Petticoat Painters exhibit debuts March 17

The walls of Sarasota City Hall will showcase the works of the Petticoat Painters when the next installment of the city’s Cultural Heritage Exhibit Series begins Monday, March 17.

Titled “Now You See Us,” the exhibit is part of the city’s recognition of Women’s History Month.

Formed in 1953, the Petticoat Painters is one of the oldest continuously exhibiting women’s art groups in the country. The collective was formed to showcase the talents of female artists when women had difficulty finding venues to display their work. The exhibit will contain pieces from the collective’s 20 members and will be refreshed with new works after six months.

“The significance of installing this collection during Women’s History Month in March is twofold,” said Sarasota Public Art Administrator Ciera Coleman in a news release. “Not only does the collection embody women’s empowerment through these artists and their mission, but their historic connection to Sarasota is also something that we’re proud to spotlight for our residents.”

A free opening reception and lecture will be held  4-6 p.m. Friday, March 21, at City Hall, 1565 First St., with a brief presentation in the Commission Chambers beginning at 4:30. The exhibit is free and open to the public during regular City Hall hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The City Hall Cultural Heritage Exhibit launched in November 2022 in an effort to beautify the City Hall lobby while sharing Sarasota’s and Florida’s arts and culture history. City Hall is at 1565 First St.