SRQ DAILY Jul 30, 2021
Friday Weekend Edition
"As a Black woman, an artist, a museum professional, I thought there had to be another story there and my hope was to find a way to say something beyond 'highwaymen'."
When Mara Torres opened her studio/gallery in the Rosemary District last August, she knew it would be a tough year. But she also knew exactly why she wanted to. “To bring in other artists,” she says. “To collaborate. To build.” And through the months of the pandemic, Mara Art Studio & Gallery weathered on, hosting shows and myriad classes taught by its namesake. Now, almost one year later, Torres celebrates the spirit of community and perseverance with an exhibition titled Womxn Together For Art, currently on display.
Showcasing the work of nine local artists—all women—the pieces on display reflect a curated diversity of style and medium. Eschewing the minimalist aesthetic so in vogue for modern exhibition, paintings and photos and sculptures are splashed across every wall and on every surface—and stepping through the front door of the gallery feels something akin to entering an artist wonderland. High and low, this way and that, a flash of color or alluring shape draws the eye.
Paintings by Jana Millstone pair with porcelain from Joan Libby Hawk for a stark and sophisticated opening salvo. Torres’ large-scale abstract works, frenetic and complex, hang alongside the quiet beauty of ships in the night, captured by Lisa DiFranza’s painterly hand. Dramatic photography from Ringling College student Mikenna Bowers shares space with energetic and illustrative still life work by Judy Robertson and an abstract diptych from Grace Howl, made with “Acrylic, Enamel, Mixed Media & Love.” Debra Kealkahn’s oil painting tribute to “Peter’s Old Blue 1955 Ford” injects a dose of realism into the show and mixed media work by Midge Johnson rounds out the line-up.
Each participating artist was invited by Torres herself—“I knew who I wanted,” she says—and it’s a hands-on approach that translates quite literally to her artist’s process. When faced with an empty canvas, Torres does not begin with an image, an emotion or even a brush, but with her hands. “I just start feeling the canvas,” she says. Dipping her hands in white or light blue paint, she explores it further, finding her way anew each time until she’s ready to attack the project in a frenzy, using everything from paints and pastels to charcoal and markers, stencils and spraycans to palette knives and toothbrushes.
On a certain level, it’s akin to the exploration that Torres hopes gallery-goers can engage in when visiting Womxn Together For Art, to give themselves to the work and see what comes.
Currently on display, Womxn Together For Art runs through September 24 at Mara Art Studio & Gallery. Summer hours are announced weekly or by appointment. 
Pictured: "Scape" by Mara Torres. Photo by Rick Benitez.
For Radiah Lovette Harper, guest curator with Selby Botanical Gardens, the term “highwaymen” felt a little narrow. Arts collector and writer Jim Fitch coined the term in the mid-90s to describe a group of 26 Black mid-century artists who sold their work door-to-door in cities along the A1A highway on Florida’s East coast. The artists were largely self-taught, sold their paintings wet out of the trunks of their cars and, ultimately, found an audience that allowed them to forgo work in the citrus groves where many Black Floridians were expected to work.
“As a Black woman, an artist, a museum professional, I thought there had to be another story there,” says Harper, “and my hope was to find a way to say something beyond ‘highwaymen.’”
In attempting to move beyond the term, Harper, a 30-year museum professional that specializes in inclusivity and racial equity, considered new contexts that could shift “highwaymen” out of the foreground and celebrate the creative and social striving of these artists both as individuals and as members of the historically disenfranchised Black community. The result of her attempt to reframe the artists is “We Dream a World: African American Landscape Painters of Mid-Century Florida, The Highwaymen.”
The exhibition offers viewers a broad survey of styles from the group, with notable pieces from the two “founding” members, Alfred Hair and Harold Newton. Hair studied under Alfred “Beanie” Backus, a landscape painter and progressive white Southerner who also inspired Newton to paint landscapes rather than religious scenes. It was Hair who went on to unofficially lead the loose-knit group of Black artists into prolific careers before his untimely death in 1970.
Aesthetically, some of the common throughlines in each artist are the bright, almost other-worldly colors, a celebration of Old Florida in its natural splendor, the use of inexpensive materials like upson board or Masonite, and an altogether impressionistic style free from the constraints of more formalized forms.
But their unique, uplifting style belied the realities of a segregated South. Jim Crow laws forbade them from entering most galleries, and those they could enter would not sell their work anyway. Those same laws also served as the primary impetus behind their traveling sales. And there lies the other shortcoming of “highwaymen.”
“That word makes it sound like it happened accidentally,” says Harper, “and that’s just not true. These artists overcame so much injustice to produce and sell their work. It enriches the way you see the work when you can take all of that into account and go beyond the A1A highway.”
“We Dream a World” runs through September 26 at Selby Gardens’ downtown campus.
You don't technically have to have a room at Wyndham Hotel Venezia's resort-style boutique property in order to visit and dine in at the Venezia Restaurant & Bar inside. On Fridays, head on over to the hotel restaurant for lunch or dinner and enjoy Visit Sarasota's favorite local deal: All You Can Eat Fish Fry. For $10.95, you'll taste buds and wallet will get a deal worth savoring — featuring Atlantic cold water haddock, crispy french fries, homemade coleslaw and hush puppies. Though the promo states fish "fry," diners can have Chef Patrick cook the haddock any way — whether fried, grilled or blackened. And if you get there between 4 pm and 6 pm, be sure to enjoy happy hour specials of 50% off domestic drafts, well drinks and house wines. What better Friday afternoon than an endless basket of fried fish and chips with a pint of some good ol' Florida beer?
This special deal is valid only on Fridays and through December 31, 2021. For reservations at Venezia's Restaurant & Bar, call 941-308-7700.
For more information and ideas on how you can Have Fun in the 941, head here.
Photo courtesy of Ramada by Wyndham Hotel Venezia, 425 US 41 Bypass N. Venice.
Dancer promotions that took place over the course of this past Season were: Marijana Dominis, promoted to Soloist and Lauren Ostrander and Janae Korte promoted to Coryphée. For the 2021 – 2022 Season, Yuri Marques has been promoted to Soloist. At the start of the 2021 – 2022 Season, six dancers will join the Company of The Sarasota Ballet. These dancers include: Marco Corcella, joining as a Soloist; Arcadian Broad and Luis Gonzalez, both joining as Coryphée; Taylor Sambola, joining as Corps de Ballet; and Evan Gorbell and Morgan Rust, both joining as Apprentices. The Sarasota Ballet sends a fond farewell to dancers Elizabeth Sykes (First Soloist) and Christine Windsor (Coryphée), who retired during the course of our past Season, as well as Ellen Overstreet (Principal) and Katelyn May (Principal), who will not be returning for the 2021 – 2022 Season.
The Hermitage Artist Retreat presents the newest edition of Hermitage Sunsets @ Selby Gardens: “Words and Music: Performance in Process” with Hermitage Fellows Thea Lobo and Ni’Ja Whitson, who will share their words, voices and music, Friday, August 27, 6:30pm, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota. The event is free with a $5 per person registration fee. Registration is required at HermitageArtistRetreat.org.
Duane Eubanks is an extraordinary musical talent and he possesses unique virtuoso skill and brilliance as a composer and band leader. During this much anticipated 2021 Southeast tour, Mr. Eubanks Quintet will perform songs from his highly listenable album “Things of That Particular Nature”. The Duane Eubanks Quintet will perform at the Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center on Thursday, August 12th at 8pm. Tickets are $25 for WSLR+Fogartyville members and $30 for the general public. Half-price student tickets are also available.
Aaron M. Johnson is a Saxophonist, Clarinetist and Flutist based in New York City possessing a wild musical imagination, fearless heart, and probing improvisational intellect. The Quartet will take the stage at the Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center on Saturday, August 14th at 8pm. Tickets are $20 for WSLR+Fogartyville members and $25 for the general public. Half-priced student tickets are also available.
Celebrate Christmas in July at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime. The Bazaar is home to more than 40 vendors and artisans with unique gifts for everyone. They are open Thursday - Saturday 10-3pm and this week from July 29-July 31 all the vendors will offer deals to make gift giving easy. Also, on Saturday July 31 from 10am - noon join Santa and his favorite elf for Breakfast at Hamlet’s Eatery. Enjoy pancakes, omelets and other delicious breakfast items. Kids will receive a free coloring book created by The Bazar artists and other surprises. Bring your own camera. There is no charge to attend.
In partnership with a matching grant from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, Healthy Start raised $286,732 from the community to establish the Dr. Washington Clark Hill Endowment Fund. The fund will allow Healthy Start to expand the current Save My Life Program, a free, culturally sensitive education and support program for women of color in Sarasota. The fund will also enhance Healthy Start’s services to Spanish-speaking mothers, increase resources for maternal and fetal well-being community opportunities, and support any other identified needs.
Join SRQ Strong Monday, August 23 from 6 pm - 7:30pm for our next community conversation. In our diverse country, immigration (past or recent) is an almost universal experience. This event will feature personal stories from people who have recently arrived in the United States. They will share the challenges they left behind, the difficulties experienced on their journey, and their experiences raising a family in a new culture.
After a comprehensive nationwide search by a committee appointed by the organization’s board, Goodwill Industries Manasota has named a new president to succeed longtime leader Bob Rosinsky. Donn Githens, who has served as Goodwill Manasota’s vice president of operations since 2015 and worked within the Goodwill system since 2006, has been named the organization’s new president, assuming his new role as of July 1 of this year.
Lavonne Martin mixes the martial arts at her studio to train real-world-ready students.
Click here to read the full article in SRQ's July/August 2021 edition.
Put a STEAM twist on your summer fun with Mote starting June 16 and until August 4 from 1:30pm to 3pm. Join Miss Dana, creator of Mote’s popular homeschool programs, each week this summer to learn about ocean animals as we explore the Sarasota Bay or get ArtSEA making upcycled crafts while learning how to protect the ocean. Whether you want your fins in the water or prefer sharks and crafts, we will ‘seas’ the summer. This program is for ages 6-14, accompanied with a parent/guardian (one parent/guardian is included with each participant fee). Due to health and safety restrictions, only one adult chaperone is allowed per paid child and additional (younger or older) siblings or other family members will not be permitted to attend the program; please make sure you complete registration for each participating child in your family. Admission to Mote Aquarium is NOT included with this program. Please visit mote.org/visit for information and to reserve tickets.
Pack your bags. This summer, FST is taking the whole family on a one-of-a-kind musical road trip in On The Road Again, an all-new live performance. Featuring songs like “Country Roads,” “Surfin’ USA,” and “Deep in the Heart of Texas, we’ll celebrate all that makes this country special from sea to shining sea. Join us for an outdoor concert in this summer touring performance as we hit the road with music that has defined the U.S for generations. June: Tuesday, 6/29 at 10am - Fruitville Library and Wednesday, 6/20 at 10am - Gulf Gate Library. July: Thursday, July 1 at 10am - William H. Jervey Jr. Public Library, Saturday, July 3 at 10am - North Port Public Library, Friday, July 9 at 10am - Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Public Library, Saturday, July 10 at 7:30pm - Elsie Quirk Library, Sunday, July 11 at 7pm - Nathan Benderson Park, Saturday, July 17 at 10am - Selby Library, Sunday, July 18 at 7pm - Phillipi Estate Park, and Saturday, July 24 at 10am - Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library. August: Tuesday, August 3 at 10am - William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Public Library.
An international art exhibit designed to proclaim inclusion, respect and kindness debuts at Sarasota-Bradenton’s Nathan Benderson Park. The annual, juried art exhibit is composed by a Sarasota-based arts and education non-profit, Embracing Our Differences (EOD). It consists of 50 billboard-sized works of art, each accompanied by an inspirational quote. The international exhibit uses the power of art and prose to promote diversity and inclusion. The 2021 exhibit brought 15,912 entries from 128 nations, and from 48 U.S. states. The winning quotes and art are showcased in the Bayfront Park every year, from January through March. Thanks to the generosity of the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, the public will have another opportunity to see this exhibit. The exhibit is on display at the park May 20 - Aug. 8 and is free for the public to view.
Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota
An evening at the Hermitage Artist Retreat on the beach will include conversations with artists Deidrick Brackens, Autumn Knight and Robert Pruitt. Presented in partnership with Art Center Sarasota, this event will offer an intimate and candid look into their creative process, exploring themes of identity in their work.
The Hermitage Artist Retreat , 6630 Manasota Key Rd., Englewood
American Fanfare concert will be held Sunday, July 4 at 4pm at the Sarasota Opera House and will be available on demand from July 17 to August 17. Rousing patriotic anthems and stirring inspirational choral works celebrate Independence Day. The Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble joins Choral Artists for the first time, performing Sousa marches to complement the program. Musical fireworks abound in this annual salute to America.
"Oh, the places we can go!” is a juried exhibition of handmade fine crafts where artists have created imaginative pieces inspired by places they’ve been or would like to go. From around the state, 37 artists created more than 80 pieces in ceramics, fiber, glass, metal and wood. At the opening and awards reception on Friday, July 9 at 6 p.m., people will have the opportunity to meet many of the talented artists and the show’s judge, Desmond Clark of St. Cate Fine Art.
Florida CraftArt, 501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
Life on the Circle only gets better when days are bathed in the summer sun. Enjoy a breath of fresh air and immerse yourself in the perfect setting for adventure and fun. Join us for the “Sol of the Circle,” a series of special events for the entire family. Songs on the Circle will take place every first Tuesday from 6pm to 9pm. Dates are June 1, July 6, August 3, and September 7.
With three voices singing incredible songs like “Feeling Good,” “Moondance,” “Come Fly With Me,” “Home,” “Everything,” “Save the Last Dance for Me,” and many more, Shades of Bublé: A Three-Man Tribute to Michael Bublé brings the swinging standards and pop hits of Bublé to the stage in an unforgettable high-energy concert event. Shades of Bublé, created by Melissa Giattino and Ron DeStefano and produced by Drew Pournelle, will play beginning July 13 in FST's Goldstein Cabaret.
Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast invites the community to a monthly Food Truck Friday Night this summer at their Bay Preserve headquarters in Osprey. Enjoy food and fun with friends while taking in a summer sunset at this family-friendly event. Each month, July through September, a different food truck will be onsite serving up local flavor on the shores of Little Sarasota Bay. Members of the Conservation Foundation team will be available to answer questions about their work and the Burrows-Matson House will be open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket for this picnic-style gathering. The dates and food trucks are as follows: Friday, July 23, 5pm to 8pm - Curb Your Appetite (classic American fare) Friday, August 20, 5pm to 8pm - Big Blue Grilled Cheese Company (creative versions of a family favorite) Friday, September 17, 5pm to 8pm - Killik’s Kitchen (modern Asian-Hawaiian fare) “After the isolation of the last year, connection is what we are all craving,” notes Christine Johnson, president of Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast. “Connection with other people and connection with nature. We hope these Friday nights help our community reconnect with each other and with our beautiful natural environment.” Bay Preserve is located at 400 Palmetto Avenue in Osprey, Florida. This series is free and open to the public, however in an effort to ensure plenty of parking, RSVPs are requested. To RSVP for any of the dates, visit conservationfoundation.com/events. Food prices vary by truck. Learn more about each truck’s menu on Facebook.
Conservation Foundation, 400 Palmetto Ave., Osprey
Bringing FST’s 2021 Summer Mainstage Series to a close is Rounding Third by Richard Dresser, an Off-Broadway comedy exploring fatherhood, friendship, and what it means to truly win. Rounding Third follows Don and Michael, two Little League coaches who battle over everything from character-building to shoelaces to misfired pop-flies. Called “Stellar” and “Hilarious” by Variety, this heartwarming two-hander begins playing in FST’s Gompertz Theatre Wednesday, July 28 through August 29. Little League coaches Don and Michael couldn’t be more different—Don believes in winning at all costs, while Michael just wants the team to have fun. From their first tentative meeting until the championship game, these two coaches battle it out over everything from character-building to shoelaces to misfired pop-flies. This Off-Broadway comedy is a heartwarming story of runs and errors, exploring fatherhood, friendship, and what it means to truly win.
The Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling are happy to partner once again to present the Summer Circus Spectacular at the Historic Asolo Theater. Don’t miss this family-friendly show that runs Friday, July 30, 2021 through Saturday, August 14! The Summer Circus Spectacular showcases some of the finest circus artists from around the world, performing acts to thrill audiences of all ages. The Summer Circus Spectacular takes place at the Historic Asolo Theatre at The Ringling (5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota). Show times are 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Opening Night Performance & Celebration, Friday, July 30 @ 7:00 PM
The Ringling Museum , 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota
Join SRQ Strong Monday, August 23 from 6 pm - 7:30 pm for our next community conversation. In this diverse country, immigration (past or recent) is an almost universal experience. This event will feature personal stories from people who have recently arrived in the United States. They will share the challenges they left behind, the difficulties experienced on their journey, and their experiences raising a family in a new culture. The focus will be on Spanish-speaking newcomers and will highlight the positive impact of Hispanics in our community. Leaders from community agencies will also discuss how we can make our community more welcoming. The forum will be delivered twice, once in English and a week later in Spanish.
SRQ Strong, Virtual
Celebrate Christmas in July at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime. The Bazaar is home to more than 40 vendors and artisans with unique gifts for everyone. They are open Thursday - Saturday 10-3pm and this week from July 29-July 31 all the vendors will offer deals to make gift giving easy! Also, on Saturday July 31 from 10am - noon join Santa and his favorite elf for Breakfast at Hamlet’s Eatery. Enjoy pancakes, omelets and other delicious breakfast items. Kids will receive a free coloring book created by The Bazar artists and other surprises. Bring your own camera. There is no charge to attend. The Bazar on Apricot & Lime is located at 821 Apricot Ave in Sarasota and Hamlet’s Eatery is in the outdoor courtyard.
The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime, 821 Apricot Ave., Sarasota
The DSA Presents First Friday Gallery Walk. Enjoy your walk or stroll in Downtown Sarasota with participating galleries, including State of the Arts Gallery on State Street, AlexArt International located at 25 North Pineapple Avenue, Dabbert Gallery on Historic Palm Avenue, Art Uptown Gallery on Sarasota’s Main Street, and 530 Burns Gallery in Historic Burns Court.
The City of Sarasota Parks & Recreation District is increasing the accessibility and enjoyment of swimming at the Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex. From lessons, to extended hours, they have your swimming needs covered. Learn to Swim: This program provides a positive, fun-filled opportunity for youth to learn abilities that will help reduce the number of water accidents and provide lifelong skills in swimming. Swim lessons are geared toward youth ages 6 months to 12 years. Participants will be divided into classes based on their abilities and ages. Sessions offer eight lessons for a registration fee of $65. Parent & Me classes are offered in a four-week session consisting of four lessons on Saturday mornings for $35. Adding to Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex’s Aquatic Programming is the Aqua Blast Class. Join us every Tuesday and Thursday for a steady paced cardio exercises mixed with weights and resistance training. This new class is a great way to burn calories just before lunch time. Non-swimmers welcomed, as this class is in our 3-foot Water Instructional Pool. Tuesdays and Thursdays starting May 11 from 10am to 10:45am. Ages 18 and up are welcome, and classes are $3 each. Purchase a 5-Class Pack for $55. Registration Deadline: Mondays prior to Tuesday class and Wednesday prior to Thursday class. Call 941-263-6732 or register on eTrak: https://www.letsplaysarasota.com/program-guide/online-registration/how-to-register. Starting May 8 Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex will be open on Saturdays. Reservations are available on the hour between 11am and 4pm. The high diving board is closed, but the low diving board will be available. Reservations for Saturday swim are now available on eTrak: https://www.letsplaysarasota.com/program-guide/online-registration/how-to-register.
Florida Studio Theatre (FST)’s resident improv team, FST Improv, returns to the Bowne’s Lab stage with one the troupe’s most popular shows, Life’s a Beach. Drawing inspiration from audience suggestions, FST Improv’s cast members create scenes and musical numbers that celebrate—and poke fun at—all things Sarasota. Beginning June 5, FST Improv will perform Life’s a Beach every Saturday at 7:30pm in FST’s Bowne’s Lab. Doors open one hour before show time. A full food and drink menu is available for pre-show dining. Tickets are now on sale at 941-366-9000 or floridastudiotheatre.org. After performing for live, limited capacity audiences this spring in FST’s Mainstage Keating Theatre, FST Improv will now return to its home theatre, FST’s Bowne’s Lab. Lampooning and celebrating this piece of paradise loved by so many are FST Improv members Kevin Allen, Sarah Durham, Kyle Van Frank, and Will Luera. These quick-thinking performers will also be joined onstage by one of two musical improvisers, Sergei Glushonkov and Michelle Neal. From the annual snowbird migration and never-ending construction to pervasive roundabout confusion and elusive downtown parking, nothing is safe from a good-spirited tease.
MEGA-lodon sized fun for you and your little one! Join us as we explore the marine environment through imaginative play, songs, crafts and more. For preschool (2-5) aged kids and their favorite adult. Each class includes: movement (Ocean Moves with Mote), science tool exploration, role play/games, and immersive water time (dipnetting in the bay). All classes meet at the Whale Fountain at the entrance to The Aquarium. Be sure to read your confirmation email to know what to bring and wear to class. Click on "More Info" for additional details on our Shark Pups and Grownup class offerings, as well as information on at home options for Shark Pups near and far. Dates: June 12, 2021, June 26, 2021, July 10, 2021, July 24, 2021, August 14, 2021, and August 28, 2021 from 9:30am to 11am.
In the Cabaret, FST will present the ultimate tribute to Jerry Lee Lewis: Great Balls of Fire. Created by Jason Cohen and Michael Schiralli, Great Balls of Fire brings the ivory-smashing superstar back to life, featuring “Good Golly, Miss Molly,” “Shake, Rattle, and Roll,” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.” This electrifying act will play in FST’s Court Cabaret beginning Tuesday, June 15 and will play through August 22. Jerry Lee Lewis was the original bad boy of Rock & Roll. Led by Jason Cohen, who has played Lewis in nearly 80 cities across North America, Great Balls of Fire brings the ivory-smashing superstar back to life. With hits from the ‘50s and beyond, including “Good Golly, Miss Molly,” “Shake, Rattle, and Roll,” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” this electrifying act will have you dancing in your seat.
SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email |
Powered by Sarasota Web Design | Unsubscribe
