Black Tie and Tales: Hermitage Artist Retreat celebrates creatives at dinner

2023 Hermitage Greenfield Prize Dinner

Visual artist Sandy Rodriguez and dancer and choreographer Rennie Harris were honored at the 2023 Hermitage Greenfield Prize Dinner at the Ca’ d’Zan at the Ringling Museum on April 18.

The event — which was part of a weekend of events celebrating the Hermitage’s 20th anniversary — brought guests to the Ca’ d’Zan to enjoy performances from a number of Broadway and Hermitage talents. 

Rodriguez and Harris were presented with awards in visual arts and dance/choreography respectively. Artistic Director and CEO Andy Sanberg announced the Ringling would partner with the Hermitage for the artists’ commission premieres in 2025. 

The event brought in $240,000 for the arts organization. 

Lilly Pulitzer Bright Nights Fashion Show

The Junior League of Sarasota hosted its ninth annual Lilly Pulitzer Fashion Show at the Art Ovation Hotel on April 22.

The annual fashion show started with a cocktail hour where guests picked up drinks and shopped at pop-up vendors. 

Local figures then took to the runway wearing Lilly Pulitzer clothes of all types to the cheers of the crowd. 

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation Legacy Society Luncheon

The Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation welcomed its Legacy Society members to a luncheon at the Sarasota Yacht Club on April 13. 

Guests arrived and quickly took to their seats to hear from SMHF president Stacey Corely, who thanked them for their continued support. 

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System president and CEO David Verinder then took to the stage and gave an update on Sarasota Memorial Hospital. 

Dr. Jonathan Hoffberger, chief of staff at SMH-Sarasota, later delivered a presentation on valvular heart disease for the audience.