SRQ DAILY Sep 25, 2020
Friday Weekend Edition
"I feel lucky and blessed to be in the US Congress, but there are forces trying to take us back to another time, another dark period."
“I feel lucky and blessed to be in the US Congress, but there are forces trying to take us back to another time, another dark period,” says the late Congressman John Lewis in the recently released documentary about his life, “John Lewis: Good Trouble.” Filmed shortly before his death in July from cancer, his quiet strength still shines through despite his diminutive figure. The opening shot serves as a perfect portrait of the man who for 50 years worked tirelessly alongside staggering figures like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.—his demure disposition and immense kindness belying the steel of his resolve, the force of his words coming from the warmth of his delivery and not their volume, optimism ever underlying stark observations.
For The Van Wezel, one of over 60 arts and cultural organizations around the country that joined in a national watch party for the documentary, it was an opportunity to meet the moment. The film comes at a time when the country is reckoning once again with issues for which Lewis himself fought—he took a police baton to the head after crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Bloody Sunday, he was arrested 45 times while protesting, he directed the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and was a keynote speaker at the March on Washington where Dr. King made his famous speech. “I think we can all learn something from these great figures, and I think it’s important to facilitate dialogue and let people come up with their own views,” says Stephen Baker, Director of Marketing and Audience Engagement for The Van Wezel.
The film also provided The Van Wezel the opportunity to meet another facet of the moment. “Our main goal is to provide live experiences,” says Baker, “but we have to be flexible and nimble right now because of COVID.” Included in the stream was access to a September 21st panel discussion with the filmmaker herself as well as Harvard professor Kalil Gibran Muhammad, Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch and Mayor Raz Baraka of Newark, NJ. The curated discussion explored the film’s themes as well as each panelist’s relationship with the legendary Civil Rights figure. Those signed into the Zoom stream were able to ask questions and get answers directly from the panelists.
One viewer asked about the sizable art collection in Lewis’s home depicted in the film. “That was one of the brilliant surprises of the film,” says Porter in the panel discussion, “that his art meant so much to him and seemed to prepare him to go out and do what he did.” Lewis refers to his paintings (many Jacob Lawrence originals among them) in the film as his friends. “I found it fascinating he was so inspired by his art,” echoes Baker, “but art does great things in communicating the times and can be a great source of rejuvenation.” 
Van Wezel, 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-263-6799. Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures.
If you ever wondered what exists one hour inland off FL-72 E, you’ll find idyllic farmland and some friendly faces many Sarasota Farmers Market regulars may recognize as the Clarkson family. You’ll also find out there in the grassy knoll Florida Cracker Sheep. At Grove Ladder Farm, the sheep are shorn once a year and the fleece is washed and combed by the shearer. “Once it is returned to us, I spin it on my spinning wheel and kettle dye it by hand—it is 100% wool!,” says Chelsea Clarkson, co-owner of Grove Ladder with husband Tim Clarkson. “My part of the process is pretty quick, however, it did take several months to get the wool returned to us.”
Recently back from the shearer, the homegrown and shorn Florida Cracker wool was added to Grove Ladder's online shop this week. The yarn is sold in 200-yard skeins of sport weight yarn in 10 different dyed colorways for $35 each. Ideal for hand-knitting small projects such as hats, socks and scarves, a dedicated knitter could always purchase more skeins and knit a sweater. "I will honestly be surprised if it doesn't sell out based on the amount of contact we are getting!” says Chelsea. “However I still have plenty of wool to spin and will continue to update the website as I finish each skein of yarn.”
For avid knitters, crocheters and DIYers alike, know the yarn has been kettle-dyed by hand in the Clarkson's cabin kitchen using non-hazardous, non-Chrone dye, made by Greener Shades. "Each skein is one-of-a-kind and sold with character with its own unique perfections and imperfections." Also unique, are the names of each colorway the Clarkson's hard some fun coming up with. “Rather than calling it Red, for example, it's called 'Sriacha Sauce'," says Chelsea. Instead of Purple, make it rain and add 'The Artist Formerly Known as Prince' to your cart, along with 'Autumn Equinox,' 'Meatloaf' and 'Elizabeth the First.' Like most art yarn sold, the yarn comes loosely coiled and knotted upon purchase, and must be wound into a ball before knitting or crocheting your new fall beanie.
Photo courtesy of Grove Ladder Farm, groveladderfarm@gmail.com; 941-928-5891
The Van Wezel Foundation has received a $10,000 leverage grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation to support a year-long culturally responsive arts education initiative to meet the needs and unique challenges educators face this academic year. Together with the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall’s Arts Education Department, the Van Wezel Foundation is investing in new programs like IDEA that use visual and performing arts to encourage open conversations and address critical social issues such as Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access. “It is vitally important that we invest in arts education strategies that address socially relevant topics to eliminate racial and cultural discrimination,” commented Cheryl Mendelson, CEO of the Van Wezel Foundation. “Bridging the gap between educators and students will encourage greater interaction and collaboration and facilitate open and honest conversation. We are honored to be a catalyst in helping the Van Wezel Arts Education Department inspire meaningful dialogue in our community through the power of the performing arts.”
The Hermitage Artist Retreat announces the return of its popular beachfront series with “Genius Loci: A Sense of Place in Story, Music, & Poetry,” Friday, October 9, 6pm., at the Hermitage Beach, 6660 Manasota Key Road, Englewood. This outdoor event features three Hermitage artists-in-residence: composer and bassist Michael Kurth, poet Lynnell Edwards, and author Justin Torres.
For reservations or more information about the Hermitage, visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org.
Manatee Community Foundation recently appointed Simone Peterson to its board of directors for a three year term.
In her capacity at Manatee County Government’s Neighborhood Services, Peterson works improve our community through programs that assist residents through all stages of life. She received the Manatee Young Professional’s MVP Award from the Manatee Chamber of Commerce in 2019 and was a Knight Cities Challenge Winner in 2017. “We are delighted to welcome Peterson as a volunteer leader to Manatee Community Foundation,” said executive director Susie Bowie. “Simone’s engagement with and knowledge of our community, combined with her accomplishments in local civic organizations, will enhance our service to Manatee County for years to come.”
Manatee County Commissioners have adopted a $740 net budget for next year which includes funding for new Sheriff's Office deputies, de-escalation training for law enforcement, two new ambulance units and a host of long-needed transportation improvements throughout Manatee County. The recommended budget proposes $186 million in road projects including several signature improvements. The County remains cautious about the final outcome of impacts of COVID-19 as FY20 closes out and have adopted a budget for FY21 that keeps an eye toward rebuilding the economy of Manatee County.
Neck art weaved with the cultural eclat of the West Indies and the modern makings of an urban designer.
Click here to read the full article from SRQ's New September 2020 edition.
A helpful reminder and drive towards Census awareness to get the completion rate in the community as high as possible. Take the census. Make sure you count.
The Sarasota/Manatee MPO wants everyone to contribute to the updated DRAFT 2020 Transform 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). The document can be downloaded here https://www.mympo.org/m/mandates/lrtp. The MPO wants to hear your input on the updated Draft Transform 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan. If you have any comments or questions, please let us know by 8:00am on Monday, October 26, 2020 when the official 30-day comment period closes.
MPO@mympo.org
Manatee County is accepting applications for five seats on the Healthcare Advisory Board, a volunteer group that evaluates, monitors and discusses the healthcare system in Manatee County and makes recommendations to the County Commission regarding the funding of healthcare services in Manatee County. Applicants should be knowledgeable about healthcare and willing to meet a minimum of eight times per year on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 5-7pm. The vacancies are for the following seats:
- mental health
- healthcare
- a practicing physician who received no more than one percent of his/her gross income from County-funded healthcare and
- Two representatives of uninsured consumers of County-funded healthcare
Applications are due October 13 at 5pm. For more information, call Joshua Barnett at 941-749-3030 or email to joshua.barnett@mymanatee.org.
Join Claudia Baeza, a Kripalu trained yoga instructor, for Yoga and Meditation on the loggias of the Museum of Art Courtyard for a unique opportunity to gently move the body and calm the mind. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road
Music Compound is officially launching a new program, The Academy, for grades 3-8, that offers core curriculum through Florida Virtual School and then afternoon electives in the arts. The registration deadline is July 31. Education Session (Education Coordinator position) is offered daily from 8:30am to Noon Monday through Thursday. Students have the option to attend two, three or four days a week. This portion is being offered with Florida Virtual School. Deadline to register is July 31st. Lunch and relaxation time offered daily from Noon to 1:00pm and available to FULL day students only. Students will have time to enjoy lunch and outdoor play. The last 20 minutes will be reserved for quiet time. Our team will offer yoga or meditation sessions. Students can opt to read a book, nap, or check out in another capacity. Enrichment Session is arts related. (Elective and credit based) and offered daily from 1:00 to 4:00pm Monday through Thursday. The afternoon session will include a daily afternoon snack break for students. The afternoon sessions are based on interest. Afternoon classes sizes will range from 6-12 students per class. Classes that have more than 6 students will be hosted in our large 3,000 sq. ft. event venue. Electives are One hour and 20 minutes per session. Electives are offered quarterly, by semester, or yearly. Courses offered: Art, Dance, Drama, Music / Group Instruction / Music Theory / Music Appreciation, Musical theatre / Show Choir, Band program (Kidz Rock, Rising Stars, Youth Bands) and Career Exploration.
In the conservative heartland of Boise, Idaho, a most unexpected industry has emerged— commercial surrogacy. Here, 1 in 15 mothers (most of whom are Mormon or Catholic) will carry a baby for strangers who struggle with infertility, for gay couples, and single men from around the world. The local hospital St. Luke’s, runs the most comprehensive surrogacy program of its kind with a network of community, medical, and legal support. Made in Boise is an eye-opening rare glimpse into how this red state became the unofficial surrogacy capital of the U.S. and is redefining family in unexpectedly progressive ways. This surprising story is beautifully told and heart-warming at every level. Tuition: $15. Member: $10. Registration closes on October 10 at 12am.
Online.
October 17th & 18th and October 24th & 25th. Tickets for this popular event go on sale to the general public on August 12th at 10am, tickets will be available on the museum's website at www.frrm.org Early access for members are on sale now by calling the ticket office. The Ticket office is open Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Special Note for Covid 19; For 2020 the event will operate at 50% capacity. Due to the complicity of ticketing in reserved seat cars, window seats will only be sold. However, you may consolidate your group using unsold aisle seats within your seating area. Mask requirements will be based on Manatee County mask ordinance at the time of the event.
Join Historic Spanish Point for incredible stories on the artists that shaped and influenced history around the world. We are proud to offer this art lecture series with Baila Miller as part of our monthly programming. Baila’s unique storytelling presentations will connect you to the art world in a whole new way. All presentations take place at Historic Spanish Point’s Visitor Center Classrooms. Tickets: $15 for Historic Spanish Point members and $20 for future members.
Welcome to Out of the Blue 2020 – a unique Live Online Event and Costume Contest supporting the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Throughout the month of October, you will have the opportunity to enter a picture of your best “BLUE” costume. On October 29th from 6:30-8:00 pm, NAMI will host a Live Online Zoom event emceed by entertainer Jonathan Cortez and featuring local artists and talent all in support of NAMI. Our evening will wrap up by announcing the Costume Contest winners with a “Best in Blue” winner in each category. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to have fun creating a “Bluetiful” costume along with an enjoyable – and safe – evening of entertainment.
Jennifer and Austin delighted judges and audience members alike at Artist Series Concerts’ 2016 National Voice Competition, where they took first and second place respectively. Fast-forward to 2020 and the duo, each now pursuing a busy music career, returns to Sarasota to perform together at the first soirée series concert of the organization’s 25th season. Soprano Jennifer Kreider is pursuing a performer’s diploma under the guidance of Jane Dutton at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. Her past roles include Musetta (La Bohème), Dew Fairy (Hansel and Gretel), Linfea (La Calisto) and many others. She has been a young artist at Opera in the Ozarks, the CoOPERAtive Program in Princeton, New Jersey, and the Franz Schubert Institute in Baden bei Wien, Austria. A native of Brandon, Florida, tenor Austin Cripe is currently pursuing his master’s degree at Florida State University. He has performed with Florida State Opera in the roles of Gastone in La Traviata, King Kaspar in Amahl and the Night Visitors, the title role in Candide and others. He has also performed with Red River Lyric Opera, the Savannah Voice Festival and Opera Tampa. Tickets are $53.
yMusic, “six contemporary classical polymaths who playfully overstep the boundaries of musical genres,” (The New Yorker) performs in concert halls, arenas and clubs around the world. Founded in New York City in 2008, yMusic strives to perform excellent, emotionally communicative music, regardless of style or idiom. Their virtuosic execution and unique instrumentation (string trio, flute, clarinet, and trumpet) has attracted the attention of renowned collaborators—from Paul Simon to Bill T. Jones to Ben Folds—and inspired original works by some of today’s foremost composers. This concert, at 8pm on March 11, 2021, will feature a recent work by Andrew Norman, selections from their album Ecstatic Science, and other pieces.
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