Sarasota voted No. 1 arts destination

American Style Magazine has released results of its 2012 Readers' Poll that reveal the city of Sarasota was voted the No. 1 arts destination among small cities (populations under 100,000). Special mention was also given to The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art's “Art After 5” series and St. Armand Circle's first Wednesday art events.

"We are thrilled that Sarasota has received the designation as the No. 1 Small City in the Nation for the arts," said Jim Shirley, executive director of The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, in a news release. "This is truly a testament to all the artists, organizations, donors, volunteers and civic leaders who call this wonderful community home."

The city of Bradenton was listed as No. 2 and Naples made the list at No. 9.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].