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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
Jesse Nager stars as Jesus and Ann Morrison plays King Herod in Asolo Rep's "Jesus Christ Superstar."
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • June 6, 2025
Former Broadway star Ann Morrison is back on top

Sarasota's Ann Morrison steals the show as King Herod in Asolo Repertory Theatre's "Jesus Christ Superstar."

  • Arts + Culture
Jared Walker is the ringmaster at the 2025 Summer Circus Spectacular, which runs from June 13 to Aug. 9 at The Ringling's Historic Asolo Theater.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • June 4, 2025
Come one, come all to the Summer Circus Spectacular

Make it a family day with the Summer Circus Spectacular at The Ringling.

  • Arts + Culture
With "Mamá Mala," dancer/choreographer Ivonne Batanero explores the conflicting feelings of motherhood June 6-7 at the Squeaky Wheel Fringe festival.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • June 2, 2025
Squeaky Wheel Fringe keeps the momentum going in its third edition

The "smorgasbord" festival takes over the stage at the Jane B. Cook Theatre from June 3-10.

  • Arts + Culture
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Santa (Steven Trudell of St. Petersburg) gets the runners fired up just before the start of the 2025 Jingle 5K Dec. 12 in Lakewood Ranch.
  • December 13, 2025
More than 500 runners go the distance in Lakewood Ranch's Jingle 5K
2
Longboat Key Police Deputy Chief Frank Rubino (left) accepts a framed display of medals, patches and pins that demonstrate his 45-year career in law enforcement.
  • December 13, 2025
Longboat deputy chief with 45 years of experience to retire
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Nicholas Savarese, a teacher who has a background in chemical engineering, judges junior Lillian Pevzner-Downer's project on the comparison of conventionally grown crops with chemicals and pesticides versus organically grown crops at the Lakewood Ranch High School Science Fair.
  • December 12, 2025
Lakewood Ranch High revives its science fair

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