SRQ DAILY Dec 7, 2018
Friday Weekend Edition
"They're from another era."
It’s the last First Friday ArtWalk on Palm Avenue for 2018, but certainly not the least. At Dabbert Gallery, painter Victoria Mayol makes her solo exhibition debut with Contemporary Visions, and the artist will be giving a live demonstration at tonight’s opening reception. At Allyn Gallup Contemporary, Exquisite Color remains on display, showcasing the work of legends like Syd Solomon and gallery newcomers such as Sven Mohr. And down the street, under the red awning, Amy Webber’s oil paintings and her intricate and whimsical ceramics take center stage at Art Uptown Gallery.
But it’s at Galleria Silecchia that a story nearly 100 years in the making comes to its Sarasota conclusion.
Born in 1899 in the Normandy region of France, Henry St. Clair never sold a painting in his life. “He didn’t have to,” says Louis Chalupa, owner and director of Galleria Silecchia. “He painted because he loved it.” Part of a wealthy family, painting was a passion, and St. Clair worked as a restorer for the National Museum of France, including the Louvre. But he never did sell those paintings, which stacked up in a barn on the family property from 1920 to 1970, and were eventually forgotten.
By the time a nephew discovered them, St. Clair was dead and some 2000 paintings, largely French Post-Impressionism but with stylistic nods to all sorts of masters like Van Gogh and Picasso, were left without a story or a true owner. The nephew sold them all to a small Parisian art gallery, and promptly exited the narrative. Enter Diane Kaslow.
Kaslow fell in love with the work of this relatively unknown French artist, who worked in oils and eschewed canvas for painter’s board as he captured the people and beaches of Normandy in great wash-like strokes. She promptly bought four pieces. But Kaslow wasn’t the only one who began to notice St. Clair’s work, and his artist’s star began to posthumously rise.
Eventually amassing as many as 230 of St. Clair’s 2000 paintings, Kaslow soon introduced his work to the Eastern US, reselling them in galleries from Nantucket down to Palm Beach. But all good things come to an end, and as European galleries started charging more and more for St. Clair’s work, Kaslow’s low prices began to look like undercutting and, according to Chalupa, a cabal of European gallerists gave that little Parisian shop an ultimatum—stop selling to Kaslow or stop selling to them. Kaslow was cut off. But Sarasota was about to be cut in.
Today, St. Clair is recognized as one of the finest artists of his time, and Kaslow has moved to Sarasota, bringing the final 25 of her St. Clair paintings with her, where they are now on display, and for sale, at Galleria Silecchia. “What is his story?” Chalupa asks, but knows he will find no answers in the paintings on the wall. “They’re from another era,” he says.
As part of the ArtWalk, Kaslow will be in attendance tonight. 
Pictured: Paintings from Henry St. Clair adorn the wall behind a bronze sculpture of Don Quixote by Nathanial Kaz at Galleria Silecchia. Photo by Phil Lederer.
A specially-cultivated kids subscription box is ringing hearts and ringing doorbells, not only in time for Santa’s delivery, but all year long. Local company Little Global Citizens spreads a wealth of knowledge for our young, curious wayfarers about other children and countries afar—exotic cultures, traditions and languages apart from their own—by creatively bringing a new country to life every month. Through engaging souvenirs/toy collectibles, beautifully-curated books, educational guides, interactive and hands-on crafts, and fun family activities including cultural games, music and recipes, each monthly box comes themed entirely around a certain continental nook and cranny.
For December, expect holiday shopping for your little elf to be that much easier with a special standaone holiday box. The Christmas Around the World limited edition box arrives on your doorstep jam-packed with diverse Christmas traditions, crafts and activities from all around the globe. “This box of goodies is sure to delight your child and the whole family all winter long,” says Akeelah Kuraishi, co-founder with husband Tim Minnick. “It’s the perfect gift to inspire and educate your child, niece, nephew or grandchild.” Little Global Citizens proves to also be a fun and cunning way to inspire screen-free family time during the holiday season. “Start your child’s lifelong journey to learn about the world around them and to foster a love for the people in it," Kuraishi says.
Little Global Citizens is designed by a team of experienced travelers and educators, supplies included, with ages 3-10 years old in mind. Order the Christmas Around the World box by December 17 to receive in time for the holiday. And in case you need any more inspiration for a worldly adventure, Kuraishi is providing a special discount code for SRQ readers—for $15 off an annual subscription purchase, plug in SRQ15 promo.
Photo provided by Little Global Citizens.
The School District of Manatee County is one of just two school districts in the state of Florida and 373 school districts in the U.S. and Canada being honored by the College Board with placement on the 9th Annual AP District Honor Roll. To be included on the 9th Annual Honor Roll, the School District of Manatee County had to, since 2016, increase the number of students participating in AP while also increasing or maintaining the percentage of students earning AP Exam scores of 3 or higher. Reaching these goals shows that this district is successfully identifying motivated, academically prepared students who are ready for AP. Lee County (Fort Myers) was the only other school district in Florida to receive this recognition this year. For more information about the 9th Annual AP District Honor Roll, from other winners to qualifying criteria, follow the link below.
Cathy Laird, the branch supervisor for Manatee County's busiest library and a longtime employee of the public library system, has been named Manatee County's 2018 Employee of the Year. Laird oversees a staff of nine librarians and numerous volunteers at Braden River Library where as many as 700 patrons visit each day. She's been described as "an excellent instructor" who helps patrons with computer problems and often serves as a staff trainer. In the 19 years with the library system, she has earned the respect and admiration of her coworkers, supervisors, staff from other departments, and the library patrons. When Laird joined the Manatee County Public Library, she brought with her years of experience as a supervisor. children's librarian, cataloger and adult services librarian. In her years as branch supervisor, she honed those skills and developed leadership abilities, and was chosen to attend the prestigious Florida Sunshine State Library Leadership Institute in 2012.
The Gulf Coast Community Foundation recently awarded JFCS of the Suncoast a $10,000 community grant to support the organization’s fundraising, cultural and volunteer recognition programs. The funds will be specifically directed toward five JFCS events and volunteer support programs, including the annual JFCS Celebration, BeyondMe networking events, Celebrity Chefs, JFCS Volunteer Celebration Luncheon and the Key Chorale Performance of Elijah.
Coastal Behavioral Healthcare Inc. (CBH) has announced the retirement of CEO John H. “Jack” Minge III. Minge joined CBH in 2013 with more than 25 years of executive experience leading behavioral healthcare and family safety providers throughout Florida. In January, Minge intends to relocate to Jacksonville, FL, to enjoy quality time with his family. The CBH board will manage the operations of the organization with the current governing structure during the leadership transition. In his time leading CBH, the organization has collaborated with more than 20 state and private organizations, including DCF, First Step of Sarasota, Sarasota County Schools and the Sarasota County Sheriff to provide access to those in need of substance abuse or behavioral healthcare. Minge credits these valuable partnerships as his and the organization’s greatest accomplishments.
Nominate a passionate and purposeful local entrepreneur who you believe has forged a successful company in the Sarasota and Bradenton region with astute corporate drive, a heart for giving back, a talent for engineering innovation and indelible leadership qualities. Your entrepreneur nominee should have an active for-profit business located in Sarasota or Manatee County and may represent any sector of business. The LOCALPRENEUR OF THE YEAR program celebrates these courageous and intrepid visionaries who make this one of the best places to start and run a successful small business. We will announce the finalists at the SB2 Regional Economy and Localpreneur of the Year Awards Luncheon on January 24, 2019 at The Hyatt Regency Sarasota and showcase all nominees and finalists in the February 2018 edition of SRQ | The Magazine.
Written by Hannah Benitez, a Cuban-Jewish-American millennial originally from Miami, Dike follows a pair of sisters from a religious family who reunite after two years of separation to navigate the cloudy waters of identity. An awkwardly hilarious and gripping exploration of love, sexuality, and sisterhood, with an all-female cast, Dike questions the limitations religion and social conditioning raise within all of us.
Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St., Sarasota.
After several years of requests from theater patrons, Sheldon Rhoden will reprise the role of Marvin Gaye. This original show begins in the 1950s at the start of Gaye's career with Motown and follows its twists and turns until his untimely death in the mid-1980s.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 North Orange Ave., Sarasota.
The winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, this American institution with its one-of-a-kind score features fast-talking salesman Harold Hill, who brings trouble to River City, Iowa when he cons the townspeople into buying instruments for an imaginary band—but his plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when his heart is stolen by the town librarian. Tony Awarded-nominated Jeff Calhoun directs.
Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota.
Art Center Instructors exhibition will feature the talented local and visiting Art Center Sarasota instructors. A second gallery will offer Stephen McMennamy, an Atlanta-based artist, his first solo exhibition featuring his time-based video collages. Artist Peter Gatzambide will exhibit a recent series of assemblage paintings and works on paper in his first solo exhibition at Art Center Sarasota.
Art Center Sarasota, 707 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota.
Two exhibits open up in the four galleries, including an all-media juried show featuring artists from all around the region. Women's Contemporary Artists is a group of women artists from Florida's Gulf Coast. Opening reception on December 5.
ArtCenter Manatee, 209 9th St. W, Bradenton.
Santa Claus narrates the story of Buddy, who was raised at the North Pole. Prior to Christmas, Buddy learns he’s human, not an elf. He convinces Santa to let him return to New York City to find his real father. He finds his father (who’s on the naughty list) and a step brother who doesn’t believe in Santa. Buddy decides it’s up to him to bring back the spirit of Christmas to his family and all of New York.
Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave W, Bradenton
"Voices of SCD" is a truly unique platform that provides rising choreographers in the field of dance with an opportunity to set work on SCD dancers and premier that work during SCD's main stage season. This performance provides the audience with an equally exciting and rare opportunity to see the early stages of bold contemporary choreographers that will make up the next generation. Choreographers are selected by adjudication through SCD's Summer Intensive Program. This year's selected crop happen to all come from within the company - so if you want to know more about the pulse behind Sarasota Contemporary Dance, you do not want to miss this!
Jane B Cook Theatre, FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Snuggle up with your sweetie by the bonfire for s'mores while enjoying the romantic holiday movie classic, 'White Christmas' outdoors on beautiful White Cottage lawn. (Please note, this event is for attendees 21 and older.) Enjoy holiday treats, a cash bar and chair massage from Massage Luxe. Price range from $30-$45.
Historic Spanish Point, 377 North Tamiami Trl., Osprey
Bring the whole family for an evening of fun and festivities. Enjoy arts and crafts, story time, holiday treats from food vendors and a special screening of 'Elf' right on the bayfront. Adults $15 Kids $7
Historic Spanish Point, 377 North Tamiami Trl., Osprey
Bring your pup to The Point! Get festive with an ugly sweater contest (for humans and dogs alike), food vendors, and entertainment. Let your pup strut their stuff in the “Pups on Parade”. Dogs must be on a leash at all times as well as registered and up-to-date on their vaccines. Tickets range from adult $15, kids $7, and pets come free!
Historic Spanish Point, 377 North Tamiami Trl., Osprey
Join masterfully musical and wickedly funny Rich Ridenour, the Pops Orchestra and local singing star and this year’s second runner up in the Ms. Florida pageant, Lauren Nielson, to brighten the stage and the holiday spirit.
Sunday- Riverview Performing Arts Center Monday- Neel Performing Art Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota 5840 26th St. W, Bradenton
Monty Navarro may be distant heir to the family fortune, but there are several deadly ways to jump the line of succession. All the while, Monty must juggle his mistress, his fiancée, and the constant threat of landing behind bars. Of course, it will all be worth it if he can slay his way to his inheritance… and be done in time for tea.
Florida Studio Theatre , 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota
Join the Sarasota World Affairs Council for the next program in its 2018-19 lecture series, The Boiling River: Adventure and Discovery in the Amazon, featuring Andrés Ruzo, Founder/Director of the Boiling River Project in Peru and National Geographic Explorer, who was the first geoscientist to obtain permission to study the sacred river. He will share his research and discoveries and his concerns for the future of this unique river and the people who live along side it. Each SWAC lecture is followed by a members-only reception with the speaker in a historic building on Sarasota Bay. The lecture is free, but reservations are suggested (sarasotawac.org).
MILDRED SAINER PAVILION, 5313 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota
Originally written by Langston Hughes, this Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe production is a celebration of the Nativity story with gospel, blues, spiritual, and Christmas music, paired with the poetry of Langston Hughes and the creativity of WBTT. Will inspire and entertain all ages.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 North Orange Ave., Sarasota.
Men, Whiskey & Watches is an annual event that will benefit the Child Protection Center of Sarasota, FL. Featuring whiskey tastings from select distillers, an assortment of fine watches, premium cigars, a live auction and plenty of business networking opportunities.
Included in general admission ticket price: Open Bar, whiskey tasting and cocktail sampling, cigar sampling and food from some of the best local restaurants in the area such as: JPan Sushi & Grill, Mattison's, Selva Grill, Gold Rush BBQ, Naples Flatbread and more!
Edson Keith Estate , 5500 S. Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
This intersectional exhibition pairs specific paintings and wall sculptures with vignettes of art jewelry that create a collaboration and conversation between the two. Representing nearly 30 different artists and jewelry designers, 530 Burns blurs the lines between art and jewelry and sparks the warm, fuzzy feelings conjured up during the holiday season.
530 Burns Gallery, 530 Burns Ct., Sarasota
Just in time for the holidays, Sarasota Opera will light up the Sarasota Opera House with sparkling musical gems to enchant and delight. Opera singers present a showcase of beautiful melodies such as “The Merry Widow Waltz,” “Thine Alone,” “Wanting You,” and “A Toast to Champagne.”
Sarasota Opera House , 61 North Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
Steven Jarvi, guest conductor in February 2018, will lead the orchestra for a concert featuring a mix of seasonal music including selections from The Nutcracker, Brazilian Sleigh Bells, Feliz Navidad and more. Guest Soprano Soloist Johanna Fincher will present Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. Bring the family to this seasonal celebration that concludes with a traditional sing-a-long.
Venice Symphony, 1515 South Tamiami Trl. #7, Venice
Seraph Brass, a dynamic brass quintet drawing from a roster of America’s female brass players, presents a lively and varied program of familiar holiday classics and popular song—including Winter from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride and more.
Historic Asolo Theatre, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota.
As Sarasota Opera embarks on its 60th Diamond Anniversary Season, join the celebration as they take the audience on a European journey in this recital of operetta favorites. With principal artists and pianists from Sarasota Opera, come hear arias and ensembles from Viennese and French operetta as well as other selections with piano accompaniment.
Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice
Regarded as the world's greatest living violinist, Itzhak Perlman is no stranger to audiences in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Almost twenty-three years have passed since Perlman made his iconic album of klezmer music, “In the Fiddler’s House.” In this only-area performance, Perlman revisits this meaningful and personal project, joined onstage by Hankus Netsky, Music Director, Saxophone and Piano; Andy Statman, Clarinet and Mandolin; members of the Klezmer Conservatory Band; and other special guests.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
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