Visitors to Ringling College of Art and Design’s Basch Gallery have been able to view the latest glass art exhibit from the personal collection of Richard and Barbara Basch. Entitled Nature in Glass and curated by Mark Ormond, this seventh exhibit from the Basch Collection showcases 31 pieces reflecting the artists’ engagement or interest in the natural world. The gallery holds regular viewing hours and the staff is friendly, but for those looking for a more in-depth experience, Barbara Basch herself hosts guided exhibit tours every Wednesday morning at 10:30am.

“Because sharing it is even more fun than having it,” Basch said when asked about her collaboration with the college. Walking between and around the many cases and stands, Basch weaves her stories for the audience. This piece was inspired by the artist’s trip to the icebergs of Antarctica. This one represents an artist working through the loss of his son. These were commissioned by the Basches from a good-natured young artist. The stories are important, said Basch, because “nothing is spontaneous in glass.” Decisions are not made lightly. And as a collector, getting to know the artist can be as important as experiencing their art, “because we’re living with their expression.”

Open since Jan. 9, works collected for the global exhibition represent countries and cultures ranging from Japanese to Inuit to the requisite Italian finery and American artists, including a piece from Italian glass maestro Davide Salvatore, whom Basch hints will likely be the focus of next year’s show. One series showcases the rare uranium glass, only found in the Czech Republic. A handful of works from Sarasota-favorite Dale Chihuly join the ranks, bringing the artist's singular style to a collection boasting near every method of glasswork from cold-cut to blown to fused and even a delightful layered still life of glass panes and ink. But to appreciate the stories behind the work, you’ll have to take the tour.

“We want Sarasota to be the Mecca of glass,” said Basch of this latest push in a concerted effort to elevate glass appreciation in the community, including last weekend’s Art Glass Weekend. “There will always be something happening if we have our way.”

Nature in Glass runs in the Basch Gallery through Mar. 19. Tours with Barbara Basch are every Wednesday at 10:30am. 

Pictured: Visitors enjoy the latest exhibition from the Basch Collection. Courtesy of: Ringling College of Art and Design.

My favorite dish at Antoine’s has always been the Mussels Provencale and I tend to get stuck on a particular dish with the kind of fervent loyalty normally found in elementary school best friends. That’s why I’m always thrilled to have a dining companion, and at a recent photo shoot I was blessed to have SRQ Magazine photographer Wyatt Kostygan with me when owner Olivier Georges suggested he try the Filet Mignon En Croute, a beef filet mignon wrapped in puff pastry with a blue cheese filling served with steamed vegetables and creamer potato. The dish is beautiful and sinfully good with crisp flaky pastry, creamy tangy blue cheese and tender filet. Being South African, I immediately likened it to a meat pie but Olivier laughingly told us that a customer once proclaimed it the fanciest best tasting Hot Pocket he’d ever eaten. I can’t speak to that but it’s the best meat pie I’ve ever eaten—I may have a new favorite. 

Antoine's Restaurant, 1100 N Tuttle Ave., Sarasota 941-331-1400.

John McLain has been named chief executive officer of Venice Regional Bayfront Health, effective February 29. McLain comes to Venice from Southern Regional Health System in Riverdale, Georgia, where he has served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of a 331-bed hospital and affiliated outpatient clinics since 2010. In this role, he oversaw system-wide strategic planning and implementation which increased medical resources and quality for the community. During McLain’s tenure at Southern Regional Health System, the system successfully recruited 10 physicians per year to meet community and strategic needs and developed a neuroscience service line. Patient satisfaction improved, employee satisfaction increased and the hospital earned recognition on the Georgia Hospital Association Presidential Honor Roll for success in Core Measures.  

Venice Regional Bayfront Health

Award-winning breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant First Watch announced it has entered into an exclusive franchise development agreement with Mac Haik Enterprises to develop up to 18 restaurants in Southeastern Texas and Southwestern Louisiana. The agreement is the largest agreement to date for the Bradenton-based restaurant chain. Haik was formerly The Egg & I’s largest franchisee and sold his 30 franchisee restaurant entity and his major position in the 114-franchisor restaurant entity to First Watch upon its acquisition of The Egg & I in May. His return to the growing daytime café segment comes as the owner/operator of First Watch restaurants in the blooming markets of Houston, Austin, San Antonio and Baton Rouge, with the first restaurant slated to open in College Station in mid-2016. 

First Watch

Craft Growlers To Go & Tasting Room is now open on Lakewood Ranch Main Street. The shop sells 32-oz. and 64-oz. Growlers to Go with 45 taps of handcrafted choices, served in an atmosphere developed for customers to taste, learn about and enjoy craft beers, ciders, meads, wines and crafty sodas. The establishment is independently owned and operated by Jeanne Dooley, a 30-year PGA golf professional and craft beer enthusiast. 

Craft Growlers To Go & Tasting Room

Jon F. Swift Construction was awarded the contract for construction of the new Robert L. Taylor Community Complex athletic field. This project includes the conversion of the current field space into an artificial multipurpose turf field with new lighting, fencing, irrigation and parking. Construction will begin in late Spring 2016 and Stantec Engineering will serve as the project engineer. 

Jon F. Swift Construction