SRQ DAILY Oct 6, 2023
Friday Weekend Edition
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"Through the exhibition, we can learn that there was a lot behind this unassuming man in religious robes."
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Marie Selby Botanical Gardens celebrates half a century of horticultural appreciation and innovation this year with The Orchid Show 2023: A 50th Anniversary Celebration, a campus-wide exhibition dedicated both to the beauty of orchids and to the role that Selby Gardens has played in their continued scientific study.
Since 1973, Sarasota’s “Living Museum” has become home to more than 3,500 orchids representing more than 1,100 species, with an herbarium holding 40,000 pressed specimens, a spirit collection preserving tens of thousands more and a research library boasting rare books and botanical prints. And with the Orchid Show, a bit of everything will be up for viewing. “Selby Gardens is known internationally for having the world’s best scientifically documented collection of orchids,” says Selby Gardens President and CEO Jennifer Rominiecki, “so what better way to kick off this milestone, than to really showcase what we’re so renowned for.”
The adventure begins in the Tropical Conservatory, where the botanical artists of Selby Gardens have transformed the space into a lush and green paean to the orchid’s beauty and to the strange resilience of plants that grow from the rocks or seemingly from nothing at all. Orchids of all sorts populate geometric displays and canvases of cork—lightweight, sustainable and textured like tree branches—and some even sit in custom-made 3D-printed pots with the Selby Gardens logo cut into the side so the root structure is on view. But the real showstoppers are the delicate orchids growing from what appear to be rocks floating over an indoor pond, defying expectations just like the plants themselves.
Achieving that effect is the result of 50 years learning how to care for and show orchids, says Angel Lara, vice president for botanical horticulture. His colleague, Nathan Burnaman, associate director of horticultural exhibits, agrees. “It’s celebrating orchids, celebrating how we know orchids, and celebrating Selby Gardens,” he says, noting that the rock wall of the Conservatory itself is made of the very same volcanic rock.
The celebration continues in the Museum of Botany & Art in the Payne Mansion, where the first floor plays host to a wide collection of artifacts, photographs, prints and more, sketching in brief the orchid’s story of scientific discovery—and how Selby Gardens fits into that history. Archival photos of the Gardens’ founding and of Marie Selby herself are on display, as are historical texts from the likes of Charles Darwin. Photos of Selby volunteers dot the walls, as do high-definition photographs of the orchids they helped discover, next to botanical prints of old. “Our team has inherited that tradition and learned from that tradition,” says Chief Museum Curator Dave Berry. “And now is continuing to add to it.”
To further commemorate its 50th anniversary, Selby Gardens has also commissioned a special art book, simply titled Orchid, which will be unveiled with the exhibition. In its 240 pages, the volume contains approximately 150 large-scale, high-definition photographs, as well as an introductory essay and additional text from Selby Gardens experts.
Opening this Saturday at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, The Orchid Show 2023 runs from October 7 to November 26.
Pictured: Lithophytic orchids grow on "floating" rocks in The Orchid Show 2023 at Selby Gardens. Photo by Phil Lederer.
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It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words. In the case of Italian Baroque master Guercino and The Ringling Museum of Art, a painting may be worth even more. In The Ringling’s latest exhibit, Guercino’s Friar with a Gold Earring: Fra Bonaventura Bisi, Painter and Art Dealer, which opens October 14, one painting is a looking glass into an entire era of art–the Italian Baroque period.
“This exhibition focuses on a portrait we purchased in 2015 by Guercino, the 17th century Bologense painter. He painted this Franciscan Friar, Fra Bonaventura Bisi and the friar is a fascinating figure because he was connected to many different artists, artmaking and art collecting in the first half of the 17th century,” says Sarah Cartwright, The Ringling’s Ulla R. Searing Curator of Collections. “An artist himself, he was also an art dealer for important clients, particularly in the realm of drawings in a time where the appreciation of drawings as an autonomous art form was still in its infancy.”
The exhibition uses Geurcino’s portrait of the friar as a gateway into the world Bisi operated in. The connections Bisi had were immense: from fellow religious leaders to painters and artists to intellectuals, Bisi was a critical figure in the Italian Baroque period. “Through the exhibition, we can learn that there was a lot behind this unassuming man in religious robes. He did a lot of other things in addition to his religious duties, he was a mover and a shaker in his society,” says Cartwright. “That's a surprise in itself that people might not realize–that a religious figure was connected to this commercial world of art dealing and all of his proceeds from art dealing went to the Church.”
The exhibition is composed of pieces of the period, from the oil paintings, drawings, prints and metalwork that Bisi had his hands on to the miniature tempera paintings on parchment that the friar made himself. Also featured are writings and illustrations from Bisi’s contemporaries that tell of Bisi’s influence on the art world. While the exhibition may be inspired by just one portrait, it takes a much larger collection of art and literature to paint the entire picture of Fra Bonaventura Bisi.
The Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota.
Pictured: Guercino (Giovanni Francesco Barbieri; Italian, 1591-1666), Fra Bonaventura Bisi, oil on canvas, 94 x 76.5 cm. Museum purchase, 2015, SN11531. Courtesy of The Ringling Museum of Art.
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The Sarasota Players opens Winter Flowers, the second play in the new Sidebar Series. This intriguing drama directed by Jalex Scott runs Oct. 20 through 29 in the Players Studio Black Box (1400 Blvd. of the Arts, Suite 200, Sarasota, FL 34236.) Shows in the Sidebar Series were specifically selected by Artistic Director Steven Butler to explore the human condition. Synopsis: For most of her life, Delphie has been taking care of her adult younger sister Rosie, who has the mental ability of a five-year-old. Delphie, now dying of stomach cancer, must provide for her sister’s future, and had decided to place them both in a nursing home. However, Rosie refuses to leave their family home, forcing Delphie to make a new plan. Warnings: Deals with gripping social issues and death
Oct. 20-21 and 27-28 at 7:30pm, Oct. 22 and 29 at 2pm, 1400 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota.
Pictured: Delphi played by Jill Schroeder and Rosie, played by Meredith Templeton. Photo courtesy of The Sarasota Players.
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Recently returned from directing the UK premiere of Alan Brody's Operation Epsilon, Hermitage Artistic Director and CEO Andy Sandberg has dedicated his career to championing new work. As a director, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and arts administrator he has created and shepherded dozens of works from their earliest stages of development to their opening nights and beyond. Hear about his most recent experiences exploring true historical events on stage in London, as well as other insights into the complicated and exciting process of realizing a new work of theater as the sun sets at beautiful Selby Gardens.
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The Stage at Payne Park LLC (The Stage), a wholly-owned subsidiary nonprofit organization of The Players, Inc. with a mission to remodel and operate the existing Payne Park auditorium for its new home, recently hired Michael Ayres as its executive director and vice president of advancement. With more than 18 years of experience as a skilled fundraiser, grant writer, communicator, team builder, event manager and community liaison, Ayres joins The Stage with extensive experience in a donor-driven environment. His robust career showcases his proven ability to execute complex projects, analyze opportunities for collaboration and strengthen internal and external partnerships to help meet the mission of an organization. Most recently, Ayres was the director of development services for Visible Men Academy in Manatee County. During his time there, he was tasked with donor cultivation, fundraising, stewardship, grant writing and administration, special event management and administrative operations. Ayres also served as liaison for the organization’s executive board. Prior to that, Ayres acted as the corporate development and special events officer for Sarasota Opera. During his four-year tenure, he managed the design, planning and execution of exceptional donor stewardship and cultivation events, managed high-profile public facing events, including galas and festivals, and was charged with the simultaneous cultivation and solicitation of corporate and foundation gifts, grants and sponsorships, among other duties. In his new role as executive director and vice president of advancement, Ayres will champion the capital campaign to develop The Stage. He will work directly with the chief executive officer and chief financial officer to effectively build community relations with donors, foundations, media and other performing arts organizations within the community, as well as promote The Stage’s fundraising initiative, among other tasks. Ayres holds a master’s degree in instructional technology from the University of South Florida in Tampa and a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary social sciences with a public administration concentration from the University of South Florida in Sarasota-Manatee.
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Do you know a board member, volunteer, philanthropist, staff member, or a corporate organization with a giving heart that has meaningfully impacted our community in the past year? Nominate them today! Nominations close TONIGHT at midnight.
Join us in bringing hope and healing to the fight against child abuse in our community. Night of Hope and Healing will feature a wide selection of tastings from crowd favorite restaurants, fantastic live and silent auctions, and most importantly, you will leave the event knowing that you are bringing change, protection, and hope to the most vulnerable children of our community. Sponsoring this event will expose your business to a compassionate, caring, and loyal community while providing the necessary support to give local children access to life saving services. These partnerships provide hope in raising awareness, hope in bringing comfort and joy, and hope in building a world where kids can just be kids. We look forward to seeing you there. Plantation Golf and Country Club, 500 Rockley Blvd., Venice, https://cpcsarasota.org/events/night-of-hope/.
Choral Artists of Sarasota presents the songs that brought hope and inspiration during military conflicts, from the Revolutionary War through Desert Storm. The featured guest artist is baritone Bob McDonald, a retired Sergeant Major from The US Army Chorus. The performance will be on Saturday, November 11, 1pm, at Church of the Redeemer, 222 S. Palm Avenue, Sarasota. Tickets are $40 for guests and $25 for Veterans. Student tickets are $5. For more information, visit www.ChoralArtistsSarasota.org.
Featuring over 70 Food Vendors, and coinciding with the Grand Arrival of Santa Parade held at UTC. 140 University Town Center Dr., Sarasota.
The Hermitage Artist Retreat announces a newly developed partnership with Nathan Benderson Park as a part of the Hermitage’s 2023-2024 season. Expanding on the success of the Hermitage programming at Selby Gardens and other venues throughout the region, the new Hermitage Sunsets at Benderson Park series launches this year following a popular Hermitage program at the park last season. Each program in the Hermitage Sunsets at Benderson Park series will feature a celebrated Hermitage artist to be announced. The outdoor series features performances and explorations of works-in-progress by Hermitage artists-in-residence and alumni. Hermitage Sunsets at Benderson Park events are currently scheduled to take place by Benderson Lake near the Nathan Benderson Family Finish Tower. The first event in this series is scheduled for Thursday, November 16th at 5pm and will feature two of the most innovative voices working in theater today. Hermitage Sunsets at Benderson Park: Theater on the Lake showcases the talents of Hermitage Fellows Terry Guest and James Anthony Tyler. These two talents split the bill to share some of their latest work and discuss the creative process as the sun goes down over the lake. This first program in the new series is presented in partnership with Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, Urbanite Theatre, and Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy. Admission is free, but registration is required for $5 at HermitageArtistRetreat.org.
Celebrate 75 years of inspiring music all season long, and our Celebrate 75 special concert and gala experience will be the party to top them all. We invite you to support 75 more years, and beyond, of enriching lives through music by purchasing tickets to Celebrate 75. For access to the best seats and the full celebration, opt for a Gala ticket, which includes pre-concert cocktails and a gourmet dinner after the performance. Concert-only tickets are also available for purchase. The concert program, led by Creative Partner Peter Oundjian, captures all the euphoria of reaching this milestone in our history as Florida’s oldest continuously operating orchestra. After two stirring fanfares written by Aaron Copland and Joan Tower, legendary pianist Garrick Ohlsson joins Sarasota Orchestra for the monumental Piano Concerto No. 3 by Rachmaninoff. Paired with An American in Paris by Gershwin, a rhapsodic portrait of a stroll through the City of Lights, this one-night-only program promises to thrill. Gala begins at 6:00 pm, and concert begins at 7:00 pm. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, sarasotaorchestra.org.
Suncoast Food and Wine Fest offers an afternoon of samplings and tastings from a large selection of fine restaurants as well as a variety of fine wines and other beverages in a beautiful outdoor setting. Your participation by purchasing a ticket provides financial assistance to many charitable organizations within Sarasota and Manatee counties, and other Rotary projects. Premier Sports Campus, 5895 Post Blvd., Lakewood Ranch.
Taste of New Orleans will take place on Saturday, October 28th at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. This event has developed an exceptional reputation, providing guests with hors doeuvres, live entertainment, and an unforgettable bayfront setting. Taste of New Orleans sponsorships are available at a variety of levels. Proceeds support Truly Valued programs, that increase confidence and better decision making skills through changed behaviors of the youth and families that we serve. Visit https://trulyvalued.org/taste-of-new-orleans to purchase tickets.
Bringing Up Down Syndrome will hold its 21st annual Buddy Walk on Saturday, October 28th from 10 am to 2 pm at Bayside Community Church, located at 15800 FL64 in Bradenton, Florida. This exciting event is the largest Down syndrome awareness and celebration experience in the area. This event will feature live music with celebrated vocalist and DJ, MoTown Ross Brown, silent auction, carnival games, a 50/50 raffle, food and beverages, and a variety of other family friendly activities. All donations support programs and services offered to over 250 families across Manatee and Sarasota counties. Register now at manasotabuds.org.
Not sure where to eat? Roxanne Baker has done the work for you. Come listen to her dish on the experience of writing a small and shrewdly specific restaurant guidebook for Sarasota as she is joined by a special guest chef. You will also sip some wine and enjoy a sampling of some small bites. Tickets for this event are $15 and include a copy of Small and Shrewdly Specific, A Sarasota Dining Guide. Bookstore1Sarasota, 117 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. sarasotabooks.com.
Raise a glass with Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium during Sharktoberfest, a craft beer festival in the Aquarium after hours sponsored by Gold Cost Eagle Distributing. The event will feature local and regional breweries that will provide samples of their staple selections alongside unique, seasonal brews. Each guest will receive a commemorative tasting glass for sampling and a branded gift bag. Sharktoberfest guests will experience Mote Aquarium as they never have before, enjoying live entertainment, food stations, merchandise vendors and special experiences provided by the Mote Education department. A limited number of VIP Tasting tickets are available for a private tasting experience that will be held at Mote prior to the start of Sharktoberfest. Presented by 99 Bottles Taproom and Bottle Shop, the VIP Tasting will feature six sample selections from local brewers. A curated menu of light bites will be paired with each brew. Guests will enjoy a guided tasting experience where representatives from each brewery will provide insight into the creation of each brew. At the completion of the VIP Tasting experience, guests will enter the Aquarium for the start of Sharktoberfest. Rain or shine event. Must be age 21 or older to attend. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, mote.org.
The cultural phenomenon continues on the big screen! Immerse yourself in this once-in-a lifetime concert film experience with a breathtaking cinematic view of the history-making tour. Taylor Swift Eras attire and friendship bracelets are strongly encouraged! Tickets available for October 13-15 and October 19-22. For more information visit filmsociety.org.
Kicking off Friday, October 13, naturally, our popular Halloween-inspired light show is back for a second year! The show will run from October 13-31 with entry times at 6:30pm and 7:45 nightly. Don't miss the chance to see our Historic Spanish Point campus transformed into Spooky Point where you can follow an eerily lit path and encounter fantastic creations and boo-tanically-themed decorations along the way. Equal parts campy and cute, this walk-through show is fun for all ages. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Purchasing tickets in advance is strongly encouraged, buy yours soon to secure the dates and times of your choice. To purchase tickets at the member price, you must log in to your Selby Gardens member account. For more information visit selby.org.
The Bradentucky Bombers are excited to announce the next home game of 2023 on Saturday, October 7th against River City Rat Pack, a team out of Jacksonville, Florida. They will be hosting the game on Saturday, October 7th at Ellenton Ice & Sports Complex at 5:00 p.m, doors open at 4:30pm. Tickets are available! Presale-$10 online; Adults at the door-$15; Kids 6-12-$10 at the door. Kids 5 and under are free! For more information visit www.bradentuckybombers.com or the Eventbrite to purchase tickets eventbrite.com/e/bradentucky-bombers-vs-river-city-rat-pack-tickets-517783603697.
You are invited to attend a Job Fair at the SCS district offices at The Landings, 1960 Landings Blvd., Sarasota. You will be able to learn about various careers available throughout the SCS district and the valuable benefits offered and complete an online application. School and district staff will be available for questions and application assistance. We can't wait to meet you.
Join in a Salsa and Bachata dance series from Sept 28-Oct 12 with DK Dance Instructors Kery and Dario at Historic Asolo Theater. Bachata is a dance and music genre that originated from the Dominican Republic. It is a dance form that can be compared to Bolero, tango and other more romantic dance styles. The music is reminiscent of “blues” with lyrics of lost love and sorrow. However, the rhythm itself is more upbeat and very addicting. The series costs $70 for non-member and $50 for members and individual, drop-in classes will be $16 for non-members and $12 for members. For more information, visit ringling.org.
Creative Liberties Artist Studios and Galleries presents Collaboration and Community: Art in Common Places, October 5-28, at 927 N. Lime Avenue location. This exhibition is a retrospective of 34 broadsides, both one-sided prints and posters, created by artists and poets collaborating via the local non-profit, Art in Common Places. An opening reception is October 5, 5-7 p.m., and will feature live poetry readings. Jackie Cutrone will read The Rhythm of Structure by the late John Sims, Anne Morrison will read her poem On the Beach and Glenn Schudel will read Process. The founders of AICP, and many of its artist and poet members will be in attendance. Lite bites and refreshments will be available. For more information, visit creativeliberties.net.
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