Christmas in July at Creative Liberties

July 6, 2022 – Sarasota

Creative Liberties, based on a foundation of artists helping artists, presents an Open Studio, Thursday, July 7, 5-7 p.m. Guests can meet artists, watch them work, purchase art, and enjoy sips and bites and inspired conversation. On Saturday, July 23, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., the “Christmas in July” event features handmade holiday gift options, festive activities and foods, and an interactive ornament-creating event. Creative Liberties Artist Studios is located at 901-B Apricot Avenue, Sarasota, in the Limelight District. For more information, visit www.creativeliberties.net or call 941-799-6634.

Creative Liberties was founded in November 2021 by Barbara Gerdeman and Elizabeth Goodwill, two artists and art educators. Goodwill explains that they launched this venture to empower regional artists with a variety of business services and studio and exhibition opportunities. The Creative Liberties Artist Studios is a collective, communal space that provides work and display space for local artists. There are also display walls available for non-studio artists to rent. Monthly artist markets provide an opportunity for local artists to sell their work—and will resume in October. 

Nine artists have made the Creative Liberties Artist Studios their artistic workspace. These include: Jenny Berry (oil painting); 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); Sandy Koolkin (acrylic fluid painting, watercolor and fiber art); Jay Li (pastel portraiture) and Judy Levine (jewelry design, collage and photography). 

A Quick Look at Upcoming Happenings!

June 9-30: “Here Comes The Sun” Open Exhibit

July 7, Thursday, 5-7pm: Evening Open Studio

Stop by the Creative Liberties Artist Studios and Gallery to interact with studio artists, take a peek inside their creative process and view and buy inspired art and handmade creations by them and other featured local artists.

July 23, Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: “Christmas in July”

Come prepared to find great gift options for everyone on your holiday giving list! Creative Liberties’ studio artists and any other local artists who would like to participate, will be invited to create holiday ornaments to adorn a tree that will go up in November. Festive decorations, holiday treats and inspired conversation are all part of it!  The Bazaar at Apricot and Lime, located across the street, will also be hosting a “Christmas in July” event.

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, Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and on Sunday and Tuesday by appointment.

Summer hours will be in effect, July through September: Thursday to Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; and Sunday to Wednesday by appointment.