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Sarasota Arts: Local Exhibits and Performances You Can't Miss
Sarasota's arts and culture scene is among the largest and brightest in the American South. Our real estate agents love living and working so close to so many exceptional art galleries, theaters, performance halls, and other artistic spaces.
This February, why not take some time to see what's going on in the city's creative sector? Get started by checking out these five local arts attractions with must-see exhibitions and performances coming up this month.
5 Spots for Exciting Arts and Culture Events in Sarasota this February
Art Center Sarasota
Address: 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236
Art Center Sarasota is one of the oldest arts organizations in town, offering art exhibitions, workshops, and education to city residents for the last 100 years.
Their Annual Juried Members Show debuted last month and currently occupies all four sections of their spacious gallery. This show highlights outstanding works by local member artists of all skill levels, from amateur artists and students to established professionals.
If you're interested in learning some art skills of your own, you can sign up for one of the center's many classes and workshops. Some options coming up over the next few weeks include:
- Brushes and Breezes: A Plein Air Painting Introduction
- Dreamy Blooms: Abstract Florals with Watercolor
- Intuitive Abstract Painting
- Drawing Figures and Portraits
Sarasota Art Museum
Address: 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236
Sarasota Art Museum opened in 2019 in partnership with the city's acclaimed Ringling College of Art and Design. Unlike most art museums, they have no permanent collection of their own. Instead, they focus exclusively on special exhibitions with works from notable contemporary artists. You can catch all of the following on display here this February:
- Janet Echelman: Radical Softness, an exploration of Echelman's 40-year career as a trailblazing fiber artist
- Art Deco: The Golden Age of Illustration, a set of 1920s and 30s-era Art Deco posters, sculptures, and furniture from the Crouse Collection
- Selina Román: Abstract Corpulence, a self-portrait photography series that challenges conventional standards for feminine beauty
You can visit the museum from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday or from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. They offer free admission on the second Sunday of each month (February 15th in this case). Otherwise, adult tickets cost $20 per person. Kids under 18, museum members, and military members can visit for free anytime.
Ringling College of Art and Design
Address: 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234
Ringling College also operates six art galleries of its own on its Sarasota campus:
- Lois + David Stulberg Gallery, the school's most coveted display space, featuring masterworks from students, staff, and guest artists
- Richard + Barbara Basch Gallery, the largest exhibition space on campus and the site of many a star-studded art show
- Willis Smith Construction Inc. Student Gallery, the main exhibition spot for student projects
- Richard and Virginia Crossley Gallery, a section of the Judy Hughes Studio Building, where curated shows and student exhibitions are often held
All of the college's galleries are free to visit and are regularly refreshed with new works and installations. They're open to the public Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
Address: 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34243
Sarasota's John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is the state of Florida's official art museum. The 21 galleries in their main building are filled with hundreds of works of European art dating back to the 15th century. Guests can walk through these galleries on their own or sign up for the Ringling Legacy Tour, an engrossing experience that kicks off at noon every day of the week.
The museum's Ulla R. and Arthur F. Searing Wing houses all of their special exhibits. Visit this spot in February to see:
- As Earth is to Sky, a collection of abstract wood and metal sculptures that recontextualizes the concept of natural form
- Ancestral Edge, an exhibition of stylistically harmonized 2D and 3D work from top Native American women artists
- Nuestro Vaivén (Our Sway), a set of four installations crafted by top Latin artists to represent the goals, struggles, and dreams of specific Latin American partner communities
All areas of the museum are open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $30 for adults, $5 for kids aged 6 to 17, and free for kids aged 5 and under.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Address: 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is one of the hottest entertainment venues in Southern Florida, offering world-class plays, musicals, concerts, and much more. Here are just a few of the shows debuting here this month:
- MJ from February 3rd to 8th
- The Philadelphia Orchestra on February 16th
- David Foster and Katharine McPhee on February 19th
- Il Divo by Candlelight on February 24th
Showtimes and ticket prices vary by performance. Check the hall's website for their full February schedule and buy tickets for upcoming shows.
Set Your Inner Artist Free in Sarasota, FL
No matter what kind of creative expression makes your heart sing, Sarasota's art scene has a place for you. Contact us today to connect with our expert team and discover your dream home on Florida's Cultural Coast.