SRQ DAILY Apr 26, 2024
Friday Weekend Edition
"While women are now finding more opportunities for exhibition, the parity of pay and general career track for very established female artists is still nowhere near their male counterparts."
Sarasota’s art gallery scene continues to grow, as a new gallery dedicated exclusively to the art of photography opens this month in the Rosemary District. Called Divergent Image and founded by David Steiner, cofounder of State of the Arts Gallery, where his painting can still be found, the gallery features the work of Steiner, as well as photographers Salvatore Brancifort and Todd Marti, and aims to reframe the medium for modern audiences.
“I want to photograph things that people don’t normally see,” Steiner says, making a visual circuit of the one-room gallery, where blown up photographs of white painted arrows on cracked and gravelly streets hang next to neon pop art-inspired experiments and portraits of rusted-out cars lost deep in the Georgia woods. It’s not that you won’t find the occasional landscape—or even an obligatory shot of the John Ringling Bridge—but Steiner’s eye seems decidedly less interested in sunsets and lifeguard stands than elevating the overlooked of everyday life, from the built environment literally underfoot to tools of yesterday deemed obsolete and intentionally discarded. Photographic series memorialize used paintbrushes and antique cameras, isolated on white like artifacts in a museum. Detail shots of old machines slowly reclaimed by time look alternately like crime scene photos or triumphant elegy, finding nobility in the thing, once powerful, now broken down.
It's a sentiment that could almost apply to the photograph itself, a technology grown so ubiquitous as to be seen by many as entirely disposable. “So many people never look at a photograph unless it’s on a screen,” Steiner says, where the image becomes just one of a million conglomerations of pixels beamed directly to the brain every day but largely bouncing off into the digital ether. But by creating a space dedicated to the medium—a modern-day temple with walls for pedestals—Steiner hopes to recapture the old magic and rekindle an appreciation for the photograph as art, not product. After all, it worked for vinyl. “This is slowing everything down,” he says. “And people still want to have that experience.”
Operating his own print shop and framing service next door, Steiner also hopes to keep the art accessible by keeping the pricepoint down—or, at least lower than what one could expect to pay for a similarly sized oil painting. With this vertical integration also comes flexibility, and Steiner is able to resize, reprint and reframe just about any image in the gallery for a collector’s specific need. And if they don’t find what they need on the walls, the greater collection is viewable on request.
Located at 327 Central Avenue in Sarasota’s Rosemary District, Divergent Image is open Tuesday through Saturday. 
Pictured: 1956 Cadillac Coupe DeVille by David Steiner.
On May 3, an exhibition that only could have originated in Sarasota is coming to the SPAACES Art Gallery. Women Artists: Courage in the Lifelong Pursuit of Art Making will highlight the work of the Petticoat Painters, one of the longest tenured continuously exhibiting women’s art groups in the country.
The group, which consists of 20 female artists from the Sarasota-area, was created in 1953 as a reaction to the inequality experienced by women artists–it was a time where women struggled to not only find venues to show their work, but to gain adequate compensation for it as well. What started as a one-off show featuring seven women who dubbed themselves the “Petticoat Painters” has evolved into a tight-knit community that has lasted for over 70 years. To be a member of the Petticoat Painters is not an easy feat, one has to reside in the Sarasota area and be invited to join. The group celebrates that its members include artists of diverse styles and visual mediums and serves as a support base for these select female creators. The Petticoat Painters stand for more than just their elite membership, however, as the collective aims to push for further exposure and equality for women artists.
One of the members who will be showing at the SPAACES exhibition is Jana Millstone, a New York City born and bred artist who moved to Sarasota in 2014 and was invited to join the Petticoat Painters soon after. Millstone, an accomplished artist whose work spans various mediums including painting and textiles, can attest to the support she has received from the group as a woman artist. “The issue of women’s exhibition has been a long one and the group is almost 72 years old. While women are now finding more opportunities for exhibition, the parity of pay and general career track for very established female artists is still nowhere near their male counterparts,” says Millstone. “There’s definitely still a need for this kind of camaraderie. It’s really easy to get sidetracked in an art career, particularly for women, because you often have to balance family requirements with the time needed to put into your art as a creative person. The Petticoat Painters are people that have my back and share the challenges and peculiar joys of making art.”
May 3 to June 1, Opening Night Reception May 3, 6-8pm, SPAACES Art Gallery, 2051 Princeton St, Sarasota.
Pictured: Jill's Jewels by Susan Klein. Photo courtesy of SPAACES Art Gallery.
Sarasota Opera is pleased to host the finals for Schmidt Vocal Arts (SVA) third annual national Schmidt Vocal Competition at Sarasota Opera House June 1-2, 2024. The top three winners from each of 15 regional competitions will compete for a $10,000 first prize. Five Floridians have qualified after competing in three different regional locations. Distinguished judges for this competition are Dallas Opera General Director Ian Derrer, soprano Ana María Martinez, and baritone Reginald Smith, Jr. Tickets are available to various events of the Schmidt Vocal Competition on June 1 for $15 (Students: $10) and on June 2 for $25 (Students: $10) at SarasotaOpera.org or (941) 328-1300. Visit SarasotaOpera.org for more information.
Choral Artists of Sarasota’s 45th season concludes with “United We Stand,” a Memorial Day concert commemorating the legacy of the brave women and men of the US Armed Forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country, freedom and liberty. The performance features a tribute to the 80th commemoration of the Normandy Invasion of World War II, also known as D-Day. Performing with Choral Artists is the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble under the direction of Joe Martinez. The concert is Sunday, May 26, 4 p.m., at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. Tickets: $30-$60; students $5. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.ChoralArtistsSarasota.org or call 941-387-4900.
Pictured: Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble. Courtesy of Choral Artists of Sarasota.
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is proud to announce the lineup for its 2024 Summer Season, featuring a three-show Mainstage Series and a three-show Cabaret Series. The Mainstage Series
includes the humor-filled The World Goes ‘Round, the heartwarming drama Ken Ludwig’s Dear Jack, Dear Louise, and the timely comedy The Outsider. The Cabaret Series features some of the country’s top Cabaret artists celebrating the county's most fierce and fantastic females, the music of one of the sacred places of the 60s and 70s, and the Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons catalog. With its mission to make theatre accessible to as many people as possible, FST offers all three Summer Mainstage productions, or all three Summer Cabaret shows for as little as $59. Subscriptions and single tickets are now on sale at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or at 941.366.9000.
Sarasota Orchestra’s 2024-2025 season promises programming that will bring joy to newcomers and seasoned concertgoers alike. The new season will highlight beloved classical works, high-energy pops shows and more. “After celebrating our 75th Anniversary this past season, we are elated to launch into the next 75 years of great music and exceptional artistry,” said President & CEO Joseph McKenna. “We are thrilled to welcome back many favorite guest artists and to share the stage with illustrious performers who will join us for the first time. From Ravel’s Boléro to a celebration of film scores by John Williams, it will be a truly joyous season of music-making.” The 2024-2025 season is comprised of five popular concert series
Creative Liberties Artist Studios and Gallery continues its season’s offerings with an all-packed May starting with a program, May 2-June 30, to meet artists Ailliene Bouchard and Christine Libbey, the featured artists-in-residence at Creative Liberties in Gaze Gallery at the ARCOS Apartments, 340 Central Avenue in Sarasota. Meet the artists, learn about their process, and view and purchase their art. There is an opening reception on Thursday, May 16, 5-7 p.m. Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Saturdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Pictured: Elizabeth Goodwill and Barbara Gerdeman of Creative Liberties.
2024 WOMEN WHO ROAR NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN | We invite our readers to nominate an individual who best exemplifies the attributes of professional acumen, philanthropic passion, personal integrity and community leadership. Nominations close today, April 26, 2024.
On June 1, Project Pride SRQ will present the Grand Carnival In Bloom. Event organizers are looking forward to launching Pride Month in grand style with the Grand Carnival In Bloom, an enchanting evening filled with flowers, a DJ spinning music hits, cool country performances, and delightful surprises. Dive Bar Wine and Spirits will be on-site to craft specialty cocktails that will elevate the experience, and some of the finest restaurants in Sarasota will tantalize your taste buds with lite bites and desserts. The Grand Carnival takes place on Saturday, June 1, 8-11 p.m. at the Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota. Tickets, which include open bar, food and entertainment, are $125/VIP, enables early entry at 7 p.m., $85/general admission; door price is $150, subject to availability. Proceeds from the event will support Project Pride programs and events. For more about Project Pride and its Pride Month events, visit www.ppsrq.org.
The annual Tribute to Heroes Parade is back and bigger and better than ever. Join us on Sunday, May 26th, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm on Lakewood Main Street for a celebration of our local veterans, active duty, and fallen heroes. This special event aims to pay tribute to those who have served our country with honor and bravery. The parade will feature floats, live entertainment, delicious food and drink vendors, and activities for children, providing fun for the whole family. Admission to the parade is free, and event proceeds from the event will support local non-profit and veteran organizations. It is a great way to show our heroes the love and appreciation they truly deserve, so come out and join us in honoring our heroes. If you or if you know of anyone interested in participating in the parade, visit LWRTributeToHeroes.org.
The Venice Symphony is proud to present the fifth annual Patriotic Pops and Fireworks Concert, American Heroes, on Saturday, May 25 at 7:30 pm at CoolToday Park, the Spring Training home of The Atlanta Braves. A spectacular fireworks display will follow the concert. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Visit the CoolToday Park Box Office at 18800 S. West Villages Parkway, Venice, or call 941-413-5004 or visit Ticketmaster to purchase tickets.
Friday Fest, the free, outdoor summertime concert series at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall returns with an exciting lineup of bands who will bring the audience to their feet. This year the festivities kick off in May. Each event runs from 5-9 p.m. on the lawn of the Van Wezel overlooking beautiful Sarasota Bay. Bring blankets or lawn chairs, take in the music and the sunset, and enjoy food and beverages from local vendors.
The Behind the Curtain: Exploring the Van Wezel from the Art to the Stage tour on May 20 from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. is presented in partnership with the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. The art in the Van Wezel, 777 N. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota, was created by noted Florida artists and is on loan from Arts Advocates. A docent leads a tour of the paintings and sculptures including those by Robert Chase, William Hartman, Eugene White, Ben Stahl, Thornton Utz, Frank Colson, Dean Mitchell, and others. Participants then step onto the stage where a Van Wezel guide shares stories and anecdotes about the colorful world of show business. Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased at the Van Wezel box office or by calling 941- 263-6799. Proceeds benefit the education/outreach programs of Arts Advocates and the Van Wezel. To learn more about or become a member of Arts Advocates, or to register for programs and events, visit ArtsAdvocates.org.
Celebrate Mothers Day amid Mother Nature at Selby Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus. Enjoy a delicious brunch buffet catered by Michaels On East with a special performance by the female vocal trio The Vocalitas at each brunch seating. Tickets to Mothers Day Brunch grant you full access to our Downtown Sarasota campus to view our Spring Exhibition Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia OKeeffe before and/or after brunch. Check-in opens at 10:00 a.m. outside of the Welcome Center. Mothers Day Brunch takes place inside the Event Center. To learn more, visit selby.org.
As part of the Art of Performance Series at The Ringling, ensembleNEWSRQ presents Paris Refraction, a four-part micro festival that explores new music compositions that embody or have been inspired by the City of Light. The four-concert festival will be presented in both Dallas and Sarasota, with faculty and students of Southern Methodist University’s (SMU) Meadows School of the Arts involved in the Dallas presentation. In Sarasota, the festival is May 9, 7:30 p.m., May 10, 7:30 p.m., and May 11, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., at the Historic Asolo Theatre, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Single tickets are $30-40. For more information on ticket packages and single tickets, including student ticket pricing, visit https://www.ringling.org/event/ensemblenewsrq/ or call 941-360-7399.
For 75 years, students involved with the Circus Arts Conservatory Sailor Circus Academy have wowed audiences with feats of physical strength, grace and courage that might initially seem well beyond the abilities of performers so young. In Origins, patrons of all ages, from near and far, will be enthralled as students involved in the Red Troupe of the youth training program flip, fly and soar to new heights during their spring show. Performances take place in the Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota, at 2 and 7 p.m. on May 4 and at 1 and 5 p.m. on May 5. The show celebrates the creative power behind nature, art, human invention, and 75 years of Sailor Circus entertainment. Tickets for Origins are $20-$40 and can be purchased via circusarts.org, by calling the Box Office at 941-355-9805, or secured in person at the Box Office on Bahia Vista Street, adjacent to the Sailor Circus Arena. Box Office hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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.
In numerous Latin American nations, the word sancocho denotes a cherished traditional stew, boasting diverse interpretations across regions. Carolina Franco, producing artistic director of CreArte Latino, underscores its significance as emblematic of the rich fusion of cultures, rhythms, and flavors within Latino communities, symbolizing their ongoing adaptation and evolution. Franco characterizes their forthcoming presentation of Sancocho as the second venture by CreArte Latino into devised theater projects. Sancocho runs Friday, May 3, and Saturday, May 4, at 8 p.m., at the Manatee Performing Arts Center in the Bradenton Kiwanis Theater, 502 Third Avenue West, Bradenton. Tickets are $20. To purchase tickets, visit CrearteLatino.org.
Back to the 80s is a power-packed evening of the 80s number-one songs, including Material Girl, Time After Time, and The Power of Love. Featuring the music of a multitude of iconic 80s stars, such as Queen, Phil Collins, Stevie Nicks, and Heart, Back to the 80s contains all-new arrangements by GRAMMY-winner Jeff Tyzik, belted out by three incredible vocalists. Experience Sarasota Orchestra, amped up on the field at the Orioles Ed Smith Stadium, in an evening of hits and home runs that concludes with a dazzling fireworks display. Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org or call the Box Office at 941-953-3434.
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.
Students from 18 elementary, 7 middle, and 6 high schools throughout Sarasota County will show off their creative talents at the North County K-12 Spring Art Show, April 30-May 13, at Art Center Sarasota. Nearly 50 teachers are part of the effort. The North County Art show is presented in conjunction with the South County Art Show at the Venice Art Center, April 29-May 9, to comprise the Sarasota County Schools Spring Art Show, serving all the public schools in the county. Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For information, visit www.artsarasota.org or call 941-365-2032.
The inaugural season of the Manatee Music Series continues with Trevor Bystrom and Zion Albert, who will perform at the Amphitheater on April 18. Paul Fournier is on the bill for the May 16 concert. In addition to the outdoor concerts in this beautiful tree-covered section of the park, located at 2811 51st St. W. in Bradenton, there will be family-friendly activities by local community partners and crafts sponsored by Bayside Church. Visit mymanatee.org to learn more.
Kids and kids at heart can enjoy fun art and nature activities on Saturday mornings, at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens on March 23, April 27, and May 25. Activities will run from 10 a.m. to noon each day, and participation is included in admission to the Gardens, which is always free for Selby Gardens members. These Family Saturdays celebrate the current exhibition on view, Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia OKeeffe. Several activity stations with different art-focused projects will be set up in the Ann Goldstein Childrens Rainforest Garden during each monthly event. The goal is to invite kids of all ages to explore the artwork of Yayoi Kusama and Georgia OKeeffe through activities that also connect them to the natural environment. Admission to Selby Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus is $26 for adults, $11 for ages 5 to 17, and free for children 4 and under. Tickets may be purchased online in advance at selby.org. Selby Gardens members always receive complimentary admission as well as discounts for guests. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit selby.org.
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 |
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