Art exhibit will become 650 playthings for Sarasota schools, youth groups

A striking art exhibit built of sporting goods this summer becomes a means of recreation for Sarasota-area schools and community centers.

The David Huffman sculpture entitled “Basketball Pyramid’’ is part of Sarasota Art Museum’s exhibition called “Personal to Political: Celebrating the African American Artists of Paulson Fontaine Press,’’ on display through Aug. 10.

Upon the closing of the exhibit, the multicolored basketballs that form the towering pyramid will go to scores of schools and community groups.

According to a release from the museum: 546 balls will be distributed to 39 Sarasota County Schools, including 15 Title I Schools. Recipients include Alta Vista, Ashton, Atwater, Bay Haven, Brentwood, Cranberry, Emma E. Booker, Englewood, Fruitville, Garden, Glenallen, Gocio, Gulf Gate, Lakeview, Lamarque, Phillippi Shores, Southside, Tatum Ridge, Taylor Ranch, Toledo Blade, Tuttle, Venice and Wilkinson Elementary Schools; Booker, Brookside, Heron Creek, McIntosh, Sarasota, Venice and Woodland Middle Schools; and Booker, North Port, Oak Park, Pine View, Riverview, Sarasota and Venice High Schools. Additional balls will be distributed to Laurel Nokomis and Sky Ranch schools.

The remaining 104 basketballs will go to such organizations as All Star Children’s Foundation, Boys & Girls Club of Sarasota, Girls Inc., Gulf Coast Sports Group’s Lions Club program, Sarasota City YMCA Branch and Sarasota Housing Authority’s Youth Thrive program.

“We are thrilled that the impact of this powerful exhibition will live on long after its closing date in the hands of local area youth,” said Sarasota Art Museum Executive Director Virginia Shearer. “We all know that art makes a meaningful impact here on the Suncoast. This is just one more example demonstrating the many ways art benefits the everyday lives of Sarasotans.”

The idea of donating the basketballs came from Huffman and coordinated by the museum.

Sarasota Art Museum is part of the Ringling School of Art and Design and is located in the former Sarasota High School building at 1001 South Tamiami Trail. It’s open seven days a week. General admission is $20.