Sarasota arts foundation kicks off school year with first Imagination Installation

By Ian Swaby
| 3:05 p.m. August 29, 2026

Millie Traugott, 7, and her siblings Aidan Traugott, 2 and Eli Traugott, 4, color some tambourines together.

Sarasota
Neighbors

It's always hard to find things for a 3-year-old to do, said parent Cassie Yacovazzi.

On Saturday, after searching local events, she found one and also something to take home.

“They offered some really wonderful books that we look forward to reading, and it seems like a great opportunity to get him involved in performance activities,” she said.

Yacovazzi and her son were among the attendees at the first Imagination Installation by Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation, held at the Harvest House Family Center to celebrate the start of the school year.

The event featured 90 minutes focused on art creation, including visual arts, music and movement, centered on children in Pre-K through fifth grade.

Karim Manning led children in beatboxing and rapping, while visual artist Mayra Ocasio also participated. Families received complimentary books and art supplies.

Allison Hunter, the foundation's community programs manager, said the organization was hoping for a turnout of about 100 people and received one of about 105.

She said a survey will collect feedback afterwards from students and parents to see how the event can be adapted in the future.

"It's really been exciting and a great day," she said. "We're really inspired to be here just to connect at the beginning of the school year."

Farrah Dalnodar, 11 and her mother Amanda Dalnodar, enjoy the event together.

Olivia Benz, 6, dances during a beatboxing session.

Sophia Pilkington, 4, works on a picture frame beside her grandfather Jack Pilkington.

Gavin Pilkington, 8, recites the lyrics of a rap song about returning to school.

Free books were given away at the event.

Kids left behind drawings on a paper mat on the table.

Erica Kaza watches as her son Aleks Kaza, 2, adds markings to a craft item.

Weiting Kong and her son Lucas Khun, 4, create some craft items together.

Sophia Benz, 4, and her sister Olivia Benz, 6, create necklaces.

Daniel Mogorean, 5, and his brother Gabriel Mogorean, 8, participate in a beatboxing session.

Daniel Mogorean, 5, makes some moves during a beatboxing session.

Kai Nakayama, 4, adds some color to a spinning top.

Otis Bretrand, 5, and his friend Dylan McKuhen, 5, color tambourines together.

author

Ian Swaby

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.