SRQ DAILY Feb 26, 2022
"They all work towards the art of storytelling and visual communication, whether through an illustrated character, graphic signage or an interactive experience."
Sometimes it’s the little things that can end a candidacy.
Nobody in Sarasota should be surprised to learn Martin Hyde has an attitude. Honestly, it’s long been a part of his brand. He’s often seemingly basked in pushback from city and school officials who balk at his words at government meetings, where for years he impugned the actions and motives of public officials. There’s people who love that, and revel in the unvarnished expression of contempt for government waste and overreach.
For a period, it looked like he could bottle that kind of sentiment up in a primary challenge against U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota. But it’s honestly little surprise that in the end, the same abrasive temper and “how dare you” approach to argument would incinerate his candidacy. Everything came to a head on Valentine’s Day when Sarasota Police Officer JJulia Beskin pulled him over for speeding and he threatened her career after taking immediate umbrage. He initially said written reports overstated his hostility. Then body camera footage shot from Beskin’s shoulder surfaced and confirmed his worst instincts overtook his senses. Hyde not only threatened her badge but insulted her eastern European heritage — “Is it your Russian immigrant status that makes you talk to people like this?” — all while dropping names of local dignitaries from the driver’s seat of a Range Rover.
The footage managed to get a surprising amount of national media attention from Newsweek to Huffington Post. On Friday, Hyde made clear through a letter in the Herald-Tribune that he was now a former congressional candidate.
Apparently in a year when Republicans at the national level plan to run on law and order, there’s little appetite for this kind of bullying. Plus a rich guy shouting down a woman in uniform just doesn’t play well, in high-definition video no less.
It’s worth asking, though, precisely how we got to the point where Hyde seemed a viable mouthpiece for so many in the region. There’s lots of reasons many in Sarasota could have discarded him as a mascot before now. This is his second viral video moment; he was captured on film less than two years ago telling Puerto Rican teenagers to “cut some grass,” angry that use of racquet courts was interfering with his reserved time. Yet as his screams at the Sarasota County School Board about the evils of mask mandates made a Lincoln Project supercut of people going nuts at school boards, Hyde’s antics had awarded him a significant political cache in certain quarters.
He twice won the endorsement of Sarasota’s police union while he ran for office. Now he’s in trouble for confronting a cop. But a less discussed portion of the footage may be how successful at ringing up connections he was during the short traffic stop. That bit about Beskin’s nationality? He dropped that after an apparently successful call to her supervisor, leaving one to wonder if he just received the personal information about the officer over the phone. Other cops openly wonder if reports of his belligerence over the radio were overblown after arriving on the same scene that in the past few days outraged viewers around the globe.
It's worth stepping back and asking, as Hyde falls once again from a perch of local notoriety, what elevated him in the first place? Strangely, one can’t shake the feeling he could easily ascend again to the level where, if he can’t win a political campaign, he can at least get someone on the phone who can get him out of a ticket.
Jacob Ogles is contributing senior editor of SRQ MEDIA. 
Among Ringling College’s 13 majors are three which, though seemingly very different, share a common emphasis based in visual communication. They communicate a feeling or emotion through an illustrated character; an intent or story through branding and marketing; or a theme through a shared experience.
Let’s start with Illustration. Ranked among the top Illustration schools in the country, you can find Ringling College Illustration graduates working at leading companies including Apple, Disney, American Greetings, Google, Hallmark and more. Ultimately, behind every illustration is a story to be told, a problem to be solved or a perspective to be shared. By learning the fundamentals of color theory, composition and anatomy in both traditional and digital media, illustration students learn to compose works that effectively communicate their intended message. Working in both 2D and 3D, students will leave Ringling College with a cohesive portfolio that showcases their distinct visual voice. Employment opportunities include children’s books, editorial (newspaper, magazine and book cover art), interactive web illustration, technical art, advertising illustration and, as described below, visual development. Indeed, Illustration is one of our most adaptable programs in terms of careers in art and design.
Students in the program’s Visual Development track focus on concept art, working in today’s most popular entertainment industries, including gaming, comics, graphic novels, film, television (live-action and animated), toy design and publishing. Students will learn to create the art for characters and environments that will be used by modelers, animators, designers, visual effect artists and other creatives to bring their ideas to life.
In Ringling College’s Graphic Design program – also highly ranked in the U.S. – students create disruptive and stimulating designs that help businesses, nonprofits, products, events and spaces stand out from the crowd. And their award-winning designs are all over – on bookshelves, at events, on billboards, brochures, your computers and phones, etc. As graphic design legend Paul Rand once said, “Design is everywhere!”
Ringling College Graphic Design students develop a deep understanding of design thinking and create work that will both entice and inform their intended audience. The students’ experience is heightened by opportunities to work on professional client projects that will be seen around the world, including at top design studios and Ringling’s in-house Design Center.
And then there’s Entertainment Design. This is Ringling College’s newest BFA program, which is all about translating stories into experiences, with an emphasis on themed built environments. Entertainment Design graduates learn to create unforgettable experiences as part of a multibillion-dollar-industry that includes theme parks, museums, concerts, sporting events, hotels, restaurants– all of the experiential places that entertain, delight, amuse, and inspire. Ringling’s Entertainment Design program allows students to collaborate with artists, designers, and other creative leaders to develop experiences that will “wow” audiences and position our graduates to work at the highest level in an industry that is growing exponentially each year. Plus, it helps that Disney World, Universal, Epcot and so many others are just a stone’s throw from Sarasota.
These three majors - Illustration, Graphic Design, and Entertainment Design – demonstrate the depth and breadth of the offerings at Ringling College. While decidedly different, the importance of the fundamentals still apply: shape, color, space, form, line, value, texture and space, though with decidedly different purposes. They all work towards the art of storytelling and visual communication, whether through an illustrated character, graphic signage or an interactive experience.
And whichever tool our artists and designers use to ignite their own instinctive creative spark – a computer, pencil, artist’s brush, table saw or some other media - Ringling College is there to help them hone their creative skills, so that their passion becomes a life-long profession.
Or, as Ramana Penmaraju reminds us, “When passion blends with profession, it turns into a masterpiece.”
Dr. Larry Thompson is president of Ringling College of Art & Design.
Image courtesy Ringing College
WORLD PREMIERE. When eight strangers receive an invitation to the America in One Room convention, nobody knows what will happen. However, as each attendee files into the aptly titled Liberty Room, their insecurities, strengths, and beliefs are soon on full display. As everyone is convinced they are right—sparks fly, tempers flare, and humor abounds. Can these eight people find a way to bridge the divide? Inspired by the real-life convention of the same name, America in One Room dissects recent headlines and our nation’s past to answer the question: what does it mean to be an American? America in One Room by Jason Odell Wiliams will play beginning December 8, 2021 through February 27, 2022 in FST's Keating Theatre.
Discover sound meditation while surrounded by the beauty of Little Sarasota Bay. Sound frequencies and vibrations facilitate relaxation and mental health. A certified sound therapist will be your guide in HSP’s tranquil Sunken Gardens. Wear comfortable clothes and lightweight shoes; bring water and a towel for the final stretch. Open to all age/fitness levels. General admission to HSP included. Please check-in 15 minutes before for your class at the Welcome Gazebo. Sunset Sound Meditation will take place on Sundays from 4pm to 5pm: February 6, 13, 20, and 27. Class fee: Members $50 / Non-members $65. Class Size: 30 Students. Instructor: Lucy Tight.
Grammy Award-winning conductor JoAnne Falletta returns to Sarasota for this colorful program on Friday, February 26 at 8pm at the Neel Performing Arts Center, Saturday, February 26 at 8pm, and Sunday, February 27 at 2:30pm at the Van Wezel. Ravel originally composed his beloved Mother Goose Suite for the children of dear friends. The sounds of the Charleston, ragtime, and blues pervade Gershwin's unforgettable Piano Concerto. Pianist Aaron Diehl brings the work's infectious rhythms and melodies to life. The concert concludes with Rachmaninoff's technicolor Symphonic Dances, a vibrant work that ranks among his most thrilling compositions.
Looking for art and craft to beautify your home or office? Or be inspired by? Then join us for the Premiere of the Sarasota Winter Craft Festival in downtown Sarasota on February 26-27, 2022. The event is produced by Paragon Festivals and hosted by the Downtown Sarasota Enrichment Association. The event is held in JD Hamel Park located in downtown Sarasota. The Sarasota Winter Craft Festival in JD Hamel Park lays a diverse palette of original, handmade works by artisans, crafters and vendors from across Florida. On display will be arts and crafts in painting, sculpture, jewelry, candles, photography, glass, ceramics, fiber and wearable art, mixed-media, woodworking and much more. Hours are both Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm with free admission. Bring your sense of discovery and appreciation of the beautiful.
The Melges 15 Winter Series features three events, the second on February 26 and 27. More than 60 teams from around the country will compete in this sailing regatta. Sarasota Bay will be teeming with colorful spinnakers as the sailors make their way down the course. The Melges 15 Winter Series is hosted by the Sarasota Sailing Squadron. See Sailingsquadron.com for more information about sailing on beautiful Sarasota Bay.
To combat Tallahassee's hateful, fast-tracked "Don't Say Gay" bill, Project Pride SRQ and Equality Florida are holding an emergency rally on Sunday, February 27 from 12:30pm to 1:30pm at the John Ringling Bridge, Downtown Sarasota. Join them as they proudly and loudly SAY GAY and unveil the world's largest progress pride flag--700 feet "The Grand Flag" across the John Ringling Bridge. Parking available at Bayfront Park or at the bridge. If inclement weather the event will be postponed. Project Pride SRQ’s mission is to expand awareness and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community by creating strategic partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and governments towards a shared goal. Our vision is an all-inclusive community where everyone is equally united, supported and celebrated.
Skip’s Dixie Mix is bringing New Orleans, Mardi Gras, Dixie style music to Mattison’s. They will play one day only on Sunday, February 27 at Mattison’s City Grille, 1 North Lemon Ave. There are two seating times. The first seating is at 11am-11:30am with the band playing from 11:30am-12:30pm. The second seating is 1pm-1:30pm with the band playing 1:30pm-2:30pm. This is a free event to attend but reservations are recommended. Skip’s Dixie Mix is a band of seven seasoned musicians who have been immersed in the music scene for more than six decades and have played the circuit with some big names in the music business. Mattison’s will feature special New Orleans style menu items such as made-from-scratch Seafood Gumbo, made-to-order Beignets, Po Boys, Shrimp and Grits, Baby Back Ribs, and more. A special New Orleans Hurricane cocktail will also be featured.
Archaeologists have the unlikely job of saving the lives of people who have passed. For a generation or more, freedom-seeking people built lives in hamlets from the Manatee River to Sarasota Bay. Angola, as the early 19th century maroon community is known, was a haven of liberty from slavery and its inhabitants numbered in the hundreds until the community was destroyed in 1821, with survivors escaping to the Florida interior or the British Bahamas. The National Park Service recognizes the archaeological findings in east Bradenton as evidence for their Network to Freedom, the Underground Railroad. Working with local and descendant communities, historical archaeological research has pieced together fragments from ceramic sherds, glass fragments, oyster shells, and more of their belongings. From Legend to History traces the research process, shows the archaeological and archival evidence, and seeks to inspire hope from unsettled times. The exhibit began December 1, 2021 and will end February 28, 2022. The Ringling’s Community Gallery is always free and open to the public. The public exhibition space is located on the ground floor of the museum’s Center for Asian Art. If you wish to visit the Community Gallery please ask for a free wristband at the Visitors Pavilion upon your arrival at The Ringling. The Community Gallery is generously funded by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.
A Commemorative Exhibit of Ian North’s Works “Seeking Love: The Journey." Ian North invited the viewer to derive their own meaning from his artworks, to discover their own story in his mixed media assemblages. Ian had a successful solo exhibition at SPAACES in February of 2021. The day the exhibition closed he suffered a fatal heart attack. His talent extended far beyond the visual arts. Ian was a musician and songwriter, releasing groundbreaking music in the ’70s and ’80s. He was a Sarasota community icon, well respected for his visual art and music contributions. To commemorate his art and his life, this show will exhibit a collection of his life’s work and the art card collection he lovingly created for his wife over the last 21 years. Opening Night Reception is Friday, February 25th, 2022 from 6pm to 8pm. Saturday Brunch Reception is Saturday, February 26th, 2022 from 11am to 2pm. By Appointment Only on February 28th & 29th.
Tomorrow’s Voices Tonight, Student Scholar Soiree on February 28, 2022 from 5:30pm-7:30pm at Westcoast Black Theatre, 1012 N Orange Ave. Student Scholar Soirée and Recital showcasing solos and group numbers from the Key Chorale Student Scholars as they entertain you with songs from Classics to Broadway. Come support and cheer our musicians of tomorrow while enjoying cocktails and light bites.
ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK has 64 gold albums, 35 platinum albums, four Grammy nominations, a Golden Globe and stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Las Vegas Walk of Fame, spanning a career of over five decades. He has recorded romantic ballads to movie theme songs, disco, rock and gospel, charming millions of fans around the globe. His first single in the charts was “Release Me,” which went into the Guinness Book of Records for achieving 56 consecutive weeks on the charts. It was No. 1 in 11 countries. This performance will take place on Monday, February 28 at 8pm.
Returning to the Van Wezel on March 1 at 8pm, THE SWEET CAROLINE TOUR is a Neil Diamond Concert Celebration starring Jay White. White has performed over 10,000 concerts around the world over three decades, honoring the artistry of the American music legend and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame icon. Featuring the greatest hits and beloved gems that audiences know and love, the production is an authentic Neil Diamond concert experience not to be missed.
REGIONAL PREMIERE. It’s the semifinals of the U.S. Open. Sergei Sergeyev, an up-and-coming Russian phenom, and Tim Porter, a great American superstar in the twilight of his career, go head-to-head under the lights of the tennis court. Journey into the minds of these two extraordinary players as they consider the shots they didn’t take, the sacrifices they made for success, and the legacy they may leave behind. By match point, much more has been won and lost than a game of tennis. The Last Match will show from March 2 t0 March 25, 2022.
Four women at a lingerie sale have nothing in common but a black lace bra AND memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex and more. This hilarious musical parody set to classic tunes from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s will have you cheering and dancing in the aisles on March 2 at 7:30pm. See what millions of women worldwide have been laughing about for 20 years. It's the Hilarious Celebration of Women and The Change.
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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