Education Matters: Celebrating Creativity at Art Center Sarasota

By Kaileia Suvannamaccha | September 2023

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Since its inception in 1926, Art Center Sarasota has established itself as a founding pillar of the city’s thriving arts and cultural scene. For nearly a century, the Center has been empowering individuals of all ages, embracing artistic talents and creative potential through captivating exhibitions, enriching classes, and immersive workshops.

Nestled conveniently on the outskirts of downtown Sarasota, within the enchanting embrace of The Bay’s evolving 53-acre park and the newly developing Sarasota Performing Arts Center, Art Center Sarasota is more than a space for viewing art. It radiates as a vibrant hub for artistic exploration and community engagement that is admission-free and open to all.

Its allure as a hidden gem has garnered recognition and support from those who understand and cherish the integral role of art within the community. Each passing year has witnessed the Center’s influence grow, attracting artists and art enthusiasts alike.

Art Center Sarasota offers a diverse array of opportunities for the community to nurture their creativity and develop visual literacy skills. The welcoming nature of Art Center Sarasota leaves an indelible impression, beckoning visitors to return time and time again with friends and loved ones.

The Biennial Mural Project

At Art Center Sarasota, the commitment to fostering creativity extends beyond the inner walls of the building. Last January, Art Center Sarasota introduced their biennial mural project in collaboration with the Boys and Girls Club of Manatee County. The project begins with an open call for submissions, inviting talented local artists from Sarasota and surrounding counties to envision a mural that will grace the bay-facing wall of the building. 

“We organize a committee who review the submissions, and then end up selecting a muralist who gets to meet with the kiddos from Boys and Girls Club to talk about what inspired their design, and what the process of making a mural looks like,” says executive director, Kinsey Robb.

While it might seem overwhelming at first glance, over the course of a few weeks, the children witness the gradual transformation of a colossal blank canvas into a finished masterpiece. The experience of contributing to a public artwork instills a profound sense of accomplishment, nurturing confidence in the children’s creative abilities.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for the muralist to be able to inspire a younger generation, and we get to recognize it with the city’s public art department,” Robb adds.

The mural becomes a symbol of community effort and artistic expression, on display for two years. Families and visitors flock to the Art Center to admire the mural and occasionally pose for selfies. 

Youth Saturdays

Art Center Sarasota has a long history of providing adult art education classes, workshops, and demonstrations. Over the years, they have also maintained a long-standing partnership with the North Sarasota County School District, playing annual host to the spring art show, which showcases and celebrates artwork made by students from K through 12.

“We also have had a long history of summer camps. Those programs really serve as a staple here. But they’ve also served as a really wonderful platform to build upon. Since I joined the Art Center, we’ve expanded our programming,” Robb shares with excitement. “Thanks to a very special donor who trusted in our vision, we launched Youth Saturdays last year. And not only did we fill our classes, but we also had a waitlist.” 

Designed for ages 6 through 15 and coinciding with the school year, the free program runs from 1pm to 4pm on Saturdays, providing young participants with a safe space to delve into the world of art, fostering a sense of joy and self-expression outside the confines of the classroom.

“You know, it’s different than school. It’s on the weekends, and it’s fun,” says Robb.

The Youth Saturday Program resonated deeply with the community, drawing kids from various school districts and diverse economic backgrounds, uniting them in art-based learning, creation, and sharing.

Opportunities for Local Artists

Led by the director of exhibitions, Christina Baril, Art Center Sarasota’s exhibitions are curated with meticulous care, bringing together a host of varying artistic perspectives and styles.

The Art Center’s commitment to fostering growth is exemplified through its juried exhibitions—a dynamic avenue for artists to submit their work, potentially securing a spot in a prestigious showcase. This not only offers exposure but also the chance for artists to make their work available for purchase, a meaningful way to support both the artist and the Art Center’s mission.

Highlighting its dedication to artists, Art Center Sarasota’s juried exhibitions come complete with prizes, including monetary rewards and merit awards, a unique opportunity for artists to enhance their portfolio and curriculum vitae.

Kinsey Robb emphasizes, “The road to being a working artist is a long and challenging one. As galleries, museums, or cultural institutions, our role is to support artists and treat their work with respect and professionalism.”

Artist Talks

In line with this ethos, the Art Center goes beyond exhibitions, offering enlightening artist talks that facilitate engagement among local artists and provide a platform for insightful discussions and creative exchanges.

Artist talks are a rare and privileged opportunity for art enthusiasts and novices to engage with professional artists on a personal level. During these captivating sessions, artists share their perspectives on their creative process, their conceptual interests, and the stories behind their artworks.

The audience gains insight into the artists’ motivations and inspirations. Questions that may have lingered while observing a piece find answers in the artist’s words, illuminating layers of meaning and intention embedded within the art itself.

Donors, Volunteers, & Members

Art Center Sarasota thrives on the generosity of its members, volunteers, and patrons. 

“Being able to have financial support to make things affordable, or to have free programming is essential. But equally as important are the teaching instructors who lead our classes. We want to think of diversity, accessibility, and inclusivity on a holistic level. It’s the teaching methods and the approaches to teaching that we want to consider. And ultimately, our day-to-day attitude and the belief in the work that we do, and the people that we serve,” Robb states.

The Center cherishes every individual who chooses to make a meaningful financial impact, and personalized discussions are held to explore the various opportunities and ways of giving. By supporting Art Center Sarasota, donors become enablers of artistic dreams, inspiring artists of all ages.

An Ongoing Legacy 

As Art Center Sarasota approaches its centennial milestone, it stands firmly rooted in its rich history while embracing an exciting future. The Center’s dedication to expanding its educational outreach programs and fostering community engagement reflects its commitment to nurturing creativity.

With its doors wide open and its heart receptive to all, Art Center Sarasota continues to cultivate a community of creators, dreamers, and visionaries. By nurturing the artistic spirit in individuals of all ages and backgrounds, the Center aims to create a world where art is not merely observed but embraced as a transformative force that unites, inspires, and empowers.

Kinsey Robb said it best, “Without artists, we don’t have art. Without art, we lose an unbelievable gift to society.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION on Art Center Sarasota, please call (941) 365-2032 or visit www.artsarasota.org.