Artists Helping Artists: Creative Liberties

November 5, 2021 – Sarasota

Artists excel at what they do best—creating art. It’s what makes them artists. But many artists struggle with the business demands of art. Many also need space for working and showcasing their work. 

A new business called Creative Liberties stands in the gap. Elizabeth Goodwill and Barbara Gerdeman, two locally based artists and art educators, launched this venture to empower regional artists with a variety of business services and studio and exhibition opportunities. The company recently opened Creative Liberties Artist Studios, a collective artist studio that provides work and display space for local artists. Owned by Howard and Sherry Davis, the facility is located in the Limelight District of the Park East neighborhood near downtown Sarasota.

“This project has been years in the works,” says Gerdeman. “We’re excited to see it finally take shape.”

“Our motto is ‘Artists Helping Artists,’” she says. “And that’s exactly what we do. We provide opportunities for artists of all levels to get exposure and sell their work in a safe, supportive community space with an online and social media presence.” Goodwill adds that their artistic services include assistance with social media, website design, public relations, marketing, pricing artwork, working with galleries, helping with shipping sold pieces, and more. She notes that, “We even offer supportive guidance on overcoming creative blocks.”

Nine artists have currently made Creative Liberties Artist Studios their artistic workspace. These include: Elizabeth Goodwill (book art, fiber art and mixed media); Barbara Gerdeman (photography, acrylic painting, and mixed media); Donna Bergman (collage and mixed media); Lisa DiFranza (acrylic painting, gouache, and mixed media); Traci Kegerreis (acrylic painting, collage and mosaics); Deena King (mixed media painting);  Sandy Koolkin (acrylic fluid painting, watercolor and fiber art); Judy Levine (jewelry design, collage and photography); and Craig Palmer (abstract painting). “Our studio spaces are filled now,” Gerdeman explains, “But we’re accepting applications for the future.”

Creative Liberties Artist Studios’ grand opening takes place Saturday, December 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at 901-B Apricot Avenue, Sarasota. Guests will be able to visit and speak with the studio artists, and also view and purchase their creations. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information about Creative Liberties, visit www.creativeliberties.net; call 941-799-6634 or email info@creativeliberties.net. The studios are open to the public Thursday through Monday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and on Tuesdays and Wednesdays by appointment.