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Arts + Culture

Elling Eide's former Sarasota estate has become a leading regional research library and capitol of Chinese studies. (Photo courtesy of Ryan Gamma)
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • August 17, 2022
Elling Eide Center brings a unique focus on Chinese culture

It's more than 7,000 miles away from Beijing, but because of the passions of its former resident, a Sarasota research library and nature preserve has become a leader of China studies.

  • Arts + Culture
Kids perform in a Players Kids performance of "Oops Upon a Time" in May. (Photo courtesy of Brenna Wickstrom)
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • August 14, 2022
The Players invites public to Back to Studio Bash

The Players Studio casts a wide and expansive net in the theater community, and it's looking forward to another fall season of education and enrichment.

  • Arts + Culture
Urbanite Theatre stages edgy, contemporary plays in its "black box" venue.
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • August 10, 2022
New season at Urbanite Theatre centers on family ties

There will be tragedies, comedies and drama on tap in Urbanite Theatre's upcoming season, which is titled "Heredity."

  • Arts + Culture
Blanco will have two art pieces shown at the exhibition. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • August 10, 2022
Sarasota artist enters illustration exhibition in Italy

Artist Jorge Blanco had two works submitted to the exhibition running in Italy from Aug. 6-28.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The cast of Florida Studio Theatre's "We're Doomed" can plot to survive any calamity. (Photo by Harry Sayer)
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • August 10, 2022
FST's 'We're Doomed' takes a shot at disaster movies

Every night is a disaster. And that's just the way the cast of Florida Studio Theatre's newest improv show likes it.

  • Arts + Culture
The "Ballroom Florida" exhibit at the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art depicts a brief moment of time in Japanese history. (Photo by Spencer Fordin)
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • August 3, 2022
Japan's jazz age depicted in new Ringling exhibit

Six paintings by Enomoto Chikatoshi form the heart of a Ringling Museum exhibit that depicts a brief era right before World War II.

  • Arts + Culture
Jim Shirley announced Tuesday that he plans to step down as head of the Arts and Cultural Alliance in 2023. (File photo)
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • August 2, 2022
Executive director announces retirement from Arts and Cultural Alliance

Jim Shirley has led the Arts and Cultural Alliance for 13 years, but he said Tuesday that he looks forward to retiring and allowing new leadership to blossom.

  • Arts + Culture
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • July 26, 2022
Selby Gardens tackles the art of floral photography

For decades, photography lagged behind other art forms in depicting the flower. But now it reigns supreme.

  • Arts + Culture
Students from the Margaret Barbieri Conservatory dance in a past edition of the Images of Dance program. (Photo Courtesy of Frank Atura)
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • July 20, 2022
Summer intensive molds ballet dancers of tomorrow

The Sarasota Ballet auditioned more than 1,000 dancers for their summer program, and 170 made the final cut to come and learn in person.

  • Arts + Culture
Sarasota Orchestra announced the death of Bramwell Tovey, its incoming music director, on Wednesday. (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • July 13, 2022
Sarasota Orchestra music director dies

Bramwell Tovey, a Grammy Award-winning conductor with an international reputation, died after a reoccurrence of cancer.

  • Arts + Culture
Nick Gallardo (foreground) and Jared Mancuso are bringing roots rock back with a modern twist. (Courtesy photo: Destiny Jackson)
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • July 13, 2022
FST cabaret brings the jukebox hits with a modern twist

"Rock & Roll Reignited" is taking on some of the songs you love best at Florida Studio Theatre. And bringing them back to the future.

  • Arts + Culture
The Staatsoper Hamburg performance of Falstaff played at the Sarasota Opera House on July 10. (Courtesy photo: Monika Rittershaus)
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • July 11, 2022
Enjoy world-class performances all summer with HD at the Opera

Live performances might be out of season at the Sarasota Opera House, but you can still catch world-class caliber artistry at the HD at the Opera series.

  • Arts + Culture
Katrina Coombs stands with her piece "As It Breathes, Life is Taken." (Photo: Spencer Fordin)
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • July 6, 2022
Every fiber of her being

Katrina Coombs is making art with her head, her hands and her heart, and she's exploring the whole human condition piece by piece.

  • Arts + Culture
Laser Fantasies has pre-programmed laser shows for many of your favorite artists. (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • June 30, 2022
Bishop Museum sets stage for brightest act in town

What's better than listening to your favorite artist? Your favorite artist plus laser lights.

  • Arts + Culture
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 29, 2022
50 songs to get you in the Fourth of July spirit

Celebrate your American pride with these patriotic songs.

  • Arts + Culture
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