In celebration of creativity and community,  Art Center Sarasota is honoring three extraordinary artists—Susan McLeod, Clifford McDonald and Gail Eisenfeld-Hansen—as Centennial Honorees. Each exemplifies the Center’s commitment to building meaningful connections between artists and audiences. During the Beaux Arts Ball on March 21, an evening of “art, elegance and imagination,” each honoree was invited to feature one piece as part of the Centennial celebration.

SUSAN MCLEOD IS A LIFELONG ARTS ADVOCATE who ran galleries during the rise of the American studio glass movement and played a key role in Sarasota’s Season of Sculpture. A passionate champion for preserving and sharing the city’s visual arts history, she continues to connect artists and audiences alike. Along with her galleries here in town, McLeod also had a presence in Washington, DC and worked with Michael Saunders for over 30 years. As a real estate agent, she came to learn that most people came to Sarasota for the arts and the cultural community it offered. “There was a time in the 80s and 90s that Sarasota had very well-known, popular galleries on St. Armands Circle, which is where mine was and people came here specifically to shop for art,” she recalls. “We still have wonderful galleries today, but we don't have what we had back then. This town gave birth to a lot of talent and one of the most important things that came out of this 2026 celebration is that a lot of those past artists were honored.” Having been involved with the Sarasota arts community since 1971, McLeod believes that If we lose our history, we lose our reputation. “You understand where you're going by looking backward and acknowledging it. And that's what we're doing.”

CLIFFORD MCDONALD, A PAINTER AND FOUNDER OF ART4CHANGE, uses art to inspire culture, community and social transformation. His portraits, admired for their warmth and precision, draw inspiration from music, social issues and human connection. McDonald founded Art 4 Change after teaching art and witnessing how creativity impacts youth and communities. “I thought about how much art changed my life and wanted to give that back. In the beginning, we focused on curating exhibits that promoted positive social change, but now we’re shifting toward youth programs—especially in low-income neighborhoods. Art is a powerful tool for expression and change, and I want kids to understand that early on,” he explains. Proud of his daughter’s recent exhibition in the Sarasota County Schools Spring Art Show, McDonald adds, “My dream now is to do a collaborative series with her and exhibit it—maybe even at the Art Center. As a Sarasota native who’s been finding my way as an artist, it’s an honor to be recognized as a Centennial Honoree. To now be honored in this way by Art Center Sarasota feels like everything is coming full circle.” 

GAIL EISENFELD HANSEN IS A SARASOTA-BASED ARTIST whose work explores light, movement and emotion through resin sculpture, alcohol ink and abstract acrylic grids. She discovered Art Center Sarasota shortly after the pandemic and quickly became one of its strongest advocates, crediting Executive Director Katherine Ceaser for revitalizing the center, especially through programs that support young artists.

A lifelong member of The Art Students League of New York, Eisenfeld-Hansen moved to Florida in June 2021 after decades practicing law in New York. She has found that Art Center Sarasota offers a similar community-oriented atmosphere to the League, with its classes, open studios and workshops fostering both creativity and connection. “The open studio time is a wonderful counterbalance,” she explains. “Being an artist often means spending long hours alone with your work. The open studio creates a sense of community—you see familiar faces not only at the art center but around Sarasota. When I was an artist-in-residence at the Art Ovation Hotel, several people I’d met at the open studio came to visit. It really builds a feeling of community.” As one of the Centennial Honorees, Eisenfeld-Hansen expresses deep appreciation: “I am so thrilled and excited about the future of the Art Center. It has such a bright path ahead. I’m truly honored to have been chosen among so many who contribute—I’m really touched.”