SRQ DAILY Feb 28, 2025
Friday Weekend Edition
"I like to paint women that I feel are strong and independent."
A special exhibition of 3D paintings opens tomorrow at Art Advocates Gallery in Siesta Key Mall, highlighting the latest from sculptor Libby Hawk. Titled Revising Assumptions/Libby Hawk Paintings Challenging Visual Norms, the work sees the artist pivoting to paper and paintbrush for an exploration of dimensionality and one fundamental question: What makes a painting a painting? The exhibition opens tomorrow at 2pm, with a presentation from the artist at 3pm.
“The show is really the evolution of that inquiry into what is a painting,” says Hawk. “And as I’m revising my own assumptions about what painting is, I hope this is mirrored in the audience’s experience.” As such, the exploration manifests in multiple ways throughout the 28 works comprising Revising Assumptions, with the artist experimenting with both material and technique, before finally taking a metaphorical-but-almost-literal machete to the form.
Early forays into this frontier see Hawk bringing dimensionality directly to the canvas itself, spreading it out on the floor and molding and folding it into something topographical, full of ridges and valleys, before preserving its form with a potent mix of clear medium, fabric glue and milliners’ chemical stiffener. Then she can begin to paint, working with the form of the canvas, not just on top of it. Later forays see the artist throwing the process somewhat in reverse, creating abstract paintings on opposing sides of watercolor paper, tearing the whole thing into strips, and then mounding them on the canvas as though sculpting. Still, she felt the exploration had not reached its full potential.
“It was starting to answer part of my question,” she says. “But I wasn’t ready yet, in my brain, to free the painting from the frame.”
And so the final foray finds Hawk crossing that last boundary, combining elements of earlier explorations to create a series of free-standing sculptural paintings entirely liberated from their frames. Instead, the paintings—carved into strips and stiffened—hang from stands handcrafted from bamboo or assorted lamp parts. The result is a work of art with no frame, able to be viewed from all angles, and a lingering question in search of an answer.
“It was fun,” Hawk says. “You’ll have to tell me if it was successful.”
Opening tomorrow at Art Advocates Gallery, Revising Assumptions is available for viewing every Saturday 2-4pm. Artist presentations are 3pm on March 1 & 15. 
Pictured: What We See by Libby Hawk. Image courtesy of the artist.
Painters are often solitary creatures. Creating a piece of art out of a blank canvas takes time, effort and typically, a lot of thought. It’s natural then that this process is typically done in isolation, where the freedom to think and create can be found within the confines of one’s home or studio.
At the Art Ovation Hotel, however, the Artist in Residence series gives anyone who wanders through the hotel lobby the chance to get an inside look at an artist’s process. This week’s Artist in Residence is Venice-based painter Karen Chandler, who is bringing bright colors and vintage pop-inspired acrylic works to the hotel from February 5 to March 2.
Chandler’s works in the show—in addition to the work that she is creating over the course of this week—depict fashionable, confident women in a vibrant aesthetic reminiscent of Andy Warhol’s portraiture. Girl in flowers and butterflies, for example, is a highly colorized portrait of a woman surrounded by flora and fauna.
“I like to paint women that I feel are strong and independent,” said Chandler. “They’re powerful, but yet they’re dressed well and have a sense of fashion about them. I want to create works that inspire the viewer to take on new challenges in life and look great while doing it.”
The paintings in Chandler’s show at Art Ovation were created in the last few years and represent a stylistic shift for the artist. Chandler, a 2021 Fellow of the Hermitage Artist Retreat, has forged a career as a multi-faceted artist and illustrator, creating oil paintings for the NASA and United States Air Force Art programs and designing covers for countless novels, including R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps series.
After moving to Florida from New York City eight years ago, however, Chandler’s color palette changed dramatically.
“I lightened up as an artist,” said Chandler. “I feel like the colors of my paintings are reflective of Florida—there are all of these bright, beautiful colors all around us, especially in the sky and the flowers. From that, my style changed from tight realism to a more vintage pop aesthetic that I find much more fun to create in.”
February 25 to March 2, 4pm-8pm, Art Ovation Hotel, 1255 North Palm Ave, Sarasota.
Sarasota Jewish Theatre (SJT) presents Neil Simon’s “Lost in Yonkers” from March 19 to March 30, and the Be A Theatre Maven program for this play on March 21. All plays and programs are held at The Sarasota Players, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. To purchase tickets, visit ThePlayers.org or call 941-365-2494. For more information, visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.org.
Embracing Our Differences (EOD) presents its international outdoor art exhibition in St. Petersburg’s Poynter Park as part of its 2025 exhibition season, while the Sarasota exhibition continues in Bayfront Park. A free Community Celebration is Saturday, March 8, noon-3 p.m., in Poynter Park, featuring music by Jah Movement, the Baja Food Truck, and booths showcasing area arts groups, including Mi Gente, Mi Pueblo, City of St Pete, Race WithoutIsm, Florida Holocaust Museum, USF-St. Petersburg, Pinellas Diaspora Arts, and Project FREE. For more information, visit www.embracingourdifferences.org.
The Circus Arts Conservatory (CAC) and Key Chorale take you on an unforgettable Sci-Fi Voyage featuring a world-class roster of Circus Artists, the 100-voices of Key Chorale and the 40-piece Cirque Orchestra. Three electrifying performances of Cirque des Voix®: Circus of the Voices will take place on March 21-22, 2025, under the Big Top at Nathan Benderson Park. Be part of the fun and come in costume for opening night’s Sci-Fi Costume Contest. Audiences will be captivated by acts choreographed to unforgettable music from iconic Science Fiction themed movies, featuring nationally and internationally acclaimed circus artists, as well as talented youth performers from the CAC’s Sailor Circus Academy. This season’s performances will include film music from movies such as Star Wars, Star Trek, Interstellar, Gravity, The Mandalorian, Avatar, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and more.
The performances: Friday, March 21, 7pm, Saturday, March 22, 2pm, Saturday, March 22, 7pm, Under the Big Top at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. Tickets range from $40-$100. For tickets, CircusArts.org or call 941-355-9805.
Asolo Repertory Theatre, in partnership with the FSU/Asolo Conservatory, announces the exciting launch of new family programming for Summer and Fall 2025. Kicking off this exciting new initiative in July is the Broadway hit musical comedy A Year with Frog and Toad. Performances will take place in the Cook Theatre at the FSU Center for Performing Arts, July 15 through August 3, 2025. Tickets will go on sale May 05, 2025. Next fall, “Asolo Rep On Tour” hits the road performing two brand new shows: Shakespeare45, created for Junior High and High School Students, as well as a new adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, created for Kindergarten through Sixth Grade.
Ever want to know a little more about your community theatre? Curious about classes? Wonder if you have what it takes to get up on stage? You're in luck! We've got a free low-stress, high-fun way to find out. Enjoy refreshments, meet new friends, and play a game or two.
Saturday, March 8, Raymond Center, right behind our main building in downtown Venice (140 Tampa Ave. W.), 2:30 for kids and families, 6:00 for adults only!
Due to audience demand, Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is extending 59th Street Bridge, a nostalgic tribute to the folk-rock hits that defined a generation, through April 13, 2025, in FST’s Goldstein Cabaret. Created by Rebecca Hopkins and Richard Hopkins, with musical arrangements by Jim Prosser, this cabaret features beloved ballads like “Annie’s Song” and “Both Sides Now” alongside upbeat anthems like “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover.” Tickets, ranging from $37-$42, are available at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or by calling (941) 366-9000.
The Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg (MFA), proudly presents Kimono: The Triumph of Japanese Dress, an extraordinary exploration of Japanese fashion and culture. On view from March 8 through June 8, 2025, this remarkable exhibition features over 150 exquisite objects, including kimono dating from the late Edo period (1603–1867) through the ShÅwa era (1926–1989). These garments, most on public display for the first time, offer an unparalleled glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage and the meticulous artistry behind traditional kimono design.
Tuesday, January 28th, SRQ Magazine hosted the annual Giving Coast and Good Hero Philanthropic Awards Luncheon. Local nonprofits, foundations, corporate donors, individuals and civic leaders came together to celebrate the community's spirit of giving and recognize leaders in philanthropy. Attendees were invited to share their “giving wishes” on behalf of area nonprofits by writing their wishes on gift tags and hanging them for display on the SRQ Giving Wish Tree.
SRQ Strong wishes to implement Autistic Spectrum Disorder classroom at Gulf Gate Elementary. To help facilitate this wish, reach out to them (sarasotastrong@gmail.com).
The Sarasota Players wishes for scholarships for student partnerships. To help facilitate this wish, reach out to Amanda Heisey (AmandaH@theplayers.org).
Friends of Sarasota County History Center wishes to gain members to spread the stories of our Sarasota County history. To become a member visit their website.
The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee wishes for 5 scholarships for Camp Yonnie, a brand new Jewish day camp. To help them meet their goal connect with Ellen Biddle (ebiddle@jfedsrq.org).
Community Harvest SRQ wishes to have more school children visit their farms and learn about and take part in gleaning produce. To facilitate this wish, reach out to them (info@communityharvestsrq.org).
As these organizations call on the community to fulfill their wishes, click on each organization to learn more and find ways to give back. The spirit of giving is for all who want to give back to our local community!
Longtime friends Chef Charles Amherst of Chaz 51 Steakhouse in Venice and Barbara Gerdeman, co-founder of Creative Liberties Artist Studios in Sarasota, have joined forces to create a series of interactive “live art dinner showcases.” Join us every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings from 5-8:30 pm.
Chaz 51 Steakhouse, 549 US-41 BYP, Venice, FL 34285
Selby Gardens presents an exciting exhibition that explores the deep and meaningful connection between musician George Harrison – best known as the lead guitarist of the legendary rock band The Beatles – and the pastime of gardening, which became his greatest passion. The resulting multi-sensory experience highlights George’s connection to nature and celebrates his life and legacy through the power of plants!
Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound Street Sarasota, FL 34236
Celebrate the women who have captivated the world with their dynamic personalities and fierce vocals. Starting in the 1960’s, female artists such as Cher, Barbra Streisand, Whitney Houston, and Celine Dion have been pushing boundaries and shattering records with hits such as, “Turn Back Time,” “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and “My Heart Will Go On.”
John C. Court Cabaret, 1265 1st St, Sarasota, FL 34236
Two operas, two betrayed husbands, two tragic ends. In Cavalleria rusticana the calm of a Sicilian Easter morning is broken by a betrayed lover who sets off a chain of events ending in violent tragedy. In true theatrical tradition Pagliacci's clown tries to go on with the show, but his real-life humiliation and despair lead to a grim climax. The violent passions and raw emotions of these two works changed the direction of Italian opera forever.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota FL 34236
Circus Sarasota is back with an ALL NEW show in 2025 featuring awe-inspiring artistry from around the world. Your hometown circus returns under our NEW BIG TOP at Nathen Benderson Park this winter. Limited tickets are available for this annual tradition – book today!
Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Cir, Sarasota, FL 34235
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's 25th anniversary season, titled "25 Years of Black Heritage," continues through May 25. The remaining shows in the season are "Fences" (through February 23), "Five Guys Named Moe" (March 5-April 6), and WBTT's first-ever, world-premiere tap dancing musical revue, "Syncopated Avenue." Visit westcoastblacktheatre.org to learn more about WBTT and to purchase tickets. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Determined to win the heart of the beautiful Rosina, Count Almaviva enlists the help of Figaro, the barber of Seville, to steal her away from her guardian, Dr. Bartolo. Hilarious complications ensue to some of opera's most delightful music. The Barber of Seville is one of the most beloved comedic works in the operatic repertory.
Sarasota Opera, 61 N Pineapple Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236
Continuing the story of The Barber of Seville, Count Almaviva's eye has now wandered and his current objective is Susanna, Figaro's fiancée. The distressed couple, along with Rosina (now the Countess Almaviva) conspire to reveal the count's lechery, despite the many obstacles thrown in their way. Mozart's musical genius, along with Lorenzo DaPonte's witty libretto make The Marriage of Figaro one of opera's masterpieces.
Sarasota Opera, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota FL 34236
Join us for a season of big feelings, big ideas, big energy. A poignant evening of Mendelssohn, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s tour of Spain, jaw-dropping violin prowess, and a festival that fires on all cylinders.
Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota, FL 34231
Works by Dominic Avant, a professor at Ringling College, the artist and educator blends impressionism and realism to create dramatic, light-filled works. The exhibit is part of “Beyond Regional Boundaries,” an initiative created to amplify the voices of Black artists across the Sarasota-Manatee region. Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative’s (SBAC) “Beyond Regional Boundaries” initiative continues its powerful exploration of Black artistry with a dynamic exhibition, “Celebrations of Form and Grace." An opening reception, with the artist, is Monday, March 10, 5-6:30 p.m., in the Selby Lobby.
Sarasota Opera, 61 N Pineapple Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236
The Baby Laurence Legacy Project is an evening-length performance that investigates and celebrates the artistic genius of Donald “Baby Laurence” Jackson, a Baltimore-bred game-changer, and his impact on tap dance and jazz music. This production aims to redefine the relationship between technology, tap dancing, and jazz music to build a platform for sharing Laurence’s largely forgotten story with audiences.
Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
The Grammy Award-winning Catalyst Quartet was founded by the internationally acclaimed Sphinx Organization in 2010. The ensemble believes in the unity that can be achieved through music and seeks to redefine and reimagine the classical music experience. They have toured widely throughout the United States and abroad, including sold-out performances in some of the world’s most prestigious venues. This program includes music by Gershwin, Piazzolla, and Ravel. Tickets are $43 & $63 and the event will be held at the First Presbyterian Church. For more information, visit Artistseriesconcerts.org.
Visit Fresh Harvest, the newly launched weekly farmers market in Downtown Wellen. Fresh Harvest offers a selection of local goods from nearly 40 local vendors. Fresh Harvest takes place every Sunday in Downtown Wellen from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees can peruse different vendor booths and stock up on a variety of goods. Vendors will offer a wide variety of locally grown and produced food, including herbs, spices, cut flowers, teas, canned and preserved fruits and vegetables, syrups, baked goods, pickled foods, fresh seafood, meats, poultry, eggs, milk and prepared food and beverages. A limited selection of craft vendors also participate in the farmers market. For a listing of participating vendors and more information on Fresh Harvest Farmers Market, visit wellenpark.com/events/fresh-harvest-farmers-market. Downtown Wellen, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd., Venice.
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.
The Wellen Park Night Market returns the second Thursday of each month from 6-9pm offering an evening of shopping, live music and dining under the twinkling lights of Downtown Wellen. The Night Market features independent artists and makers specializing in art, jewelry, boutique fashion, home decor, bottle art, wood designs and specialty food items set up along Wellen Park Boulevard with 50 rotating vendors. Food items included rum cakes, desserts, lemonade, barbecue and vegan fare.
Wellen Park, 19745 Wellen Pk Blvd
The Sarasota Farmers Market Vendors Incorporated (“SFMV”) has been established as a not for-profit organization under laws of the State of Florida, continuing the 40+ year tradition of enhancing and improving the quality of life in Sarasota. Our charitable mission is to create a social opportunity for residents and visitors to gather and interact, to bring foot traffic to downtown Sarasota sustaining the economic viability of the entire downtown area, and to provide a venue for other not-for-profit organizations benefiting Sarasota.
Sarasota Farmer's Market, N Lemon Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Welcome to the Bradenton Public Market, a place where the community meets each week to enjoy fresh produce, local art, music, and free family activities on Old Main Street.
Old Main Street Downtown Bradenton, Old Main ST. Bradenton, 34205
Discover a vibrant community gathering at the Phillippi Farmhouse Market, nestled within the scenic Phillippi Estate Park. This seasonal market, open every Wednesday from October through April from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., invites you to experience the best of fresh produce, prepared foods, artisanal products and live music. Beyond shopping, visitors can explore the park’s beautiful grounds, including the historic Edson Keith Mansion, through a free, docent-led tour beginning promptly at 10 a.m. each Wednesday.
Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34231
Join us for a staged reading of the new book, POEMS OF 1968 by Don McLagan. It was a year of trouble. In 1968, the Vietnam War divided students against authority, and children against parents. The volcano of technology spewed new power and threats in equal measure. Civil rights were legislated on the willing and the unwilling - many were unwilling. The President stepped back from another run for office. Two leaders were assassinated. It was a year of division, hurt, and rage, it seemed, like no other.
Bookstore 1, 117 S Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Having adapted famous literary works of mystery and imagination, The Gothic Library will now conjure the Golden Age of Radio. On the first Friday of each month, classic Radio Theater favorites will be performed live. Our premier performance is a dynamic double bill featuring a tough-as-nails Western yarn and a chilling supernatural thriller.
Bookstore 1, 117 S Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Join us for a delightful evening of music mingling and unexpected moments at the DaCapo Society Reception before the performance of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro at the Sarasota Opera House on Thursday March 13 2025. Start your night with an exclusive pre-performance reception at Rose & Ivy a beautiful local venue where you can enjoy delicious drinks light bites and good company. Inspired by the timeless themes of Mozart's opera we’ve planned a few surprises that are sure to add to the charm of the evening.
99 Bottles, 1445 2nd St, Sarasota, FL 34236
A special affair just around the corner from the Sarasota Opera House just before the opening night performance of Stiffelio. Note that this does not include tickets for the Opera itself. Please visit our website or contact our Box Office by phone at (941) 328-1300 to buy tickets to the performance.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236
Children's book author Christina Shawn will read her book LUCAS PLAYS and invite kids to try out the instrument! Come get a personalized copy of the book and pre-order her upcoming title, AND THEN CAME YOU. Although everyone is welcome, this event is especially for kids in pre-school and K-5. Let's go on a magical musical adventure together! We will make connections between music, books, and our lives. We will explore our imagination while listening to different types of music. We will read LUCAS PLAYS and learn about the violin. Together we will generate ideas that we can play with. Maybe some of them will turn into stories of your own!
Bookstore 1, 117 S Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
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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