SRQ DAILY Jul 24, 2026
Friday Weekend Edition
"I feel a duty and a responsibility to the artist, because I too am a performer."
Part of what makes Sarasota special is that it is a place in which its cultural history is alive and well today. The same heritage of the arts that dates back to John Ringling, the circus and The Ringling Museum, is present today in Sarasota’s standing as a hub for the arts. From museums and galleries to theater, dance and music, Sarasota’s artistic ecosystem is just as alive today as it ever has been.
Stephanie Grae, founder and creative director of Grae Productions understands this. On August 8, Grae will produce ArtLab: In Motion, a themed local art event dedicated to celebrating the creativity of local artists. Hosted downtown at ALEUR Event Collective, the fourth iteration of ArtLab is designed to be an experiential evening. Amongst the featured art will be curated visual art from local photographer Sorcha Augustine and Robyn Holl, cultural curator of the Art Ovation Hotel. Mala, an aerial artist, will perform acts that incorporate fire, Grae—a trained dancer—and others will perform, along with a slurry of other artists and musical entertainment. Dive Wine & Spirits will provide a curated tasting experience and Arts and Central is set to provide light bites as well.
“We showcase as many styles of art as we can without overdoing it and the styles change within the theme of the event,” says Grae. “Many of these artists are multifaceted, so it’s going to be fun to show them doing different things throughout the evening. One of my artists makes costumes, paints and is a part of the circus industry here—she’ll have a corner to herself. Mala is an aerialist and performer who has an epic set at the end of the night.”
Grae’s intention through producing ArtLab is not only to create a spotlight for local artists, but also to create an opportunity for connection within the community. “My goal is that I provide the space and all of my people get to be seen—some of which need more help than others,” says Grae. “I feel a duty and a responsibility to the artist, because I too am a performer.”
ArtLab: In Motion, August 8, 7pm-10pm. ALEUR Event Collective, 1001 Central Ave, Sarasota 
An aerialist performs at the Under the Pink Moon Manifestation Experience produced by Grae Productions. Provided photo.
There’s no place like Asolo Rep! The critics are in—and they're loving The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition. Watch what they're saying about our magical reimagining of this beloved classic, then come experience the adventure for yourself. The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition is now on stage in the Cook Theatre through August 2, with tickets starting at just $15 for children and $19 for adults. We can't wait to welcome you down the Yellow Brick Road.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is pleased to announce the first artist to be featured during the fourteenth year of its Young Artist Program. On Saturday, August 22 at 7:30 p.m., Charlotte Corporan will present her original showcase, “BUT I CAN!” As a child, Charlotte Corporan dreamed without limits. She imagined herself dancing on stages, performing in music videos, playing in jazz clubs and creating a life where music and dance existed side by side. To her, the two art forms were never separate but rather different ways of telling the same story. But as her passion and commitment grew, others – including teachers and mentors whose opinion she respected – expressed their doubts, believing Corporan should choose between the artistic disciplines in order to succeed.
Charlotte Corporan will star in her original WBTT Young Artist Program showcase on August 22, 2026. Provided photo.
The Sarasota Ballet today announced eight new dancer appointments and two promotions for the 2026–2027 Season. The appointments bring internationally recognized talent and emerging artistry to every level of the Company, led by Misa Kuranaga’s permanent appointment as a Principal dancer after joining the 2025 – 2026 Season as Resident Guest Principal. Andrii Ishchuk, formerly of American Ballet Theatre, and Kaitlyn Casey, formerly of Boston Ballet, also are appointed as Principals. Sumika Fujiwara, formerly with Tulsa Ballet, joins the Company as First Soloist; Federico Coletti, Robert Mack and Owen Watson join the Corps de Ballet; and Annette Darren joins as an Apprentice. Samuel Gest has been promoted to First Soloist, while McKibben Needham advances from The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company to the main Company as an Apprentice.
Provided photo.
Sarasota Paradise has reached another major milestone in the development of its Pathway to Pro Academy after securing acceptance to league competition for the club's inaugural season. The academy's U8-U12 teams will compete in the West Florida Premier League (WFPL), while its U13-U19 teams have been accepted into National 1 (N1) for the 2026-27 campaign. For a first-year academy, these represent the highest competitive placements available, ensuring every age group begins its inaugural season competing at the highest level possible.The WFPL, operated by Florida Club Leagues, provides the highest standard of regional competition across Florida's Gulf Coast, allowing young players to compete consistently against the area's strongest clubs while minimizing unnecessary travel.
Provided photo.
SRQ MEDIA's Love Local Arts Initiative celebrates the vibrant arts and cultural organizations that enrich our region year-round by connecting readers with the local creative community. Businesses can take advantage of exclusive advertising opportunities, including branded feature articles and banner ads, through the SRQ Love Local Arts Advertising Package by reserving space in SRQ Magazine's October edition and the SRQ Arts Annual Guidebook. Showcase your business while supporting the organizations that make our local arts scene thrive!
Space Closing August 14, 2026
This long-term installation in Gallery 10 of the Museum of Art showcases five outstanding examples of 17th-century Dutch painting on loan from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Featuring a dramatic seascape, an expansive landscape, and captivating portraits set in detailed interiors, this exhibition offers a window into the vibrant artistic production of the Netherlands as the small nation rose to global prominence in the 17th century. The five exceptional paintings from the collections of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, complement The Ringling's holdings of Dutch art and provide additional perspective on the artistry, historical significance, and continuing appeal of Dutch painting from this period.
Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota
Mayer explores the impact of technology on the human body through this interactive sculpture series. Slumpies invites viewers to sit and slump on these sculptures, much like furniture, and find a place of comfort while using their technological devices.
Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
ArtCenter Sarasota continues its Centennial Season with Medium Mutiny, a juried exhibition selected by Ed Swan Jr. that celebrates boundary-pushing works challenging tradition through bold experimentation in form, material, and concept. Solo exhibitions include Living by the Water by Cat Tesla, whose serene, abstract paintings reflect a journey of healing and transformation inspired by Florida's landscapes. A new body of work by Anja Palombo, blending her deep love of nature and art history into expressive visual narratives. In Architect as Artist, co-curated by Morris Hylton III, Sarasota-based architects including Carl Abbott, Jerry Sparkman, and Javi Suárez present multidisciplinary works that blur the line between design and fine art.
ArtCenter Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Tripletail Seafood & Spirits delicious Sunday Brunch is from 11am-3pm. Guests are invited to indulge in a delightful brunch experience on the beautiful covered patio or casual dining room with nautical touches. The brunch menu features a variety of mouth-watering dishes created by Chef Cesareo Cardenas, including his decadent Crème Brûlée French Toast, savory Steak & Eggs, succulent Lobster Benedict, the flavorful Tripletail Brunch Burger and Crab & Shrimp Omelet. Guests will receive a complimentary Bloody Mary or Mimosa with the purchase of any entrée. Prices range from $13 to $26. Reservations can be made through Open Table or by calling 941-529-0555.
Tripletail Seafood & Spirits, 4870 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Get ready to move this summer with Sarasota Contemporary Dance and guest teachers in sunny Sarasota for a week-long dance intensive, unlike any other! You have three weeks to choose from-or do all three!
Sarasota Contemporary Dance, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts Suite 300, Sarasota, FL 34236
By audience demand, Florida Studio Theatre is extending Dog Mom through August 2. This comical play created by writer, producer and filmmaker Tate Elizabeth celebrates the unconditional bond between a dog and its human–even if that human is the least dog-friendly person on the planet. Director Nancy Rominger delivers a heartwarming and hilarious production that journeys through self-discovery and unlikely friendships.
Keating Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave., Sarasota
Delightfully Funky Since 1997, Blase Martini Bar in Siesta Key Village has been Sarasota’s cozy, funky go-to for inventive food, handcrafted martinis, and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. It’s perfect for date nights or casual hangouts—offering bold flavors, expertly mixed drinks, and a setting that feels both relaxed and refreshingly unique. Join us for the launch of our Summer Pizza & Martini Menu, featuring hand-tossed specialty Pizzas, Pineapple Upside Down Vodka Martini for June, Siesta Suns Orange Vodka in July & Just Peachy Vodka Martini in August.
Blase Martini Bar in Siesta Key Village, 5263 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key
The exhibition at Selby Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point campus celebrates childhood and the imagination of youth through the words and images of A Child’s Garden of Verses, the beloved book of poetry for children by the celebrated Scottish writer, Robert Louis Stevenson. The exhibition features photographs of pages from a vintage edition of the book, combining Stevenson’s poetry with illustrations by the notable American artist, Alexander Dobkin. Accompanying the photographs are simple interactives that draw their inspiration from Stevenson’s poems and enhance the visitor experience. Audio recordings enable visitors to hear the poems read by Selby Gardens’ Artist-in-Residence, Patti Smith. Visit selby.org for tickets.
Downtown Sarasota Campus, 401 N Tamiami Trail, Osprey
Maria A. Guzman Capron explores the complexities of identity through vibrant figurative textiles. Drawing inspiration from her own multicultural heritage, the artist creates layered portraits of exuberant, multi-faceted characters.
Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
Featuring works by such acclaimed modern and contemporary artists as Louise Bourgeois, Chuck Close, Yoko Ono, David Hockney, Ai Weiwei, and more, this never-before-seen exhibition offers a rare glimpse into private collections held throughout Southwest Florida.
Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
Think while you drink! Gather your friends, co-workers or family and join us for a fun-filled evening. Prizes and specials each night. Monday – Wednesday at 7:30pm. Gecko’s on Clark – Monday ; Gecko’s on SR64 & Stickney Point – Tuesday ; Gecko’s on Hillview – Wednesday.
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