Sarasota celebrates International Sculpture Day with the simultaneous openings of two exhibits at the studio of local sculptor Duncan Chamberlain, son of the late famed metal sculptor John Chamberlain, who made Sarasota his home and workshop through the 80s and 90s. In addition to exploring the latest work from the younger Chamberlain in the “Like Father, Like Son” exhibit, attendees of this limited two-day exhibition will be afforded the chance to see two large-scale never-before-seen sculptures from John Chamberlain in the “Remembering John Chamberlain” exhibit, organized by the Sarasota Sculpture Center with cooperation from Duncan.

“I’ve been very aware of [John Chamberlain’s] contribution to the sculpture world,” said Susan McLeod, Chair to the Board of Directors of Sarasota Sculpture Center and someone who counted Chamberlain as a personal friend. It’s Chamberlain that she credits with vitalizing Sarasota’s art scene and bringing celebrated greats such as Andy Warhol and David Budd to town. “He’s an icon that we had living and working right here,” said McLeod. “It’s always been a big chagrin to me that Sarasota’s basically done nothing to recognize it.”

Contacting the late artist’s son, Duncan, McLeod was shocked to discover that he had two previously unknown sculptures from his father hidden away in the studio. “It was flabbergasting,” she said, and big news travels fast. McLeod is already fielding calls from collectors around the country who want to know what’s been found.

Entitled Elitist Provocateur and Wickets, both are monumental examples of the older Chamberlain’s style - grand in scope with forms torn from the wreckage of discarded auto parts. Provocateur hangs from the rafters of Duncan’s studio, while Wickets splays across the floor like a giant mechanical croquet field. Some of Chamberlain’s memorabilia accompanies the exhibit, such as sketches and drawings and autographed programs from old shows. Photos of the artist at work adorn the walls and a documentary film of an older Chamberlain at work, cane and all, loops continuously.

In the yard behind the studio, Duncan’s work stands on display, including a great looming humanoid figure entitled Camera Man, fittingly composed of discarded cameras. The older Chamberlain’s influence rings clear in Duncan’s metalwork, but the younger Chamberlain still distinguishes himself as an artist in his own right. Working with brushed stainless steel and aluminum instead of auto parts, Duncan’s abstract creations gleam as they tower. “It’s stunning,” said McLeod.

Due to the massive size of the Chamberlains’ creations and the complications that creates with staging, these exhibits will only be open for two days – tonight and tomorrow – before closing down. “We’re fortunate to be able to do this for even that amount of time,” said McLeod. “It’s a very special treat for the community and I hope people take advantage.”

With a complementary beer, wine and water bar and the Clasico food truck bringing tacos of all sorts, they’re making it easy.

“Like Father, Like Son” and “Remembering John Chamberlain” run from Apr. 24-25 and open today with a 4pm reception at the studio of Duncan Chamberlain at 7036 Clark Road, Sarasota. Hours are 4pm-12am both days. 

Pictured: "Wickets". Courtesy of Sarasota Sculpture Center

A century after the Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Empire, Turkey still won’t recognize it occurred and President Obama won’t press the issue either. But a filmmaker raised in Sarasota wants to make sure the event is not ignored on this important anniversary. Professional vlogger Datev Gallagher has spent the past seven months working on the short film I Am Armenian, a 26-minute documentary telling the story of the genocide through its impact on her own family. “It’s a part of history that is not officially recognized, but over 1.5 million died and suffered,” Gallagher said. “I’m just trying to do justice for these people.”

Gallagher, of Armenian descent on her mother’s side, graduated from New Gate School in 2007 before studying film at Florida State University, where she graduated in 2010. Today, Gallagher lives in Nevada, accomplishing the impressive feat of paying her bills through daily video blogging on the YouTube channel ladiedottie.

I Am Armenian, though, was released ad-free, a passion project intended to raise awareness of the genocide. April 24 is recognized in Armenia as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, with today serving as the 100-year anniversary. Most states recognize the day, though alliances with Turkey have made the federal government wary of recognition, with presidents from Gerald Ford to Barack Obama avoiding any acknowledgement of the event as a genocide. 

Watch the entire film 'I Am Armenian' at SRQ Backlot.

JOHNNY WAS juxtaposes the vintage and modern, reserved and unrestrained, traditional and innovative. Bohemian Bliss Boutique in Downtown Sarasota is the largest buyer of the brand in the southeastern region and is featuring several JOHNNY WAS pieces created especially for the local boutique, including this featured kimono-style top. Since its inception in 1987, JOHNNY WAS embraces the free-spirited and confident women who inspire the line’s signature aesthetic. 

Bohemian Bliss Boutique 1544 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 312-6983

If you missed the Easter Brunch at Michael’s on East, you can still try one of the popular buffet items by whipping it up at home. This Quinoa Salad was part of the inspired menu but the restaurant went ahead and shared this recipe with the public. 

Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas, Feta and Apples

Ingredients: 1½ cups cooked quinoa; ¼ cup golden raisins; ½ cup cooked chickpeas; 1 bunch of Italian parsley, chopped; ½ cup crumbled feta; 1 Granny Smith apple, cut into ½-inch squares; ½ cup toasted almonds alivers; ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; juice of one lemon; 1 teaspoon honey; ¼ teaspoon green curry paste; salt and black pepper to taste

Combine all the ingredients and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Add more curry paste to increase spice level as desired. Serve chilled and garnish with sprig of parsley. 

Rick Kerby, producing artistic director for the Manatee Players, is being honored with the American Association of Community Theatre’s Fellow Award. The award will be presented at an awards ceremony during the AACT National Community Theatre Festival, AACTFest 2015, in Grand Rapids, Michigan June 23-27.The AACT Fellow Award is bestowed upon those members of AACT who over a period of years have contributed significantly to the idea and ideal of community theatre. Prior to his move to Florida, Rick Kerby was Entertainment Director for the USO of Metropolitan New York and organizer of the Miss USO Contest. 

SouthTech, an IT services firm that has delivered and supported infrastructure and business management solutions throughout Florida since 1994, announced the addition of Scott Rezabeck as systems support specialist. Rezabeck is a graduate of Kent State University in Ohio, and his last position was as an IT Analyst at Dwellworks in Cleveland. 

SouthTech

Yesterday, SRQ Magazine hosted the inaugural Hear Me Roar awards luncheon honoring the winners and finalists of the 2015 Women in Business Competition. Opening with champagne toasts and a pop-up boutique, the luncheon was a tremendous success - but more importantly, was a gathering for the incredible women throughout our region. Chief Marketing Officer of iMatchative, Pam van der Lee inspired luncheon guests with her moving personal journey to finding her passion across industry lines. Sharing her personal motivations in business, building character and committing to causes that make a difference, Pam's address resonated with the gathering of more than 200 guests. Legendary fashion designer Adrienne Vittadini received the very first SRQ "Women in Business" Trailblazer Award at the luncheon to a standing ovation. SRQ Magazine would like to congratulate the finalists and winners of the 2015 Women in Business Competition and newly inducted members of the Leadership Circle. The seven Women in Business judges selected the following winners: Mary Dougherty-Slapp, Gulf Coast Builders Exchange, Kameron Hodgens, The Glasser Schoenbaum Human Services Center, Christine Johnson, Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, Jo Ann Koontz, Koontz & Associates and Denise Kowal, Avendia de Colores. The 2015 finalists were also announced: Elizabeth Melendez Fisher, Selah Freedom, Mary Forristall, Forristall Enterprises, Kim Hopper, Regions Bank, Tammy Kovar, Biological Tree Services, Stefanie Overturf, Overturf’s Floor & Fabric Care, Sandra Rios, The Resort at Longboat Key Club and Gabriele Vest of Grapevine Communications. For more information and a gallery of photos from Hear Me Roar, visit the SRQ Inside the Brand blog soon! Special thanks to our event sponsors: Sophie's at Saks Fifth Avenue, University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee and The Resort at Longboat Key Club.