spend the day with friends. Elizabeth Topp (on Forks & Corks) Forks and Corks brings together so many members of our community to indulge in great conversation, appreciate exquisite wine and food, and enjoy beautiful Sarasota weather at the Ringling. No other local festival is quite like it, or sells out as quickly. Olivia D’Amico (on Friendly City Flea) The Friendly City Flea is an inclusive space for independent artists and musicians to share their work in a vibrant community. Each month it is a joy to support local everything and see what new work artists are creating. Alexa Evans (on Urbanite Theatre Modern Works Festival) The Modern Works Festival at Urbanite is so much fun. The energy in the air is just different, and there’s really no other experience like it in the area. Festival-goers get to listen to and watch staged readings of brand-new plays that are still in their incubation phase and provide feedback to the playwright and ask questions after each reading. It’s a very girl power festival—as it celebrates women playwrights and amplifies their voices. Kery Fernandez (on Sarasota Salsa & Bachata Festival) Favorite festival because it highlights Latino culture and the Latino community to a local, national and international audience. It is one of a kind in the area and next year they are celebrating their 5th year anniversary which speaks on the quality of the event.

BEST LOCAL TOUR COMPANY Discover Sarasota Tours

Carrie Underwood sang Jesus Take the Wheel but since he’s probably unavailable to show you around Sarasota, SRQ readers recommend hiring these folks for your touring needs. Discover Sarasota Tours pulls off a platinum winning rundown of the best this town has to offer. Or, if all things waterworks are your flavor Siesta Key Watersports goes for Gold with their showstopping seaside adventures.

Diane Lane (on Discover Sarasota Tours) Clever variety! Dee Fontana (on Siesta Key Watersports) Siesta Key Watersports deserves Best of SRQ Tour Company for offering thrilling, unforgettable adventures with a personal touch. From parasailing to dolphin cruises, each experience is led by skilled, passionate guides who prioritize safety and make guests feel like family. Beyond excitement, they provide an educational glimpse into Sarasota’s rich marine life. As a local business, they actively support the community and work to preserve the environment, ensuring Sarasota’s waters remain beautiful for years to come. This dedication to quality, community, and conservation truly sets them apart.

BEST LOCAL PLAY/MUSICAL 2024-25 SEASON Reefer Madness, Venice Theatre

The critics have spoken and these plays and musicals deserve their marquee lights. Reefer Madness, Venice Theatre put on a Platinum-worthy performance. Ruby, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe gave the audience a Gold star show followed by Jenny Who’s Leaving, Urbanite Theatre which staged a Silver sensation. For our final curtain call, Chicago, Dingbat Theatre Project, blocked their way to a Bronze win at center stage. Don’t cast off Honorable Mention American Idiot, The Sarasota Players.

Lou Ann Linn (on Reefer Madness) Great production and amazing cast. Dennis Maloney (on Reefer Madness) Fun, quirky, clever and exciting. The perfect spoof of the original Reefer Madness (also known as Tell Your Children). The cast was a breath of fresh air, with Jason Ellis (as Jimmy), and Shannon Maloney (as Mary Lane) playing the high school sweethearts soon to fall victim to reefer madness. Wiith Andrew Morgan Larkin as narrator, the lecturer against the evils of reefer, and all of the other characters—truly outstanding performances. Tammy Hauser (on Reefer Madness) Jason Ellis was spectacular in this fun musical. Sharon Kunkel (on Ruby) I have served as Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s PR consultant for over a decade and this incredible arts organization still never fails to impress-and even surprise -me. The original musical “Ruby,” written right here in Sarasota (and twice-delayed by COVID), features a fascinating true story enhanced by catchy tunes and amazing artist performances. Bravo, WBTT. Jeffery Kin (on Jenny Who’s Leaving) Great play! Tammy Hauser (on Chicago) Dingbat Theater’s rendition of Chicago was so good I saw it twice! Amanda Heisey (on Green Day’s American Idiot) This show was high energy, polished with great voices, all ages and all local performers and creative team. This show is difficult and this cast crushed it. This is unlike that show has ever been put on before and it touched audiences in a completely new way.

BEST LOCAL MUSICAL PERFORMANCE 2024-25 SEASON Sarasota Opera

The hills (Sarasota) are alive with the sound of music (award-winning performances). These bravo-worthy bests had SRQ readers up on their feet and clapping from the rafters. Sarasota Opera belted their way to the top taking home Platinum followed by La Musica aria’ved in second for a grand-opera Gold.

Janet Stern Solomon (on Sarasota Opera) In the midst of constant change, the operas performed by the Sarasota Opera are true to their origins and traditions. They are performed in the most charming and unique performance venue in downtown. It’s always a special treat.

BEST LOCAL DANCE PERFORMANCE 2024-25 SEASON The Sarasota Ballet

Sashay, sashay, pas de bourr-yay—these stunning spinners twirled into the hearts of SRQ readers and leapt onto the Best Of list. In first position is Platinum winner The Sarasota Ballet followed by The Nutcracker, The Sarasota Cuban Ballet, choreographing their way to Gold. Turning it out for our third spot, Sarasota Contemporary Dance was en pointe this year and barre none—besting the rest for Silver.

Julie Dooley (on The Sarasota Ballet) Wonderful shows. Mark Alan (on The Cuban Ballet production of the Nutcracker) This group is so professional and tells a complete story through dance. Their performances are mesmerizing and beautiful to watch. They are my newest favorite group in Sarasota.

BEST LOCAL STREET / WALL ART Bazaar Mural by Gypsy Gardener

Gone are the days of sirens blasting behind spray-paint covered teens. The artistry of graffiti—now more aptly and deservedly known as street art is a respected and admired medium. Why should we punish the world’s creative for using a blank canvas lying in wait? In the modern age of course there are permits involved (snore), but it gives these large-scale visionaries room to create without the fear of fines for their fine-art. In a city with warm-skies that never cease, it’s easy to see why street savants flock to our shores. SRQ readers stopped on the sidewalk to admire these winners. Bazaar Mural by Gypsy Gardener put on a Platinum display while Witchgrass Studio gilded their way into Gold. Alissa Silvers and Brandon Thrift share a Silver winning streak painted genius with Beck Lane bopping into Bronze.

Kim Livengood (on Bazaar Mural by Gypsy Gardener) Gypsy Gardener’s artwork is boho style, dazzling, bold, fun, and so colorful. It epitomizes the spirit of The Bazaar community. Debbie Graham (on Witchgrass Studio) Talented in lots of media with many great ideas. Carolina Carvajal (on Alissa Silvers) Alissa’s art is eye-catching and stunning. Her vibrant colors and natural style have been a beautiful addition to every space and they also represent the soul of the city so well. I look forward to seeing more of her work around Sarasota. Franchesca Angotti (on Alissa Silvers) Alissa is the most talented artist. Her art perfectly replicates her personality through and through. I wish everyone could experience seeing her art daily throughout their town because it’s truly a ray of sunshine. Elizabeth Topp (on Alissa Silvers) Alissa and her public art evoke emotion. They make you feel something, and look a little longer. My favorite part of her work is her collaborations within the community, whether that is hundreds of participants in the mural at The Bay, collaborations with non profits like the Child Protection Center. Adha Pizzo (on Brandon Thrift) Brandon Thrift’s art brings so much joy! We need more LOVE in this world and Brandon is spreading it, one wall at a time. I can’t help but smile every time I see it in the wild. Craig Kroeger (on Brandon Thrift) Brandon Thrift is the best kind of artist - authentic, kind, and committed to a vision. We all could use more LOVE in this world right now. Olivia D’Amico (on Beck Lane) Beck Lane is an artist whose work is not just a significant and important voice to our local history and art community, but an important advocate and promoter of other artists in our city. As an artist she is someone I look up to endlessly.