SRQ DAILY Mar 20, 2024
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"We are grateful to receive this funding to extend our collaborative efforts to our local community recovering from Hurricane Ian."
It was a dreamy night as fans and supporters gathered for "An Intimate Evening with Jennifer Holliday" at the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) on Monday, March 11.
Founder and Artistic Director, Nate Jacobs first took the stage to share stories of the theater’s history and the work involved in keeping its legacy alive through fundraising efforts. He then introduced longtime friend and colleague, Jennifer Holliday, who spoke openly with Jacobs about her humble beginnings singing with the choir at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, her first Broadway performance in Your Arms Are Too Short To Box With God, her iconic role as Effie in Dreamgirls and the struggles that she’s endured over the past several years in an industry where it's often hard to maintain success.
Accompanied by WBTT's resident music director and pianist extraordinaire, Matthew McKinnon, Holliday delighted the audience with her opening musical number, I Feel Good, reflecting on her current state of well-being. After a few more songs, she sat down with Jacobs for a second time, giving the audience the opportunity to learn more about her legendary life and career. For young artists just trying to make it, Holliday shared some advice: “No matter how hard it gets, just stay ready–have your audition piece ready, because when preparation meets opportunity, that’s when the magic happens,” she said.
Holliday later wowed the audience with favorites from Dreamgirls, including I am Changing, her own special medley of the title number from Dreamgirls with Corner of the Sky from Pippin, followed by her show-stopping performance of One Night Only. She ended the evening with a standing ovation after a very powerful rendition of And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.
The special evening included lite bites and beverages from Rosemary and Thyme and a meet and greet with Holliday, along with photo opportunities. With this fundraising event, WBTT achieved their main goal–to provide intimate access to an artist of Holliday's stature, not only to their supporters but also their artists, who were thrilled to have the opportunity to see a legend up close and learn so much about the industry from hearing her stories. 
Pictured: Jennifer Holliday shared stories of her career highs and lows with WBTT Founder/Artistic Director, Nate Jacobs. Photo by Sorcha Augustine.
In a strategic move to better reflect its mission and to facilitate broader community engagement, Transition Sarasota is rebranding as Community Harvest SRQ. Community Harvest SRQ is a non-profit organization committed to reducing food waste, addressing food insecurity, and fostering a resilient local food economy across Sarasota and Manatee counties. Through its signature food rescue initiatives, frequent educational events, and annual Eat Local Week, the organization continues to lead efforts to build a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable future. The new name, Community Harvest SRQ, expresses the organization’s efforts to provide equitable access to healthy food, support the local community, and work toward a more sustainable future. While its “doing business” name has changed, the organization will continue to do its valuable work in the community just as before. Community Harvest SRQ remains part of the worldwide Transition movement, a network of grassroots groups actively cultivating just, resilient, and regenerative communities at the local level. The organization’s legal name will remain as Transition Sarasota Inc. With enhanced brand clarity, Community Harvest SRQ aims to expand its reach and services. It will continue to support local food recovery through three initiatives: The Suncoast Gleaning Project, Suncoast Fruit Rescue, and the new Farmers Market Produce Recovery program. It will also present the annual Eat Local Week celebration and offer educational events yearly. To learn more about these programs and how to get involved, visit https://www.communityharvestsrq.org/get-involved. The rebranding project and the new farmers market program both were made possible in part through support from the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation.
Executive Director Joyce Norris with boxes of greens recovered from a local farm. Photo Courtesy of Community Harvest SRQ.
On Monday morning, March 18, Mote Marine Laboratory released a subadult, believed-female loggerhead sea turtle nicknamed "Clarice." She has been outfitted with a Passive Integrated Transponder and flipper tags, which provide identification data for Clarice if future needs arise. She was released at Lido Beach and was carried into the water due to a previous injury to one of her flippers. Although she initially swam in the wrong direction, Clarice, with the help of Mote's Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital Staff, found the sea.Clarice's tale began on a Halloween night, October 31, 2023, when she was found adrift three miles off the coast from the Venice Fishing Pier in Sarasota County. Weighed down by an abundance of epibiota, typically parasitic organisms that live on other living organisms, and showing signs of anemia, a condition where the blood lacks healthy red blood cells, and low blood glucose, Clarice was swiftly brought to Mote's Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital for care. Upon her arrival, it became evident that Clarice was suffering from what was suspected to be debilitated turtle syndrome, a condition where turtles become lethargic and anemic. She was placed in a rehab pool with shallow water, gradually adjusting to her surroundings. Despite her weakened state, Clarice showed a spark of resilience by eagerly foraging on capelin and squid. In the following days and weeks, Clarice's condition improved steadily. With each passing day, she became more active, and her tank depth was adjusted accordingly. Mote’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital staff carefully monitored her diet and increased as she regained her strength. Regular treatments, including antibiotics, iron injections, and deworming, helped in her recovery process. Clarice's progress has been remarkable. After 140 days of dedicated care and rehabilitation, Clarice has been deemed fit for release. Clarice's story serves as a testament to the resilience of these magnificent creatures and the tireless efforts of those committed to their conservation.
Pictured: Clarice the sea turtle is helped back to the ocean. Photo Courtesy of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.
In early March, the Music Compound Album Ensemble, comprising 14 students, ages 13 to 70, and five staff members, presented two performances of the complete "Rumours" album by Fleetwood Mac. Proceeds from the concert benefited Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center, or SPARCC, a charity selected to reflect the troubled circumstances that famously surrounded the band during the recording of the album. Music Compound studio manager Alyssa Martin delivered a check for $542 to SPARCC in mid-March.The Album Ensemble is one of many programs Music Compound provides for adults and youth who wish to connect with like-minded individuals in a positive and fun learning environment. Music Compound has locations in Bradenton and Sarasota. For more information, visit musiccompound.com.
Ning Tinsley, communications manager for SPARCC, left, with Music Compound studio manager Alyssa Martin during the check presentation. Provided photo from Music Compound.
In mid-March, Safe Children Coalition celebrated its 2nd annual Giving Breakfast, presented by Sunset Automotive Group, during which Joan and Bob Geyer, Graci McGillicuddy, and Melissa Larkin Skinner were recognized as the 2024 Champions for Children. The event took place at Michael’s On East. The program included a welcome by SCC President and CEO Brena Slater and Vice Chair of the Board, Lee Lipton. After enjoying a served breakfast, the guests heard from each honoree about their work in our community to improve the lives of at-risk children and strengthen area families. A heartfelt part of the event was Lisa Mitchell’s story: the mother of four daughters was without a job and using drugs and alcohol several decades ago when she was approached by Jone Williams, who was trying to get the HIPPY, Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters, program off the ground. Not only did Mitchell participate in the program, she encouraged other families in her neighborhood to do the same. Event emcee Joe Girvan of Alpert Enterprises moved the program along and led the paddle raise, which brought in nearly $140,000. The program ended with an update on SCC’s Youth Shelter campaign. The campaign has raised nearly 65 percent of what SCC expects the facility to cost. The nearly 9,000-square-foot building will provide safe emergency, temporary housing for youth ages 10-17. It is the only Youth Shelter designated for Sarasota and Desoto counties and serves Manatee County youth as well. It is being designed to reduce the list of youth waiting for safe shelter and will alleviate the waiting list of teens in need of shelter services. For more about SCC, visit sccfl.org.
Pictured from left to right: Honoree Melissa Larkin Skinner, SCC President and CEO Brena Slater, honorees Joan Geyer and Graci McGillicuddy, and SCC Vice President Jacqueline House. Photo by Rod Millington.
Just as they did in 2022, Sarasota-based philanthropists Joe and Mary Kay Henson have pledged to donate $100 to every nonprofit that will take part in the Giving Challenge 2024, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s 24-hour online giving event happening from noon to noon April 9-10. Donating $100 to all 728 participating nonprofit organizations will leverage the generous 1:1 match on all donations from $25-$100 that The Patterson Foundation is again contributing. This means that the Hensons’ donation of $72,800 will become $145,600. The couple hopes to inspire giving by others who have the means to take full advantage of The Patterson Foundation’s match, which is unlimited. In 2022, the Hensons donated $100 to all 667 participating nonprofits, turning a $66,700 donation into $133,400. That year’s Giving Challenge raised $16.2 million in 24 hours, showcasing the generosity of our community and its enthusiastic support of the nonprofit sector. More than $6 million of those dollars were provided by The Patterson Foundation’s match. Dollars raised during the Giving Challenge are unrestricted, so the organizations themselves can put them to best use. In 2022, organizations each raised an average of $14,356, which, for many, offered new possibilities for pursuing their missions, expanding their reach, and enhancing their potential. Those interested in contributing on April 9-10, 2024, can visit www.givingchallenge.org to take part and search for causes to support.
Pictured: Joe and Mary Kay Henson. Photo Courtesy of the Community Foundation of Sarasota
On Thursday, March 7th Forty Carrots Family Center celebrated a major milestone in their Generations of Change Expansion Campaign. A private ribbon cutting event for campaign donors was held at their new Parenting Education and Mental Health Center located at 1350 Cattlemen Road in Sarasota. The organization is expanding their Parenting Education and Mental Health services due to the overwhelming community need. Forty Carrots’ unique approach to outreach partnerships allows them to serve all families, regardless of ability to pay. Currently, 94% of clients receive services at no charge or on a sliding scale based only on financial need. The Generations of Change expansion, including the new Cattlemen Road facility, will allow for a 100% increase in Mental Health and 30% in Parenting Education services over the next several years. “We are grateful beyond words for the investment and trust of our campaign donors. Forty Carrots’ commitment to providing our community’s children and families with high quality and accessible prevention, intervention, and treatment services, is only possible because of the generosity of our donors. They are committed to investing in the future, breaking generational cycles of abuse and neglect, and giving the next generation of children the good beginnings that they deserve,” said Michelle Kapreilian, Forty Carrots CEO. The new Generations of Change building provides 6900 sq. ft. offering a Child and Family Therapy Center with 6 therapy rooms, intake office, waiting area and Parenting Education Center equipped with flexible capacity with removable wall and observation capabilities, virtual program rooms, administrative offices, and program staff workspaces. The addition of the Cattlemen campus allows for the expansion of early education services and administrative offices in the existing buildings on S. Tuttle Avenue. A public community open house will be held September 19th to celebrate the new building and expansion of services. To learn more about the Generations of Change Campaign or how to donate, visit www.fortycarrots.org.
Pictured: Forty Carrots Family Center CEO, Michelle Kapreilian, cuts ribbon with Visionary Circle Donors pictured from left to right: Teri A. Hansen, Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation; Jeff Steinwachs, Steinwachs Family Foundation; Eric Kaplan, Louis
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is delighted to announce their 20th Anniversary March spotlight, Creating Corridors for Wildlife and Recreation. As they celebrate twenty years of conservation and community, each month the not-for-profit land trust is spotlighting a different aspect of their work and the corresponding community impact. This 20th Anniversary spotlight series is generously sponsored by Elizabeth Moore. Corridors of protected land give wildlife the space they need. These corridors increase survival for numerous at-risk species, including the Florida panther and Florida black bear, by reconnecting isolated populations and increasing access to food and shelter. Corridors are also essential in supporting human well-being, sustaining healthy ecosystems, and fostering sustainable development for present and future generations. The Southwest Florida Wildlife Corridor is Conservation Foundation’s regional corridor initiative stretching from Tampa Bay down to the Everglades. To date, Conservation Foundation has protected almost 20,000 acres, of which almost 18,000 are within this corridor. Tremendous amounts of funding are available from local, state, and federal government programs to conserve priority lands falling within corridor focus areas. By partnering with willing landowners to find the best ways to conserve their land, Conservation Foundation creatively and collaboratively protects the natural areas and working lands essential to the future of Southwest Florida. To learn more about the Southwest Florida Wildlife Corridor and how, together with their conservation community, Conservation Foundation is creating corridors for wildlife and recreation, visit conservationfoundation.com/marchspotlight.
For too many area children, hunger isn’t something that happens elsewhere and to other people – it is a stark reality that is happening right here. Recent years have been particularly difficult for families already struggling to make ends meet; while All Faiths Food Bank has continued to work to meet the need, it has proven challenging to find and reach every community member who is food insecure. But there is one place where it is possible to find the majority of our community’s children throughout most of the year: schools. In Sarasota County, nearly half of students qualify for free or reduced-cost meals and, in DeSoto County, 100% of students qualify. All Faiths Food Bank (AFFB) is tirelessly working to end child hunger; one way the organization does this is to provide nutritional assistance through school pantries held at Sarasota and DeSoto County schools. Last year, there were 14 schools with pantries to provide nutritional assistance - including nine that remained open over the summer; in the current school year, to better fill the need for area families and students, the number of sites jumped to 20. The School Pantry program, part of the food bank’s Children & Families initiative, helps set up food pantries that are conveniently located on-site at schools for the families of students in need. School administrators, food bank staff, and volunteers work together to manage ordering, delivery, and distribution of the food – including fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, and other available nutritious foods. These offerings complement school breakfast and lunch programs, providing access to food for children and their families after the school day has ended. Last year, AFFB provided food for 8,603 individuals through school pantries, up from 7,000 the previous year. Sadly, even with the huge need due to Florida’s high cost of living and growing inflation, Florida opted out of the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children (Summer EBT) program, which would have provided $250 million in federal funding to help families in need buy food this summer. Thus, organizations like AFFB – along with its community partners – and generous philanthropists will continue to shoulder the burden to help our neighbors in need. In addition to school pantries, AFFB also offers the BackPack Program at over 70 schools and child-focused programs – this effort provides “backpacks” full of nutritious food to help students through the weekend or when school is on break. Last year, more than 320,000 backpacks were distributed. Additionally, May 1st kicks off the 11th anniversary of the Campaign Against Summer Hunger, which reaches more than 40,000 students and siblings each year during the summer, when children lose access to meals at school. For more about local efforts to fight child hunger, visit allfaithsfoodbank.org.
The Joey Gratton Tennis Championship will be held on March 23 and 24, at the Sarasota Sports Club. The Disco Tennis Ball will take place on Friday, April 12 at Michael’s on East. The Pickleball Tournament will be held on April 20, at the Pompano Trailhead Courts. The gala celebration, Disco Tennis Ball - a Grand Slam Event, will feature an exciting live and silent auction. The Co-Chairs for the event are Barbara Lancer, Amy Lyons, and Yudi Carpenter. Proceeds from The Disco Tennis Ball will support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties Foundation. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of The Disco Tennis Ball, playing in the Joey Gratton Tennis Championship, or playing in The Pickleball Tournament, please contact Barbara Lancer at (941) 780-2266 or Amy Lyons at (941) 302-4968 or visit Sarasota Doubles Tennis Tournament - Joey Gratton Championship.
On March 8, 2024, Samaritan Counseling Services was awarded $79,000 by the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. This grant will support mental health counseling for individuals and families recovering from the long-term effects of Hurricane Ian. “We are grateful to receive this funding to extend our collaborative efforts to our local community recovering from Hurricane Ian. There is still plenty of work to do,” said Rick Howell, Executive Director of Samaritan Counseling. A portion of these funds will provide much needed counseling for processing trauma and reducing reactive behaviors to build resiliency and strength. Funds will also support collaboration with partnering agencies to provide therapeutic programs such as equine therapy, art therapy, and yoga. Now totaling 30 counselors in 12 locations throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties, Samaritan Counseling is fresh off a record year in 2023 of providing over 19,000 counseling sessions. This generous investment will continue to instill hope and transform lives in our community.
Irish dancers and musicians from Edmonds 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. 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.
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is excited to welcome Kenny G to Sarasota on Sunday, May 5, 2024 at 7pm. Tickets start at $40 and can be purchased at www.VanWezel.org, by calling the box office at 941-263-6799 or by visiting the box office Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Groups of 10 or more should contact 941-263-6726. Pre-show dining is available through Mattisons at the Van Wezel which is located inside the theatre. Reservations can be made on VanWezel.org or through the box office.
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is excited to welcome The Concert, A Tribute to ABBA to Sarasota on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 8 p.m. The Concert: A Tribute To ABBA continues to be the top ABBA tribute group in the world, dazzling all who see with their fantastic performance while playing the most iconic hits from ABBA, including Mamma Mia, S.O.S, Money, Money, Money, The Winner Takes All, Waterloo, Gimme, Gimme, Gimme, and Dancing Queen. Tickets are $30-$75 and can be purchased at www.VanWezel.org, by calling the box office at 941-263-6799 or by visiting the box office Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Groups of 10 or more should contact 941-263-6726. Pre-show dining is available through Mattisons at the Van Wezel which is located inside the theatre. Reservations can be made on VanWezel.org or through the box office.
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is excited to welcome George Thorogood and The Destroyers to Sarasota on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 7:30pm. Five decades, 15 million albums and more than 8,000 performances later, few bands can still rock the house like George Thorogood and Destroyers. Tickets start at $41.50 and can be purchased at www.VanWezel.org, by calling the box office at 941-263-6799 or by visiting the box office Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Groups of 10 or more should contact 941-263-6726.
For more than a decade, Theresa Caputo, known worldwide as the Long Island Medium, and star of the new Lifetime Series Raising Spirits, has touched the lives of millions of fans, comforting supporters when they need it most. Now Sarasota fans will get their chance at healing when the acclaimed medium and beloved personality appears live at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Thursday, April 11 at 7:30pm. Known for her unique ability to communicate with those who have passed on, Theresa Caputo Live: The Experience brings Theresa face-to-face with her fans as Spirit guides her through the audience. A full-stage video display ensures that everyone in the theater has an up-close experience regardless of seat location. Through personal life stories, candid humor, and intimate details about her gift to communicate with those who have passed, the beloved television personality and best-selling author delivers healing messages to her audience, reassuring them with the revelation that their deceased loved ones are still with them, just in a different way. Recognized as one of the most renowned mediums for over 20 years, Theresa Caputo Live: The Experience is an awe-inspiring event you will not want to miss. Learn more about Theresa at www.theresacaputo.com. Tickets start at $64.23 and can be purchased at www.VanWezel.org, by calling the box office at 941-263-6799 or by visiting the box office. Pre-show dining is available through Mattison’s at the Van Wezel which is located inside the theatre. Reservations can be made on VanWezel.org or through the box office.
Join us for a day of fun and outdoor adventure at the Wild About Nature Festival on Saturday, April 6, 2024 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Reconnect with the great outdoors and help foster a love of nature in the next generation as you spend a day in the sun on the beautiful shores of Little Sarasota Bay at Bay Preserve. Families of all ages are encouraged to take part in this fun-filled day of nature-based education and exploration. The wide variety of activities includes dip-netting, face painting, hula-hoop lessons, crafts, games, and more. There will be live music and food trucks making this a guaranteed good time. This is a FREE family festival open to all. Registration is not required. The event will take place at our Bay Preserve headquarters located at 400 Palmetto Ave. in Osprey. For more information, visit conservationfoundation.com.
A sales funnel is a marketing term describing where your customers are in their purchasing journey and what marketing tools you can use to guide potential customers from interest to purchase. In this webinar, you will learn how to use sales funnels to grow your business, automate your marketing tasks, create a complete customer journey map and determine your business KPIs so you can easily track what is working and what is not. Free, online webinar. score.org/manasota.
This presentation will highlight the various types of bank loans from consumer and residential to commercial loans for business. Free, online webinar. score.org/manasota.
Enjoy a night of exquisite dining while supporting the USF Sarasota-Manatee
campus School of Hospitality and Tourism Management program. This sophisticated dining experience is organized, prepared and served by USF Sarasota-Manatee campus students and faculty. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit https://eventful.usf.edu/rsvp/hospitabull.
The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation proudly announces the return of the 2024 Transformation Gala on Friday, March 22, 2024 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Featuring Kristin Chenoweth, New York Times best-selling author and Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress and singer, the 2024 Transformation Gala promises an incredible evening dedicated to experiencing the transformative power of the arts. Set along the beautiful waterfront of Sarasota Bay, the 22nd annual event supports the PAFs vision for a new Performing Arts Center and its transformative arts education work that touches the lives of more than 33,000 educators, military families, and students. The night begins with a bayside cocktail celebration and exceptional dining catered by Michael’s on East, followed by a thrilling concert featuring Tony Award-winning artist Kristin Chenoweth in the Van Wezel Hall. The celebration concludes with a rocking private afterparty in the grand foyer. Proceeds from the gala help to fund PAF educational programs, support our partnered educational programs at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, contribute to the planning of the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center, and solidify the future of the arts in Sarasota. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit sarasotaperformingartsfoundation.org.
Siesta Key Rum runs free year-round tours for guests to learn the story of the craft distillery, the awards they have won and the secret to how they make their rums taste so good. During our 30-45 minute tour we will discuss the following topics: history of Siesta Key Rum, an overview of the awards our small company has won, what makes our rums taste so good, the rum-making process from mashing and fermentation to distillation, barrel aging and bottling of our rums. After the tour, we welcome you to sample a freshly made Siesta Key Rum cocktail, stock up on your favorite rums and browse our gift shop. 2212 Industrial Blvd., Sarasota.
The third annual Polo for Parkinsons fundraiser will be held at the Sarasota Polo grounds on Sunday, March 24, 2024. This annual fundraising event presented by Parkinson Place raises awareness for Parkinson Place Center, where community members with Parkinsons disease and other movement disorders, as well as their caregivers, can come together for support and participate in over 85 classes and activities. Companies, organizations and individuals have the opportunity to participate in this Luau-themed event. Sponsorships range from $10,000 to $1,000 with individual tickets priced at $100 per person. Parkinson Place Center will welcome you to the Polo Pavilion on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at 11am. Lunch will be catered at Noon with the Polo match starting at 1pm. For more information about tickets and sponsorship opportunities please call Suzanne Hudson-Smith, CFRE at 941-210-6275 or shudsonsmith@parkinsonplace.org.
Experience some of the best food and flavors of the region with more than 100, and still growing, curated vendors. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch has fast become a favorite weekly tradition for people from all over the region seeking farm-fresh produce, delicious prepared foods, and specialty items and gifts. Aside from all the goodies you can shop at the Farmers Market, find your flow in a free yoga class or have the kiddos get creative during weekly-hosted workshops. 1561 Lakefront Dr., Lakewood Ranch.
Clyde Butcher: Nature Through the Lens will be on view through August 31, 2024 at the Historic Spanish Point campus. Selby Gardens is excited to present the extraordinary imagery of photographer and conservationist Clyde Butcher throughout the grounds of the Historic Spanish Point campus. Large-scale prints on aluminum of Butcher’s beautiful photographs of plants, animals, and habitats of Florida will be exhibited amid the natural landscape of the 30-acre waterfront preserve, enabling the public to engage with the artist’s work like never before. In the tradition of earlier landscape photographers like Ansel Adams, Butcher captures the beauty and majesty of America’s natural treasures in dramatic black and white. The unique environments of Florida have been subjects of particular interest to Butcher since the 1980s, when he was first introduced to the magic and mystery of sites such as Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park. Nature Through the Lens will include Butcher’s photographs of regional locales such as Myakka River State Park and Casey Key. This exhibition is presented in partnership with the Clyde Butcher Gallery & Studio in Venice, Florida. For more information, visit selby.org.
Embracing Our Differences celebrates its 21st anniversary this year. Visit the exhibit at the downtown Bayfront Park in Sarasota. The winning artworks combine a deep understanding of both medium and message. Awards are given for Best-in-Show Adult, Best-in-Show Student, and Peoples Choice categories, with the last chosen by visitors to the exhibit. Adult winners each receive $2,000, and students receive $2,000 to be split with their school’s art or writing program. The statements accompanying each artwork are also vital and provide insight into our common humanity as well as the differences that make us all unique. For more information, visit www.embracingourdifferences.org.
Join us for our Coffee With A Scientist series, a free public event held on Tuesdays in Boca Grande and hosted by Mote Marine Laboratory. Hear from Mote scientists on January 16, February 13 and March 26 as they share with you the latest in their groundbreaking research and their plans for the future with a Q and A session to follow. On Visit mote.org/pages/coffee to sign up and for more information.
Enjoy the extraordinary opportunity to experience the work of contemporary artist Shinique Smith in conversation with the collection of European art at The Ringling. Unfolding across six galleries of the Museum of Art, the exhibition creates a series of unique stories that together form an abstract narrative of the parade as a metaphor for life. Well known for her monumental sculptures created from an array of materials, including luxurious textiles, personal clothing, dyed fabrics, ribbon, and wood, and for her abstract paintings of calligraphy and collage, Smiths work in this exhibition speaks to various facets of the European artistic tradition, such as classical drapery and religious iconography, while foregrounding notions of Black femininity and the history of the circus. Learn more at ringling.org.
2024 marks the 53rd anniversary of Sarasota Institute of the Lifetime Learning Global Issues series. This hard-hitting series, which runs January 9-March 29, features 24 internationally renowned experts discussing a vast range of domestic and global issues. The lectures are presented on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Sarasota; Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m. and Fridays at 10 a.m. at the Venice Community Center in Venice; and Wednesdays at 11 a.m. and Thursdays at 5 p.m. at the Cornerstone Church in Lakewood Ranch. Lectures will also be available for purchase on video. https://sillsarasota.org/index.htm.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens will present Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia O Keeffe as the eighth iteration of its annual Jean and Alfred Goldstein Exhibition, which examines the work of major artists through the lens of their connection to nature. The exhibition, which will be on view from February 11 through June 30, 2024, at Selby Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus, will explore the unexpected yet profoundly impactful mentoring relationship that developed between iconic artists Yayoi Kusama and Georgia O Keeffe. The theme of the upcoming Goldstein Exhibition is the latest announcement of programming planned for Selby Gardens 50th anniversary season. For more information, visit selby.org.
Prepare for an awe-inspiring journey into the world of birds. The prestigious Bird Photographer of the Year exhibition has landed at The Bishop, showcasing winning and finalist images that capture the beauty, drama, and intricate details of avian life. Travel to remote corners of the globe through stunning photographs: witness eagles soaring, hummingbirds hovering, and penguins waddling. Each image is a testament to the skill and passion of the photographer, offering a unique window into the lives and wonders of these feathered marvels. Beyond a visual feast, the exhibition is a powerful reminder of our interconnected planet and the importance of bird conservation. Prepare to be captivated, and inspired, and leave with a renewed appreciation for the birds that share our world. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit bishopscience.org.
Art Center Sarasota presents Through Sorrow into Light by Natasha Dikareva features a new body of freestanding and wall-hanging ceramic sculptures, expressing the perspective of the Ukrainian-born artist on the current sociopolitical climate. Artist Talk on Thursday, March 28, 5:30-7 p.m. To learn more, visit www.artsarasota.org or call 941-365-2032.
The Sarasota Jazz Festival returns this March. The event will feature concerts, the jazz trolley pub crawl, late-night jazz jams, jazz films and more. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit jazzclubsarasota.org.
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new line of live online courses featuring the expertise of Dr. David Miano. In this six-part series, we will study the emergence of the first complex societies in the ancient Near East, beginning with the earliest settlements in the Epipaleolithic period and finishing with the development of the first empire in the mid-third millennium BCE. We will pay special attention to how societies grew across the expanse of time, from small hunter-gatherer villages to large consolidated states, taking a close look at the invention of agriculture, the wheel, bronze metallurgy, writing, literature, and the development of religion and government. To do this, we will rely on material remains, primary source documents, and art, which illuminate the unique features of ancient Near Eastern societies. Enroll now to take advantage of this exclusive opportunity to learn from one of the best, live on Zoom. To enroll and learn more, visit mianoacademy.org.
The 2024 Stage III Series lineup at Florida Studio Theatre features three daring plays penned by award-winning playwrights. The third play in the series, White Chip, follows the character Steven. Steven is on top of the world: he is married, has good friends, and is steps away from his dream job running one of the hottest theatres in the country. He also happens to be an alcoholic spinning out of control. Follow his life from first sip to first love, critical hit to critical care, all the way to rock bottom, where he carves an unusual path to sobriety. Part of The Recovery Project, The White Chip is a wry and wild theatrical journey to recovery. Learn more and purchase tickets at FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Writing and publishing a book can make all the difference in your entrepreneurial journey. It is an endeavor that goes beyond sharing knowledge and insights. It is a powerful tool to build credibility, increase influence, strengthen your personal and business branding, drive personal growth, and leave a lasting legacy. We’ll be reviewing the types of publishing and the pitfalls. Free, online webinar. score.org/manasota.
The Original Wolfies and Rascal House has partnered with Pineapple Kitchen to debut an adult interactive mystery comedy dinner show. The Murder Mystery Dinner will take place on March 20th, 2024 from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm at 1420 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, Florida. Dinner party guests are encouraged to come dressed in 1930s-style gangster or flapper costumes and will be assigned a character upon arriving. Inspector Frank McArthur and Criminologist Dr. Morty Watson will sort through clues to solve this mysterious case, a tragedy that turns into a comedy. Everyone is a suspect and becomes a character in the 3-hour Whodunnit Dinner Show. Visit pineapplekitchenmysteries.com to purchase tickets.
Ensure your business appears on Google Search and Maps and boost your online visibility by leveraging Google My Business, now known as Google Business Profile. In this webinar, our expert presenter will show you how to build and manage your Google Business Profile, ensuring visibility and accuracy across Google Search and Google Maps. Take advantage of this opportunity to maximize your online presence and attract customers in your local community and beyond. Free, online webinar. score.org/manasota.
Spring is the perfect time to breathe new life into your landscape. Join Master Gardener Volunteers on March 23 for the Spring Plant Sale located at the Barbara Davis Educational Gardens, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto. The sale will feature blooming plants, natives, vegetables, herbs, trees, shrubs, and more all grown by Manatee County Master Gardener Volunteers. All proceeds from this event go to the operation and maintenance of the Master Gardeners Educational Gardens and Greenhouse, and to support Master Gardener educational and outreach programs. Tickets to the event are free from 9am-12pm and guests are required to register beforehand on Eventbrite. An early bird ticket is available for people who would like to start shopping at 8am for the most selection and fewer crowds. The early bird ticket is $10 per person plus Eventbrite fees. Only cash or personal checks will be accepted during the sale. To learn more, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-spring-plant-sale-tickets-801445724737.
This community-centric luncheon will showcase Conservation Foundations local impact and the urgency and importance of land conservation here in our region. In celebration of twenty years of protecting Southwest Floridas land and water, the not-for-profit land trust asked individuals from across their conservation community to share their thoughts in a new 20th Anniversary video series. Featuring interviews with prominent community members and leaders reflecting on twenty years of collaboration and conservation, this compelling retrospective will premiere at the April luncheon. Immediately following the video premiere, Christine P. Johnson, president of Conservation Foundation will moderate a panel of local experts sharing their unique insights into land conservation, the environment, and our community. This captivating program takes place at 11:30 am on Tuesday, April 9, at Michaels On East. Individual tickets are $50. Sponsorships start at $500. Tickets and sponsorships are available now at conservatonfoundation.com.
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
