Art Center Sarasota debuts the first in a four-part series bringing performance art into the galleries with a one-day show melding mathematics and philosophy from artist Wojtek Sawa. Clearing the galleries over the weekend, Sawa will install himself in Gallery 2 for an interactive presentation of the artistry and power of numbers in everyday reality, seeing the artist crafting installations, sketching and diagramming on the walls and inviting audience members to share their own experiences. Entitled “The Gospel of Numbers,” the show opens for its one and only performance this Monday at 3pm.

“It’s something that we don’t do,” said executive director Lisa Berger of adding performance art to the programming at Art Center Sarasota. “Because it’s a very fleeting thing – it happens and then it goes away.” Still, when approached by Sawa, who has presented his visual art in the center previously, she was sold. He told her the idea came to him in a dream. “He started looking at numbers and how they’re so important, but in our daily lives, we don’t even think about them,” said Berger.

But to Sawa, numbers are something profound, and that’s what he wants to share. “My interaction with numbers has been a most fundamental experience when it comes to defining man’s relationship to the universe,” said Sawa. “It can be art, because it manifests itself as patterns, harmonies and rhythms; it is philosophy because it brings a unified perception.”

Sawa’s performance is the first for the new LiveForm series, with presentations from artists such as Miroslaw Chudy, Dustin Juengel and Zach Gilliland scheduled throughout the season. 

Image courtesy of Art Center Sarasota

Bradenton-based writer/director Thomas Nudi has wrapped production on his latest project, a feature-length film entitled Monty Comes Back. Shot almost entirely in Anna Maria Island with a crew of creative locals including Trishul Thejasvi - a mainstay of the Florida scene and the man behind Orensis Films - as producer and cinematographer and Vincent Dale, the writer/director known for No Real Than You Are and Paris Love Conspiracy also as producer, Monty Comes Back could be seen as the latest statement from area filmmakers that the Suncoast is indeed on the rise.

The film follows the hard-to-like Monty, an aspiring artist returning home to a small town with a big ego in tow. Lost in his own delusions of grandeur, Monty sabotages friendships and opportunities wherever he goes, unable to come to terms with the relatively modest nature of his past victories and move forward with his life. “He doesn’t realize that it’s not a competition,” said Nudi,” and his relationships are more important.”

“I make films to figure out something about myself and learn more about myself,” continued Nudi, who, though quick to say that he’s not Monty, admits the film has an autobiographical bent. Nudi himself spent some time as a filmmaker in California before returning to Bradenton. “But those feelings not only are mine and were mine, but are universal in an age where everyone thinks they’re famous and everyone lets celebrity go to their head and forgets the important things.”

Shot in 16 days with a $10,000 budget, Nudi brought in Brandon Tyler Jones from New York City to play Monty, making contact through a simple casting call. Asked whether he found out-of-state actors skeptical about coming to Sarasota for a project, Nudi put worries to rest.“Not from my perspective,” he said. “Most actors are more than wiling to travel for their work.”

Now in post-production, Nudi and crew have already entered discussion with local venues for screening once completed, as well as making plans to enter the festival circuit and send the film along to various contacts to vie for distribution. “If not, we’ll self-distribute,” said Nudi. “We’re not too proud to do that, because at the end of the day it’s about putting the film out there and letting people see what we worked hard for.” 

Pictured: Thomas Nudi talks to actor Paul Saulo on set. Photo by: John O'Keefe.

PHbotanical features skincare products for every local loving, organic enthusiast. Owner, Elizabeth Pickett Gray, personally formulates and designs all of her products, from the natural oils to the label on the case. The shop contains creams, facial toners and cleansers for a balanced, botanical facial routine. Summer rays and bugs out to play make her sun care and insect repellent line a must have. The line features a sun cream, an after sun gel and a repellent, as well as a lip balm that will be released soon. Like her other creams and creations, the entire line is natural and locally made. 

PHbotanical, 537 South Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, 941-444-7180

Guiness World Records has now recognized South Florida Museum resident Snooty as the “Oldest Manatee in Captivity.” Museum officials say Snooty, who turns 67 in July, is widely recognize as the oldest Florida manatee in the world, citing information from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission that suggests the oldest aged wild Florida manatee ever 59 years old when it died. Typical manatee deaths are being documented before 15 years of age on average. The manatee’s birthday will be celebrated during Snooty's 67th Birthday Bash and Wildlife Festival on July 18 from 10am-2pm, with the animal’s actual birthday on July 21. CEO of South Florida Museum, Brynne Anne Besio said, “Snooty is a one-of-a-kind animal. Not only does he make history every day as the oldest-known manatee in the world, but he also provides valuable insight into the health and life cycle of all manatees.” 

South Florida Museum

Matt Seider has joined RE/MAX Alliance Group as a Sales Associate in the Sarasota office. He brings transactional, customer service and marketing skills to the Seider Group. Matt has a 14-year background in marketing management in San Francisco and New York City, including serving as Regional Marketing Manager with TEAM Enterprises.   

Alliance Group

Jennifer L. Grosso, a shareholder with the law firm of Williams Parker, has been selected a Fellow of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of The Florida Bar. Grosso is one of two attorneys selected as a Fellow in the Probate and Trust Law Division. Her two-year fellowship will begin July 1, 2015. Grosso is a litigation attorney who focuses on probate and trust litigation and commercial litigation.  

Williams Parker