Arts Advocates Announces January 2025 Events

December 9, 2024 | Sarasota

Arts Advocates is pleased to announce its schedule of January events, which includes a luncheon featuring Morris (Marty) Hylton III of Architecture Sarasota, a group exhibit by the Creative Liberties studio artists, Kathryn Chesley’s “Becoming Ladies of History” art talk, and a Van Wezel tour. Unless otherwise indicated, registration is required at ArtsAdvocates.org.

The Arts Advocates Gallery, located in the Crossings at Siesta Key mall, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota, hosts monthly exhibits by member artists. Shows run from the first Saturday to the last Saturday of each month. The 19 studio artists of Creative Liberties Artist Studios & Galleries will exhibit their work from January 4-25, Saturdays only from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. These artists work in many different mediums including painting, fiber, paper, jewelry making, photography, resin, and printmaking. Admission is free; registration not required.

After a brief hiatus due to Hurricane Milton, the Behind the Curtain: Exploring the Van Wezel from the Art to the Stage tourreturns January 13 from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. The art in the Van Wezel, 777 N. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota, was created by noted Florida artists and is part of the Arts Advocates collection. A docent leads a tour of the paintings and sculptures including those by Robert Chase, William Hartman, Eugene White, Ben Stahl, Thornton Utz, Frank Colson, and others. Participants then step onto the stage where a Van Wezel guide shares stories and anecdotes about the colorful world of show business. Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased at the Van Wezel box office or by calling (941) 263-6799. Presented in partnership with the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, proceeds benefit the education/outreach programs of Arts Advocates and the Van Wezel.

Kathryn Chesley presents the art talk“Becoming Ladies of History” on January 14 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Arts Advocates Gallery. A theater educator, playwright, and trained actress with a love of history, Chesley performs “Life and Times” portrayals of 10 historic women including Mable Ringling, Bertha Honore Palmer, and Marie Selby. ​Free for Arts Advocates members, $5 for non-members.
Arts Advocates presents monthly luncheon programs at the Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, featuring engaging speakers discussing local arts-related topics. Morris (Marty) Hylton III, president of Architecture Sarasota, is the featured speaker on January 16, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Since the mid-20th century, Sarasota has been globally recognized as an epicenter of innovative modern architecture and design, often referred to as the Sarasota School of Architecture. Hylton’s presentation will explore Architecture Sarasota’s efforts to document, preserve, and promote the region’s built and cultural heritage. $45 for Arts Advocates members; $50 for non-members. Lunch is included.

The Arts Advocates’ collection of Sarasota Art Colony and Florida Highwaymen works is on permanent display in the Arts Advocates Gallery, which is open every Saturday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free. Free docent-guided tours are available for gallery visitors who wish to learn more about the art and written information is available for self-guided tours.To learn more about or become a member of Arts Advocates, or to register for events, visit ArtsAdvocates.org.