From the Umbrella House in Lido Shores and the addition to the Sarasota High School, to houses and homes ranging from Siesta Key’s Cohen House to Casey Key’s Burkhardt-Cohen House and the Taylor Residence in Venice, the work of acclaimed architect Paul Rudolph, in part, defines this local built environment—and has been celebrated as such. But what of those projects imagined yet unrealized? What further architectural additions might have been? Unbuilt Rudolph, an exhibition created by Sarasota Architectural Foundation (SAF) and opening tomorrow at Center For Architecture Sarasota (CFAS), sheds some light on the question.

Curated by Nathan Skiles, the exhibition highlights 13 projects that Rudolph designed, but that were never built, using high-quality reproductions of Rudolph’s own conceptual drawings, now preserved in the Library of Congress. The projects come from the years 1948–1956, and all were to be constructed in Florida, including six planned for Sarasota and some designed in collaboration with Ralph Twitchell. In all, the slate ranges from houses to retail, and even a church and an airport.

Unbuilt Rudolph initially debuted for a limited three-day run as part of the 2018 Sarasota MOD Weekend, celebrating the centennial of Rudolph’s birth, but scheduling conflicts prevented a longer showcase at the time. This fresh exhibition gives viewers a second chance to take a peek, while CFAS and SAF take their first shot at collaboration.

“It’s a beautiful exhibition and we’re proud to have it,” says CFAS Board Chairperson David Lowe, who served as Skiles’ assistant in installing the exhibition this past Tuesday. Grouped in clusters of four or five, or lining the far wall, Rudolph’s carefully designed dreams arrest the eyes, commanding the room without insisting. Lowe cannot help but gush. “The images are just gorgeous,” he says. “I don’t know how long Rudolph spent on these-”

“A long time,” assures Dr. Christopher Wilson, SAF Board Chair.

“There’s one where he did a dot for like every blade of grass,” Lowe continues.

And though Rudolph eventually set up shop in New York City and designed buildings as far abroad as Hong Kong and Indonesia, for Wilson, there remains something special about Rudolph’s time in Sarasota. “He left a huge mark in a very short time,” he says.

Lowe agrees: “He’s what put mid-century modernism on the map in Sarasota.”

Opening Thursday with a 5:30pm opening reception at the CFAS McCulloch Pavilion, Unbuilt Rudolph will be on display through June 15. On May 30, Wilson will lead a walkthrough, and, on June 6, Carl Abbott will deliver a lecture on Rudolph’s life and work. 

Pictured: Paul Rudolph's 1954 design for what would have been the Bostwick Residence in Palm Beach. Image courtesy of SAF and the Library of Congress.

Joe and Mary Kay Henson have been recognized by the Florida League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) for contributions that advance educational equity and academic outcomes for Sarasota County’s youngest students. The Hensons received the Advancing Equity award for their work in developing and funding impactful programs such as the Summer Learning Academies in Title I schools, which help students and families prepare for school by taking part in enriching learning experiences that help reduce the negative effects of the summer learning slide through a two-generation approach for family learning. 

In addition, the Hensons sponsor a pre-kindergarten program at Gocio Elementary School for 4- and 5-year old children who have not participated in preschool due to a lack of resources. This program prepares young children for school by experiencing daily routines such as riding the bus and eating in the cafeteria as well as learning how to be independent and spend time away from their families. The pilot program is in the process of finishing the second year of implementation with promising results—13 of the original 18 students in the program have qualified for advanced work in kindergarten. 

Sarasota County Schools Summer Learning Academies

The Taylor Emmons Scholarship Fund (TESF) has reported tremendous success at its Annual Golf Classic & Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Kentucky Derby Tournament. The tournament not only brought together family members, friends and nationwide supporters to participate in two of Taylor’s favorite pastimes—golf and poker—but also raised more than $200,000 for the foundation during this one-day event. Since the inception of the Taylor Emmons Scholarship Fund in December 2010, more than $1 million dollars has been raised to support the foundation’s mission. 

The support of corporate partnerships, sponsors and contributors is vital to the success and sustainability of the Taylor Emmons Scholarship Fund.  Every sponsorship and donation contribute toward the goal of helping a worthy student experience an independent, college preparatory education at The Out-of-Door Academy's Upper School, when they would not otherwise have the means to attend the private school. 

Currently, the TESF has four alumni and four students attend The Out-of-Door Academy on full, four-year scholarships. 

Taylor Emmons Scholarship Fund

Today, the Masala Giving Circle, a philanthropic organization of African-American women, will hold its annual Grant Awardee Ceremony at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Nearly $20,000 will be provided to four organizations with missions to improve the quality of life for African-Americans in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

The grantees are as follows: $8,858 to We Care Manatee, for supporting breast health care for black women; $5,352 to DIVAS of Sarasota, a mentoring and leadership program for female students in grades seven to 10, to support a college experience program; $2,500 to Hope Family Services, to provide multicultural hair products for victims and survivors of domestic violence; and $1,462 to J5 Experience, a youth and adult female empowerment organization, to provide a self-image program for youth leaders called “The Dream Experience.”

Since its founding, the Masala Giving Circle has awarded nearly $60,000 back into the community. 

Masala Giving Circle

SRQ MEDIA's guide to giving opportunities that will impact the nonprofit organizations working in the region is now online to view. Become a part of the local philanthropic story by fulfilling their giving back wish lists! 

Click here to view the feature