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Cultural Attractions
Welcome to Sarasota County's wealth of cultural attractions!
To view the 2007-2008 Guide to the Arts, click here.
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Alliance Francaise of Sarasota
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Martine Yesler or Barbara Frey
3807 Belmont Blvd.
Sarasota, Florida 34232
941- 371-7495
myesl@comcast.net or bjdfrey@comcast.net
http://www.afsarasota.org
The Alliance Française de Sarasota offers monthly films, luncheons, laperitif get-togethers where topics of special interest are discussed in French and literary review meetings. In addition, art exhibits, wine tastings, concerts, conferences, dinners with dancing, picnics and other special events are offered throughout the year. Monthly events are announced on the website, and in a newsletter that is sent to all members. Language Classes: The Alliance also offers private lessons and small classes in French where students can learn how to converse in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Also, tutoring sessions for students can be arranged. Community Services:
The Alliance Française de Sarasota has a strong commitment to contribute to the community. A major project is to provide scholarships for students to go to France, live with a French family and study at one of the top universities in there.
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Art Center Sarasota
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707 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, Florida 34236
941-365-2032
artsarasota@aol.com
http://www.artsarasota.org
Broad spectrum of workshops, exhibits, classes, and arts education programming in the visual arts, led by respected and nationally known professionals, and emphasizing the work of living artists
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Art UpTown
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1367 Main Street
Sarasota, Florida 34236
941-955-5409
artuptown@Verizon.net
http://www.artuptown.com
Art Uptown is Sarasotas oldest cooperative not-for-profit gallery. Established in 1980, the gallery represents the work of over 30 regional artists who are invited to apply and then are voted on for membership. The gallery offers representational and abstract work in all mediums including digital and photography. Numerous three dimensional artists provide a diverse selection of basketry, wood sculpture, and ceramics. Member artists change their work on a monthly basis so there is always something new to see.
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Artists Guild of Manatee: The Village of the Arts
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P. O. Box 729
Bradenton, Florida 34206
941-747-8056
villageofthearts@gmail.com
http://www.villageofthearts.com
The Village of the Arts, with help of the city and a handful of artists, set out to create a community where artists of all disciplines could live and work. Forty artists later, the Village is well on its way. The monthly ArtWalks, on the first weekend of each month, fill the streets with art lovers, affordable fine art, jewelry, ceramics, small furniture, clothing, inviting bookstores, three charming cafes, healing arts, and loads of special events. This is the Gulf Coast's largest art community, a focused district full of burgeoning and established artists who passionately support one another's careers.
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Asolo Repertory Theatre
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5555 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, Florida 34243
941-351-8000 or 800-361-8388
asolo@asolo.org
http://www.asolo.org
The Asolo Theatre Company is a professional company that performs primarily in the Harold E. and Esther M. Mertz Theatre at the Florida State University Center for the Performing Arts. The Mertz Theatre is an elegant 500-seat facility originally built as an opera house in 1903 in Dunfermline, Scotland. From November through June, the members of the acclaimed Asolo acting company gather to present a unique repertory from classics to new works.
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Backlot Arts, Inc.
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2208 Industrial Blvd.
Sarasota, Florida 34234
941-363-9300
941-487-2393
mark@BacklotArts.com
http://www.BacklotArts.com
The Backlot is an exciting new cooperative arts and education facility providing accessibility to the arts, sports and education for underserved audiences and children of all ages. We strive to provide an environment in which participants are allowed to create and experiment with ways to engage the fringe and the mainstream. An atmosphere in which individuals can actively create or merely experience. Where artists can exercise their brains. Where strangers can become friends, building healthy personal relationships with people of all ages, cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic situations.
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Brandeis University National Women's Committee
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899 Augusta Point Drive
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33418-8501
561-627-0520
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Circus Sarasota
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8521 15th Street East, Unit B
Sarasota, Florida 34243
941-355-9335
info@circussarasota.org
http://www.circussarasota.org
The presence of the circus as an institution in Sarasota, and its performing artists as individual citizens has contributed mightily to the cultural richness and diversity, which is now synonymous with our area. Sarasota, known as the "Circus Capitol of the World," now has its own one-ring, five star international circus.
Circus Sarasota, founded in 1997 by Pedro Reis and Dolly Jacobs as a 501(c)(3) performing arts educational organization; enhances, produces and propels the circus arts with innovative programs of the highest level. Circus Sarasota is committed to continuing the legacy and broadening the artistic contribution of the circus while raising the level and perception of the American circus to that of other fine arts institutes.
Our focus in four areas: education, special education, community service and performance. All these activities merit the highest artistic level of quality.
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Englewood Art Center
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350 South McCall Road
Englewood, Florida 34223
941-474-5548
941-474-9358
englewoodart@verizon.net
Dedicated to promoting the knowledge and appreciation of the arts through demonstrations, critiques, exhibits, and classes. Featuring the Annual Fine Art Show in March. Art classes and workshops for all age groups are scheduled year around in a variety
of media. Classes are taught by
prominent artists renowned for their instruction capabilities. We strive to offer the best! We offer many open studio opportunities. The Main Gallery features regularly scheduled exhibitions throughout the year.
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Florida Studio Theatre, Inc.
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1241 North Palm Avenue
Sarasota, Florida 34236
941-366-9000
fst@fst2000.org
http://www.fst2000.org
Known as Sarasotas contemporary theater, Florida Studio Theatre is located in the heart of the theater and arts district in downtown Sarasota, and offers two different theater experiences. Now in its 29th season, the Mainstage is located in an historic building and presents the finest in contemporary theater. The Cabaret offers fine dining and excellent entertainment in a one-of-a-kind theater experience. Set in a turn-of-the-century Parisian café, FSTs Cabaret is an intimate setting in which to enjoy dinner and a show. In addition to its two theaters, Florida Studio Theatre also hosts the Sarasota Festival of New Plays. Held each May, the festival puts the spotlight on the best new work in American theater.
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Florida West Coast Symphony
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709 North Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, Florida 34236
941-953-3434
symphony@fwcs.org
http://www.fwcs.org
The Florida West Coast Symphony delights audiences on the cultural coast of Florida with over 100 concerts every season.
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Fuz'ion Dance Artists
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705 49th Street East
Bradenton, Florida 34208
941-345-5755
fuziondance@gmail.com
http://www.fuziondance.com
FUZIÓN Dance Artists enjoys every opportunity to create work with professional and non-professional dancers as well as educating communities through an eclectic approach. Fuzión brings voices of traditional and cutting edge work together. As a collective group of artists we aim to invite the participants of all backgrounds and abilities to explore with us the many possibilities of dance whether on the stage or in an educational setting. Fuzión Dance Artists has received national performance opportunities and numerous accolades.
Contact Information
Fuzión Dance Artists - Sarasota/Bradenton's 1st Contemporary Dance Company
Artistic Director/Co-Founder - Leymis Bolaños Wilmott
Associate Director/ Co-Founder - Rachael Inman
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G. WIZ, The Hands-On Science Museum
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1001 Blvd of the Arts
Sarasota, Florida 34236
941-906-1851
http://www.gwiz.org
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Golden Apple Dinner Theatre
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25 North Pineapple Avenue
Sarasota, Florida 34236
941-366-5454
941-364-9100
box office@thegoldenapple.com
http://www.thegoldenapple.com
A Sarasota landmark, the award-winning Golden Apple Dinner Theatre has, since 1971, transported audiences with electrifying performances and delicious cuisine.
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Gulf Coast Mens Chorus
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P. O. Box 2453
Sarasota, Florida 34230
941-957-0404
http://www.gulfcoastmenschorus.com
A choral group of gay and gay-friendly men performing a wide range of choral music.
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Historic Spanish Point
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337 N. Tamiami Trail
Osprey, FL 34229
941-966-5214
info@historicspanishpoint.org
http://www.historicspanishpoint.org
Explore 5,000 years of history through prehistoric shell mounds, pioneer era buildings and the colorful gardens of Mrs. Potter Palmer. Take tours of a 30-acre archaeological, historical and environmental museum located on Little Sarasota Bay. A large Butterfly Garden, picnic facilities, nature trails through a unique environment and one-of-a-kind exhibits are just some of the interesting features included in your experience. For 25 years this accredited museum has connected you to Floridas past
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Jacobites Pipe & Drum Band
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543 10th Street West
Bradenton, Florida 34205
941-350-0271
957-3356
jacobitepiper@aol.com
http://www.jacobitesband.com
The Jacobites Pipe & Drum Band is made up of a great group of folks, young and old, who are dedicated to the enjoyment of Celtic music and dance. The band is available to perform at local schools, churches, temples, public events, private institutions and private functions. The band welcomes one and all to call upon us for entertainment or to join us if you have an interest in piping, drumming or Highland or Irish dance.
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John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art
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5401 Bayshore Road
Sarasota, Florida 34243
941-351-1660
info@ringling.org
http://www.ringling.org
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is home to three spectacular attractions. Internationally recognized, the Museum of Art features significant holdings in European, American, and non-Western art, with masterpieces from the 17th-century Baroque period. Cà d'Zan is the Ringlings' magnificent, 32-room Venetian-Gothic mansion on beautiful Sarasota Bay. The Circus Museum displays memorabilia and artifacts from the rich history of the American Circus and The Ringling Bros. Family enterprise. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors (65+), and free for children under 12 accompanied by an adult.Advance tickets are recommended. Call 941-358-3180
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Longboat Key Education Center
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5370 Gulf of Mexico Drive
Longboat Key, Florida 34228
941-383-8811
http://www.lbkeducationcenter.org
The Longboat Key Education Center, located at 5370 Gulf of Mexico Drive on Longboat Key, is a not-for-profit educational organization founded in 1985. The school is open from October to mid-April and offers over 150 non-credit adult enrichment programs in the fine and applied arts, humanities, liberal arts, natural and social sciences. Also available are recreational courses, field trips, a lecture series, a Judaic scholars series, and a performing arts series. The Gallery at the Longboat Key Education Center exhibits works by local artists and faculty members. A desire to continue learning is the only prerequisite to attend classes. The Longboat Key Education CenterLike College, Only Better.
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Manasota Weavers' Guild
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P. O. Box 21536
Sarasota, Florida 34276-4536
941-923-8554
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Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
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811 S. Palm Avenue
Sarasota, Florida 34236
941-366-5731
ContactUs@selby.org
http://www.selby.org
Explore the worlds most spectacular display of rare orchids and bromeliads in this 8.5-acre tropical oasis on the shores of Sarasota Bay. Discover an open-air and under-glass museum of more than 20,000 colorful plants including a living collection of more than 6,000 orchids many collected in the wild by the Gardens research and conservation scientists on more than 150 scientific expeditions to tropical rainforests. Ever-changing botanical art and photography exhibits in The Mansion. Lunch served daily at Michaels in the Garden Café. Sunday Afternoon Garden Music concerts March through mid-May. For a complete list of upcoming programs, visit our website.
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Mote Marine
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1600 Ken Thompson Parkway
Sarasota, Florida 34236
941-388-4441
info@mote.org
http://www.mote.org
Visit Mote Aquarium and enjoy spectacular exhibits including a 135,000-gallon shark habitat, hundreds of colorful fish and two touch pools. The Aquarium is also home to manatees, sea turtles and a 25-foot preserved giant squid, "Molly Mollusk." Visitors can see research in action through viewable labs, experience a trip through the marine food web in "Immersion Theater" and learn about shark senses in the "Sea Cinema." Mote Aquarium is open 365 days a year from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
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New College of Florida
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5800 Bay Shore Road
Sarasota, Florida 34243
941-487-4154
ljoffe@ncf.edu
http://www.newmusicnewcollege.org
Located on a beautiful 110-acre bayfront campus adjacent to the Ringling Museum, New College of Florida is the honors college for the State of Florida and a national leader in the arts and sciences. The college hosts a wide range of lectures, forums and performances, many of which are free and open to the public. New Colleges acclaimed contemporary music series, New Music New College, provides educational opportunities for New College students while bringing leading local and national recording artists to the Sarasota area for performances in the Mildred Sainer Auditorium and College Hall Music Room.
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North Port Orchestra Association, Inc.
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6400 West Price Blvd.
North Port, Florida 34286-4104
941-426-7467
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PalmAvenue.net
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Palm Avenue
Sarasota, Florida 34236
941-373-9660
ppaul@interadagency.com
http://www.palmavenue.net
In the roaring 20's, Palm Avenue was Sarasota's most prestigious address. The opening of the luxurious Mira Mar Hotel & Apartments, which hosted the rich and famous in elegant style, marked the beginning of the evolution of Palm Avenue. The area began to boom with ballrooms, restaurants, upscale shops, arts and theatres.
Through the years, Palm Avenue and the surrounding downtown area have become the hub of Sarasota. Today Palm Avenue is a delightful blend of historic Sarasota, fabulous shopping and exciting cultural events. Stroll Palm Avenue by day or night and discover that the tradition lives on.
We, the members of the Palm Avenue Arts Alliance, cordially invite you to visit Palm Avenue of Sarasota and enjoy the riches we have to offer. Palm Avenue also participates in Sarasota's Annual Arts Day Celebration.
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Pierian Spring Academy
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P. O. Box 1222
Sarasota, Florida 34230
941-306-7532
pierianspringacademy@yahoo.com
http://www.pierianspringacademy.org
Pierian Spring Academy is a free standing, volunteer operated, non-profit adult academic education program providing premier, low-cost, non-credit courses in the content areas of Art, Foreign Policy, History, Literature, Music, Philosophy, and Science for persons of all ages regardless of educational background. We especially welcome semi-retires and retirees of the Sarasota area.
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POPS Extras!, Inc.
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2680 Aspinwall Street
Sarasota, Florida 34237
941-362-7632
941-953-2503
POPSExtras@comcast.net
http://www.POPSExtras.org
POPS Extras! is a project designed to promote community music and music ministries in Southwest Florida, while providing an entertainment platform for Florida musicians and entertainers. A wide variety of musicians are available for corporate functions, church services, non-profit activities -as well as special concerts produced by POPS Extras!
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Ringling College of Art & Design
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2700 North Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, Florida 34234-5895
941-351-5100
941-359-7517
admissions@ringling.edu
http://www.ringling.edu
Founded in 1931, Ringling College of Art and Design is a private, independent college offering an intensive, professional education in the visual arts and design. It awards the BFA in six majors and enrolls more than 1,000 students in its degree program. The College also offers a diverse selection of Community Arts classes throughout the year and provides the public the opportunity to experience the work of national and internationally known artists through its acclaimed Selby Gallery.
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Sarasota Architectural Foundation
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P. O. Box 3678
Sarasota, Florida 34230-3678
941-365-4723
941-388-2831
info@sarasotaarachitecturalfoundation.org
http://www.sarasotaarchitecturalfoundation.org
Sarasota is an exciting visual and performing arts community. But did you know that since the 1950's Sarasota has been known internationally for its distinct form of modern architecture? The Sarasota Architectural Foundation hosts architectural tours, educational events, film screenings, exhibits and cool parties for architecture lovers who visit Sarasota to see its architectural legacy for themselves. Visit our website for news of upcoming tours and events, or call us to arrange your own private group tour. Email us to be placed on our free notification list for tours and events today!
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Sarasota Ballet of Florida
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5555 North Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, Florida 34243
941-359-0099
http://www.sarasotaballet.org
The Sarasota Ballet of Florida has achieved a dynamic standing among the arts organizations in the culturally rich Sarasota area. The Ballet performs a blend of classical and contemporary styles from September through April.
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Sarasota Big Band Jazz Ensemble
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3013 Clark Road, Suite #18
Sarasota, Florida 34231
941-923-5569
bobhofferb@cs.com
A rehearsal and concert band aggregation patterned after the Stan Kenton,
Count Basie, and Duke Ellington organizations. The objective is to provide a
vehicle for the on-going participation, enjoyment, and presentation of live big
band jazz, including traditional, progressive, and contemporary styles.
Band players are volunteer instrumentalists who have the ability and
motivation to experience the rehearsal of challenging big band jazz arrangements.
Concert audiences include metropolitan Sarasota Area listening enthusiasts who
appreciate the opportunity to attend occasional free/donation big band jazz
concerts every two or three months.
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Sarasota Chorus of the Keys
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P. O. Box 51751
Sarasota, Florida 34232-0314
941-927-1918
chorusofthekeys@comcast.net
http://www.chorusofthekeys.org
The Chorus of the Keys, a not for profit organization, with a membership of over 165, is one of the leading mens a cappella choruses in the Southeastern region of the country. Open to men of all ages, the chorus, under the direction of Stephen P. Ditchfield, performs year round throughout Florida, including the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, The Sarasota Opera House, and the North Port Performing Arts Center.
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Sarasota Concert Association
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P. O. Box 1714
Sarasota, Florida 34230
941-955-0040
jwa003@gte.net
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Sarasota Film Society @ Burns Court Cinema
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Burns Court Cinema
P. O. Box 3378
Sarasota, Florida 34230-3378
941-364-8662
941-364-8478
mail@filmsociety.org
http://www.filmsociety.org
Sarasota Film Society owns and operates the three-screen theater, Burns Court Cinemas, in downtown Sarasota. Check this website's cultural calendar for up to date film listings.
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Sarasota Folk Club
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330 Patterson Avenue
Osprey, Florida 34229
966-4727
luwinberg@sarafolk.org
http://www.sarafolk.org
The Sarasota Folk Club, Inc., a Florida not-for-profit corporation, produces the Sarasota Sailing Squadron Concert series held on the last Monday of each month at 1717 Ken Thompson Pkwy. The club's popular
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Sarasota Folk Club
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1625 Vereda Verde
Sarasota, FL 34232
941-377-9256
jvhewitt@pobox.com
http://www.sarafolk.org
The Sarasota Folk Club is a Florida nonprofit organization keeping the traditions of Folk Music a living part of the Sarasota community. The Club sponsors folk concerts on the last Monday of each month at the Sailing Squadron, 1717 Ken Thompson Pkwy in Sarasota. Open Mike 7:15 p.m. Feature 8:30 p.m. $5.00 or more donation suggested. Contact Jean Hewitt, 941-377-9256 cell 941-320-4774
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Sarasota Jewish Chorale
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Kathy Rance at 223-6503 or Arlene Stolnitz at 492-
The Sarasota Jewish Chorale was founded in 1999 by a small group of people who had been members of choruses in their previous home towns. The founding members of the Chorale were determined to create a choral group dedicated to perpetuating Jewish culture through entertainment, musical education, and community service. Our group of approximately 20 includes members who are affiliated with most of the areas major congregations as well as some who are non-affiliated. We come from all parts of the United States and Canada and share only our love of Jewish music.
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Sarasota Opera
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Opera House
61 North Pineapple Avenue
Sarasota, Florida 34236
941-366-8450
941-955-5571
info@sarasotaopera.org
http://www.sarasotaopera.org
Sarasota Opera presents concerts year-round and is home to one of the finest youth opera programs in the country. English translations simultaneously projected above the stage.
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Scottish Heritage Society of Sarasota Inc.
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P. O. Box 282
Cape Haze, Florida 33946
941-697-0268
941-697-8006
tinktartan@aol.com
http://www.Sarasotagames.org
we are a 501(C)(3)
non-profit organization,we hold the Scottish Heritage Festival and Highland Games each year at Venice Airport Grounds.
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Selby Gallery at Ringling School of Art & Design
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2700 North Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, Florida 34234
941-359-7563
selby@ringling.edu
http://www.ringling.edu/selbygallery
Experience the exciting world of contemporary art and design and learn more about the visual arts through Selby Gallery's exhibitions and visiting artists' lecture programs.
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SOULSPEAK/SOULMOVES
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535 Columbia Court
Sarasota, Florida 34236
941-366-6468
941-954-2208
soulspeak1@comcast.net
http://www.soulspeak.org
Experience the healing power of poetry that has helped over 3,000 children and adults express deep emotions in a beautiful healing way. Poets Justin Spring and Scylla Liscombe, who developed and taught this method for over 10 years, will guide you in a journey to the poet within you.
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Suncoast Concert Band
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941-365-7764
jnhhas@comcast.net
http://www.suncoastconcertband.org
The Suncoast Concert Band celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2007, and is composed of retired senior citizens. It presents 13 concerts each year in the Payne Park Auditorium. The director, Leo Laier, has been the band's conductor for 43 years.
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Symposium Singers, Inc.
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2008 Robinson Avenue
Sarasota, Florida 34232-3234
941-922-0025
symposium@comcast.net
Symposium Singers. James Cullen, Founder /Conductor, is a professional chamber ensemble featuring music from chant to contemporary.
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Van Wezel Foundation
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P. O. Box 3434
Sarasota, Florida 34230
(941) 366-5578
(941) 366-0918
rderose@vwfoundation.org
http://www.vwfoundation.org
The Van Wezel Foundations mission is to enrich the lives of children through the performing arts while supporting the needs of the regions premier performing arts hall. The Foundation is committed to being the preeminent force behind providing the necessary resources that showcase the importance of the performing arts to the Suncoast region of students. The Foundation raises funds for Schooltime Performances, master classes, artist workshops, residency programs, and the renowned Perlman Music Program, an annual winter residency under the direction of Toby and Itzhak Perlman. The Foundation raises funds for these and other programs with the help of area-based businesses and individuals.
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Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
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777 North Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, Florida 34236
941-953-3368
http://www.vanwezel.org
An architectural landmark and a cultural treasure, the Van Wezel for more than 40 years has brought to Sarasota and all of Southwest Florida a world of great arts. They present a broad spectrum of the world's finest performing artists, meeting the diverse needs of all of Southwest Florida's residents and visitors. They have carried on the long tradition of presenting spectacular Broadway musicals, top national and international performers, world-class symphony orchestras and a compelling mix of classical, modern, and ethnic dance. The Van Wezel also provides a quality "home" for other local cultural organizations that present their programs. Always check the Van Wezel web site at www.vanwezel.org for new additions. The scenic Grand Foyer overlooking the bayfront is abailable for parties, corporate events, or any other very special occasion you may want to celebrate. For more information, contact the Events Coordinator at 955-7676 extension 2222.
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Venetian Society of Basket Weavers
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P. O. Box 1411
Venice, Florida 34284
941-496-9539
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Venice Art Center
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390 South Nokomis Avenue
Venice, Florida 34285
941-485-7136
941-484-4361
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Venice Little Theatre
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140 West Tampa Avenue
Venice, Florida 34285
941-488-1115
941-484-9437
saratrembly@venicestage.com
http://www.venicestage.com
An award-winning community theater with two stages and three full seasons. Children's classes, adult classes, senior and youth outreach are a significant part of the theater's mission.
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West Coast Civic Ballet
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1611 Northgate Boulevard
Sarasota, Florida 34234
941-358-8349
http://www.westcoastcivicballet.com
WCCB offers high quality dance with a very professional edge despite the fact that it is a company of volunteers from all areas in the Manatee and Sarasota communities. There are children with remarkable techincal skills, former dancers, and some who just love dance. The dancers are supported by a raft of backstage volunteers who do costuming, sets, props, and publicity with boundless energy and good will. Three spacious performing art studios available for rent. Hourly, weekly, monthly reasonable rates (movie shoots, touring groups, muscians welcome.
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Women Contemporary Artists
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P. O. Box 25184
Sarasota, Florida 34277
941-758-1888
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