• Alternate Text
  • Loading

  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App
  • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Key Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Longboat
    • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Key Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Circus Arts Conservatory transforms the big top into a winter wonderland

The Circus Arts Gala was held Jan. 27 at Ulla Searing Big Top.


  • By Kayleigh Omang
  • | 12:17 a.m. January 28, 2018
  • Black Tie
  • Share

Under a glistening big top in not-so-snowy Sarasota, 400 attendees dressed in white celebrated the spirit of the circus Jan. 27 at the Circus Arts Gala.

Partygoers donning white dresses and suits complemented the white decor and fake snow underneath the Ulla Searing Big Top, where they kept the circus heritage alive.

The proceeds for the night went to the Circus Arts Conservatory Outreach Programs and to help fund new flooring at Sailor Circus Arena.

After dinner, guests enjoyed a live auction and circus performances by Sailor Circus. To wrap up the gala, the circus floor was left open to guests to show off their dances moves.

 

Circus Arts Gala was held at Ulla Searing Big Top.
Circus Arts Gala was held at Ulla Searing Big Top.
The white decor glistened under the blue lights.
The white decor glistened under the blue lights.
Steve Koenig gets his caricature drawn by Michael White.
Steve Koenig gets his caricature drawn by Michael White.
Grandma Pearl and Deborah Walk
Grandma Pearl and Deborah Walk
Annaliese Nock and Paul Weisman
Annaliese Nock and Paul Weisman
Chris Nock and Lindsay Gartrell
Chris Nock and Lindsay Gartrell
Krystel and Matt Beall
Krystel and Matt Beall
Asa Thomas, Tomeika Koski and Ashley Gruters
Asa Thomas, Tomeika Koski and Ashley Gruters
Adam and Jaime Still
Adam and Jaime Still
Bob Collins, Jiselle Stolper, Noriko and Chuck Sidlow get their photo taken at the photo booth.
Bob Collins, Jiselle Stolper, Noriko and Chuck Sidlow get their photo taken at the photo booth.
Grace Johnson and Emma Clarke
Grace Johnson and Emma Clarke
Dudley Carson, Cynthia McCague, Clarke Addison and Dickie Smothers
Dudley Carson, Cynthia McCague, Clarke Addison and Dickie Smothers
Bello Nock and Sheri Nadelman take a photo together.
Bello Nock and Sheri Nadelman take a photo together.
Mechele Leonard and Judi Nofs
Mechele Leonard and Judi Nofs
Bob Plunket and Carolyn Michel
Bob Plunket and Carolyn Michel
Among the silent auction items were circus-themed figurines and paintings.
Among the silent auction items were circus-themed figurines and paintings.
Gift baskets aligned the tables for the silent auction.
Gift baskets aligned the tables for the silent auction.
Siri Dal and Frances Broussard
Siri Dal and Frances Broussard
Katy Barclay and Denis Bicard get their caricature drawn by Michael White.
Katy Barclay and Denis Bicard get their caricature drawn by Michael White.
Founder and Vice President Dolly Jacobs and Founder and President/CEO Pedro Reis address the crowd.
Founder and Vice President Dolly Jacobs and Founder and President/CEO Pedro Reis address the crowd.
Fay Lazaris and Barb Tye
Fay Lazaris and Barb Tye
Sheri Nadelman of soul R coaster performs on stage.
Sheri Nadelman of soul R coaster performs on stage.
Kellen Braren and Julia Jacob Barreda
Kellen Braren and Julia Jacob Barreda
John Scalzi and Linda Larsen
John Scalzi and Linda Larsen
Joanne and Rick Miller
Joanne and Rick Miller
Michelle Brault and Molly Schechter
Michelle Brault and Molly Schechter
Vicki Hornberger and Lauren Walsh
Vicki Hornberger and Lauren Walsh
Confetti was thrown for the photo booth photos.
Confetti was thrown for the photo booth photos.
Jerry and Jan Lazer
Jerry and Jan Lazer
Auctioneers John Scalzi and Bello Nock
Auctioneers John Scalzi and Bello Nock
Carly Evans and Lexi Mariash
Carly Evans and Lexi Mariash
Grace Johnson, ringmistress, addresses the crowd.
Grace Johnson, ringmistress, addresses the crowd.
Teresa Powell performs.
Teresa Powell performs.
Teresa Powell performs on the rings
Teresa Powell performs on the rings
Teresa Powell performs on the rings
Teresa Powell performs on the rings
Teresa Powell performs on the rings
Teresa Powell performs on the rings
Teresa Powell performs on the rings
Teresa Powell performs on the rings
The Sailor Circus Skating Team performs.
The Sailor Circus Skating Team performs.
Elena Zhimova performs.
Elena Zhimova performs.
Elena Zhimova performs.
Elena Zhimova performs.
Elena Zhimova performs.
Elena Zhimova performs.
Elena Zhimova performs.
Elena Zhimova performs.
Duo Abramov performs an aerial perch.
Duo Abramov performs an aerial perch.
Duo Abramov performs an aerial perch.
Duo Abramov performs an aerial perch.

 

Latest News

Under Southwest Florida Water Management District's Phase III restrictions, water fountains can only run four hours per day.
  • April 5, 2026
Manatee County among 14 Southwest Florida counties under water restrictions
St. Regis at Longboat Key is a gulf-facing resort and condo development on the barrier island of Longboat Key. The Unicorp-developed property opened in 2024 at the former site of the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort.
  • April 4, 2026
St. Regis on track to receive permanent certificate of occupancy, eyes tennis courts
The Fruitville Townhomes site plan to replace the vacant former Sarasota Lanes bowling center.
  • April 4, 2026
Fruitville bowling alley submits plans to redevelop into 4-story townhomes
Deputies shoot and wound armed man
  • April 3, 2026
Deputies shoot and wound armed man

Sponsored Health Content

Sponsored Content

The best of Your Observer, delivered directly to your inbox

Get the latest in news, sports, schools, arts and things to do in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key and East County.

Sign Up

Latest in Black Tie

Sheila Weiss, Michael Goldman, Dr. Helene Lotman, Ellen Goldner, Marion Levine and Sasha Rosin make up the Hope in Bloom committee.
  • April 3, 2026
JFCS celebrates 40 years of service at Hope in Bloom
The co-chairs are Darci Jacob (ninth year), Vickie Smith (fourth year) and Carolyn Castro (first year).
  • March 28, 2026
SPARCC Runway 2026 reassembles a kaleidoscope of lives and fashion
Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation President Stacey Corley with panelists Dr. Kelly Hamel, Dr. Sarah Kimball and Dr. Angela Boldo
  • March 28, 2026
Women & Medicine educates guests on women's health
Drayton Saunders acceps a Champion For Children award for MSC Foundation and President and CEO of Safe Children Coalition Brena Slater
  • March 27, 2026
Safe Children Coalition names 2026 Champions for Children
Terri King, Rocky and Liza Pappas
  • March 23, 2026
USF enjoys picture-perfect day for Brunch on the Bay
Lauren Athas, event Chair Lauren Christensen, Nati Shabat and Katie Biter
  • March 23, 2026
ODA supporters take Banyan Ball to Club Paraiso

App

Download the Your Observer app

Stay in the know with the latest local news. Any device, anytime, anywhere.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Contact

  • 1970 Main St.
  • Third Floor
  • Sarasota, FL 34236
  • Phone: 941-366-3468
  • FPN Verified

Extra, Extra!

  • Newsletters
  • App
  • Crossword
  • Contests

more

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise
  • Rack Locations
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Options

sister sites

  • Business Observer
  • Jax Daily Record
  • Orange Observer
  • Accessibility Options
  • Copyright © 2026 Observer Media Group Inc., All Rights Reserved
Sign Up for Daily Headlines

A daily dose of news from Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota and Siesta Key.

Sign Up for In Case You Missed It

A Saturday dose of the week's top stories from Sarasota, Longboat Key and East County.


The Your Observer App is Here!

Get local news you can trust — now on your phone, tablet or laptop. Fast. Free. Easy to Use.
Stay informed, wherever you are.

Download Now