The Dudes Abide

In the '80s and '90s, the Dude Ranch Was a Hub for Local Artists

The space and its exhibitions were coups for a group of artists who had only known rejection from the art establishment. It was a place where friendships were made, ideas were developed, and artistic styles matured.

01/18/2024 By Phillippe Diederich

You've Got Mail

An Upcoming Exhibit Showcases Visions of Utopia From Near and Far

Postcards From Utopia is a traveling exhibition kicking off at Phillippi Crest Clubhouse in Sarasota's Historic Maine Colony District and featuring submissions from Kazakstan to Canada and beyond.

01/09/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Florida Art

New Art Exhibit Showcases Jim Crow-Era Paintings by The Florida Highwaymen

A new exhibit of historically significant artwork at City Hall in downtown Sarasota kicks off today. It's open to the public and free.

01/08/2024 By Kim Doleatto

The Body Electric

At Ringling College, Figure Models Play an Integral Role in Teaching Art Students

We often forget the people behind the works of art; the statues we pay money to see. Figure models remind us.

10/02/2023 By Caleb Guedes-Reed

Look up

A New Mural in the Rosemary District Pays Homage to Leonard Reid, One of Sarasota's Most Important Black Leaders

A large image of Reid, the "right-hand man" of Sarasota's first mayor, is now displayed on the side of The Sarasota Modern hotel in the Rosemary District.

06/16/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Art News

Selby Gardens' Summer Exhibit Will Feature Artist John Pirman's Work

"Diving into Nature" will be on view at Selby's downtown Sarasota campus from July 22-Sept. 17.

05/18/2023 By Staff

Eyes on the Street

Mark Wiseman Is Making a Name for Himself in the Emerging World of 'Calligraffiti'

Calligraffiti is a worldwide phenomenon that began appearing in streets and has increasingly migrated into galleries around the planet.

05/03/2023 By Kevin Coval

Burning Question

Does Sarasota Need to Put Pants on Its David?

A Florida school principal resigned after a teacher showed Michaelangelo’s famous sculpture without warning parents first. Does that mean Sarasota's famous replica needs to cover up?

03/24/2023 By Isaac Eger

Cold Case

The Heist That Rocked Sarasota's Art World

In 1969, thieves made off with 15 of Ben Stahl’s most famous paintings. The heist ruined him financially and left behind a mystery that has never been solved.

03/03/2023 By Robert Plunket

Sidewalk Art

What's Up With Those Zigzag Sculptures on Cocoanut Avenue?

John Dehn, who lives in the historic Central Cocoanut neighborhood north of downtown Sarasota, is the man behind the zigzag.

01/25/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Art for all

Will You Be The Free Little Art Gallery's Next Curator?

Sarasota's Free Little Art Gallery is closing its tiny doors on Dec. 25. Founder Judy Robertson is looking for its new home.

12/19/2022 By Kim Doleatto

The Big Reveal

Check Out the Winners of the Upcoming Embracing Our Differences Exhibit

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the annual outdoor art exhibit will tour Sarasota, North Port and Bradenton, starting next month.

12/09/2022 By Kim Doleatto

A Closer Look

The Gods and Lovers Exhibit at Ringling Magnifies Indian Art

A temporary exhibit of paintings and sculptures at the Ringling Museum opens a portal to intricate, medieval India.

12/07/2022 By Laura Paquette

Crystal Crowns

Meet the Winners of the 2022 Siesta Key Crystal Classic

The annual sand sculpture competition transformed the beach into an outdoor art gallery last weekend.

11/15/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Chalk Talk

This Year's Chalk Festival Returns to Historic Burns Square

The show will go on from Oct. 28-31, despite damage from Hurricane Ian at its original Venice location.

10/26/2022 By Laura Paquette

Calling All Artists

Arts Nonprofit Issues Call for Submissions for Upcoming Exhibit

Art 4 Change, a nonprofit that uses art to promote social justice, is asking artists to submit work by Friday, Oct. 28.

10/24/2022 By Yasi Bahmanabadi

Historic Home Run

A New Mural in the Rosemary District Honors Baseball Icon Buck O'Neil

John "Buck" O'Neil grew up in what is known today as the Rosemary District. His legacy is immortalized with a larger-than-life mural.

07/19/2022 By Kim Doleatto

The Ultimate Selfie

This Local Art Teacher Gifted Kids Portraits as a Graduation Gift

To show his students how much they've impacted him over the years, former Visible Men Academy art teacher Clifford McDonald gifted them with painted portraits.

06/01/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Art Therapy

Van Wezel Foundation Underwrites Program for Therapeutic Arts

It's part of an ongoing collaboration with Resilient Retreat.

04/21/2022 By Staff

Back to the drawing board

City Rejects Art Slated for Fruitville Road and U.S. 41 Roundabout

City commissioners said they felt “lukewarm” about the coral-like sculpture recommended by the Public Art Committee.

04/19/2022 By Kim Doleatto