Politics

Sarasota Sidewalk Art Set to Be Removed

A new state mandate bans all “non-standard” markings on streets, sidewalks and crosswalks, insisting they're safety hazards and distractions to motorists—despite research showing street art actually results in safer driving habits and fewer crashes.

08/27/2025 By Kendall Southworth

Poly Wanna Roundabout

'Poly,' a 20-Foot-Tall Sculpture, Was Just Installed at the 14th Street Roundabout

Five years after its approval, the 20-foot-tall piece by Hou de Sousa is located at U.S. 41 and 14th Street.

01/08/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Q&A

Meet Ciera Coleman, the City of Sarasota's New Public Art Administrator

We caught up with Coleman, a Sarasota native, to learn more about her background and the future of the city's public art plan. "The arts bring and keep people here," she says.

12/12/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Still Laughing

What Happened to the Central Cocoanut Neighborhood's Laughing Buddha During the Hurricanes?

After surviving Hurricanes Helene and Milton and getting a golden makeover, Sarasota’s Laughing Buddha will soon be back in his spot in the Central Cocoanut neighborhood.

12/03/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Pedal Power

The Late Dr. Nik's Whimsical Bikes Have Been Saved from the Scrap Heap

A friend of the beloved local artist, who died in April, spotted the bikes on a flatbed trailer headed for the junkyard. The WSLR+ Fogartyville community rallied to save them.

08/23/2024 By Megan McDonald

Under the Sea

Meet the Woman Behind Downtown Sarasota’s Mermaid Fountain

Nancy Goodheart Matthews' iconic fountain is included in the Smithsonian Institution's registry of public art. The City of Sarasota will celebrate the recognition with a gathering on Friday, Sept. 13.

07/30/2024 By Megan McDonald

Public Art

A New Mural Is Headed to Gulfstream Avenue in Downtown Sarasota

Local artist Truman Adams' mural, "Amphitrite," is the first in the Florida Legacy Art Mural series, spearheaded by the City of Sarasota's public art committee.

05/28/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Written in Bronze

A Bronze Statue Commemorating Dr. Eugenie Clark Is Planned for Sarasota

It's the first of what Sarasota's Public Art Committee hopes will be many similar statues honoring trailblazing local women.

02/08/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Public Art Alert

Check Out the Public Art Installation Headed to Downtown Sarasota's One Main Plaza

Asper is the public art component of the massive, mixed-use One Main Plaza complex headed to downtown Sarasota.

05/08/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Lim's revenge

Check Out the Top Sculpture Contender for the U.S. 41-Fruitville Road Roundabout

Where The Sun Always Shines by Sujin Lim earned the City of Sarasota Public Art Committee's recommendation at yesterday's meeting. It will now go to city commissioners for approval.

05/04/2023 By Kim Doleatto

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

Public Art

Check Out the Public Art Concepts for the Fruitville Road Roundabout

The community is invited to tomorrow evening's online meeting to share their input.

04/17/2023 By Kim Doleatto

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

Public Displays of Affection

Sarasota's Collection of Public Art Features More Than 95 Works Citywide

We have a love affair with public art, but the road to a happy marriage isn’t always smooth.

11/12/2022 By Kim Doleatto