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Arts + Culture

The late Mary Jo Reston (right) with Mercedita O’Connor in 2017.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 16, 2025
FST receives big legacy gift

Long-time patron Mary Jo Reston is honored by Florida Studio Theatre for $1.25 million bequeath.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Casey Wortmann and Dekyi Rongé star in Urbanite Theatre's "No One is Forgotten," which runs from March 21 through April 27.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • March 15, 2025
Urbanite's 'No One is Forgotten' shines light on plight of hostages

Winter Miller’s play “No One is Forgotten" strips its story to the existential bone. While it's a work of fiction, the play is based on the stark reality of the hostage experience.

  • Arts + Culture
Jeremy Carter, Tony Monaco and Thomas Carabasi
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • March 12, 2025
Sarasota Jazz Festival stays indoors for its 45th anniversary edition

The fest returns to the Municipal Auditorium with an all-star lineup of musicians and vocalists.

  • Arts + Culture
Chamber Orchestra of Sarasota, led by Robert Vodnoy, will perform "Anne Frank's Tree" on March 21, accompanied by violin soloist George Maxman.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • March 11, 2025
'Anne Frank's Tree' grows in Sarasota

Chamber Orchestra of Sarasota will perform the Florida premiere of Victoria Bond's 2023 composition.

  • Arts + Culture
The new Welcome Center at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens was designed by OLIN.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 10, 2025
Architecture Sarasota honors design firm for revitalizing Selby Gardens

The Philadelphia design firm OLIN is the 2025 winner of the Philip Hanson Hiss Award.

  • Arts + Culture
Members of Sarasota's Petticoat Painters whose works will be exhibited at Sarasota City Hall.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 7, 2025
Petticoat Painters exhibit debuts March 17

Works of the all-female group of artists will be on display at the Sarasota City Hall atrium.

  • Arts + Culture
Robert Rauschenberg's "Preview," from the "Hoarfrosts Editions," 1974.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • March 5, 2025
The Ringling honors Rauschenberg on the 100th anniversary of his birth

It joins museums around the world in celebrating the revolutionary artist, who spent the last half of his life in Florida.

  • Arts + Culture
Composer Rucyl Mills wins the 2025 Hermitage Greenfield Prize
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 4, 2025
Composer Rucyl Mills wins the 2025 Hermitage Greenfield Prize

The award includes a six-week residency at the Hermitage Artist Retreat and a $35,000 commission.

  • Arts + Culture
Through Women's Eyes Film Festival broadens mandate, rebrands
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • March 3, 2025
Through Women's Eyes Film Festival broadens mandate, rebrands

The 26th edition of the fest now called Reel Equals runs March 7-9 at Ringling College and Sarasota Art Museum.

  • Arts + Culture
Sarasota Opera names new marketing director
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 3, 2025
Sarasota Opera names new marketing director

Lael Mohib succeeds Stephen Baker, who held the job from 2021-23.

  • Arts + Culture
"Anna in the Tropics" is set 1920s-era Ybor City, a neighborhood of Tampa where cigars are still made.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • February 26, 2025
Asolo Rep revives a lost world for 'Anna in the Tropics'

Through historical research and a field trip to Ybor City, Asolo Repertory Theatre brings a 1920s-era cigar factory to life.

  • Arts + Culture
Sarasota dancer comes home with Twyla Tharp Dance
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • February 24, 2025
Sarasota dancer comes home with Twyla Tharp Dance

Nicole Ashley Morris takes center stage when the legendary dance troupe celebrates its 60th anniversary March 4.

  • Arts + Culture
Westcoast Black Theater Troupe founder Nate Jacobs is shown with his mentor, the late Howard Millman, and former WBTT Executive Director Christine Jennings.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • February 21, 2025
Howard Millman put Sarasota on the national theater map

Howard Millman, who died Feb. 14 at age 93, rescued one theater and inspired two others.

  • Arts + Culture
Arts scene serves up ample opportunities to dive into our collective experience
    By
  • Su Byron
  • February 20, 2025
Arts scene serves up ample opportunities to dive into our collective experience

Spring is the season of renewal, rebirth and reinvention. The area art scene is no exception.

  • Arts + Culture
Stacey Lipton's captivating watercolor paintings capture the beauty and essence of nature.
    By
  • Su Byron
  • February 20, 2025
The Creative Arts Association of Lakewood Ranch shows off its multitude of talent

Members of the Creative Arts Association of Lakewood Ranch unite to inspire each other and create community awareness.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
« 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 »
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Carl Mario Nudi, Sarafina Murphy-Gibson, Ivy Sunflower, Marina Elaine and Sarah Jefferies on the promenade deck.
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Melissa Douberly, Tyson Babb, Lisa Jayne Warren-Wallace and Gina and David Warren dig the vibe of the Studio 54 theme and the cocktail hour.
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St. Barbara's Hellenic Folk Dance Group member Harrison Barakos gives a wave, while being cheered on by fellow dancers Maria Stylianoudakis and Gianni Cappelluti, as his name is called at the St. Barbara 42nd annual Greek Festival.
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Weizhen Jiang Wolf and Yuhong Wan of Zen Rhythm Dance Group perform a Mongolian Dance at the Lunar New Year Celebration.
  • February 20, 2026
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