On the afternoon of Nov. 11, Hermitage Artist Retreat guests headed to the 15th Annual Artful Lobster event were treated to an Old Florida welcome complete with beautiful views while crossing Lemon Bay to get to Manasota Key. The weather was as delightful as the event, which boasted a traditional lobster bake complete with all the trimmings and catered by Michael's On East.
Hermitage Fellows and Grammy award-winning string quartet ETHEL and Emi Ferguson performed for the guests, each telling about their transformative Hermitage experience. Artistic Director and CEO Andy Sandberg made all guests feel  special as he thanked everyone for their dedication to Hermitage and its mission.Â
"The Hermitage Artist Retreat is unlike any other organization in Florida or the United States," Sandberg said. "It is the only major arts organization in Florida that exclusively supports new and original work across all artistic disciplines. We also offer two of the largest unrestricted arts commissions in the country."
Over 200 guests dined and enjoyed music by new and returning Hermitage Fellows. Terry Brackett, together with the husband and wife team of Tim and Suzette Flood, served as co-chairs for the event, with Carole Crosby now serving as Hermitage board president.
As a leading arts incubator, the Hermitage is a multidisciplinary artist retreat with a mission to inspire and foster the most influential and culturally consequential art and artists of our times. To date, the Hermitage has over 750 alumni from all over the world.
Flora Major, Artistic Director and CEO Andy Sandberg and board President Carole Crosby
Photo by Janet Combs
Alyssia Lazin enjoys some laughs with Trustee and Co-Chair Terry Brackett.
Photo by Janet Combs
Co-chairs Susan and Tim Flood receive a bouquet of flowers in appreciation for their work.
Photo by Janet Combs
Hermitage Fellows Ralph Farris, Corin Lee, Kip Jones and Dorothy Lawson perform for attendees.
Photo by Janet Combs
Trustee Charlotte Perrett and friend Carol Clarke get ready for the lobster feast.
Photo by Janet Combs
Board member Ellen Berman with Richard Olin, Nancy Schlossberg and Roy Cohen
Photo by Janet Combs
Flora Major, BJ Creighton and board President Carole Crosby
Photo by Janet Combs
Hermitage fellows Emi Ferguson, Kirya Traber and Emily Nemens
Photo by Janet Combs
Alice Court, Tim and Pat Penner and David Court
Photo by Janet Combs
Diane Fuchs, Mary Walters, Trustee Maryann Casey, Duncan Richardson, Trustee Liz Richardson, Carrie Grubb and Alan Meudt
Photo by Janet Combs
Michael and Mirian Weir enjoy their first time at the event.
Photo by Janet Combs
Charlie Whippo with Past President and Trustee Leslie Edwards
Photo by Janet Combs
Trustee and Vice President David Green with Sarasota County Commissioner Ron Cutsinger
Photo by Janet Combs
Melonie and Michael Humphries
Photo by Janet Combs
Stephanie and Gene Jones are all smiles as the programming begins.
Photo by Janet Combs
Nancy Markle, Caryl Kaplan, Jennifer Johnston, Joan Matthews, Judy Miller and Kirstin Fulkerson. Standing are Phillip Lanham and his wife, Tami.
Photo by Janet Combs
Artistic Director and CEO Andy Sandberg welcomes guests to the event.
Photo by Janet Combs
Guests entered the Hermitage Artist Retreat and were entertained during the cocktail hour by Venice's own Trinidude Tom Heiden.
Photo by Janet Combs
Priscilla and Jack Schleger are lobster-bibbed up and ready for the Michael's On East crustacean feast.
Photo by Janet Combs
Peggy and Harold Mezile
Photo by Janet Combs
Grants Coordinator Whitney Stone, Executive Assistant/Residency Coordinator Andres Larrea, and volunteer Chase Alford have smiles on their faces as they take a quick break and enjoy lunch.
Photo by Janet Combs
Co-host of today's event is Terry Brackett, who is surprised with a bouquet of flowers as Sue Jacobson looks on.
Photo by Janet Combs
Program Director James Monaghan and fellow Dorothy Lawson
Photo by Janet Combs
With such an impressive last name, Julie Mayer Magnifico was destined to become a marketing communications specialist.
Photo by Janet Combs
Hermitage Artist Retreat supporters Cecil and Shirley Pickett
Photo by Janet Combs
Nina Sedule-Ross and Jane Serio are longtime volunteers of Hermitage.
Photo by Janet Combs
Second-time attendees Allison Gregory and Peter Offringa look forward to the event's programming.
Photo by Janet Combs
Founding Director Bruce Rodgers with Lisa Rubinstein
Photo by Janet Combs
Mark Creech with Liz Stamouli and Kirstin Fulkerson.
Photo by Janet Combs
Michael's On East Executive Chef Jamil Pineda steams lobsters for guests at Hermitage Artist Retreat on Manasota Key.
Photo by Janet Combs
Executive Chef Jamil Pineda and his staff serve a traditional lobster bake dinner.
Photo by Janet Combs
Michael's on East staff prepares to serve over 250 lobsters: Rosie Frelinghuysen, Tittaya Sittisak, Henry Alberico, Tiziana Mineo, Elizabeth Panduro, R. De La Cruz, Elia Braithwaite, A. Rodeigues, Cielo Mechan and Christopher Martinez
