Elizabeth Goodwill and Barbara Gerdeman might live in the same world as the rest of the population, but to the founders of Creative Liberties, that world looks a little different. It’s a world in which everyday occurrences, from the flight of a bird to a lone shoe on the side of US 41 contain moments of magic. Those moments are commemorated in the pair’s joint exhibition Lost & Found, currently on view in the Studio at Art Ovation Hotel.

Lost & Found allocates two series of Goodwill’s and Gerdeman’s into a cohesive exhibition that weaves together assemblage, found art, assemblage and creative writing. Gerdeman’s series, Lost Soles, began with a question. “It started with seeing shoes on the side of the road and wondering, how did they get there?” says Gerdeman. “Why are they on the road? I thought it was a really cool photo opportunity.” In Lost Soles, Gerdeman pairs photographs of misplaced shoes that she finds on the roadways around Sarasota with the actual shoe itself. Often, the image and shoe is paired with a fictional story, written by her husband Neal. “I start to think of what kind of person lost this shoe? What might their name be and what possibly led to this?” says Neal Gerdeman. At the exhibition, viewers are invited to submit their own stories to various shoes in the Lost Soles collection.

Goodwill’s work veers largely into what she dubs “ethical taxidermy”—masks and assemblages resembling birds and animals created from recycled materials. These pieces, fully formed and supported by intricate wire armature, consist of everything from parts of tablecloths and doilies to recycled book pages, driftwood, used leather and fabric, to name but a few. Goodwill also employs different elements of weaving and the fiber arts throughout the pieces in Lost & Found. “There are these little hidden secrets within my work here and that has always been a staple of my art, going back to my undergraduate years,” says Goodwill. “I’m interested in found objects and the history behind materials and their form.”

Lost & Found, June 23-28, Public Reception June 26 5-8pm, Art Ovation Hotel, 1225 N Palm Ave, Sarasota. 

Elizabeth Goodwill, Neal and Barbara Gerdeman. Photo by Alex Alfaro.

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The Hermitage Artist Retreat (Andy Sandberg, Artistic Director and CEO) is pleased to announce a new partnership with one of New York’s preeminent nonprofit theaters, Manhattan Theatre Club (MTC). This partnership is designed to support the development of new musicals commissioned by MTC by providing invaluable space, time, and inspiration to develop these new works at the Hermitage. This collaboration will provide an opportunity for some of the leading voices in musical theater to take the next step in advancing their creative process and vision. Through these commission-specific residencies, MTC and the Hermitage continue their commitment to supporting visionary artists and developing ambitious new work that reflect the richness, complexity, and diversity of contemporary storytelling.

The Hermitage Beach Program. Provided photo.

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Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is proud to present Songbirds of the Seventies: From Woodstock to Soft Rock, a powerful tribute to the women who wrote their own rules – and songs. Featuring era-defining hits from artists like Stevie Nicks and Carole King, this vibrant cabaret celebrates the anthems of the ‘60s and ‘70s. Previews begin July 7, officially opening July 9, with performances through September 6 in FST’s Court Cabaret. Songbirds of the Seventies applauds the voices, stories, and songs that changed music forever. Featuring beloved hits from Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon, Helen Reddy, Linda Ronstadt, and more, this uplifting cabaret captures the spirit of the trailblazing women who stepped into the spotlight as both performers and songwriters, forever changing the sound of popular music. 

Cast member Madalyn McHugh. Provided photo.

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The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall welcomes comedian Ron White on Sunday September 13, at 7:30 p.m. Best known as “Tater Salad,” Ron White rose to fame as a standout member of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour and has since become one of America’s most successful comedians. Tickets for this performance go on sale Friday, June 26 at 10:00am. This show is for ages 18+ only. A Grammy-nominated performer, White has topped the Billboard Comedy Charts with multiple #1 albums and starred in some of Comedy Central’s highest-rated specials. He is also a New York Times bestselling author, actor, and longtime supporter of U.S. military service members through his annual charity fundraising efforts.  

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With state funding and community partnership, The Florida Center for Early Childhood introduces Sarasota County’s first in-home Family Support Team for young children and their caregivers. A Sarasota mother once watched her 9-year-old son cycle through repeated hospitalizations after mental health crises. Stories like hers are all too common—and they highlight the urgent need for more intensive, family-centered Support. Now, thanks to a $500,000 partnership between The Florida Center for Early Childhood, the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), and the Central Florida Behavioral Health Network (CFBHN), families like hers can access the Family Support Team (FST) designed to prevent repeated crises, keep children safe, and the risk of foster care or other out-of-home placements. 

Specialists from The Florida Center for Early Childhood work closely with children and caregivers to coordinate services, reduce crises and strengthen family relationships. Provided photo.

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