Sarasota Art Museum’s latest solo exhibition, "Janet Echelman: Radical Softness" (on view through April 26, 2026), is more than just a gallery show—it is an immersive dive into the mind of a Tampa Bay native who became a global icon.  

Whether you’re a long-time fan of her monumental public art or a newcomer to Echelman’s work, here are the top reasons this exhibition is a "must-see" this season.

1. It’s a Rare Look at the Unseen Studio Process

Janet Echelman is world-renowned for her sculptures that span entire city blocks. However, “Radical Softness” brings the scale down to earth, offering an intimate window into her studio. You’ll see:  

• Early works from the 1980s and 1990s: Explore Echelman’s roots in batik dye, acrylic on canvas, and hand-quilted fabrics.  
• Scale Models: Get an up-close look at the intricate maquettes (miniature models) that serve as blueprints for her massive installations.
• Material Science: See the specialized fibers—some 15 times stronger than steel—that allow her work to withstand the elements, while remaining light as air.  

2. The Global Debut of Brand-New Works

The exhibition features the premiere of a stunning series of cyanotypes. These blue-and-white photographic prints were created using 3D digital models of Echelman’s sculptures and developed using ultraviolet light. These prints are beautiful translations of her 3D netted forms into 2D art, merging cutting-edge technology with one of the oldest photographic methods.  

3. Be moved by “Expanding Club”

One of the centerpieces of the show is “Expanding Club,” which soars 25 feet into Sarasota Art Museum’s third-floor skylit gallery. This work is particularly poignant as it is one of the artist’s first works to ever be inspired by a data set and was created following the first news of nuclear weapons testing in North Korea. Taking the shape of a nuclear mushroom cloud, “Expanding Club” interprets the most violent weapon that humans have ever created, using one of the most humble techniques of tying things together.

4. Experience "Softness" as a Philosophy

The title, “Radical Softness,” isn't just about the materials. The exhibition explores the idea that flexibility is strength. In a world of rigid steel and concrete, Echelman’s work suggests that being responsive and adaptable—like a net in the wind—is a powerful way to exist. It’s an artful and meditative experience that invites visitors to slow down and reflect on our own interconnectedness with each other and the environment.  

5. It’s a Hometown Hero’s Masterclass

Janet Echelman grew up in the Tampa Bay area, and while her work is featured in cities like Sydney, London and Singapore, this exhibition feels like a homecoming. It provides a comprehensive narrative of her four-decade-long career, showing how a painter who lost her paints in India (the famous origin story of her net art) evolved into an artist who merges ancient craft with modern engineering.

Plan Your Visit:

• Dates: Now through April 26, 2026  

• Location: Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 South Tamiami Trail  

• Insider Tip: Visit any Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday at 11 am, and join for a guided Highlights Tour, which is complimentary with Museum admission.

• Learn More: "Janet Echelman: Radical Softness"