Former gallery owner Pat Agles is used to being surrounded by works of art.
She probably didn't know that would still be the case when she moved into University Park recently.
On March 11, Agles was able to see her neighbor's work up close as University Park held its annual Art in the Park show, which also ran March 12.
“To see the talent in this neighborhood, it’s very impressive,” said Agles, who used to own The Galleria of Boca Grande. “It’s so exciting to see such a range and quality of work.”
Deborah Van Brunt, director of the art show, said it was University Park's biggest yet, with 53 artists and 176 works on display.
“I don’t know how, but every show seems to be better than the last,” she said.
Among those exhibiting art was Paul Smilow, who has enjoyed sculpting his entire life, alongside his brother Marc Smilow,
He uses Sculpey, a stand-in for clay which can be baked in a toaster, as he does not have a kiln. His two works on display both featured musicians, due to his love of jazz and classical music.
Also having her work displayed was Susan Guthrie, who has been creating collages since she began taking lessons two years ago. Her works all featured her labradoodle, Piper.
She said the show has been an important outlet for the community’s artists.
“It’s a great way to showcase people’s talent and to see what your neighbors are up to,” said Guthrie. “It’s just so much fun.”
The Meadows' Patricia Scalia learns from John Scoedler about his photograph "A Divided America," which he took after an American flag was caught on a passing outrigger boat, then torn apart by the wind, in New Jersey.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Many paintings highlighted Art in the Park.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Paul Smilow created the sculptures Jazz for Music and Strings for Music.
Photo by Ian Swaby
University Park's Susan Wu displayed multiple Chinese brush paintings, including "Peace on Earth."
Photo by Ian Swaby
Susan Guthrie created collages featuring her dog Piper in different locations, including Piper in New York City.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Paul Smilow's sculpture Jazz for Music was created using Sculpey.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Heritage Harbor's Henry and Shelley Gentile admire the artwork.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Friends and former neighbors Susan Lewis from New York, and University Park's Jean Sieghardt, enjoy their reunion at the art show.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Sarasota's Dave and Debra Best discuss the works at the exhibit.
Photo by Ian Swaby
David and Brenda Waddilove search through art prints at the exhibit.
Photo by Ian Swaby
The Best of Show award went to Rhythmic Gold by Marci Weisgold.
Photo by Ian Swaby
University Park's Carolyn Magnan and Lynn Reed check out the work of their neighbors.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Lakewood Ranch's Pat Wallington examines the artwork for sale.
Photo by Ian Swaby
University Park's Pat and Chuck Agles had nothing but compliments about the artist talent in their new neighborhood of University Park.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Lakewood Ranch's Dave and Dawn Grossman enjoyed checking out the artwork, including the prints.
Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.
