Skin’s in It: Cynthia Mason’s low-relief and sculptural wall pieces create abstract forms that riff off of grids and known structures that are uncanny and disarming vurtually through March 5. Some of the soft sculptures recall solid objects (shelves, windows), but lack rigidity. Some recall the body but lack smooth contours. Sewn from coarse fabrics and stuffed with shredded documents, they bloat and pudge. Gender is rendered in provocative shapes noisily on display, questioning gender performance in politics and how we consume it. Neil Bender’s work explores the complexity of sexuality and the body through paper and paint, making flattened images that play with the shallow spaces of slightly overlapping images, and the shallow spaces of popular cultural vernaculars. Recent images range from small-scale collages and sketchbook drawings to shaped, cut-paper garments, and large, expansive wall murals. Both artists use whimsy and play to make viewers aware of the potency of negotiating and reconciling art amongst other bodies in public spaces. Bender and Mason also collaborated on a site-specific atmospheric wall painting that will serve as a stage for the actors (the paintings, drawings, and sculptures) to have enhanced dialogues This is a kinetic, tactile, and immersive collaborative experience that is sensorily-engaging, ribald, and pleasurable.

Madeby Gallery hosting Disney Fine Artist - Ringling College of Art and Design Alumnus Tim Rogerson and the original Tinker Bell Margaret Kerry. Zoom Virtual Opening Reception on Wednesday, February 10 from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. Margaret, a Sarasota resident, will be sharing her amazing journey of how Walt chose her to be the original Tinker bell model for the Disney Animators’ in her book, "Tinker Bell Talks." Tim will be taking us on a tour of his magical Disney artwork. Originals, giclees and prints will be available for purchase. Tim has created exclusively for the show, his newest original of Tinker Bell, titled "Pixie Pose." The show runs from February 10 through Friday, March 12.

Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative and Art Center Sarasota Present The 2021 “Student Black Muse” Exhibit. The exhibit is presented virtually at Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative and Art Center Sarasota through March 5. Students from Booker, Riverview, Sarasota, and Northport high schools and Booker Middle School participated in this exhibit, which celebrates Black History Month. The Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative (SBAC) and Art Center Sarasota partnered with four Sarasota County high schools and one middle school to offer students of African descent the opportunity to participate in a visual arts exhibition commemorating Black History Month. The 2021 “Student Black Muse” exhibit, which showcases the works of 20 young artists, is available for viewing virtually through March 5 at www.artcentersarasota.org and www.suncoastblackartscollaborative.org.

Color & Clay, an installation by Joan Libby Hawk, ceramist, and Jana Millstone, painter, presents a unique conversation between artists and mediums at Art Uptown gallery, Sarasota. Artists Joan Libby Hawk, a ceramist, and Jana Millstone, a painter, present Color & Clay - A Duet, their unique conversation between artists and mediums. The collaborative exhibit of clay objects and paintings, on view at Art Uptown from January 30 to February 26, 2021, celebrates color, light and form. Sharing a contemporary visual sensibility, the artists explore the connections between their three-and two-dimensional work, riffing off the play of light, negative space and transparent color. The artists will host a Zoom conversation in early February to talk about their collaboration and the installation’s visual goals. Details to come. Visit this engaging installation at Art Uptown, located at 1367 Main Street, open Monday through Friday, 11am to 5pm, Saturday, 11am to 3pm and Sunday, 12pm to 5pm. You can meet the gallery artists all day on Saturdays. Private appointments can be arranged by calling 941.955.5409. The gallery continues its commitment to visitor and staff safety by the use of masks, sanitizer, frequent cleaning and social distancing.

Light Up The Night, WBTT’s outdoor concert series that launched in October, is back by popular demand. This 90-minute concert features WBTT’s beloved live band and some of your favorite WBTT singers who will take you back to the 1970s with R&B classics including "Reach Out, I'll Be There," "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)," "Love Train," "Superstition," "Let's Get It On," I Want You Back," "Brick House," "September" and many more. Light Up The Night features a live band led by Resident Music Director (and bass player) James “Jay” Dodge II, accompanying a variety of popular WBTT artists – including favorites like Raleigh Mosely, Henry Washington and more. Joining Dodge in the band are Todd Bellamy, piano, Brennan Stylez on auxiliary keys, Brad Foutch, guitar, and Etienne “EJ” Porter, drums. Performances run Thursday, February 12, 2021 – Sunday, March 14, 2021 at 7:30pm on the WBTT Campus at 1012 North Orange Avenue, we will be using our specially set up outdoor performance area that includes our courtyard and parking lot. Seating is available for up to 84 people in separate 2-person 6 ft circles.

Found Forms: Sculpture by Carl Abbott: This exhibition features vibrant sculptures by the internationally acclaimed architect Carl Abbott FAIA virtually through March 5. Comprised of reformed metal ductwork and antique, agricultural implements, Abbott’s sculptures are both playful and monumental. Abbott is one of the most highly awarded architects in the Florida/Caribbean region. He received his degree in architecture from University of Florida, and his master’s degree from Yale, studying under Paul Rudolph. For several years, he worked with Mayan archaeologists in Mexico and Central America. “In/Formed By The Land” is a book about Abbott’s architecture.

Try Your Hand at Poetry a Writing Workshop led by Doug Knowlton will take place over the course of four Zoom sessions on Tuesdays at 6pm, including February 16, February 23, March 2, and March 9. Have you always wanted to write poetry, but thought the genre was just too difficult? This is your chance to give it a try using Mary Oliver's A Poetry Handbook as a guide. With passion, wit, and good common sense, the celebrated poet Mary Oliver tells of the basic ways a poem is built - meter and rhyme, form and diction, sound, and sense. She talks of iambs and trochees, couplets, and sonnets, and how and why this should matter to anyone writing or reading poetry. Doug's been writing poems and lyrics since the 1960s. He emceed the open mic at Java N'Jive Coffee House in Palmetto in 2002-2003. He was a regular at the Fogartyville Cafe Open Mic in 2002-2005 and hosted the Village Bookshop Poets and Writers from 2006-2011. Doug finds it especially fulfilling to encounter readers and listeners who are awakening to poetry's vast potential. A fee of $21 is required for participation. This includes a copy of A Poetry Handbook and all four sessions. The book can be picked up curbside or at the store (We will send you an email when the book is ready for pickup). The cost is $26.50 to have the book shipped to you via US Mail.

For the sixth year, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe – in collaboration with The Jazz Club of Sarasota and the Sarasota County Schools – will help history to come alive for area students. Jazzlinks is an integrated arts experience to help illustrate, through music and theatre, the contributions of African Americans in U.S. history. Due to the coronavirus, WBTT will present Jazzlinks virtually this year, streaming the songs and stories of the Harlem Renaissance into high school classrooms from February 16 through March 12. The presentation will feature musical performances by WBTT artists and interactive discussions with cast members and students about the historical and cultural contributions of African Americans. This year’s installment of Jazzlinks is one of the programs supported by a 2020 Gulf Coast Community Foundation Arts Appreciation Grant to WBTT. At press time, Jazzlinks is slated to perform for more than 1,500 students. The presentation will be via Zoom and interactive, incorporating video from a previous Jazzlinks production with added commentary from artists Syreeta S. Banks, Brian L. Boyd, Brentney Stephens and Donovan Whitney. The subject matter will focus on the Harlem Renaissance. WBTT founder and artistic director Nate Jacobs worked with staff members Travis Ray, Michael Mendez and Adrienne Pitts on the script and creating related program materials. Jacobs directs and Ray is the coordinator. Teachers can sign up for Jazzlinks through the “EdExplore” website (edexploresrq.com).

Asolo Rep continues its season in association with Goodman Theatre and Seattle Rep with the launch of a rolling world premiere of Cheryl L. West’s provocative and poignant new play with a bright future: Fannie: The Music and Life of Fannie Lou Hamer. Originally commissioned and developed by Goodman Theatre and Seattle Rep, Fannie tells the impassioned story of American civil rights activist and hero, Fannie Lou Hamer. Running February 20 to March 3 at 7pm and directed by Henry Godinez (Resident Artistic Associate at Goodman Theatre), Asolo Rep will start the “roll,” followed by productions to be announced at Goodman Theatre and Seattle Rep. E. Faye Butler, who gave a tour-de-force performance as Queenie in Asolo Rep’s 2013 production of Show Boat, will portray the title role in this deeply moving one-woman production.

When students see themselves represented in science, everyone Wins. Join us for a week of free STEM programming featuring amazing women researchers working in marine science. Students at home and in the classroom will see lively science demonstrations and chat with actual scientists. Sign up for one or more days. Bonus activities will reinforce concepts covered during the programs. Recommended for students in grades 5th–9th. Recordings will be available to all registrants. Feb 23 - Jasmin Graham, Mote Marine Laboratory: In Danger of Becoming Endangered – In this program, Ross' favorite park is going to be bulldozed and is upset he's going to lose his favorite hangout spot. Krystan then compares that to habitat loss and brings in a biologist to explain that animals become endangered when they no longer have a place to live. Feb 24 - Ximena Arvizu, Eagle Ray Project - Mexican Caribbean ID? More Like IDK! – In this program, Ross is trying to identify different shore birds, but he is having a difficult time. He calls Krystan to see if she knows someone who can help. Krystan brings in an animal photo ID expert to teach Ross tips and tricks for field biology and what it takes to identify animals in the wild. Feb 25 - Dr. Katie McHugh, Chicago Zoological Society: Making Music with Marine Mammals – In this program, Ross is listening to whale calls as music and Krystan tells him that those calls are more than just music, but actually methods of communication. Ross doesn't believe her, so she brings in an animal acoustic expert to teach how animals talk to each other and how biologists are using animal sounds to help conservation efforts. Feb 26 - Laura Garcia Barcia, Florida International University: Say Bye to Bioaccumulation – In this program, Ross dropped his favorite snack on the ground and still ate it anyway. While Krystan is disgusted and tells him he shouldn't do that, Ross doesn't seem to take it seriously because it's just one piece and a few germs won't hurt. Krystan then compares this to bioaccumulation and brings in a biologist to explain that a few pollutants can quickly build into a large, toxic amount.

Continuing a 25-year tradition, but for the first time a “Drive-By” event, the Healthy Start Coalition of Sarasota County and the Kiwanis Club of Sarasota are presenting the Sarasota Drive-By Community Baby Shower. On Saturday, March 13 from 10am to 12pm, at The Glasser-Schoenbaum Human Services Center parking lot, 1750 17th Street, the organizations will partner to host a free, fun, and educational event for families in Sarasota with children up to age 3. Due to COVID-19, this event will be a DRIVE-THRU with face masks required for all participants (except children under age 2). All attendees will be required to remain in their vehicles at all times. Registration will be located at the entrance of the parking lot and anyone in the vehicle not wearing a mask will be given one. Volunteers will be directing the flow of traffic around the parking lot loop so that each vehicle drives by each exhibitor table to receive their pre-bagged informational and/or promotional materials. This event is held annually to provide education, support, and helpful gifts to pregnant women and new families. Exhibitors from local organizations will be on hand with information and giveaways for attendees. Door prizes donated by exhibitors will be raffled after the event, along with grand prizes such as pac-n-plays, high-chairs, and strollers donated by the Kiwanis Club of Sarasota and the Healthy Start Coalition.

Have you ever wondered what happens when a star is born? Our newest Planetarium show helps you find out. “Sea of Stars: Sail Through the Milky Way” takes you on a journey to visit baby stars in a stellar nursery, see the nebulas left by dead stars (like the one pictured to the right), and explore the supermassive black hole at the heart of our Milky Way galaxy. Prepare to be star struck. Also showing: "Mars Revealed," where we fly you from Earth to the Martian surface where you’ll discover some of the geographical features that could indicate whether life ever existed on the Red Planet, and "Flight Through Our Solar System," which takes you from the sun past Pluto to the icy outer reaches of the Kuiper Belt and the Oort Cloud. Show times include “Mars Revealed” 10:30am and 12:30pm Wednesday through Saturday and 12:30pm and 2:30pm Sunday, “Sea of Stars: Sail Through the Milky Way” 11am and 2pm Wednesday through Saturday; 1pm and 3:30pm Sunday, and “Flight Through Our Solar System” 12pm and 2:30pm Wednesday through Saturday; 2pm and 4pm Sunday. Planetarium shows are included in the price of admission. Due to social distancing guidelines, guests are asked to sign up for their preferred showtimes when they arrive at the Museum.

Members’ Show: Contemporary Craft at its Finest is a juried exhibition of original art showcasing the best of handcrafted work by Florida CraftArt members. Forty-six artists created 79 pieces from intricate jewelry to glass sculptures. Visitors will have the opportunity to virtually meet the artists and the show’s judge Susana Weymouth at the virtual opening reception on Friday, January 29 at 6 p.m. The Zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82206474125. The show runs through March 20 when the People’s Choice Award will be presented at the closing reception. People can vote for their favorite work of art in the Florida CraftArt Exhibition Gallery.

The Florida Studio Theatre School (FST School) will be offering its popular Spring Break Camp for students ages 7-12 from Monday, March 15 to Friday, March 19. This one-week educational experience runs from 10am to 2:30pm each day and will be held in-person on FST’s downtown Sarasota campus. Drawing on over 35 years of camp tradition, FST’s Spring Break Camp explores acting, dance, improvisation, and voice work in small class sizes so that each student gets the support and feedback they need. Led by the theatre’s Resident Teaching Artists, this program gives budding young artists the opportunity to nurture their own creativity, build self-esteem, and gain emotional awareness—all in a safe and supportive environment.

Staying Connected is an in the gallery, all media, all subject, open to all, juried exhibition that will be on view from January 28 until March 5. Receiving in person will be January 18 and 19 from 10am to 6pm. Online submissions will be from December 18 to January 16 at midnight. Jurors Open Critique will be online Tuesday, January 26 at 6pm for a Zoom virtual discussion. Jurors will talk about the work that they picked for the Prize Winners and Prize Winners are encouraged to talk about their piece that won. Opening Reception and Awards will be online Thursday January 28 at 6pm for a Zoom virtual opening. Awards will be announced. After that, participants will be able to gather virtually in breakout rooms to chat with other artists and art patrons in smaller groups. Next week we have our receiving for our upcoming show, Staying Connected, and we need volunteers to help us out. We have made some changes to our receiving process in order to keep our volunteers, staff and artists safe: Volunteers will be spread out and interacting with artists outside, under tents, with minimal contact. Volunteers that will be inside the building will be those that are bringing the artwork in and those hanging it on the walls. In person receivings are scheduled for Monday, January 18th and Tuesday, January 19 from 10am to 6pm. We are keeping the number of volunteers at the bare minimum and scheduling in two different shifts. The shifts are 10am to 2pm or 2pm to 6pm. Volunteers, Staff and Artists will all be required to wear masks. Please call 941-365-2032 or email barbara@artsarasota.org for more information or to sign up.

Since 2004, Embracing Our Differences has used the power of art and prose to promote diversity. One way it accomplishes this is through its annual, juried international outdoor art exhibition consisting of 50 billboard-sized works of art, each accompanied by an inspirational quote. The response to the call for artwork and inspirational quotes brought 15,912 entries pouring in from 128 countries and 48 states. Students from 412 schools around the world submitted artwork or quotes to the juried exhibit. The winning quotes and art will be showcased in the 18th annual exhibit, January 20 through April 1, in Sarasota’s Bayfront Park.