In his role as Studio Director with MHK Architecture, Stephen Balut operates within a carefully regulated world of zoning and building codes, clients and collaboration, meticulously planning each project over time with a team of professionals. But when he gets to the canvas, all bets are off and all guardrails removed, as the artist constructs his three-dimensional abstractions with everything from acrylic paint to simple carpentry nails and an endless collection of yarn, thread, wire and monofilament. “It’s just an expression of beauty and art,” Balut says. “A flash of spirit in the moment. I don’t stress or worry, because every painting is a fun experiment, and it can be whatever it turns out to be.” His latest experiments, a collection of abstract seascapes and sunsets in a growing body of work Balut calls String Theory, are on display at State of the Arts Gallery in Downtown Sarasota.

“Most people don’t ever expect to see thread or string on a canvas,” Balut says, “so they’re often perplexed when they first see a painting.” But that kind of curiosity is exactly what an artist wants to see, and Balut derives no small satisfaction in watching the intrigued party’s reaction as they realize what they’re looking at. “Right when they get about four or five feet away,” he says, “they’re like, ‘Oh my gosh!’” But even up close, Balut’s work can baffle the eyes.

Carefully crafted and geometrically exacting, Balut’s architectural background comes through in the work’s clear dedication to the power of the line, which Balut layers both vertically and horizontally—first in acrylic paint and then with whatever thread or string he’s chosen for the piece. By now, he has a collection of hundreds, each retaining its own character and properties, and he deploys them as a painter would any other palette. “They all reflect light differently,” Balut says. “And it’s really fun to play with the different materiality.” An underlayer of metallic wire or monofilament, for example, can create a spontaneous backlight or glitter effect in a piece; and an elevated layer of yarn can create compelling shadows. “And that creates depth,” says Balut, who, ever the architect, just can’t help but play with space.

The result in some is something of an optical illusion, as the patterns in a piece will reinforce and repeat, drawing the eye in and threatening the mind with thoughts of infinity. And then, when viewed at a different angle, the whole pattern shifts, as if reality has slipped slightly off its axis—or the viewer has. The effect is almost Kubrickian. In others, the threads strung across the canvas serve more as an organizing structure, secondary to the intricate color work happening in acrylic. Viewers are encouraged to touch the artwork—gently—setting the strings a-tremble and getting lost in the color and the shape, looking into the stuff of the universe, where everything is just vibrations and space.

And that’s String Theory. 

Pictured: Refracted Calm by Stephen Balut.

The concept of a one person show is part of what makes a night at the theater so unique. To see an actor inhabit a slew of characters, all with their own quirks and personalities, en route to telling a compelling story is something to be savored. It’s a form of storytelling as old as time itself and an act that one would be hard pressed to find in any other artistic medium. This unique approach is explored in Florida Studio Theatre’s A Night in November, the current production in the company’s Stage III Series.

The play, a heartfelt comedy written by Marie Jones, originally premiered in 1994 in the midst of the ethno-political strife of “The Troubles” in Northern Ireland. A Night in November follows Kenneth McCallister, a Northern Irish Protestant loyalist who begins to question himself and his own identity after witnessing the intense hatred toward Catholic supporters of the Republic of Ireland in a World Cup qualifying match between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. “The story at its core is about a man who is going on a personal journey of discovery and reconciliation with his past. He lives in Belfast and one night while attending a soccer match, he is confronted with the bigotry and hatred that exists in his community of Protestants versus Catholics,” says director Kristin Clippard. “After being confronted with that at the football match, he is driven to look deep into how he was raised and goes on a journey to examine what he believes and why he has those beliefs.”

Kenneth–and some 22 other characters–are all portrayed by James Evans, who is making his FST debut. As daunting a task as playing nearly two dozen different roles may seem, Evans has embraced the challenge head on. “The challenge to do a one person show is such a rare opportunity and a privilege to do. I think we have 23 characters in total,” says Evans. “They vary from substantial supporting characters with many lines that come up in many scenes and are really well fleshed out in the text and then some characters who just have a couple of lines and are in the background. I think that’s the joy of seeing a one person show–seeing that one person command the stage and build up the world around them just using their own body and voice.”

February 21 to March 15, Florida Studio Theatre’s Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First Street, Sarasota. 

Pictured: James Evans as Kenneth McCallister in A Night in November. Photo by John Jones.

All Angels Church is delighted to offer an exhibition of Byzantine Style Icons by Christine Simoneau Hales from April 7- June 28, 2024. All Angels Church, Long Boat Key, Florida will host an extraordinary collection of Byzantine style icons created by noted Iconographer, Christine Simoneau Hales. Since the beginning of Christianity, icons have been revered as aids to prayer and contemplation.  They are visual reminders of the Saints and Gospel stories that have inspired all Christians throughout the ages. Ms. Hales has studied for many years and now teaches and produces icons for churches and private collectors. Ms. Hales is sought after for her modern, yet Traditional icons for churches all over the world. She has won several grants and awards for her painting and is now a local Sarasota iconographer. She will share her own collection of icons she has crafted in the ancient Byzantine Tradition using egg tempera paints and gold leaf gilding on wood panels. There will be over twenty original icons on display from April 7- June 28, 2024, all icons will be available for purchase by contacting the artist/iconographer. Gallery hours:  Mon-Thurs. 9-1, and Sundays 11:30-12:30 (June- no Sunday hours).  All are welcome!  

Irish dancers and musicians from Edmond’s Herbert W. Armstrong College and Armstrong Dance will embark on their fifth U.S. tour beginning May 5, visiting 10 states over seven weeks with their show Celtic Throne—The Royal Journey of Irish Dance. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall will host a one-night performance at 7:30 p.m., June 2. Celtic Throne—The Royal Journey of Irish Dance explores the ancient origins of Irish step dance and celebrates the millennia-long journey of a music-and-dance-loving people as they migrate from the ancient Near East to Ireland, Scotland, England and the United States. Celtic Throne combines Golden Globe-nominated composer Brian Byrne powerful, cinematic musical score with hard- and soft-shoe Irish dancing, all set against epic imagery of Ireland, the Scottish Highlands, scenes from the British Empire and traditional America. “It is guaranteed to leave audiences thrilled and inspired,” said co-director Brad Macdonald. “Bring the entire family for an unforgettable experience!” Brian Byrne is a multi-award-winning film and television composer, songwriter and producer. Byrne composed music for Heartbeat of Home and has collaborated with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Katy Perry, Bono, Barbara Streisand, Josh Groban, Sinead O’Connor, Kelly Clarkson and Sarah McLachlan, to name a few. The Armstrong Dance troupe is comprised of over 40 Irish dancers, ranging in age from 24 to just 4 years old. The troupe is comprised of students from the Carey Academy USA, some of whom have competed with great success in top Irish dance competitions, including Worlds, All Irelands, Great Britain and North American Nationals. Tickets to Celtic Throne—The Royal Journey of Irish Dance begin at $25 and can be purchased at VanWezel.org. For more information, please visit celticthrone.com.

June 2, Start time: 7:30 p.m., Doors open: 7:00 p.m., Run time with intermission is 2 hours. 

Adrienne Watts will be Artist in Residence at Art Ovation Hotel March 5-10, from 4-8 pm each evening. She will be demonstrating the process of making woven canvas paintings and talking about her upcoming solo exhibition of this work. A reception will be held Friday, March 8 from 5-7 pm. The hotel is located at 1255 N. Palm Avenue, Sarasota. This event is free and open to the public. For more information contact adriennewattsart@gmail.com. 

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is pleased to present the eleventh year of its annual Young Artist Program, through which Troupe members can showcase their talents with self-produced, one-person shows. WBTT’s first Young Artist Program showcase of the 2023-2024 season will feature frequent WBTT performer Delores McKenzie as she presents two performances of “Belles of Broadway” on March 17 and 18, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. Local audiences have seen McKenzie in WBTT productions “Sistas in the Name of Soul,” “Eubie!” “Broadway in Black” and “Joyful! Joyful!” The "little lady with the big voice," Delores Elizabeth McKenzie is a singer, actress, and voiceover artist who was born and raised in Sarasota and is a child prodigy who benefited from early training by Nate Jacobs. A graduate of Bethune Cookman University, she has traveled all over the world on top-tier cruise lines: she was a principal production singer for Norwegian Cruise Lines for seven years. She was recently chosen to be the voice of Royer Studios Anti-Tobacco and Vaping campaign against teen tobacco use. Now she’s bringing her talents back home. During this intimate evening, McKenzie will pay tribute to some of the iconic women of Broadway. Patrons will hear hits from “Wicked,” “Chicago,” “Hamilton,” “Waitress the Musical,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Les Misérables,” and many more. McKenzie will be accompanied by John Bronston, a 2023 AUDELCO Award nominee for Outstanding Musical Director, and a live band. There will also be a special guest appearance from a WBTT fan favorite. Upcoming Young Artist Program showcases of the year will feature Ariel Blue, who will present a show titled “On Love’s Boulevard” on April 21-22, and Charlie “CJ” Melton, who will present “I Sing Because I’m Happy; I Sing Because I’m Free” on May 19. WBTT’s Young Artist Program, part of its education programming, was created to support, develop and showcase the talents of young, aspiring artists of color. The Young Artist Program offers company members the opportunity to develop and present an original production. All proceeds from the show are given to the presenting artist to be used to further their artistic and professional development. Since its inception, WBTT has mentored and inspired many young artists through their participation in the company’s productions and, in more recent years, Stage of Discovery and other youth training opportunities. Many of the aspiring professional artists trained in the organization’s performing arts program have gone on to work with regional and national companies and even achieved major-label success. Young Artist Program showcases take place in The Donelly Theatre at WBTT (1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota) at 7:30 p.m. The performance on March 18 is already sold out; plenty of good seats are still available for Sunday, March 17. Tickets are $27 general admission; sponsor tickets, which include reserved preferred seating and playbill recognition, are $102 (prices include ticket fees). Call the Box Office at 941-366-1505 or purchase tickets online at westcoastblacktheatre.org. 

Pictured: Delores McKenzie will be featured in a Young Artist Program showcase at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, with shows on March 17 and 18. Photos by Sorcha Augustine

This year’s Babcock Ranch Art Show features 67 local and internationally acclaimed artists exhibiting along the Founder’s Square lakefront March 9-10. The juried show, now in its sixth year, includes artists from 18 states and Israel and represents the full spectrum of fine and visual arts – from painting, drawing, digital, 2D and 3D mixed media, metal, jewelry, photography, ceramic, glass, printmaking, sculpture, wearable and woodwork. Presented by town developer Kitson & Partners in collaboration with ArtFest Fort Myers, the 2024 Babcock Ranch Art Show is Saturday, March 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, March 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The free family friendly event also features live music in the Founder’s Square bandshell stage, children’s activities, Southwest Florida’s favorite food trucks and food and beverage available at Slater’s Goods & Provisions, Square Scoops Coffee & Creamery and the Lakehouse Kitchen & Bar. Visitors can also meet with community homebuilders in the Builder Expo pavilion in Founder’s Square to learn more about the various new homes available in several distinctive neighborhoods. For six years, the Babcock Ranch Art Show has been instrumental in bringing the arts to residents and the surrounding community. Its intimate size is a favorite of local art lovers, who enjoy talking to artists and learning about their inspirations and creative processes. As a juried show, artists are selected annually based on a jury review of their anonymous submissions. The acclaim, caliber and geographic boundaries of exhibitors continue to broaden with artists this year hailing from as far away as California, New Mexico, New York and Tel Aviv. From art shows to music, Babcock Ranch is committed to providing cultural opportunities close to home. America’s first solar-powered – and art-filled – town, Babcock Ranch is among the best-selling master-planned communities in the United States, ranked No. 7 by RCLCO Real Estate Advisors and No. 8 by John Burns Real Estate Consulting in 2023.For more information about Southwest Florida’s new hometown, located just northeast of Fort Myers off Babcock Ranch Road/State Road 31, visit the Woodlea Hall Discovery Center at 42850 Crescent Loop in Babcock Ranch, call 877-709-6620, or visit BabcockRanch.com. 

ensembleNEWSRQ (enSRQ), the innovative chamber music ensemble, continues its eighth season with “You Are Free,” a program featuring five works, including Raven Chacon’s 2021 Pulitzer Prize-winning “Voiceless Mass” (This performance marks one of the inaugural presentations of this piece to the public.) The concert also presents the world premiere and enSRQ commission of a work entitled “ZvasAna,” by Kyle Rivera, which was written for enSRQ artists this year. The program also includes works by Ania Vu (“Five in One,” 2018), Shawn Okpebholo (“Distance;” 2016); and Sarah Kirland Snider (“You Are Free,” 2016). The concert is Monday, March 25, 7:30 p.m., at First Congregational Church, 1031 S. Euclid Ave., Sarasota. Single tickets are $25. For more information on ticket packages and single tickets, including student ticket pricing, visit www.EnSRQ.org. 

Soundbox Ventures continues its “Listen Hear” Salon Concerts at St. Boniface Episcopal Church with “Celebrating Ned Rorem” on March 8 at 7 p.m. The centerpiece of the program is “Aftermath,” a song cycle by the late American composer Ned Rorem written in the wake of 9/11, which contemplates the universal experience of sorrow. Violinist Max Tan and pianist Marisa Gupta return to the series and are joined by baritone Tom Meglioranza and cellist Lev Mamuya. The program honors the sacrifice of those who have served, embraces those who have experienced loss, and pays tribute to an American artist whose musical poetry continues to speak in today’s chaotic world. Each program is free and registration is required. A light reception with the artists follows the performance. Register at www.soundboxventures.org/events. St. Boniface Episcopal Church is located at 5615 Midnight Pass Road on Siesta Key. 

Art Center Sarasota’s 2023-2024 exhibition season continues with four exhibits, March 14-April 20. Natasha Dikareva’s “Through Sorrow into Light” features a new body of freestanding and wall-hanging ceramic sculptures, expressing the Ukrainian-born artist’s perspective on the current sociopolitical climate. (Artist Talk on Thursday, March 28, 5:30-7 p.m.) In “Rooted in Spirit,” Angela Pilgrim celebrates the complex inner worlds of Black women through printmaking, painting and mixed media. (Artist Talk is Saturday, March 16, 5:30-7 p.m.) Michael Kinsey’s “Views from the New Horizon” features ethereal black and white photographic portraits of leaders in the local Black community taken for Sarasota Magazine’s “Listening to Black Voices” series. (Panel discussions with leaders in the black community: Wednesday, March 20, 5-7 p.m.; Thursday, March 21, 11 a.m-1 p.m.  Artist Talk is Thursday, April 4, 5:30-7p.m.) “Great Artists Steal” is an open, juried exhibit that encourages artists to create works inspired by their favorite artists and artworks. (Juror Critique with Alecia Harper: Friday, March 22, time TBD.) The opening reception for all four exhibits is Thursday, March 14, 6-8 p.m. All works on display are available for purchase. Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For information, visit www.artsarasota.org or call 941-365-2032.  

Pictured: Right Hand by Natasha Dikareva. Photo courtesy of Art Center Sarasota.

Yesterday was an exciting day for the Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, as the labor and delivery teams at both the Sarasota and Venice Campuses helped families celebrate the births of numerous Leap Day babies! The chances of a baby being born on Feb. 29th are 1 in 1,461. As of around 2 pm, the SMH-Sarasota Campus had welcomed seven new “leaplings.” There were 8 additional mothers in labor on the Sarasota Campus at the time. The SMH-Venice Campus celebrated the birth of its first ever Leap Day baby, as the campus opened in 2021. This will be a record breaking Leap Year for SMH. Previously, the Sarasota Campus delivered seven babies on Leap Day in 2016, and eight on Feb. 29, 2020.  

Pictured: The first ever Leap Day baby born at SMH-Venice, Emmett Sinibaldi, born at 7:56am, 7 lbs. 12 ozs., 20 in. long. His parents Josh and Angela live on Venice Island along with Emmett's 3-year-old big brother Henry.