Sarasota County art students celebrated for their work
The Education Foundation of Sarasota County, Inc. held its new event, createSRQ, on Feb. 24.
By
Niki Kottmann
| 1:07 p.m. February 25, 2017
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Between the natural beauty of Marie Selby Gardens, the sunset over Sarasota Bay and the visionary works of art on display, it seemed hard for guests not to enjoy themselves at createSRQ on Feb. 24.
Previously called An Evening of Excellence, the evolved Education Foundation of Sarasota County annual gala was held at Michael’s on the Bay and honored the top 25 createSRQ student artists. Every student art piece was available for purchase through mobile bidding, including Best in Show winner Alyssa Troy’s “Open Your Own Doors,” which was honored with the Jim & Shirley Ritchey Award.
After guests mingled and got a look at the artwork they headed to the ballroom. Before the main course, Education Foundation of Sarasota County President Jennifer Vigne and Board Chair Tom Koski thanked retiring Superintendent of Sarasota County Schools Lori White for her continued support of arts education.
Shortly after, President of of Ringling College of Art and Design honored two young artists, Sierra White and Abril Colin-Castruita, with scholarships to the college’s four-week pre-college summer program.
Education Foundation of Sarasota County President Jennifer Vigne with Board Chairman Tom Koski
Sydney Mucci with her piece, “Cruiser”
Trevor and Nikki Taylor
Minh Nhat Ho Nguyen with her piece, “Deep Sea of Life”
Kristen and Greg Elwell
Guests enjoyed the sunset over Sarasota Bay as they spoke with the artists about their pieces at createSRQ on Feb. 24 at Michael’s on the Bay at Selby Gardens.
Zachary Kralik with his piece, “Kozui”
Kathleen Winder, Leah Sherman, Linda Thompson and Chris Button
Jessica Sudol explains her piece, “Headed Downtown” to Honorary Chairwoman Shirley Ritchey.
Sheila and Dan Weiss
Mike and Jan Davis with Rachel Shelley
Blaire Bennice with her piece, “Systematic Tiger”
Marcy and Michael Klein
Sherry Koski and Brent Greeno
Kim Sasson with her pieces, “Scarlet” and “Boundless”
Diane and Tim Muldoon
Larry Thompson and Jeff Cornwell
Katherine Kanotz with her piece, “Osiris”
Retsy Lauer, Martin Gilbert and Heather Ferrigno
Barbara Britton, Bev Fisher and Betsy Adams
Tables were adorned with artistic centerpieces at createSRQ on Feb. 24 at Michael’s on the Bay at Selby Gardens.
Marlo Turner and Veronica Brady
Scholarship winners Sierra White and Abril Colin-Castruita with Education Foundation of Sarasota County President Jennifer Vigne
The Pine View Jazz Quartet performs for guests during cocktail hour at createSRQ on Feb. 24 at Michael’s on the Bay at Selby Gardens.
Barbara Britton, Marlo Turner, Betsy Adams, Britt Riner, Kim Wheeler and Bev Fisher
Honorary Chairwoman Shirley Ritchey and Bev Koski
Best in Show winner Alyssa Troy’s “Open Your Own Doors,” also winner of the Jim & Shirley Ritchey Award, was available for purchase through the mobile auction at createSRQ on Feb. 24 at Michael’s on the Bay at Selby Gardens.
