There is an innate familiarity that resonates with most people when they encounter chalk art. Even if they have not grown up writing on a chalkboard—the introduction of interactive white boards in the early 2000s put an end to that—many have at least doodled with chalk at some point during their childhood. It is that connection, a link to the past and the early memories chalk art stirs up that makes Chris Friday’s art so striking.

This summer, memories of Chris Friday’s childhood, drawn in chalk on archival black paper, adorn the walls of the Sarasota Art Museum (SAM) in Chris Friday: Where We Never Grow Old. The first solo museum exhibition of the ascendant Miami-based multimedia artist, Where We Never Grow Old features large scale portraits of the Black figures that surrounded Friday’s upbringing.

“They are life-sized figures on the wall in various states of napping and resting and when you get up close to them, it’s almost like you can see the figures breathing,” says Virginia Shearer, executive director of SAM. “She’s a virtuoso—the drawings are so intimate, so detailed, the lines are so fine. They’re absolutely beautiful, from the skin tone to the hair to the clothing and the gestures of the people she’s depicting, there’s obviously a great love and respect for the people in these drawings.”

Friday’s work is not limited to just portraiture, however, as Where We Never Grow Old introduces a new aspect of her artistry: ceramics. Embellishing the drawings are hand-gilded ceramic works—everything from necklaces and charm bracelets to comfort foods such as macaroni and cheese and deviled eggs—all which harken back to Friday’s childhood. Together, the drawings and ceramic pieces delve into Friday’s sense of home, in turn prompting the viewer to reflect on what home means to them.

“I think that she’s trying to give us a little bit of a window into the Black experience, especially around what is sacred to Black familial culture, by lifting up what might be stereotyped or feel mundane to others,” says Shearer. “What does home feel like? It’s a place where you can rest, where you can be with people who are like you and appreciate you for who you are. It’s very personal for her, but also incredibly generous to share that with all of us in such an exposed way.”

Chris Friday: Where We Never Grow Old, May 4-August 10, Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 34236 

"Future Venus I" of "Future Venus in Two Parts", 2025. Photo by Ryan Gamma.

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When telling friends, neighbors and slightly alarmed strangers to go see From 145th to 98th Street, currently enjoying its world premiere run at Urbanite Theatre, I have found it difficult, at times, to articulate the story in a suitably gripping manner and one commensurate with the compelling nature of the production. It’s much easier to say it’s simply one of the best shows I’ve seen this season.

But I’m paid to try.

Written by Nia Akilah Robinson, From 145th to 98th Street drops audiences smack-dab in the middle of the Curtly family home, which parents Jackie and Cedric (Imani Slates and Brian Darnell Coats) have unilaterally relocated out of Harlem and into a “better neighborhood,” seeking more opportunity for their daughter, Fatima (Sól Fuller). A bright kid unconvincingly wearing a Malcolm X t-shirt, she carries the distinction/burden of being the Curtly child designated as destined for college—whether she likes it or not and particularly after older brother Jamal (Ibukun Omotowa) opted to pursue a music career instead. He works at a gym now. His parents are loudly unimpressed.

Jackie and Cedric believe in a world where their son could have gone to college, worked hard, followed the rules, and reaped the rewards; Jamal does not. And when the world carelessly throws his life into jeopardy at the beginning of the story, it only solidifies his position.

Now, From 145th to 98th Street is not “about” Jamal and his parents fighting over the perceived benefits of higher education. Or about Fatima’s uncertainty regarding college or whether the Curtlys ever should have left Harlem. Within the greater context of the narrative, and as the characters reveal more of their inner selves, these conflicts become emblematic of a greater and more universal disconnect under examination: the aching distance between parents and children that love can soothe but never entirely bridge.

Like a generational gap on steroids, the parent-child relationship precludes a certain understanding of the other. It’s an inescapable perspective, necessarily warped. The Curtly family is no different. And while Robinson’s script is undoubtedly rooted in and speaking to the Black American experience, an authentic exploration of the human condition necessarily arrives at common ground. Which is why everyone will recognize that last bastion of parental diplomacy: “Because I said so.”

Directed by Jerrica D. White and currently onstage at Urbanite Theatre,  From 145th to 98th Street runs through June 29.  

Pictured: Ibukun Omotowa and Sol Fuller in 'From 145th to 98th Street' at Urbanite Theatre. Photo by Sorcha Augustine.

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 Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is proud to produce the heartwarming story, Dorothy’s Dictionary, a moving and life-affirming new play by award-winning playwright E.M. Lewis. Directed by FST Associate Director At-Large Kate Alexander, the production begins previews on July 9 and opens July 11 in FST’s Keating Theatre. Called “irresistible,” “heartening,” and “deeply personal” by Theatrical Musings, Dorothy’s Dictionary tells the story of a surprising connection between Zan, a troubled teenager fulfilling community service, and Dorothy, a fiercely independent woman who shows him the power of language, connection, and healing. 

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 Tickets are now on sale for the 2025 Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sandsculpting Festival, returning to Siesta Beach from November 14–17, 2025. This unique, family-friendly festival draws master sculptors from around the globe, turning the sugar-white sands into a temporary outdoor art gallery. Discounted tickets are available for a limited time, making this the perfect moment to spread the word about planning a fall beach getaway that’s equal parts art and fun. 

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Reserve your space in SRQ Magazines' September publication, featuring three opportunities to spotlight your business: Living Lakewood, connecting Lakewood Ranch businesses with the community; Elite Top Attorneys, spotlighting the region’s most trusted legal professionals; and In Conversation: Career-Based Education, a dialogue on workforce development and training. Secure your space and connect with our readers. Contact Us! 

Join us for the inspiring 10th Annual SRQ Women Who Roar Leadership and Awards Luncheon, celebrating local women leaders who significantly impact our community. Enjoy a dynamic program featuring the introduction of the esteemed 2025 Leadership Circle inductees, engaging PopUp Boutiques, and opportunities to network during our post-event reception. 

Get ready to be inspired at the Annual Giving Coast Luncheon: Philanthropic Agenda & Good Hero Awards, recognizing local changemakers. Join us in bringing the philanthropic community together on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at Michael's On East and help celebrate the nonprofit spirit of our area. Featuring a panel of distinguished philanthropic leaders discussing giving trends, the honorable Good Hero Awards, and the interactive Giving Tree Program, this event will be nothing short of spectacular. Also highlighting the acclaimed SRQ Lifetime Good Hero Achievement Award, the program will uplift attendees and spark meaningful change.