Pictured: Rylie Dexter, the artist, at work. Provided photo.

Rylie Dexter, a Connecticut native, came to Sarasota to study at Ringling College of Art and Design and now works as a video editor for an entertainment company. After COVID-19, Dexter returned to visual arts, creating paintings, costumes, sculptures and crafts. Over the past year, he has worked with artist representative Dylan Jones to bring his work to a wider audience within Sarasota’s arts scene.

In August 2025, Jones organized an auction of two limited prints at Sarasota Estate Auction in Burns Court. The works depicted two cats, Sugar and Spice, adopted from Cat Depot in 2019. Each print was signed by Dexter and featured a paw print from the cats. The auction raised more than $1,100 for Cat Depot, helping nearly a dozen cats through rescue, wellness checks and fostering. In November, two prints of a surreal self-portrait painted during Hurricane Ian were auctioned to benefit the Manatee and Sarasota Community Foundation’s Disaster Relief Funds, again raising more than $1,100. These efforts have helped spread awareness of Dexter’s work and his commitment to charitable giving.

"I realized a long time ago that I don't feel creatively fulfilled unless I am able to express my own ideas through a variety of artistic media. Art became a necessity for my own personal sense of satisfaction. The fact that my artwork can result in some material good by raising money for causes I care about has been a tremendous blessing," says Dexter. "It means my hours spent creating are never wasted."

The next Sarasota Estate Auction will take place January 24 and 25. Dexter’s piece will be auctioned on the first day, within the first few hours. His partnership with the auction house has expanded the reach of his work, and he continues to donate 100% of proceeds to charity. His upcoming auction marks the first original painting he has offered for sale, created specifically to benefit Nate’s Honor Rescue.

"My upcoming projects bring a focus to bodily autonomy and the politicization of people's bodies," he continued. "As a trans person, I feel like I get to see beauty where society tells us we should feel shame or disgust. I hope to help others see this beauty as well, and in the process help the community by raising money for Queer charities."

For more information about the auction process, call 941-359-8700 or email SarasotaEstateAuction@gmail.com.

Pictured: Rylie Dexter, the artist, at work. Provided photo.