Arts Advocates Announces May 2024 Programs and Events

April 3, 2024 – Sarasota

Arts Advocates is pleased to announce its schedule of May programs and events, including member artist Michael Cohen’s photography exhibit; the art talk, “Reimagining Famous Works of Art”; the annual scholarship awards luncheon; and a tour of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Unless otherwise indicated, registration is required at ArtsAdvocates.org.

Arts Advocates member artists exhibit monthly in the Arts Advocates Gallery, located in the Crossings at Siesta Key mall, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. Shows runs from the first Saturday to the last Saturday of each month. Michael Cohen’s “What Light Does When Nobody’s Looking” will be on exhibit from May 4-25, Saturdays only from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Cohen’s work attempts to capture fleeting scenes; he sees himself as a collector as much as a creator of these images. The subjects are not typically a person or object, but rather the light itself, its reflection or, in the case of deep shadows, the absence of light. Admission is free.

On May 7, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Arts Advocates Gallery, Arts Advocates member Nanette Crist presents the art talk, “Reimagining Famous Works of Art.” This presentation focuses on artists who have created alternative versions of iconic paintings depicting American history, including “Washington Crossing the Delaware” by Emanuel Leutze. These artists’ revised narratives reflect the different lenses through which they view our past and their hopes for our future. Free for Arts Advocates members; $5 for non-members.

Arts Advocates presents its annual scholarship awards luncheon on May 16. Scholarship winners will be introduced, and some will perform. Since 1969, the scholarship program has awarded over $1.1 million to local students whose studies include visual and related arts, dance, writing, music, theater, and architecture. All scholarship monies are generated through Arts Advocates activities. The luncheon’s guest speaker is Sara Curtis Robinson, vice president for advancement of Ringling College and its arts and culture programs in the community including Sarasota Art Museum, Town Hall Lecture Series, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), and Englewood Art Center. Held at the Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Blvd. in Sarasota, this event begins at 11:00 a.m.; cost is $45 for Arts Advocates members, $50 for non-members, with sponsorship opportunities available ranging from $125 to $2,500. 

The “Behind the Curtain: Exploring the Van Wezel from the Art to the Stage” tour on May 20 from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. is presented in partnership with the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. The art in the Van Wezel, 777 N. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota, was created by noted Florida artists and is on loan from Arts Advocates. 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, Dean Mitchell, 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. Proceeds benefit the education/outreach programs of Arts Advocates and the Van Wezel.

The Arts Advocates’ collection of Sarasota Art Colony and Florida Highwaymen works is on permanent display in the Arts Advocates Gallery. The gallery is open every Saturday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.; admission is free and written information is available for self-guided tours.

To learn more about or become a member of Arts Advocates, or to register for programs and events, visit ArtsAdvocates.org.