Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative’s “Tradition and the Abstract: Improvisations and the Norm” Opens April 2

March 17, 2025 | Sarasota

Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative’s (SBAC) “Beyond Regional Boundaries” initiative continues its powerful exploration of Black artistry with a dynamic exhibition, “Tradition and the Abstract: Improvisations and the Norm,” showcasing

paintings by Shannon Elyse Curry and Jeannette Bradley, April 2-28, at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. An opening reception, with the artists, is Wednesday, April 2, 5-6:15 p.m., at the Van Wezel’s Grand Foyer.

Paul Toliver, SBAC’s artist consultant and curator, describes the exhibition as “loosely based on an intersection of the traditional and the abstract; the established and the emerging, and the old and the new. This intersection, especially in the worlds of improvisational music and abstract art, highlights a connection between music and visual art, particularly in terms of spontaneity, expression, and the creative process.”

Michele Redwine, SBAC’s executive director, explains that the exhibition is a key part of SBAC’s Art Innovation Zone, a yearlong program within the Beyond Regional Boundaries initiative. Supported by such regional venues as Sarasota Opera, Sarasota Orchestra, Manatee Performing Arts Center, WSLR + Fogartyville, and the Van Wezel, the program fosters a creative space where the work of Black artists is exposed to wider audiences. She adds that these exhibitions benefit both the exhibition venues, artists and the greater Sarasota/Manatee communities.

“We are thrilled to be able to feature these incredible artists in our Grand Foyer, and so excited that we can connect these visual works to some of our fabulous visiting musicians,” says Justin Gomlak, director of Education and Community Engagement at the Van Wezel. “The Branford Marsalis Quartet and The Commodores are two acts whose music is inspiration for these visual artists. This connection between arts disciplines mirrors the wonderful connection between Van Wezel and Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative. Now more than ever it is important for our arts organizations to support one another, and how lucky we are to live in a community that does just that!”

Shannon Elyse Curry is a jazz musician, vocalist, book cover illustrator, muralist, painter, and educator. A sought-after artist for exhibitions and commissions, she explores the role of color in shaping artistic spaces. Curry’s latest body of work celebrates abundance, beauty, and the transformative power of color. Rooted in her belief that art can elevate and inspire, her paintings embrace harmony, movement, and emotional resonance.

“The beauty of this world is very important to me,” Curry states. “We should continuously seek what is good, enriching, and pleasing. Beauty holds meaning, represents ideas, and provides pleasure—there is merit in the positivity it inspires.”

While many artists examine darkness and discord, Curry highlights radiance and aesthetic harmony. Her portraits and explorations of color transcend stylistic boundaries, blending abstraction, photorealism, and conceptual depth. Each piece reflects her evolving perspective, inviting viewers to engage with the emotions subtly woven within. With a focus on color’s emotive power and the fluidity of movement, Curry’s work continues to inspire joy, contemplation, and connection through visual beauty.

Jeannette Bradley’s work is a visual dialogue celebrating identity, resilience, and shared humanity. Through bold colors, layered textures of acrylic and newsprint, and emotive figures, she uses abstract art to challenge outdated narratives about the Black community while inviting viewers of all backgrounds into a space of connection and understanding. Exploring themes of joy, struggle, heritage, and hope, Bradley embraces multiple interpretations that transcend cultural lines. She incorporates newspaper into all her pieces, serving as a reminder of how information was once

primarily spread. On the back of every work, she writes a brief story to ensure viewers understand the inspiration behind it.

Bradley is deeply drawn to urban life and the potential it holds for inclusive renewal. “All my paintings talk about some aspect of Black life,” she explains. “Right now, I feel compelled to explore Black life from a historical perspective—not through people, but through the symbols of the time.” She acknowledges the era when Black artists’ contributions were minimized but celebrates how cultural movements like the Black Renaissance and hip-hop have influenced the world. With her abstract art, she hopes to continue that legacy.

Upcoming Exhibitions

Through March 30

Artist: Dominic Avant

Sarasota Opera, 61 North Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota

August 1-30

Artists TBA

Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library, 2801 Newtown Blvd., Sarasota

September 1-28

Artists TBA

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota

October 1-31

Artists TBA

Sarasota Orchestra, 709 Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

November: Date TBA

Artists TBA

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota

December 1 to 30

Artists TBA

Venice Theatre

DATE TBA

Art Center Sarasota

Additional venues are currently in development, with final details expected in January.