Tucked away in her studio, artist Barbara Krupp can go days and weeks without spending significant time interacting with other people. For her, an exhibition can be a breath of fresh air and an affirmation that her work matters outside of her solitary relationship with a canvas. It can give her a chance to talk about her work and find new inspiration in the responses of those gazing upon her paintings. “When you’re an artist, you’re alone and have doubts,” she says, “so it’s nice when I can see my work bring peace and joy to people.” And her newest collection, “The Language of Color,” promises to evoke those very feelings and perhaps start a conversation or two about the way her colorful work can brighten a gloomy disposition.

The collection showcases Krupp’s affinity for bright colors that she melds together with impossible, Monet-like grace, giving each piece the warmth and softness of cotton candy on a summer day. Some of her work, like “Gardening at Midnight” or “Sleeping in Sicily,” look like surreal landscapes that capture the emotional essence of a scene if not the physical details. But Krupp, in spite of the specificity of her titles, never sets out to create with anything particular in mind. “I just try to paint each day and am always amazed at what comes out,” she says.

Since her pieces are left entirely to Chance, their titles are most often decided upon after she has gazed upon the finished product and reflected on what it means to her. “A lot of the names are from my travels,” she says, “because I think my paintings always seem to take me back to someplace I’ve been.” But one recurring theme in her titles is a certain Mr. Toad. He is not an actual object hidden in her abstract paintings (or is he?) but is instead the essence of her whole approach. Mr. Toad loves traveling, excitement and fun, and he seems to take residence in some of Krupp’s more complex work, like “Mr. Toad on Vacation” (pictured above) or “Mr. Toad’s at it Again,” which hangs on the wall of her daughter’s home. 

Art collectors and aficionados will have a chance to spot Mr. Toad through February 28th at Dabbert Gallery, where the cheerful exhibition is sure to speak to viewers in Krupp’s lilting language of color. 

Photo courtesy of Dabbert Gallery, 46 South Palm Ave., Sarasota, 941-955-1315

It doesn’t matter which version of the holiday you’re celebrating—Valentine’s, Galentine’s or just another Friday happy hour—it’s an evening built for tossing them back and letting the hair down. Bartenders know this and tend to cheekily play it up this time of year. Shaking things up on the menus of local bars and restaurants, find a seductive roundup of specialty craft cocktails to revel in courtship, love, friendship, vodka, your dog—whatever you want to toast to, we're showing up for it.

From the Champagne Cocktail of D’usse Cognac, bitters and sparkling, to the Chocolate Clover Club with Bombay, lemon, raspberries, chocolate and egg white, Libby’s Neighborhood Brasserie invites couples to snug in the lounge or out on the patio with the outdoor heaters. And for parties of five or more, Lemon Tree Kitchen will offer a complimentary bucket of champagne, with each flute filled with fresh rose petals for a floral twist. At Blase Bistro, the Party for One cocktail salutes the singles mingling with a feisty mix of muddled strawberries, Kettle One Vodka, Giffard’s Fraise des Bois, balsamic, black pepper and a top off of rosé. 

To catch a fiery sunset on the Sage rooftop is to indulge in a featured cocktail menu centered around classic love stories. Find Juliet’s Poison Potion, served with Nobets gin, Grait Grappa, cinnamon plum syrup, lemon and housemade kombucha. After a romantic stroll on Lido Beach, head to Tommy Bahama for the Valentine’s Blush, with Hendrick’s gin, ruby red grapefruit juice, St. Germain, a splash of soda and sprigs of tarragon. For dessert, saunter over to Phillippi Creek for a Chocolate Strawberry Martini, filled with vanilla and chocolate vodka, French strawberry liqueur and vanilla cream, drizzled with chocolate syrup. 

After a rendezvous cruise out on the Manatee River, dock the boat in at Pier 22 to partake in the Cupid Shuffle. Your choice to get up and dance if you want, but the martini itself is made with classic Baileys, vanilla vodka and a cherry twist and sugar crystal rim. For the guys, the Bourbon Cherry Crush, featuring Jim Beam Black extra-aged bourbon and housemade sour, may give you the liquid courage you need to finally ask that cutie out you’ve had your eye on. And at Grove, grab your girls, put on your finest heels to chill in the lounge to avoid heartbreak, while sipping Cupid’s Heartbreak, a sweet strawberry and lemon cocktail with Grey Goose, rhubarb liqueur and prosecco topper. 

What would the international day of hearts be without a few bubbly glasses and velvety martinis to get in the mood? Cheers to being a smooth operator this Valentine’s. Snag these limited-time creations while you can this weekend. Please drink responsibly. 

Pictured clockwise from top left: Juliet's Poison Potion - Sage; Cupid's Heartbreak - Grove; Cupid Shuffle Martini and Bourbon Cherry Crush - Pier 22; Champagne Cocktail and Chocolate Clover Club - Libby's; Chocolate Strawberry Martini - Phillippi Creek; Valentine's Blush - Tommy Bahama.  

On Saturday, February 8, Sarasota Opera opened the 2020 Winter Opera Festival with a festive brass fanfare played from the outside balcony of the Opera House, followed by the unveiling of a plaque commemorating the completion of the Verdi Cycle. Upon conclusion of the cycle in 2016, Sarasota Opera became the only opera company in the world to present all of Verdi’s works. Executive Director Richard Russell and Artistic Director Victor DeRenzi officiated over the unveiling of the plaque, which was followed by the announcement of a “Friendship Pact” between the City of Sarasota and Busseto, Italy—Giuseppe Verdi’s hometown, by Toni Duval, president of the Sister Cities Association of Sarasota. Following the ceremony, Giacomo Puccini’s timeless and beloved La bohème was performed to a sold-out audience. The Winter Opera Festival continues with performances of Gounod’s Romeo & Juliet (opening February 15), Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love (opening February 22), and Catalani’s La Wally, (opening March 7) with performances through March 22. For more information, visit SarasotaOpera.org, call (941) 328-1300, or visit the box office at 61 North Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. 

Sarasota Opera House opening night

For more information on Sarasota Opera House and upcoming calendar of events

Alissa “LISS” Silvers is a self-taught swiss artist best known for her combination of abstract art and ex- pressive portrait illustrations. She was born and raised in Münchwilen, Switzerland and is now based in Sarasota, Florida. Liss’ work is a personal expression of the many places she has been and the people she has met. She brings a subtle and modern feel to her paintings through a unique balance of color compositions and inspiring portraits. Viewing her abstract, dynamic and harmonic works of art is an exciting kinetic experience. Her artworks are displayed in both private and public collections in the USA and Switzerland. The primary medium she uses is acrylic on canvas. The art Ovation Hotel will be displaying a selection of LISS’ Artwork from February 17 to February 23. Meet the artist, Tuesday, February 18 from 4 pm - 8 pm at the Art Ovation Hotel, 1255 North Palm Ave., Sarasota.  

To learn more bout the Artist LISS

The Sarasota Concert Association is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a lineup of world-renowned classical artists and ensembles. Its 2020 Great Performers Series season continues Tuesday, February 25, 7:30 pm, at the Riverview Performing Arts Center, with The Knights and violinist Gil Shaham. The Knights are a collective of adventurous musicians dedicated to transforming the orchestral experience and eliminating barriers between audiences and music. Grammy Award-winning Gil Shaham is one of the foremost violinists of our time—renowned as an American master. The program features Colin Jacobson’s new composition based on the “Kreutzer” story, Beethoven’s “Kreutzer Concerto” arranged for solo violin and chamber orchestra, Janáček’s “Kreutzer” String Quartet and Brahms’ “Hungarian Dances.”

Individual tickets are $25-&75. Tickets and information for the Great Performers Series are available by calling 941-225-6500 or online at www.scasarasota.org. 

Photo courtesy of the Artist

To learn more about this event and upcoming events produced by Sarasota Concert Association

Art Center Sarasota presents “Off the Wall,” a fundraising exhibit and sale that offers a rare opportunity to collect original, 5’’ x 7’’ one-of-a-kind postcard art from renowned and emerging artists. More than 100 works will be on display anonymously; the artist’s name will be revealed upon purchase. All postcards will be sold for $50 each and proceeds will benefit Art Center Sarasota’s programs. The event is at 707 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota on Friday, March 13, 5-9 pm, with an exhibit preview, 5-6:30 pm, during which participants can meet the artists and enjoy adult beverages with light bites courtesy of Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi. The postcard sale begins at 6:30 pm for raffle winners and, at 7 pm, the sale opens to all guests. The $25 admission fee includes two raffle tickets for a chance to secure a “first choice” spot to purchase the postcards.  

To purchase tickets or for more information on the Art Center Sarasota

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is pleased to collaborate with The Patterson Foundation to offer three free staged readings of a new one-act play – written by award-winning playwright and educator Beth Duda, who will also direct – "Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, A Walk to Respect." Two readings take place on Wednesday, February 19 and Thursday, February 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Glenridge Performing Arts Center (7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota). An additional reading will take place on Friday, February 21 at 10 am at the Manatee Community Foundation (2820 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton). Black abolitionist leader and former slave, Frederick Douglass, and the 16th President of the United States of America, Abraham Lincoln, clashed in their ideologies regarding race, politics and slavery. Douglass, a true radical with a fiery spirit, believed in racial equality for everyone: he dedicated his life, writings and career to abolishing slavery everywhere. Lincoln – who was cautious and considered – while opposed to slavery was first and foremost a patriot intent on preserving the Union at all costs. These two self-made men – at a time when our divided nation faced annihilation – faced their differences with courage and compassion, forging a friendship that helped to end the Civil War and reunite our nation. Through their own words, explore the walk of these two great American leaders from conflict to understanding.

"At WBTT, our focus continues to be on the African-American experience and topics,” said WBTT executive director Julie Leach. “We are pleased to partner with The Patterson Foundation to explore the remarkable relationship between Lincoln and Douglass. Particularly in today’s highly partisan environment, we feel this material offers important lessons about overcoming differences to achieve a common goal.” 

To learn more about The Patterson Foundation or to RSVP

Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Director of Education, Josh Ford. In this role, Ford will oversee, coordinate, and continue to grow FST’s education programs for youth and adults. He will also provide leadership as FST launches and develops a new sketch comedy program. Ford brings over 20 years of educational theatre and programming experience to FST. Ford is familiar with FST’s Education program, returning after 17 years. As a child he, himself, performed with FST’s Kids Komedy Club in 1989 and later, worked as an Education Intern. For two years, he also worked as a full-time Teaching Artist, overseeing the middle school and high school components of FST’s award-winning WRITE A PLAY arts-in-education program. Ford is also one of FST Improv’s founding cast members—performing with the group for three years. In addition to his education and programming background, Ford is an accomplished writer, actor, and director. His background in comedy and writing will be vital as he works to develop FST’s new sketch comedy program alongside Rebecca Hopkins (FST’s Managing Director) and FST’s Director of Improvisation.

Florida Studio Theatre’s educational offerings take place year-round through the FST School. Classes in acting, music, dance, playwriting, theatre appreciation and improvisation are available for students of all levels from ages 4 and 94. 

To register for classes or learn more about Florida Studio Theatre.

A couple of eco-minded craft carpenters form JL Productions Custom Woodcrafts. 

Click here to read the full story in our February 2020 Business Edition!