Internationally acclaimed sculpture artist Hans Van de Bovenkamp comes to Sarasota this weekend for the opening of his latest exhibition, Gateways, opening tonight in Alfstad& Contemporary. Known for his monumental bronze sculptures, Gateways offers a glimpse into Van de Bovenkamp’s artistic process through watercolors and small-scale sculpture, as well as introducing the artist’s latest endeavor—a series of custom-made bronze sculptural gates, melding function and artistry with the symbolic nature of the portal itself. Opening tonight with a reception at 5:30pm, the artist will be in attendance.

Sarasota sculpture enthusiasts may recognize Van de Bovenkamp’s work from the Season of Sculpture Bayfront exhibition in 2013, but the intimate presentation at Alfstad& offers a novel perspective on the artist typically known for large-scale constructions. On the wall, a collection of watercolors reveals the beginning of the process. Whimsical and highly colorful, it’s the artist at play, exploring shape and form before making the jump to working in bronze. Arranged on pedestals through the gallery, mid-range and small-scale sculptures reflect these early designs, but in their creation also transcend. Impressive but never intimidating, Van de Bovenkamp’s soft, flowing forms and inviting textures evoke a welcoming presence—an inanimate friendliness.

Also on display, a trio of maquettes introduces Van de Bovenkamp’s most recent project—from which the exhibition takes its name—the construction of sculptural and unconventional gates to bring art and atmosphere to any locale. For Van de Bovenkamp, gateways and portals serve as more than mere physical passageways but philosophical statements and journeys in themselves, and should be appreciated and utilized to this potential. “When you are on one side, you are who you are presently,” he says. “But in the middle of the portal there is a transformation, and when you go out the other side you’ve left some of you behind. You have gone into a new spirit consciousness.” Through the installation of something other than the tired wrought iron, a particular message can be sent from the owner to the visitor, a certain atmosphere invoked.

Tracing the roots of his craft back to the menhir sculptures left by tribal peoples and ancient civilizations around the globe, though technological advances have allowed Van de Bovenkamp’s sculptures to soar beyond the heights of Stonehenge, there remains the core humanizing element that connects person to place and it’s still needed today. Great skyscrapers may dwarf the individual, he says, “but when you place a portal or a sculpture, you humanize the environment.” Like a carnation in the lapel, it’s the element that brings the whole operation together and draws the human interest. “People don’t even necessarily look at the suit,” says Van de Bovenkamp. “They look at the flower.”

Opening tonight at 5:30pm in Alstad& Contemporary, Gateways will be on display through January 20. 

Pictured: "Stonehenge" gate maquette by Hans Van de Bovenkamp. Photo courtesy of Alfstad& Contemporary.

There's something about that traditional, hole-in-the-wall deli counter, where the service is all smiles and the meat is sliced quick. The sammie mavens whipping up Reubens and Russlers, Cubans and Dagwoods at Corkscrew Deli call themselves Sandwich Construction Specialists for a reason. If you don't want meat upon meat, try their signature chicken salad pressed between none other than the classic onion roll. This tender chicken salad isn't afraid to be doused in a good helping of Hellman's, the sweet white meat left chunky and juicy. Here, the world is your oyster—add lettuce or onion, tomato or Swiss, or, heck, leave it alone and appreciate a classic as-is.  

Corkscrew Deli, The Landings Plaza, 4982 South Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, 941-925-3955.

Need a pick-me-up this holiday season? Get a jump start on National Hot Tea month in January with Krups' recipe for the cozy Trade Wind beverage. Heat up the water lickety-split with the electric personal kettle and give yourself the leg-up you need with that extra shot of espresso. 

Ingredients: 4 oz. black tea; 1 double-shot espresso; ½ oz. Jack Rudy tonic syrup; ¼ oz. simple syrup.

Directions: Heat water in electric kettle. Brew one double-shot of espresso. Combine ingredients in a 6 oz. teacup. Stir, and enjoy! 

Krups Personal Tea Kettle

During its final meeting of the year, Manatee County Commissioners elected Betsy Benac, an at-large County Commissioner first elected in 2012, as Chair of the Board of County Commissioners for 2017. District 4 Commissioner Robin DiSabatino was elected the County Commission’s First Vice Chair. District 2 Commissioner Charles Smith will serve as Second Vice Chair of the County Commission. Commissioner Vanessa Baugh was elected Chair of the Manatee County Port Authority. Newly elected District 1 Commissioner Priscilla Whisenant Trace will serve as First Vice Chair of the Port Authority. Commissioner Smith will serve as Second Vice Chair of the Port Authority. Commissioner Carol Whitmore will serve another term as the Commission’s Tourist Development Council representative and chair. District 3 Commissioner Stephen Jonsson will serve as Third Vice Chair of both the County Commission and the Port Authority. 

Manatee County Commission

Williams Parker has announced the addition of three attorneys: Nicole A. Behar, Ryan P. Portugal, and Daniel L. Tullidge. Behar focuses on corporate and tax law. Prior to joining the firm she served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Office of the State Attorney for the First Judicial Circuit of Florida. Portugal focuses on real estate law. Prior to joining the firm he completed a clerkship with U.S. Magistrate Judge Randolph F. Treece of the Northern District of New York and with the Clinton County District Attorney’s Office in Plattsburgh, New York. Tullidge focuses on taxation, estate planning, and estate and trust administration. He represents clients in estate planning and probate matters, as well as related tax and business planning, including the representation of taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service. 

Williams Parker

Chefs2U is the newest addition to Sarasota’s Gulf Gate Village area, opening at 6584 Superior Ave. The restaurant was conceived and developed by Chef Ken Smith McCoy owner of Chefs2U Food Truck and Catering. Whether looking for a family breakfast or a casual spot to meet for lunch, Chefs2U offers something for everyone. Eat in, take out or delivery services are available Sunday–Friday, 8am–2:30pm. 6584 Superior Ave. The Chefs2U food truck will continue to serve local microbrewerys in the evenings and full service catering is available. 

Chefs2U