This Friday brings another one-night-only pop-up exhibition from local artist collective SARTQ with Repurposed. Hosted by Sarasota Architectural Salvage, the exhibition sees all 10 member artists working from objects found at Sarasota Architectural Salvage, and adding their own signature touch to transform each into a singularly Sarasotan piece of art. Open from 5pm to 8pm this Friday, August 10, at Sarasota Architectural Salvage, this free pop-up exhibition and art experience won’t linger into the weekend, but closes down after one night.

Working from objects large and small, ranging from surfboards to mannequins, the artists of SARTQ turn off the autopilot and stretch the bounds of their creativity, repurposing their skills as much as the objects of their efforts. “We’re pushing each other outside of our comfort zones,” says SARTQ artist Julie Kanapaux, whose Om Vase will be on display during Repurposed. Primarily a painter and 2D artist, the concept forced Kanapaux to venture back into the realm of 3D art and sculpture—not exactly foreign territory, but not the most familiar these days either. It helps, she says, working with Sarasota Architectural Salvage. “Because they have really cool stuff,” she laughs. “It’s inspiring just to walk through that space.”

Inspiring enough to abstain from violence, apparently, as, upon reflection, Kanapaux abandoned her original plans to sledgehammer the chosen vase into submission, putting it on its side and battering its design into something of her choosing. “But the form itself was so perfect,” she says. “I felt like it needed something that would work with the shape that was already there.” Picking up her paints, Kanapaux created mandala-themed adornments for either side. An unintended direction, and something outside of her normal style, Om Vase, in that way, represents the heart of Repurposed, as the artist gives way to the art in front of her, meeting its anonymous crafter on equal footing and across time for just a fleeting moment of unexpected collaboration.

It’s a message Kanapaux hopes is not lost on her audience. “Art is everywhere and in everything,” she says. And, all around the home, even or especially where form meets function, there lies a creative potential waiting to be unlocked. 

Pictured: "Om Vase" by Julie Kanapaux. Photo courtesy of SARTQ.

Jovially juggling its resources and forward-flipping into an exciting renovation, The Circus Arts Conservatory progresses steadfast in a project to expand programming in the community and revamp its one-of-a-kind Sailor Circus Arena. The Sailor Circus Arena has become an iconic structure in Southwest Florida, comprised of “a span of steel beams over which a fire-resistant, vinyl-coated polyester fabric is placed in tension to create a permanent Big Top.”  To ensure the future of circus arts for generations to come, The Sailor Circus Arena Renovation Campaign has raised $3.7 million so far, with $300,000 more to swing its $4 million goal needed to complete necessary repairs and updates to its immense rehearsal and performance spaces.

“The updated Sailor Circus Arena will provide new and exciting health and fitness activities for seniors, children and teens, and those who face cognitive and developmental challenges. Additionally, the Arena will be available year-round to schools, businesses and organizations, and host national and international groups and events.”

With a deep love and appreciation for performance arts and educational activities, the CFSC continues to be a long-standing major partner of the CAC and keep cirque dreams alive in this “circus town” of ours. Community Foundation of Sarasota County executives got a sneak peak at the renovations in progress last week. The visit included discussions of ongoing support for performances, outreach programs, training workshops, Circus Summer Camps and Circus Arts Classes.

In order to broaden its reach to serve more children and adults, the CAC plans to enrich the lives of underserved students with the expansion of Circus Arts Classes—aiming to help working parents afford a safe after-school program, along with the chance to participate in its athletic, educational summer camps. There, campers learn a variety of carnival-esque talents, including triple and single trapeze, globes, silks, Rolla Bolla, hula hoop, low wire, clowning, tightrope, juggling and much more. Moreover, anyone and everyone is welcomed to try their hand in Trampoline, Flying Trapeze and Aerial Silks—no matter your age or skill level. Sure to dazzle your heart and inspire your above ground senses, this unique outlet of fun and exercise has evolved to become the latest and most exciting form of physical, athletic and mental training, taught by professional coaches. Classes include tailored lessons for young students, as well as adult workshops to invigorate your fitness routine and finally learn to fly. 

“The CAC is the nation’s only nonprofit organization combining world class professional cirque performances, youth training and community outreach programming using circus arts as the medium.”

L to R: Jennifer Mitchell, CAC Executive Vice President and COO; Marlo Turner, Foundation Senior Vice President, Donor Engagement; Zoltan Karpathy, CAC Vice President of Philanthropy; & Murray Devine, Foundation Manager, Communications and Marketing

Photos provided by The Circus Arts Conservatory. Click here for more info on classes!

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) will offer a Florida applied home inspection course. American Home Inspectors Training (AHIT), in partnership with SCF, works with home inspection trainers to present the course. The course provides hands-on experience, including two field inspections. It also provides information about the software used in the business, professional report forms and the tools needed. It is a first step in becoming a licensed home inspector in Florida. The course covers limited visual examination of the structure, electrical system, HVAC system, roof covering, plumbing system, site conditions and more. The step-by-step process is designed to make the home inspection business easy to understand and should prepare students to take a home inspector exam, a prerequisite to obtaining a license. Classes will be held from 8am to 6pm, September 14-16, in Building 18 at SCF Bradenton. Cost is $1,495 per person. For information or to register, call 800-441-9411. 

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota

JMX Brands’ Customer Experience Team Assistant Manager Kari-Jo Koshes has been named one of this year’s members of Leadership Sarasota County. The four-year veteran of JMX Brands, the parent company of the largest online retailer of Amish furniture at www.dutchcrafters.com, was selected for the prestigious program for people interested in leadership and the welfare of the Sarasota community. Koshes, a graduate of the University of Central Florida and Columbia Southern University where she is currently pursuing a doctorate degree, said she applied in hopes of meeting like-minded individuals who are eager to become some of the area’s future leaders, and to learn how to improve her native city through team projects that will help the area grow and prosper. Run by the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Sarasota County accepts up to 40 new members every year. Alums of the program include some of the area’s most influential leaders. 

JMX Brands

Stevenson Creek Townhomes, a planned urban infill development, has broken ground in Pinellas County, with aims to further enhance an established community designed for active adults. The micro-community of 7 townhomes will be built in a tract of open land along the Pinellas Trail, 10 minutes by bike from the downtown areas of both Dunedin and Clearwater. Certus Living, the development firm behind the townhomes, has differentiated the homes by building each with concrete masonry, helping to avoid climate-related risks by being naturally watertight. The two-story townhomes are all 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath, with the kitchen and living area on the first floor and a two-car garage. Values range from $350,000-$400,000, with a 20% down payment initiating construction. Groundbreaking on the community was held on August 1. 

Stevenson Creek Townhomes