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SRQ DAILY Jan 25, 2023

Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

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Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

"We want to ensure the most pleasant and convenient experience for our generous donors and hope the Laurel Square ADC will become a regular stop for community members looking to support a great cause while diverting their gently-used items from area landfills."

- Donn Githens, President and CEO, Goodwill Manasota.
 

[Donations]  Goodwill Manasota Opens a New Attended Donation Center
Barbie Heit, barbie.heit@srqme.com

On January 20, Goodwill Manasota opened a new 3,650-square-foot attended donation center (ADC) in Nokomis. This is the twentieth of Goodwill Manasota’s ADCs. With this new location, Goodwill hopes to support growth in the area, provide a convenient option for residents to donate gently-used goods, and maximize retail revenues in support of its mission services. Additionally, community members can drop off donations at Goodwill’s retail stores, bookstores, and the veterans services office on north Lockwood Ridge Road in Sarasota. ADCs play a crucial role in supporting Goodwill’s mission of changing lives through the power of work. Each donation of gently-used goods dropped off at a Goodwill ADC is sold in one of its retail stores in Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto and Hardee counties. The money from those retail sales funds jobs and related programs at Goodwill for workers with barriers to employment, free career services as well as education and training programs through Goodwill’s Community Resource Centers, and services to help veterans reintegrate into their communities, families and jobs. Revenue from Goodwill's retail stores help fund programs such as the Job Connection, American Veterans and Their Families program, the GoodPartner Coach program, and the Supported JobsPlus program.

Goodwill Manasota strives to enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals and families by helping people reach their full potential through education, skills training and employment. Goodwill programs provide services and support to individuals with various barriers to success, including intellectual and developmental disabilities, so they may exercise their right to lead fulfilling lives and participate fully in their communities. The nonprofit organization chooses to focus on abilities rather than see barriers to success. They believe that everyone deserves the right to live, learn, play and work in the community, with plentiful choices and opportunities.

By shopping at Goodwill Manasota you might find the perfect wardrobe with your favorite brands, one-of-a-kind treasures including paintings, designer jewelry and unique furniture offerings, all while supporting a good cause.

“The community’s support is critical to the work we do: 2,400 donations enable us to create one full-time job,” said Goodwill Manasota president and CEO Donn Githens. “We want to ensure the most pleasant and convenient experience for our generous donors and hope the Laurel Square ADC will become a regular stop for community members looking to support a great cause while diverting their gently-used items from area landfills.”

The Laurel Square Goodwill ADC is located at 8479 Precision Drive. 

Pictured: Thomas Bloomfield (left), assistant team lead, ADC operations with Jesus Baracaldo, ADC attendant. Courtesy photo/Goodwill Manasota.

For more information, including a listing of all retail locations and donation centers click here.

[Fashion Show]  SPARCC Runway Presents Timeless Treasures
Barbie Heit, barbie.heit@srqme.com

Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) is hosting its signature, annual fashion show on Friday, March 31, 2023 at The Ritz Carlton, Sarasota. The 2023 event, SPARCC Runway: Timeless Treasures will be filled with nostalgia and fashion-forward styles as the organization showcases trends. As fashion fans know, trends tend to be cyclical, going in and out of style every few decades. Some trends that have come back into fashion in 2023 are — leather goods, clogs, all-things sheer, baggy slacks and jeans, sequins and sparkle, oversized blazers, feathered items and the color purple, which also happens to be the color for domestic violence awareness.

Guests will enjoy valet parking, a champagne toast, shopping in the event’s premiere, pop-up fashion boutique (featuring great deals on high-end fashion pieces as Gucci, Prada, Burberry, Lafayette 148, Missoni, St. John, Akris, Johnny Was, Escada, Coach, Anthropologie, Hugo Boss, Vince Camuto, Kate Spade, Ming Wang, BCBG Max Azria, Sam Edelman, 7 for for all mankind, Lilly Pulitzer, Johnston & Murphy, Jill McLaughlin, Carlisle, Etro, Banana Republic, Lululemon, and many more from SPARCC Treasure Chest), a delicious luncheon complete with wine service, and an unforgettable and fantastic runway fashion show. This year guests can also join in on our inaugural Fashion Show After-Party, and avoid the valet rush, with musical entertainment, for purchase beverage options and additional opportunities to shop the boutique. Registration and shopping begin at 10 AM, followed by the seated luncheon and fashion show at noon and the after-party immediately following. All festivities wrap-up by 2:30 PM. This year’s Fashion Show Chairs are: Vickie Smith, Event Chair; Darci Jacob, Fashion Chair; Coral Pleas (Cutting Loose Hair Salons) and Terry McKee (Nuovo Salon Group) as Honorary Chairs. As the owners of Sarasota’s most beloved hair salons the event’s Honorary Chairs are coming together to show their support of SPARCC, take a stand for survivors and help make Timeless Treasures an event to remember! All proceeds from the event support SPARCC’s free and confidential programs and services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.sparcc.net/events or call 941-365-0208 ext. 110.

“SPARCC is incredibly grateful for the funds raised at our annual fashion show, and we are even more excited by the social awareness that is created when you gather over 500 in attendance,” said SPARCC President & CEO, Jessica Hays. “This fun event provides a great opportunity to share about the free and confidential programs and services SPARCC provides to survivors and their children, right here in our community.” 

Pictured: Guests will enjoy great deals on high-end fashion pieces at the SPARCC annual fashion show. Photo courtesy of SPARCC>

[Grant Awarded]  Eighty Thousand Dollars Awarded to the Child Protection Center

The Child Protection Center, Inc. (CPC) has been awarded $80,000 in funds through the generosity through the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Inc. and the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation. These grants provide necessary funding for the updates and replacement of the nonprofit’s elevator to ensure code compliance and reliability. The Child Protection Center's mission is the prevention, intervention and treatment of child abuse and has provided services throughout Sarasota and DeSoto counties for over 42 years. The office in Sarasota is a state-of-the-art facility that houses the Child Protection Team (CPT) on the second floor. CPT is legislatively mandated and works with the DCF and local law enforcement on the cases of children who are suspected victims of physical and sexual abuse and neglect, and facilitates forensic interviews, medical assessments, and court testimonies. Doug Staley, Executive Director of the Child Protection Center, commented on the increasing need for child abuse services within the community.  The Child Protection Center’s mission is the Prevention, Intervention,  and Treatment of Child Abuse, as the organization envisions a community where children are safe from abuse and free to thrive. For over 40 years, CPC has been serving Sarasota and DeSoto Counties in the State of Florida, and is accredited by the National Children’s Alliance. For more information on CPC, visit www.cpcsarasota.org or call 941-365-1277. 

Pictured: Child Protection Center located in downtown Sarasota. Photo courtesy of CPC.

[Scholarships]  Education Foundation of Sarasota County Provides Scholarship Database and Jump Start Scholarships

As students across Sarasota County Schools learn that they have been accepted to colleges and technical training programs, many are now trying to find ways to pay for their education after high school. The Education Foundation of Sarasota County hosts a scholarship database on its website, which students can use to find numerous opportunities. The Education Foundation is also accepting applications for Jump Start Scholarships, which help low-income students pay for their first year of college or technical training. To help students more easily find ways to pay for education after high school, the Education Foundation hosts a scholarship database on its website. Students can use this database to find many local scholarships as well as some statewide and even national funding opportunities. The database is a one-stop shop for scholarships. The Education Foundation has established relationships with local organizations and partners so that it can provide accurate, up-to-date information that students can use as they search for scholarships that fit their needs, experiences, and backgrounds. There are currently over 50 scholarships listed, though numbers vary throughout the year. Through its partnership with Sarasota County Schools, the Education Foundation also provides regular updates to high school counselors and advisors, increasing awareness of new scholarship opportunities and upcoming deadlines in area high schools. The Education Foundation’s scholarship database can be accessed here: edfoundationsrq.org/scholarships. In addition to hosting its scholarship database, the Education Foundation is accepting applications for its Jump Start Scholarships. These scholarships, for low-income students, cover 30 credit hours at the Florida state college tuition rate, providing as much as $3,400 in support. Students can apply here: edfoundationsrq.org/jumpstart. Thanks to a generous gift, the Education Foundation launched these scholarships during the 2021 – 2022 school. The Education Foundation partners with the Florida Prepaid College Foundation to provide 75 low-income students with one-year Florida Prepaid College Foundation Scholarships. Students who receive a Jump Start Scholarship can attend free workshops in areas such as financial aid, life skills, and career explorations. These workshops help students get ready for life after high school. All low-income high school seniors in Sarasota County Schools with a cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.5 or higher who plan to enroll full time at a Florida technical college, state college, or state university are encouraged to apply. The deadline to apply for a Jump Start Scholarships is March 31, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. Students who need help completing their Jump Start Scholarship application can get one-on-one assistance through the Education Foundation. They can contact Heather Ferrigno, scholarship manager, at hferrigno@edfoundationsrq.org.

  

[Board of Directors]  Jennifer Abbott Appointed Interim Executive Director of Manatee Community Foundation

Manatee Community Foundation's board of directors has appointed Jennifer Abbott as the Interim Executive Director to lead the organization after current Executive Director Susie Bowie joins the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation as President/CEO. Jennifer brings more than 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector to the role, and has served as the Foundation’s Director of Philanthropy since 2018. Prior to joining Manatee Community Foundation, Abbott was with Forty Carrots Family Center for 10 years, where she also led through a leadership transition as interim executive director. The board of Manatee Community Foundation has engaged the executive search firm Freeman Philanthropic Services to locate its next permanent leader. The firm is a woman-founded and led full-service firm specializing in retained executive recruitment for the nonprofit sector. Founded in 2002, FPS is international in its scope and client base. MCF board of directors Vice Chair Bob Turner is leading the search process. Manatee Community Foundation celebrates its 25th year partnering with residents to strengthen and enhance our community through philanthropy, education, and service—now and forever. The Foundation has awarded nearly $50 million in grants and scholarships. Learn more online at ManateeCF.org.

  

[Diversity]  Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative’s 2023 Visions in Black Exhibit

The Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative, a nonprofit organization that uses the unifying power of the arts to nurture inclusion and diversity across the regional arts and cultural landscape, announces the exhibitions for its “2023 Visions in Black” initiative. This juried exhibition celebrating the work of talented artists of African descent who live in Florida, is presented in three different galleries in Sarasota and Manatee counties, February 2-25. The exhibitions are at: Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, 1226 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (Opening reception is February 2, 5:30-7 p.m.); Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave W, Bradenton (Opening reception is February 3, 3-6 p.m.); and the Arts Advocates Gallery at the Crossings at Siesta Mall, 3501 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (Opening reception is February 4, 2-6 p.m.). Jurors Alyssia Lazin and Paul Toliver selected the work of 54 artists to exhibit and awarded three first place, three second place, and three third place winners—and two honorable mentions. Tim Yaeger and Marlon Tobias served on the curatorial submission committee and Mark Ormond, curator, will select which works will hang at each of the three galleries. The First Place winners are: Dandria Carey (Miramar), Destiny Luv (Riverview), and Frederick Woods (St. Petersburg). Second Place winners are Thomas Anderson (Tarpon Springs), Mynah Moody (Gibsonton), and Omar Richardson (Tampa). Third Place winners are: Gwendolyn Aqui-Brooks (Wesley Chapel), Donna Richardson (Wimauma), and Phyllis Anne Taylor (Winter Park). Honorable mentions went to Samantha Balikowa (Sarasota) and Allen Pettigrew (Riverview). First place winners received $700; second place winners received $500; and third place winners received $300. Michéle Des Verney Redwine, the founder and executive director of the Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative, says that the judges and curatorial committees representing Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative chose the artwork based on three major criteria that includes technical ability and understanding of the chosen medium; strong overall presentation; and work that encourages, challenges, influences, and communicates with the viewer. “Overall, we were looking for art that told powerful stories in an original and fearless way,” says Redwine. Redwine adds that, as of press time, judges selected the galleries for the first place wining art: D’Andria Carey’s winning work, “Reunion,” will be exhibited at the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County; Destiny Luv’s winning work, “Soft Stones,” will hang at Manatee Performing Arts Center; and Frederick Woods’ “Birth of a Child,” will be displayed at the Arts Advocates Gallery at the Crossings at Siesta Mall. Juror Paul Tolliver notes that he and his co-juror Alyssia Lazin were “very pleased with the depth of talent we saw in the submissions.” He adds that the exhibition’s focus on “generational similarities and differences adds a layer of fresh insights and excitement that’s rarely encountered in more traditional exhibitions. There is no question that this multi-venue exhibition is a must-see for not only the serious collector, but for all who enjoy the experience of art.” 

[Grant]  Sarasota Orchestra Awarded Strategic Partnership Grant from Community Foundation of Sarasota County

Sarasota Orchestra has received a $65,000 Strategic Partnership Grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, which comes from the Martha Leiter and Nancy Streetman Fund II. In addition to being a Title Sponsor for Sarasota Orchestra’s Dinner Series, the Community Foundation’s funding makes possible several programs and events in the 2022-2023 season, including the Parks and Partners concerts, the Sarasota Youth Orchestras program, the Special Concert & Gala event featuring Yo-Yo Ma, and the upcoming Free Family Concert of Peter and the Wolf. Thanks in part to the generous support of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, the family-friendly On the Road with SO: Parks and Partners community concerts will continue this season. These outdoor performances are offered at no cost and feature either the Sarasota Brass Quintet or the Sarasota Wind Quintet in public parks and partner venues in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Alongside the concerts, the Community Foundation helps fund the Orchestra's extensive education offerings, including the Sarasota Youth Orchestras, which has been hailed as one of the most exemplary youth programs in the Southeast. The nationally acclaimed artistic staff, conductors and coaches have created an unparalleled learning experience for thousands of young musicians. Many become performers with major symphony orchestras throughout the country, including Sarasota Orchestra. On January 29, Chelsea Gallo, assistant conductor of The Florida Orchestra, will lead Sarasota Orchestra in a free, 60 minute concert featuring Peter and the Wolf, Prokofiev’s “symphonic fairy tale for children.” Other pieces include classical renditions of Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty, Rossini's Cinderella and Nielsen's Aladdin. This special concert is made possible, in part, by the Strategic Partnership grant from the Community Foundation. To learn more about Sarasota Orchestra’s 2022-2023 season and programs, visit www.SarasotaOrchestra.org.

  

[Retirement]  VMA Founder, Louis Parker, Retires as CEO

The Visible Men Academy (VMA) family extends deep gratitude to A. Louis Parker as he transitions from chief executive officer to an Emeritus Board Member. As a co-founder of VMA, Louis developed a vision that continues to guide VMA’s work today. Through his dedication and determination, a dream became a reality, and young boys continue to benefit from a unique, engaging experience that focuses on each child's individual academic and character development. In recent years as new needs arose, Louis selflessly stepped in to take a more active role. Drawing upon his leadership experience, he gave freely of his time and talents. He worked to recruit new leadership and staff who will continue to help the school fulfill its mission of providing boys with an outstanding academic, character, and social education in a nurturing school environment. Upon his departure at the end of 2022, Laura Randall, Sr. Director of Development and Janjay Gehndyu, Principal of VMA assumed the responsibility of overseeing the school's management. Both bring a tremendous amount of experience to their respective roles and will report directly to the VMA Board, chaired by Naiema Frieson. Having been a part of VMA from the beginning, Louis preserves the school's rich history and offers wonderful insight into its evolution over the years. As such we look forward to benefiting from the ongoing support of Louis as an advisor to VMA and an Emeritus Member of the Board. 

[Donor]  Selby Gardens Receives $1-Million Gift for Master Plan

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens announced yesterday at its annual Chairman’s Circle Dinner that philanthropist Richard Matson has made a $1-million pledge bequest to support the Master Plan for its Downtown Sarasota campus. Matson and his wife, Cornelia, are already leadership donors to the project and were part of an initiator group of supporters who seeded a Capping Challenge with a dollar-for-dollar match to reach the fundraising goal for Phase One. Inspired by the continued progress of construction on the project’s first phase, which will be complete in less than 10 months, Matson chose to make an additional gift through his estate plan that is being recognized now toward Phase One. Richard and Cornelia Matson’s support for Selby Gardens goes back several decades, to even before they moved to Sarasota full-time in 1983. The couple started visiting the area after Richard’s mother and aunt moved to the city, and they first became involved with the Gardens during those visits. Cornelia Matson, a Selby Gardens trustee and co-chair of the campaign for the Master Plan, Innovating a Greener Future, joked that she “twisted his arm just a bit” when it came to her husband making an additional gift at this time. “I wanted him to enjoy more of the impact of his giving now,” she said. In addition to Selby Gardens, the Matsons loyally support several arts and culture, human services, and educational organizations in the Sarasota area. Richard is also a long-time benefactor of the University School in Cleveland, where he has funded an endowed faculty chair and major gifts to several building projects. Construction of Phase One of the Selby Gardens Master Plan is scheduled to be completed in October, with grand-opening festivities planned for early November. When it opens, Phase One will include, among other improvements: a new Welcome Center to properly accommodate and orient guests; a cutting-edge Plant Research Center, with a state-of-the-art herbarium, laboratory, and library; and the Living Energy Access Facility (LEAF), which will house parking, a garden-to-plate restaurant, and a plant and gift shop, all topped by a nearly 50,000-square-foot solar array. To date, Selby Gardens has raised more than $56 million for the Master Plan, with only about $600,000 left to raise for Phase One construction. The first phase accounts for more than half of the overall three-phase project. For more information about the Master Plan and to make a gift that will be matched through the Capping Challenge for Phase One, visit selby.org/support. 

Pictured: Richard and Cornelia Matson. Courtesy of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.



[SOON]  GALLERY: Contemporary Realism First Friday Gallery Walk at the Dabbert Gallery , January 6 – January 31, 6 to 9 p.m.

Contemporary Realism First Friday Gallery Walk at the Dabbert Gallery. From 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 6, the Dabbert Gallery will host the First Friday Gallery Walk through its new contemporary realism exhibit. The exhibit runs through Jan. 31. For more information, visit dabbertgallery.com. Dabbet Gallery, 46 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota.

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO Bricks at the Bishop , January 11 – March 18, During museum hours

Get inspired to create your own ‘towers of tomorrow’ with over 200,000 loose LEGO® bricks available in hands-on construction areas. Young and old will be limited only by their imagination as they add their creations to a steadily rising futuristic LEGO® metropolis inside the exhibition. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit bishopscience.org.

[SOON]  : Compass Rose History Experiences 2023 Tours , January 28, 3:30 p.m.

Compass Rose History Experiences announces the launch of Resilience: A Guided Walking Tour Experience. Guides Mimi Cirbusova and Andrea Knies will navigate attendees on a journey back in time down Main Street as we explore the resilience of the Sarasota community during the Great Depression and World War II. Locals and visitors alike will find inspiration from the stories of the people and places of Sarasota's past. In addition, spring dates have also been announced for the popular Sarasota 1926 walking tour. Tours meet at Five Points Park in Downtown Sarasota and cover a distance of less than one mile over the 75-90 minute tour. All tours begin at 3:30 pm. Sarasota 1926: January 28 and March 18; Resilience: February 25 and April 22. Tickets cost $20.00 and must be purchased in advance. Guests purchasing both tours can receive a $10 discount by selecting the ticket package. To learn more, visit compassrosehistory.com.

[SOON]  THEATER: Urbanite Theatre: Birds of North America , January 6 – February 12, Varied

"Birds of North America" runs January 6th-February 12th, 2023 at Urbanite Theatre. As birders, John and his daughter Caitlyn adore spending tender autumn days attempting to catch glimpses of elusive birds. But as seasons, the climate, and global politics change, the two find their connection as rare as a red-headed Woodpecker.  In a lyrical and endearing family portrait, Birds of North America unfolds in delicate, detailed layers like the scattered leaves of each passing year. For tickets and information contact Ph. (941) 321-1397, Email info@urbanitetheatre.com, Website www.urbanitetheatre.com

Urbanite Theatre , 1487 2nd Street Sarasota FL, 34236

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Golf Tournament Raises Funds for Domestic and Sexual Violence Survivors , January 16 – February 7, 11:00 AM

Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) is hosting its annual golf tournament, Scramble for SPARCC, at the Laurel Oak Country Club on Monday, January 16, 2023. With the support of sponsors, community donations and golfers, this tournament raises funds to help provide life-saving, free and confidential programs and services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Entry fee is $185.00 per person and includes green fees, individual carts, happy hour light bites, beverages (cash bar available) and player awards. Registration opens at 11:00 AM with a shotgun start at 12:30 PM to kick off the 18-hole scramble. In addition to the golf tournament, there is also a closet to the pin contest, closest to the line contest, golf ball launcher, 50/50 chance drawing, and awards celebration. Co-Chairs for this event are Sandy Fulkerson and Bonnie VanOverbeke.

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Optics of Storytelling When Told by Women Journalists of Color , January 26, 1 to 2:30 p.m.

On Jan. 26, Renee James Gilmore and Mercedes Soler will participate in this first part of the “Listening to Women” series. Two seasoned broadcast journalists, in the third act of their careers, come together to share their perspectives on the current state of journalism, what it’s like to practice that craft as women of color, the role they play as communicators in community advocacy, and some alarming facts surrounding neighborhoods that are heavily populated by their families and friends. To learn more and purchase tickets, call 941-309-5111, or visit OLLIatRinglingCollege.org. Sarasota Art Museum, the Ringling College Museum Campus, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: FST - A Place in the Sun - A Tribute to Stevie Wonder , November 16 – April 16, Varied

A Place in the Sun – A Tribute to Stevie Wonder, will begin playing in FST’s Goldstein Cabaret on November 16, 2022. The new music revue celebrates the legendary musician whose catalogue spans six decades and multiple musical genres, taking audiences through the beloved songbook of musical pioneer, Stevie Wonder. Created by Jason Cannon, Richard Hopkins, and Sarah Durham, this all-new Cabaret features such timeless hits as “I Just Called to Say I Love You,” “Isn’t She Lovely?,” and “Superstition.” Tickets are now on sale at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or at 941.366.9000.

[SOON]  THEATER: Asolo Repertory Theatre: Ken Ludwigs The Three Musketeers , January 11 – March 26, Varied

Adapted from the novel by Alexandre Dumas. Directed by Peter Amster. Harrowing adventure, bravery, and friendship take center stage in Ken Ludwig's THE THREE MUSKETEERS, a thrilling adaptation of the popular novel by Alexandre Dumas. One of the world’s most enduring comedies, this classic tells the tale of a daring young man who finds himself in the company of the world’s greatest swordsmen, as well as some of the world’s most dangerous men and women. Directed by Peter Amster, who most recently directed Asolo Rep’s smash hit Murder on the Orient Express in 2020, this play promises to be a fast-paced, witty, swashbuckling good time. All for one, and one for all! 

Asolo Repertory Theatre

[SOON]  SEMINAR: 10 x 10: Ten Slides, Ten Speakers at the Sarasota Art Museum , January 26, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

After a two-year hiatus, the 10 x 10 series will return to the Sarasota Art Museum. 10 speakers will be invited to present 10 images of their work, interest or inspiration. Slides advance automatically every 30 seconds with brief introductions between the speakers. The informal and fast-paced event is intended to showcase and introduce a diverse group of leaders and creative minds from our community. Tickets are $15 for AIA members, $15 for Ringling faculty and staff, $25 for non-members and free for students. Sarasota Art Museum, McGuire Hall, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit 10slides10speakers.com.

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Art Center Sarasota: Same Source , February 2 – March 11

The Same Source exhibit by Luca Molnar uses various media to explore the connection between historical figures and personal mythologies. The exhibit highlights the connection between private life, domestic spaces and memory. On Thursday, Feb. 16, Molnar will participate in an artist talk via Zoom from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The exhibit runs from Feb. 2 to March 11. To learn more, visit artsarasota.org or call 941-365-2032. Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

[SOON]  FOOD: The Big Game at Geckos , February 12

Join Geckos Grill and Pubs, your #BestSportsBar for the Big Game and the most super seat outside of Glendale! Seating is limited so reserve today with a $25 per person deposit. Reserved guests will receive a $25 GC to use on Big Game day (must be present 15 minutes before kick-off). Giveaways | Gecko’s special football menu & new cocktail menu | Small batch spirits + our usual huge variety of craft beer & award-winning Happy Hours! Ask your friendly server or barkeep for more details and reserve today! www.GeckosGrill.com

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: SB2 Luncheon: Featuring the Good Hero Awards , March 7, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
The SRQ Philanthropic Agenda and Good Hero Awards luncheon and panel discussion will explore the dynamic and ever changing world of non-profits. What's trending, who's innovating, why are donor-advised funds growing so rapidly and what exactly are donors looking for? The luncheon will culminate with the SRQ Good Hero Philanthropic Awards program at which we will honor individuals who have meaningfully impacted our community for good in the past year and for-profit companies who have been incredible philanthropic partners to the community.

Michael's On East, 1212 S East Ave Sarasota, FL 34239

[SOON]  THEATER: Urbanite Theatre: That Must Be The Entrance To Heaven , June 9 – July 9

THAT MUST BE THE ENTRANCE TO HEAVEN by Franky D. Gonzalez. A World Premiere. June 9 - July 9, 2023. Urbanite Theatre. Glory. Survival. Legacy. Citizenship. Four Latino boxers all chase a world title to achieve their personal versions of heaven. But to get there, they must battle each other, their own battered bodies, and the universe itself. All four men walk the line between life and death in this poignant, poetic collision of combat and cosmos. For tickets and info contact - phone (941) 321-1397, email info@urbanitetheatre.com, website www.urbanitetheatre.com.

Urbanite Theatre , 1487 2nd Street Sarasota FL, 34236

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Walking Tours at The Ringling's Arboretum Available Now Through May 2023 , November 26 – May 29, 12:00 PM

This walking tour led by volunteer guides will introduce you to interesting botanical specimens on the estate while providing a historic overview of the development of the estate. The Ringling Arboretum has been accredited at Level II through ArbNet and there are over 2350 trees within the arboretum representing native, exotic, historical, and culturally significant trees. Garden Tours are available Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays and take place entirely outdoors. It is 90 minutes in length and covers approximately 1 mile. We encourage visitors to bring bottled water, and wear appropriate footwear, preferably closed-toe, sunblock, and hats. There will be a maximum of 10 participants per tour. Tours are subject to weather conditions. Please check it at the Visitors Pavilion prior to your tour. Tickets will be available 30 days prior to each tour.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Sarasota Concert Association announces Free Music Matinees , January 4 – April 19, 12:00 PM

The Sarasota Concert Association announces its 2023 Music Matinees concert series. These four free noon-time concerts showcase exceptional regional musicians performing a variety of musical styles, including classical and folk music. Scheduled this season: Passerine; Wednesday, January 4 at noon. With inventive vocal harmonies and song-writing skills, supported by the sounds of acoustic strings, Passerine offers a fresh take on traditional folk and bluegrass music, as well as a repertoire of original songs that range from ballads to contemporary Americana. Duo Pianists Michael Baron and Priscila Navarro; Wednesday, February 22 at noon; The Baron-Navarro Piano Duo performs a wide range of music, from classical to popular, for two pianos and piano four–hands with electric energy and melting lyricism. Their New York City debut as a piano duo at Carnegie Hall in March of 2022 was sold out and met with critical acclaim. Soprano Hein Jung and pianist Gregorios Zamparas; Friday, March 17 at noon Soprano Hein Jung has performed in recitals and with opera companies in major cities throughout the U.S, Italy and South Korea. She will be accompanied by pianist Gregorios Zamparas who has been praised for his versatility as a recitalist, orchestra soloist and chamber musician throughout the U.S. and Europe. Cellist Natalie Helm and Pianist Jesse Martins; Wednesday, April 19 at noon Principal Cellist of the Sarasota Orchestra, Natalie Helm is a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral musician, and educator. For this performance she will collaborate with pianist Jesse Martins, who also serves as conductor and vocal coach with the Sarasota Opera. The concerts are free but pre-registration is required and available 30 days before each concert at SCAsarasota.org. Performances take place at David Cohen Hall in the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N. Tamiami Trail. Visit www.SCAsarasota.org or call the box office at 941-966-6161.

[SOON]  SEMINAR: The Past, Present, and Future of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall , January 29, 2 to 4 p.m.

This important community discussion about Sarasota’s Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall will include presentations about the history of the building and its architectural significance, its current condition and the viability of having it continue as Sarasota’s Performing Arts Hall. Van Wezel family members have been invited to participate.

Professionals in the fields of architecture, finance, and the arts will provide information about the current status of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and entertain questions from the audience.

Crocker Memorial Church, 1260 12th St. (in Pioneer Park), Sarasota.

[SOON]  DANCE: Sarasota Ballet: Program 5 - Dance Theatre of Harlem , February 24 – February 27

The Sarasota Ballet is excited to announce the Company’s 2022 – 2023 Season. Over seven programs, The Sarasota Ballet will perform 15 works by some of the most celebrated and prestigious choreographers and composers of the ballet world. Program 5 - Dance Theatre of Harlem. February 24-27, 2023 at FSU Center for the Performing Arts. The Sarasota Ballet Presents: Dance Theatre of Harlem. For more information visit www.sarasotaballet.org, Box office 941.359.0099

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Sarasota Opera: Don Giovanni , February 25 – March 25, Varied

Don Giovanni is an Opera in two acts. Music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Libretto by Lorenzo da Ponte. Mozart’s most famous opera is a comic and tragic masterpiece. Set in 17th century Spain, this tale of obsession, betrayal, crime, and retribution centers around the infamous lover Don Juan, who leaves a path of broken hearts wherever he goes. Sung in Italian with English Translations in English. February 25th-March 25th. For tickets visit sarasotaopera.org, Ph. +1 941 328 1300, 61 N Pineapple Ave Sarasota, FL 34236

Sarasota Opera , 61 N Pineapple Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Sarasota Opera: Madama Butterfly , February 18 – March 24, Varied

Madama Butterfly is an Opera in three acts. Music by Giacomo Puccini. Libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa. A young geisha known affectionately as Madama Butterfly is swept off her feet by an American Naval Officer. Left with a promise that he would return one day, Butterfly waits faithfully for three years, but is met with heartbreak in one of opera’s most enduring tragedies. Sung in Italian with Translations in English. February 18th-March 24 For tickets visit sarasotaopera.org or Ph. +1 941 328 1300

Sarasota Opera , 61 N Pineapple Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  THEATER: Asolo Repertory Theatre: Silent Sky , January 19 – March 5, Varied

At the turn of the 20th century, years before women had the right to vote, one woman’s breakthrough changed our perception of the stars. Full of wonder, humor, and heart, SILENT SKY is the remarkable true story of Henrietta Leavitt, one of the pioneering women astronomers working at Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s. You will be enthralled by the story of this extraordinary woman who took on the astronomy establishment in order to discover the mysteries embedded in the sky. Henrietta transcended the odds while navigating love, family, and the universe, going on to make a world-altering advancement to the field of astronomy that forever changed our view of the cosmos.  Written by one of today’s leading playwrights, Lauren Gunderson, this mesmerizing drama is directed by Seema Sueko, who recently brought this work to life at Washington D.C.’s Ford’s Theatre. 

Asolo Repertory Theatre

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