Arts Advocates to Open New Art Gallery in Siesta Mall

June 16, 2021 – Sarasota

Arts Advocates is pleased to announce the opening of the Arts Advocates Gallery in the Siesta Mall, Suite 119, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, in Sarasota. The gallery will open to the public on Saturday, July 17, and will be open every Saturday from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

For the first time since its founding in 1969, Arts Advocates has its own gallery to display works from its collection of Florida artists and to host community events. The opening exhibit features Sarasota Art Colony pieces from the collection, including Jon Corbino’s “Palette,” on view for the first time since it was stolen from the collection in 1991 when it was on display at the Van Wezel. In 2019, the piece was recovered from a local estate sale by a treasure hunter and returned to Arts Advocates. Written information about all the pieces on display will be available for self-guided tours. 

Docent-guided tours are also available at 11:00 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month starting Wednesday, July 7, before the gallery opens to the public. Tours are $10 per person and should be booked at ArtsAdvocates.org. 

In addition to exhibits, Arts Advocates will host a variety of events in the gallery that are open to the public. Registration for these upcoming events can be made at ArtsAdvocates.org. 

Wednesday, June 23, 11 a.m., “Time Flies” Jewelry Workshop. Create a pendant using an assemblage of watch parts, cogs, and antique watch cases. Conducted by Judy Levine who designs and creates limited edition jewelry. $35, limited to 10 participants. 

Friday, July 9, 4:30 p.m., Jazz Trumpet Recital. Enjoy a performance by Arts Advocates scholarship winner Luca Stine, who is a jazz trumpeter, classical violinist, and composer. $20, limited to 30 people. 

Tuesday, July 13, 11 a.m., Poetry 101 Workshop. Conducted by poet Teresa Carson, participants will deepen their appreciation of poetry by close-reading poems and by writing a poem or two. $20, limited to 20 people. 

The mission of Arts Advocates is to inspire creativity, advance education and connect the community to the arts. Since 1969, the organization has awarded over $1 million in scholarships to local students, and nearly $150,000 in grants to local arts organizations, schools, and children’s programs. All monies awarded are generated through Arts Advocates activities.                                                      

For more information about Arts Advocates, visit ArtsAdvocates.org.