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SRQ DAILY Mar 9, 2018

Friday Weekend Edition

Friday Weekend Edition

"The more people look at the work, the more they find in there. They can wander around in the painting and find new things to think about and see,"

- Craig Rubadoux, artist
 

[Gallery]  The Wild Side of Craig Rubadoux
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Allyn Gallup Contemporary Art keeps the season rolling strong with yet another wide-ranging exhibition showcasing one of Sarasota’s greats. Curated by Mark Ormond and currently on display, Craig Rubadoux: Magical, Mystical, Fantastical features more than 20 paintings from the artist’s decades-long career, including a sizable collection of small-scale works from this past summer in Nova Scotia, giving audiences a broad vantage and rare perspective on the life and developing style of this Sarasota master. The exhibition runs through March 31.

Spread across the white walls of the gallery, the breadth and startlingly vivid colors of the exhibition as a whole strike the viewer the moment they enter the room, before any individual painting can receive preferential viewing. An energy permeates the air, carried by crosswinds of conversation between paintings artfully arranged by Ormond. And though all distinctly Rubadoux and sporting the artist’s signature style, great variety abounds within that world, with some images serene and clear, brought to life in precise, clean lines, and others emerging from the seemingly manic and overlapping scrawls of some dark indecision. But it’s all Rubadoux. “I try to run the whole gamut, from joy to sorrow,” he says, “like life itself.”

The work itself is, according to the artist, akin to “a journal of my experiences.” While, on one hand, that could leave the artist vulnerable and exposed to the viewing audience, perhaps moreso than usual, Rubadoux expresses a certain ambivalence, especially regarding seeing his early work again. “Sometimes it’d be nice to touch things up a bit,” he says, “but you put all of your energy into whatever painting you’re doing at the time, and when it’s ready to go, it’s ready to go.”

One thing that rings clear from every wall—Rubadoux loves animals. Blue dogs, red dogs, spindly foxes and even a trio of pigs inspired by a Georgian isle still home to descendants of boars brought by the Spanish centuries ago, they all adorn the walls at Allyn Gallup Contemporary Art, brought to life under Rubadoux’s brush. “I like wild things,” he says simply, and these animals too are, in a way, a record of his life. As a child growing up in Sarasota, his parents would take him to the Ringling Bros. Circus, where he would sketch elephants, horses, hippos and big cats. He remembers a later trip to Spain, watching soldiers train horses on the beach. He still makes trips to Newfoundland, camping and spying bear and moose. “All of that experience informs what I paint,” he says.

Already at work on his next series, revolving around foxes, a bobcat crossed by Rubadoux’s deck in Englewood the other day and caught his eye in a way he may not have been prepared for. “Sometimes a certain animal will resonate,” he says. “So that might be the next image.”

Currently on display at Allyn Gallup Contemporary Art, Craig Rubadoux: Magical, Mystical, Fantastical hangs through March 31. 

Picture: "At Dawn" by Craig Rubadoux. Photo courtesy of the artist and Allyn Gallup Contemporary Art.

[Education]  Where The Votes Are: Support for Tax Historically Broad
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

As Sarasota County voters prepare for a special election on renewing a 1-mill property tax to support the schools, SRQ Media Group hosted an unprecedented pre-election Where The Votes Are.

SRQ looked closely at the results of the last election on the tax, to some surprising results. While a common worry about school taxes in Florida remains whether a retiree population will want additional resources directed at the school system, the electorate for the special election in 2014, when the measure passed with 76.9 percent of the vote, greater than 73 percent of the electorate was age 60 or older. That means the bulk of voters likely don’t have children in public schools.

The special election also marked a rare county race where Democrats boasted a higher turnout, 19.83 percent, than Republicans, 18.01 percent. But Republican voters in total still outnumbered Democrats by 4,281 votes. Ultimately, that shows wrong bipartisan support for the measure.

The event featured a special presentation by Pam Truitt and Dan DeLeo, both part of the School Board Financial Advisory Committee. Both said that regardless of the popularity of the measure four years ago, they can never take anything for granted. DeLeo noted that in a community like Sarasota County, a whole new group of voters weighs in every four years.

Truitt stressed the importance of the referendum revenue, for teacher salaries, the vast majority of which goes toward paying for faculty. DeLeo said the revenue helps support some positions that might be considered excess with a tighter budget. Without the tax, some elementary schools would have to choose between funding music or science programs. “Some would choose one, some would choose the other,” he says. “Now we have both.”

Sarasota County voters will vote on March 20 whether to extend the tax another four years. 

SRQ's Jacob Ogles discusses the racial and gender breakdown in the previous school referendum election.

[Exec Moves]  Asolo Rep Announces Two New Board Members

Asolo Repertory Theatre has announced the induction of two new members to its Board of Directors: Garrett Heard, BMO Private Bank Managing Director and Private Wealth Advisor; and William S. Villafranco, Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Trustee and CEO of Villafranco Wealth Management. Heard joined BMO Private Bank in 2007 and has more than 35 years of experience in the wealth management and financial services industries. BMO Private Bank’s support for Asolo Rep has spanned three decades, and has benefited the theatre's work on the stage as well as education programs in the community. BMO leaders have served on Asolo Rep's Board of Directors for more than five years. A keen businesswoman with a generous heart, Virginia B. Toulmin was one of Asolo Rep’s greatest friends and benefactors throughout her dynamic life in Sarasota. Her legacy of support continues through the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation under the leadership of Trustee Villafranco. Villafranco is the founder and CEO of Villafranco Wealth Management, a boutique wealth management firm with offices in New York City and Naples, Florida, and has more than 25 years of experience in finance and has held positions at Chase Manhattan Bank, Bessemer Trust Company, Credit Suisse and Alpha Investment Management, Inc. before founding his own firm. 

Asolo Repertory Theatre

[Recognition]  AdFed Suncoast Announces ADDY 77 Winners

AdFed Suncoast recently held its ADDY 77 - American Advertising Awards Gala at Cinebistro, in Sarasota, and released the names of the winners in the Digital Winners Book. Several local businesses, such as Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Grapevine Communications and Realize Bradenton received awards, as did many Ringling College of Art and Design students. AdFed Suncoast is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of the art and business of advertising through professional education, legislative efforts and community service. AdFed Suncoast is a local chapter of the American Advertising Federation’s Fourth District, which consists of nearly 1,500 members in 23 local chapters throughout Florida and the Caribbean. To view a complete listing of award winners in the Digital Winners Book, follow the link below. 

ADDY 77 Digital Winners Book

[Exec Moves]  SouthTech Hires Selle As Marketing Coordinator

SouthTech, a provider of managed technology solutions, recently hired Lauren Selle as its new marketing coordinator. She will be joining the company's Sales & Marketing team, overseeing SouthTech's marketing campaigns, managing their online presence and working with third-party vendors to design print materials and advertisements. Selle has been living in the Sarasota-Manatee County area for nearly two years. Originally from New Jersey, she studied communications and web design at the University of Delaware. Her previous position involved social media management and copywriting for the integrated marketing firm, Fastlane Communications. 

https://www.southtech.com/



[TODAY]  GALA: Cat Tails | A Night in the Garden , March 9, 6:30-9:30pm

Change the destiny of the 30,000 homeless cats and kittens in Sarasota County by joining Cat Depot for an enchanting celebration under the stars at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Guests will enjoy live entertainment, hand-crafted cocktails, delectable bites and delicious desserts prepared by award-winning Michael’s on East and Cat Depot’s best silent auction to date. Every ticket sold will provide much needed support and medical care for the homeless, abandoned, and injured cats and kittens the organization rescues each year.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 811 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

[TODAY]  MUSIC: Best of Broadway , March 9 – March 10

Headlining a program of Broadway favorites is Tony-nominated actor Norm Lewis, recognized for his roles in Phantom of the OperaPorgy and Bess and Showboat at Lincoln Center. Also on the program is Sierra Boggess, who starred in Phantom with Lewis. The program includes music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Jerome Kern, Stephen Sondheim and Leonard Bernstein.

Van Wezel, 777 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.

[WEEKEND]  GALA: SARTQ 10th Annual Print Party , March 10, 11am

This event gives the public a chance to interact with both art and artists. This year’s party will serve as an opportunity for the public to purchase a print created right before their eyes while meeting the members of SARTQ and enjoying music, food and craft brewing culture of Mandeville Beer Garden.  Each of the 12 participating artists have created original designs as well as a special Mandeville silkscreen just for the event. Attendees may bring their own clothing items such as t-shirts, pants, scarfs etc., though any item that can lie flat under the screen and will accept ink can be printed on. Each print is just $5 

Mandeville Beer Garden, 428 North Lemon Ave., Sarasota.

[WEEKEND]  MUSIC: Tiefland , March 10 – March 25

Marta is the unwilling mistress of awealthy landowner, Sebastiano. To ensure the poor girl will remain close, Sebastiano marries Marta off to Pedro, a shepherd on his land. Pedro falls in love with Marta. Eventually, the awful secret comes to light, but the shepherd is still willing to do whatever it takes to free his beloved from her warden.Performed by the likes of Maria Callas and Montserrat Caballé, this extraordinary example of early 20th century verismo opera is seen regularly in Germany and Austria, but there has only been one other U.S. production in a century.

Sarasota Opera House, 61 North Pineapple Ave., Sarasota.

[WEEKEND]  FESTIVAL: Jeepin’ For Face Autism , March 11, 12:00pm-3:00pm

Face Autism, Inc. is teaming up with the Sarasota Jeep Club and Firkins Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram by rasing funds to continue to serve the local Bradenton, Sarasota, and Venice autism communities. The event will include live music, food and performances from Dynasty Dance and Face Autism clients. All event proceeds will go directly to Face Autism.

Firkins Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, 2700 1st Street Bradenton, FL 34208

[WEEKEND]  THEATER: The Kingston Trio , March 11 – March 12

Year after year of sold-out performances at VT prove that these Grammy winning legends of folk music just get better with time! The Kingston Trio always provides a wonderful trip through a musical genre that is adored by millions. You'll be sure to enjoy their beautiful harmonies, simple-yet-meaningful songs, and top-notch musicianship. The Kingston Trio: George Grove, Bill Zorn and Rick Dougherty

Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W., Venice,

[WEEKEND]  PERFORMANCE: Day of Dance , March 11, 1pm

Celebrate the long-anticipated arrival of its new 3,000 square-foot home in Sarasota's downtown Rosemary District, featuring children's activities from 1pm to 3pm, a ribbon cutting ceremony and adult programs such as mini dance classes and dance jams. The event is free and open to the public; no reservations or dance experience necessary.

SCD Movement Center, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 300, Sarasota.

[SOON]  THEATER: Roe , March 14 – April 15

Roe takes the viewer inside the personal and public battles of the two women at the heart of the landmark Supreme Court case, Roe v. Wade. Recreating the case itself, with the help of actual audio recording from the justices of the time Loomer gives nuanced and surprisingly humorous life to both sides of the contentious debate.

Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSIC: Lift Off , March 15 – March 18

No piece of classical music may be better at taking our imagination on a breathtaking journey toward outer space than Holst's The Planets. Performances at the Van Wezel will include projections of NASA images that make this experience a feast for the eyes as well as the ears. Roger Zare's Lift-Off is a celebration of human space exploration.With a sound that some have described as out-of-this-world, soprano Pureum Jo will join Sarasota Orchestra to sing a variety of Mozart's best and most beautiful concert arias.

Van Wezel, 777 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  THEATER: The Price , March 15 – March 25

The Price is a 1968 play by Arthur Miller. It is about family dynamics, the price of furniture and the price of one's decisions. The play premired on Broadway in 1968 and has been revived on Broadway four times since. 

The Players Centre of Performing Arts, 838 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  SEMINAR: The Curatorial Program: Vision, Strategy, Criteria , March 15, 6pm

There are many aspects to building a new art museum, but the most visible, of course is the curatorial program. In addition to the 15,000 sq ft of dedicated exhibition space, there are numerous Curatorial Zones on the Museum Campus where visitors will experience and engage with art. Join us for a presentation and interactive discussion about the formation of our communities' new art museum.

The Works, 891 South Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  MUSIC: The Resonant Rogues , March 15, 7pm

The Resonant Rogues is the songwriting soul child of partners Sparrow and Keith Smith. Since meeting in 2012, they have dedicated their lives to crafting and sharing their music with the world, touring extensively across the US and Europe. The Resonant Rogues are difficult to define, but easy to enjoy.

Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Ct., Sarasota.

[SOON]  GALLERY: Mike Solomon: Native Shore , March 15 – April 14

Mike Solomon's exhibition "Native Shore" focuses on the artist's return to his native shore and hometown of Sarasota after 40 years of living away. His work is inspired by Sarasota's shoreline.  The resplendent light of the neotropics radiates from the paintings and editions, drawing viewers into vibrant aqueous colors and translucent depths, the rhythmic rise and fall of the horizon. 

Alfstad& Contemporary, 1419 5th St., Sarasota.

[SOON]  THEATER: A Midsummer Night's Dream , March 15 – April 8

Shakespeare's comedy brings together a group of star-crossed lovers, an inept band of actors led by the pompous Nick Bottom, and the king and queen of the fairies and their impish henchman Puck, who creates romantic and comic havoc for all.

Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W., Venice

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Infinite Dimensions: Paul Rudolph's New York Interiors , March 15, 5:30pm

Though best known for his Sarasota houses and monumental concrete institutional buildings, beginning in 1965 Paul Rudolph designed many innovative, NYC residences with fantastic qualities that have received little attention. Always experimenting and fascinated by lighting, Rudolph achieved otherworldly effects using elements scavenged from the city’s restaurant and manufacturing supply stores along Canal Street. Inspired by New York, Rudolph successfully transformed himself at mid-career in the 1960s into an interior architect who could transport himself and his clients into other dimensions using just mirrors and plexiglass. This lecture will be given by Timothy M. Rohan, an associate professor in the Department of the History of Art and Architecture at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Ringling College of Art and Design, Larry R. Thompson Academic Center Auditorium, 2363 Old Bradenton Rd., Sarasota.

SRQ Media Group

SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email

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