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Arts + Culture

The culmination of the Sarasota Improv Fest is the All Play show, shown here in 2024.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • July 15, 2025
Sarasota Improv Festival celebrates the evolution of an art form

Improv is changing at warp speed, but Florida Studio Theatre remains at the vanguard.

  • Arts + Culture
Jazzmin Carson and Raleigh Moseley II star in "Titan and the Muse" at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe from July 17-20.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 15, 2025
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for July 17-23

Don't miss these arts and entertainment events around Sarasota and Manatee counties this week.

  • Arts + Culture
Asolo Repertory Theatre will stage a production of "Come From Away" from Nov. 12 through Dec. 28.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • July 11, 2025
Asolo Rep replaces Billy Joel/Twyla Tharp musical with 'Come From Away'

The update of the hit musical 'Movin' Out' has been shifted to a future season.

  • Arts + Culture
Deena King says the Lakewood Ranch market is full of buyers who don't care if their art matches the sofa and the drapes.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 9, 2025
Fine arts gallery tests the waters in Lakewood Ranch area

Expressionist painter Deena King brings her brand of art to the border of Waterside.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Alex Hatcher and Will Westray star in "A Year with Frog and Toad," which Scott Keys is directing for Asolo Repertory Theatre.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • July 9, 2025
Asolo Rep's 'A Year With Frog and Toad' explores the seasons of friendship

Scott Keys is directing the Asolo Repertory Theatre production of Robert and Willie Reale's heartwarming, hilarious musical following the yearlong adventures of Frog and Toad.

  • Arts + Culture
Former dancer and nonprofit arts leader Jess Abbott has joined the Sarasota Ballet as marketing director.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 7, 2025
Sarasota Ballet names new marketing director

Jess Abbott joins the company from Greenville Center for Creative Arts in South Carolina.

  • Arts + Culture
Clyde Butcher took "Everglades Restoration" in 1995. He is passionate about protecting the wetland.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • July 1, 2025
Florida photographer Clyde Butcher takes a stand against 'Alligator Alcatraz'

The National Medal of Arts winner wants the Big Cypress National Preserve to remain pristine.

  • Arts + Culture
Upon the closing of the exhibit, the multicolored basketballs that form the towering pyramid will be sent to scores of schools and community groups.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 27, 2025
Art exhibit will become 650 playthings for Sarasota schools, youth groups

The idea to donate the basketballs came from the artist and was coordinated by the museum.

  • Arts + Culture
A profile portrait of Lillian Blades, who is originally from the Bahamas, in her Atlanta studio.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • June 25, 2025
Lillian Blades' first solo exhibition sparkles and shines at Sarasota Art Museum

The Atlanta artist's curtain-like assemblages draw on African, Caribbean and Southern influences.

  • Arts + Culture
Via Nova Chorale is known for its programs that span classical and contemporary works.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 24, 2025
Choral organizations merge into new ensemble

Choral Artists of Sarasota and Via Nova Chorale are combining.

  • Arts + Culture
Drayton Saunders and Jenne Britell are the new co-chairs of the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • June 22, 2025
Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation makes leadership move

Board Chair Jim Travers steps back as Jenne Britell and Drayton Saunders step in as co-chairs.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Hermitage Artist Retreat CEO and Artistic Director Andy Sandberg enjoys the Florida lifestyle.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • June 18, 2025
Hermitage Artist Retreat leader hopes for smoother sailing

The Englewood arts incubator hosts its first beach event since being hit by two hurricanes in 2024.

  • Arts + Culture
Emily Ann Brooks takes center stage in Florida Studio Theatre's "Dames at Sea."
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • June 16, 2025
'Dames at Sea' director makes a splash at Florida Studio Theatre

Former theater kid Ben Liebert has directed eight shows in the past year at FST.

  • Arts + Culture
Hermitage Artist Retreat hires new development director
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 12, 2025
Hermitage Artist Retreat hires new development director

Melanie Vadzemnieks previously held the same role at Erie Art Museum in Pennsylvania.

  • Arts + Culture
Matthew Glover is the new corporate and events officer of the Sarasota Opera.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 12, 2025
Sarasota Opera hires new marketing and events officer

Matthew Glover will support fundraising efforts and lead the expansion of signature events.

  • Arts + Culture
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Latest News

1
Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
  • December 20, 2025
Christmas decorating isn't just for kids
2
The Family Church caroling crew from left to right is Melody Johnson, Laurie Houston, Nancy Pilato, Pastor Phil Derstine and Terrial Robinson.
  • December 20, 2025
East Manatee church members will go through bars to spread Christmas joy
3
Evidence discovered in the home of 33-year-old Demond L. Smith who was arrested by Sarasota police on multiple charges.
  • December 20, 2025
Repeat felon faces charges in Sarasota drug bust
4
Keera Herbst, Donn Githens, Kim Verreault and Alexa Olivas help celebrate the opening of the new Longboat Key Goodwill bookstore and donation site on Dec. 18.
  • December 20, 2025
Longboat Goodwill officially celebrates grand opening
5
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat
  • December 19, 2025
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat

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