Sarasota, from its very beginnings as a circus city, has always been a place where creativity has blossomed. From the acrobats of the Ringling Bros. Circus to the painters of the post-World War II Artist Colony to the innovative leaders of the Sarasota School of Architecture, the area is home to forward thinkers. That legacy of creativity was on full display on January 22, when Sarasota Art Museum hosted the most recent 10x10 event, in which leaders and creative minds within the community take five minutes to present 10 images of their work and inspiration. The slides change every 30 seconds, keeping the presentations brief, but impactful. The 10x10 series, initially organized by Michael Halflants of Halflants + Pichette Architects, occurs every four months and has been in production since 2009.

The most recent lineup was diverse and included the city of Sarasota’s Public Art Administrator Ciera Coleman, USF Architecture Director Ron Dulaney, software engineer Steven Harris, communications director Kathleen Murray, creative director and artist Lindelwa Ntshakla, Ringling College distinguished faculty member Anthony Rice, Through Women’s Eyes president E. Scott Osborne, designer/builder Eric Schaefer and Sarasota County Commissioner Mark Smith.

Ntshakla, an interdisciplinary artist whose work spans from creative direction to photography and writing, is currently completing his BA at Ringling College of Art and Design, and spoke on the power of collaborative storytelling. Most recently, Ntshakla was the creative director of Ringling College’s Genesis Fashion Show, an award-winning show that employs the efforts of students from all 13 majors. “This year alone, 116 students are collaborating across creative direction, production, media, set design and talent management,” says Ntshakla. “Genesis is not just a show, it's a living ecosystem built on trust, teamwork and a shared vision. This year's story explores the journey through life itself. The show examines the tension between internal struggles, identity and purpose and as well as external pressures brought by societal roles and expectations.”

Coleman spoke on some of the projects that have been featured in Sarasota’s Public Art Plan 2030 and how honoring Sarasota’s cultural legacy is central to the Plan. Poly, a 20-foot-tall sculpture by husband and wife team Hou de Sosa, for instance, was installed this month at the U.S. 41 and 14th Street roundabout. “Public art is personal,” says Coleman. “It’s personal to the artists who create it, to the individuals and communities that experience it and the city that stewards it. Public art is more than installations or objects, it carries stories, memories and connections from one generation to the next.” 

Guests gather at a previous 10x10 event. Provided photo.

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About halfway down Manasota Key, the 11-mile barrier island that splits the Gulf of Mexico and Lemon, lies the Hermitage Artist Retreat. The Hermitage, which makes its home on a Gulf-facing beachfront campus, is one of the foremost national arts incubators, a place where Pulitzer Prize, Grammy, Oscar, Tony-award winners and nominees come to create acclaimed work. For these artists, the Hermitage is a safe haven—a place to create and perform, in programs free to the public, to try new things and engage in unexpected collaborations.

In fall 2024, the Hermitage’s beachfront campus was ravaged by successive Hurricanes Helene and Milton, with over eight feet of sand causing damage to buildings and the landscape. While the Hermitage has slowly, but surely returned to its programming, the damage still remains. There has, however, been a ray of light at the end of the long tunnel.

On January 15, the Hermitage announced that the organization had received an unprecedented gift of land and property from the Morrison and Steans families. Under half a mile from the Hermitage’s original campus, the three adjacent properties are valued at $12,000,000, spanning 6.5 acres and include five houses. “The gift is a happy reminder that there are good people in the world,” says Andy Sandberg, artistic director and CEO of the Hermitage. “The Morrison and Steans families have been wonderful, longtime supporters. They are great appreciators of the arts and the values of what the Hermitage means for the larger arts community.”

Originally built by the Vanderbilt family, who came to Manasota Key in the 1950s, the properties are the largest single gift the Hermitage has ever received in its 23-year history. With five houses, the property will allow the Hermitage to more than double the amount of artist residences—and has already provided more housing for artists than before the hurricanes, even with the existing damage to the original campus. The properties also allow the Hermitage to explore more collaborative and project residencies, in addition to the individual artist residencies.

“A lot of their intention behind this gift, beyond supporting an organization that they love, is knowing that they can trust us to preserve the integrity of Manasota Key. It is a place that we value, that the Morrison and Stean families have valued for over four decades—there is a real sense of community and neighborhood on the key and the Hermitage is a part of that ecosystem,” says Sandberg. “We want the world to know that we’re digging our roots proudly in Manasota Key as we also expand nationally and internationally.”

The Hermitage Artist Retreat, 6630 Manasota Key Rd., Englewood. 

The Hermitage's new beachfront property on Manasota Key. Provided photo.

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What does it really take to restore a historic home? The Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation (SAHP) invites the public to hear directly from local homeowners who have done exactly that. Hosted at the Crocker Church, home of the Historical Society of Sarasota County, the roundtable discussion will feature candid stories from four property owners who have undertaken the rewarding—and often complex—work of restoring historic homes in Sarasota and beyond. The event is Saturday, February 21, 10 a.m. to noon. Tickets are $15 for SAHP members; $20 for non-members and can be purchased at PreserveSRQ.org or at the door. Crocker Church is located in Pioneer Park in downtown Sarasota at 1260 12th Street.  

Join us Saturday, February 7, at 6 p.m. for The Orchid Ball 2026: The Nature of Abstraction! Together, we will celebrate the 2026 Jean & Alfred Goldstein Exhibition: Alexander Calder: The Nature of Movement throughout the grounds of Selby Gardens' Downtown Sarasota campus and commemorate the acclaimed Goldstein exhibition series, which is now in its tenth year!
Proceeds benefit Selby Gardens’ community education programs, international research, conservation, and beautiful world-class horticulture displays, while enabling thousands of underserved children and their families to connect with our bayfront sanctuaries. For more information about sponsor benefits, please visit selby.org or contact the Institutional Advancement team at 941.248.3583 or orchidball@selby.org.

Saturday, February 7, 6pm Champagne Reception, 6:45pm Dinner and Dancing. 10pm Headphones on for the Silent Disco! Attire: Black Tie Abstraction & The Power of Primary Colors. 

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Impact100SRQ is a women-led, all-volunteer organization committed to collective giving and thoughtful philanthropy in our local community. At least 100 women each give a $1,000 tax deductible donation, and together they collectively award grants in increments of at least $100,000 to nonprofits serving Sarasota and Manatee Counties in five focus areas: Arts, Culture & History; Education; Environment, Recreation & Animal Welfare; Family; and Health & Wellness. Every member has a voice and a vote in the grantmaking process, helping determine which nonprofit initiatives receive funding and support. Our Mission: To Empower Women to Collectively Fund Transformational Grants to Nonprofits in Sarasota & Manatee Counties. When women come together with purpose, generosity is amplified and impact is multiplied. Please join us for the 2026 Giving Year—membership is open through March 26, 2026. 

Impact100 SRQ is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

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Producers Lia Vollack, John Branca, John McClain are thrilled to announce the cast for the smash-hit musical, MJ, when it makes its Sarasota premiere at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall February 3-8. Jordan Markus plays the title role of ‘MJ’ on the First National Tour. An original cast member of the touring company, Jordan made his Broadway and National tour debuts playing both roles of ‘MJ’ and ‘Michael’ in MJ. Tickets start at $68 and can be purchased at VanWezel.org, by calling 941-263-6799 or by visiting the Veteran Air Box Office at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or Saturday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. 

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Food bank/hunger relief organization All Faiths Food Bank has recently announced its 2026 Board of Directors. Community leader Patricia Courtois continues as chair; two new board members - Daniel Collins and Tom Gurrentz - have joined the volunteer leadership body. In the coming year, All Faiths will focus on penetrating further into communities where the need is – as well as meeting the “new need” created by current economic realities; further developing the collaborative community movement to address not just hunger, but other related needs in order to lift people from poverty; and adapting to the consequences of federal cuts to essential social service and feeding programs, which are already resulting in less food, less access to health and more uncertainty at a time when families are already doing all they can to get by. 

This past Friday, local mental health nonprofit Sunshine From Darkness held its annual Inspiring Hope Dinner, with nearly 400 in attendance. The event featured world-class entertainment as well as the recognition of the Karp Family, who received the Lee and Bob Peterson Legacy Award. At least $170,000 was raised through the live auction and paddle raise; the final fundraising total is still being determined.