Art and Found Day to return, surprising finders with gifts

By Dana Kampa
| 5:00 a.m. March 3, 2026

Wilma Davidson, president of the Sarasota branch of the National League of American Pen Women, said the group's artists decided to embrace the March 12 celebration of art as an annual tradition.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Last year, Longboat Key and neighboring communities were the grounds for an art heist — but in reverse.

Members of the National League of American Pen Women Inc.'s Sarasota Branch stealthily hid gift-wrapped pieces of art around Sarasota and Manatee counties last March 12. Community members who spotted the parcels were on the receiving end of the effort to share a love of art with the wider public.

The national organization introduced Art and Found Day six years ago. But 2025 was the introductory year for the local chapter, and President Wilma Davidson said their group of diversely talented artists received heart-warming feedback.

"It's just something to bring a little joy to everyone," she explained. "They also get to learn a bit about us."

Art and Found Day returns to Longboat Key and the surrounding area March 12, and the local chapter of the National League of American Pen Women, Inc. encourages pedestrians to keep an eye out for the surprise art gifts.

They shared nearly 40 gifts with the community. Wrapped in eye-catching gift paper, the presents found perch everywhere from park benches in Sarasota to atop the statues of St. Armands Circle, all throughout both counties. While Davidson handled most of last year's distribution, this year, more members are hiding their own pieces, so she encourages residents even in Osprey, Venice and Lakewood Ranch areas to keep an eye out.

Artists donated their works, including small paintings, books, cards and other pieces. Each gift will have a tag encouraging the finder to reach out and let them know the art had found a good home.

Davidson said Art and Found Day has given the league a chance to connect with the wider community. Last year, members loved reading through the dozen or so thank-you notes finders shared and hope to hear from finders again this year after the March 12 distribution. Sarasota's chapter also recently welcomed four new members, bringing new talent in writing, jewelry crafting and more to the group.

As of March 1, a total 1,142 artists spanning 24 countries registered to contribute to Art and Found Day giveaways far and wide. The national league formed in 1897 and is now a 501(c)(3) organization that uplifts professional women in arts, letters, music and allied professions.

For more about the international celebration, visit ArtAndFoundDay.com.

author

Dana Kampa

Dana Kampa is the Longboat Key neighbors reporter for the Observer. She first ventured into journalism in her home state of Wisconsin, going on to report community stories everywhere from the snowy mountains of Washington State to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. She has been a writer and photographer for more than a decade, covering what matters most to readers.