★ Celebrate Sarasota Art. Culture. Entertainment. Welcome to Sarasota It has been described as the capital of ’s Cultural Coast™, the Circus Capital of the World, a community where art and nature meet. Welcome to Sarasota County, the coastal jewel perched on the Gulf of Mexico, about 50 miles south of Tampa. Sunset over Siesta Key Beach, named #1 beach in the nation; below, from left: By Nancy Oakley Players Theatre performers KJ Hatfield and Chris Caswell, biking at Siesta Beach, and Fuzion Dance Artists.

ne of the key attractions of Sarasota County million-dollar homes. Nature lovers appreci- has been, well, its keys — six barrier islands ate the trails and pine forest on Lido Key and that lie between the Sarasota Bay and the the remoteness of Manasota Key, and divers ed Mase

Gulf. With 35 miles of wide, white beaches, it’s delight in the abundance of shark’s tooth y T little wonder they attract visitors from around fossils off the stretch of Venice Beach. Othe world. Perhaps the most popular among Venice is one of many areas in Sarasota them is Siesta Key, whose powdery beaches of County that has some of the world’s best heatre b photo ground quartz were ranked No. 1 in the United saltwater fishing. Of course, the inland areas States by coastal scientist Stephen Leather- offer large populations of trout and other layers T man, a.k.a. “Dr. Beach.” Siesta is arguably the freshwater fish. The Myakka River provides a VB, P place to watch the sun set into an impression- front seat to observing wildlife, such as ist palette of gold, orange, and pink. Not to be alligators and ospreys, from an airboat. The forgotten, Longboat Key offers a cosmopoli- Oscar Scherer State Park is a favorite of tan atmosphere, where beachfront communi- hikers and campers, and Mote Marine ties, resorts, and top-notch dining abound, Laboratory’s aquarium tours give up-close

while Casey Key is a quiet enclave of multi- glimpses of dolphins, manatees, and more. photos courtesy of sarasota C

• 50 • • 51 • ★ Celebrate Sarasota Art. Culture. Entertainment.

Design. And the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, whose namesakes first transformed the sleepy town into a mecca for the arts, adds to that creative spirit. John Ringling of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, and his wife Mable built a permanent home in Sarasota in 1926 — Ca’ d’Zan, a Venetian-inspired villa. A year later, Ringling moved the winter headquarters of his circus to Sarasota, bringing an influx of THE FINEST ARTS IN LIVING COLOR. artists and performers. After his death in 1936, Ringling willed his mansion and staggering collection of baroque paintings and other artworks to the state of Florida. Today, As if its natural beauty residents and visitors are the beneficiaries of weren’t enough, Sarasota his generosity, whether admiring the interiors County claims a cultural life of Ca’ d’Zan, the scores of Rubens and Van parallel to any major commu- Dycks in the art museum, or the memorabilia nity. Rich in history, the area at the Tibbals Learning Center and Circus has 90-some sites listed on the Museum. But the legacy of the big top doesn’t National Register of Historic stop there: In 1997 husband and wife Pedro Places, including its vibrant Reis and Dolly Jacobs, both veteran perform- downtowns, bustling with shops ers, created Circus Sarasota, a nonprofit that and restaurants — all within a offers dazzling performances in a one-ring stone’s throw of the waterfront. European-style circus as well as numerous As for the arts, the city of education and outreach initiatives. Sarasota is home to Florida’s Outreach lies at the heart of the city’s arts oldest continuing orchestra community. Sarasota Orchestra and Sarasota (Sarasota Orchestra), the oldest Opera include a Youth Orchestra and a Youth theater company (Asolo Opera respectively, while the Asolo, Venice, Nowhere will you find art and culture more colorful than in Sarasota. From the red velvet curtains Repertory Theatre), and the Gulf Coast of and Players theaters also have educational Clockwise from top of the famed House to the gold baroque frames of The John and Mable Ringling left: kayaking in Florida’s first professional ballet company programs to inspire budding playwrights and Sarasota Bay, Museum of Art, we’re home to a one of a kind cultural scene. Visit the artists’ colony at Towles Court, Sarasota Bay Front () and opera company actors. And the Sarasota Ballet has Dance — - - - sign, and Ca’ d’Zan, (Sarasota Opera). Plus, Sarasota boasts dozens The Next Generation, an arts-oriented or Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall with its legendary seashell design. Dine at one of our many John and Mable Ringling’s Venetian- of theater companies, including the revered at-risk youth retention program now in its Zagat®-rated restaurants, or explore the culinary, art and cultural festivals taking place nearly every inspired villa , as well as festivals for 16th year. So pervasive is the arts community’s ® film and chamber music. The North Port area commitment to education that the John F. week of the year. You’ll see why we’re known as Florida’s Cultural Coast. boasts an impressive Ukrainian population Kennedy Center for Performing Arts recently ® and Performing Arts Center. Then there’s Art chose Sarasota as its partner for Any Given Go Beyond the Beaches. Center Sarasota, where visitors can take Child, a program that establishes long-range Visit sarasotafl.org/fine-arts or call 1.888.510.9591 classes or attend exhibitions, and numerous arts curriculum for public schools. No doubt, galleries, which thrive thanks to the creative the community will remain the capital of spirit from the Ringling College of Art & Florida’s Cultural Coast™ for years to come. Siesta Beach #1 in the USA!

• • • • 52 LONGBOAT KEY | SARASOTA | LIDO KEY | SIESTA KEY | VENICE53 | CASEY KEY | MANASOTA KEY | ENGLEWOOD | NORTH PORT

Sarasota cvb.indd 1 9/30/11 10:30 AM ★ Celebrate Sarasota Art. Culture. Entertainment.

serving as its Grand Canal. BuildingBuilding The Museum of Art opened in 1931, emulating the footprint of Florence, Italy’s Uffizi Gallery and echoing its elegance and magnificence. John’s personal collection of masterpieces fills the 21 original galleries, onon aa Legacy including paintings and sculptures by Rubens, van Dyck, Velázquez, Veronese, El Greco, and Gainsborough, among many The John and Mable Ringling others. The Courtyard of the Museum of Art features one of the most iconic images of Museum of Art gives an inside look Sarasota: a 16-foot bronze-cast replica of the at circus history, life, and more. statue of David by Michelangelo. Bathed in Florida sunlight and surrounded by palm trees, David towers high above the Museum early 100 years ago, John Ringling, the finest properties — a picturesque 66-acre of Art Courtyard. Expanded in 2002, the diversity of ideas and forms at play in the Clockwise from estate on Sarasota Bay and a captivating top left: Museum Museum of Art now showcases the Ulla R. world today. Built in 1798 as the first public of Art Rubens legendary circus king, pledged, “I am showplace of arts, culture, and nature. and Arthur F. Searing Wing, built for popular theater in the Castle of Caterina Cornaro Gallery, Featuring a Venetian-inspired palatial Ca’ d’Zan, going to make Sarasota one of the sights traveling exhibitions, as well as highlights of in the Italian town of Asolo near Venice, Museum of Art mansion, art museum, circus museum, and a Cypriot, Asian, modern, and contemporary the U-shaped theater was purchased in Courtyard, of the South ... [it] will become one of jewel-box-of-a-theater brought over from Historic Asolo art from the Museum’s collection. The latest 1950 by Arthur Everett “Chick” Austin, Jr., Theater, the most beautiful cities in Florida.” Italy and restored to its 18th-century luster, addition to the Searing Wing will be unveiled the first Director of the Museum, and Mable’s Rose Garden the Ringling Museum also is home to on the Winter Solstice — December 22, 2011. reinstalled in the Visitor Pavilion in 2006. N stunning grounds, a waterfront promenade, At more than 3,000 square feet, the Skyspace, One of three performance arts theaters at When you visit Sarasota, you’ll and an expansive rose garden. m of art

useu created by James Turrell, is one of the largest the Ringling Center for the Arts, the see it wasn’t just the talk of a Completed in 1925 at a cost of $1.5 and most technologically advanced of the Historic Asolo Theater is the heart showman. Make the grandiose million, Ca’ d’Zan is the Ringling’s 56-room artist’s works. It is the foundation for the of performances for Ringling Ringling Estate that John Venetian palace. Filled with art and original Museum’s newest initiative, Art of Our Time, International Arts Festival. created with his wife Mable your furnishings, it is a tribute to the American which introduces audiences to the estab- A partnership with the Barysh- first stop and you’ll see that he dream. Described as “the last of the Gilded lished and emerging talent within the nikov Arts Center of New York, fulfilled his promise. Age mansions” to be built in America, the international arts community who are the festival showcases established Governed by The Florida palace reflects the splendor and romance of defining current trends in contemporary art. and emerging international artists State University, The John and Italy with its Venetian Gothic architecture. Serving as the Ringling Museum’s from the world of dance, music, Mable Ringling Museum of Art is Ca’ d’Zan is a combination of the grandeur of performance gallery, the Historic Asolo and theater and marks the be- The State Art Museum of Florida Venice’s Doge’s Palace, combined with the Theater presents museum-quality perfor- ginning of the arts and cultural and arguably one of America’s gothic grace of Ca’ d’Oro, with Sarasota Bay photos courtesy of the John and Mable ringling m mances that explore and exemplify the rich season in Sarasota each October.

• 54 • • 55 • ★ pany. m

Celebrate o Sarasota Art. Culture. Entertainment. ithographing C trobridge L he S olor lithograph posters, one sheet. C

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ouble Menagerie, a bombastic lithographs in the special ailey C D exhibition The Amazing American Circus m & B reat G Poster: The Strobridge Lithographing arnu The Ringling Museum shares the legacy A highlight of the Circus Museum for Company. Celebrating our fascinating of the circus king, John Ringling, and the visitors big and small is the Howard Bros. circus heritage and showcasing how late importance of circus history through Circus Model, an authentic replica of Ringling ros. and B nineteenth and early twentieth century

year-round special and permanent exhibi- Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Complete ectional View of the circus posters changed the face of American S ingling B tions. The Circus Museum is home to the with eight main tents, 152 wagons, 1,300 advertising forever, The Amazing American arth: E Above: recently restored Wisconsin, John and Mable circus performers and workers, more than 800 oster: R Circus Poster draws from the collections Howard Bros. Ringling’s private railroad car, as well as animals, and a 57-car train, the model is a iger P of the Ringling Museum, Howard Tibbals, how on

Circus Model S Below: beautifully carved parade wagons, rare 1/4-inch-to-the-foot scale replica and occupies and the Cincinnati Art Museum. Made in Tibbals Learning handbills and art prints, circus papers, 3,800 square feet in the Circus Museum’s America and produced in Cincinnati by reatest Center business records, wardrobe, performing Tibbals Learning Center. This captivating G the Strobridge Lithographing Company,

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galleries props, and circus equipment. model is the “largest miniature circus in the o one of the country’s leading printers for the & world” and was created by master model m circuses, these historic posters were in the Ulla R. and Arthur F. Searing Wing arnu builder and philanthropist Howard Tibbals of B distributed throughout the country from of the Ringling Museum of Art through he Tennessee. T 1878 to 1939 and are unrivaled in their January 29, 2012. ithographing C

The growth of the Museum continues with oster: artistry. The fascinating illustrations and The Amazing American P op

a recent opening of the Tibbals Center’s T compelling color palettes provide us with a Circus Poster exhibition was . trobridge L

m Visit the Exhibit 11,000-square-foot expansion of interactive detailed portrait of the American circus in organized by the Cincinnati he S useu exhibition space. Inviting children of all ages m its Golden Age, when it was the premier Art Museum and The John and The Amazing American

to experience the atmosphere, drama, and ift of T entertainment institution in the country. Mable Ringling Museum of Art Circus Poster special , G magic of a day at the circus, the playful new m With an array of dates and show titles, and has been made possible exhibition at Ringling Museum space offers the opportunity to walk a high the posters in the exhibition span from the in part by a major grant from the of Art through rt Museu wire, fit into a model of a 2-foot-by-3-foot car time of P.T. Barnum’s greatest show on earth National Endowment for the January 29, 2012. made famous by clown Lou Jacobs, and super-​ to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Humanities: “Because democ- For more information visit ringling.org. incinnati A C impose your face onto replicas of circus posters. photos courtesy of ringling Circus. All of the circus posters are displayed racy demands wisdom.”

• 56 • • 57 • ★ Celebrate Sarasota Art. Culture. Entertainment. By nancy oakley

Clockwise from top left: The FSU Center for the Performing Arts — Home of Asolo Repertory Theatre, inside the Mertz Theatre, Laura Osnes and Jeremy Jordan in Asolo Rep’s production of Bonnie & Clyde, Twelve Angry Men, Michael Donald Edwards

essential creative step at Asolo Repertory Theatre before heading to Broadway. Stories on Stage And these are only two of the “great stories,” that Asolo Rep strives to tell. This season will kick off with the classic My Fair Lady, a revised version of Yentl with new Asolo Repertory Theatre’s stellar oles music, as well as a new review, Pulse,

, Cliff R choreographed and starring Noah Racey, performances have put it on the national radar. a inspired by Tommy Tune. There are other nk Atur

a surprises, such as the newly rediscovered r , F ell great stories. It’s what we theater is still used for one or two produc- a Noël Coward comedy Fallen Angels, repre- tions). “We’re the leading regional theater in senting one of the first productions in the nk Atur

do.” Such is the mission statement a Florida, the oldest, biggest theater in the r U.S. and Red, the Tony Award–winning of Asolo Repertory Theatre’s state,” says Edwards. “And,” he adds, “a drama about abstract expressionist Mark

significant part of the national American theson, F Rothko, produced in partnership with the producing artistic director, theater scene.” d Ma John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art and vi Michael Donald Edwards. Though the Australian-born director has a presented in the Historic Asolo Theater as a tre, D

been with Asolo Rep for just six seasons (“It a co-production with Maltz Jupiter Theatre. enjoy the arts as if you were living in Manhattan.” T feels more like six months,” he jokes), he feels he Perhaps most surprising is Hamlet, Prince of In fact, many of the theater’s audiences are New The company was, to use his expression, a strong commitment to maintaining the high Cuba, Edwards’s own adaptation of Shake- Yorkers who are familiar not only with Broadway, “the lodestone and trigger” for Sarasota’s standard that FSU initially set, while bring- epertory T speare’s classic drama, which will see three but with seasons in London and Stratford, arts community when, 50-odd years ago, ing a fresh perspective to each season’s performances staged in Spanish. Not only is Canada. “They expect us to do things on that the faculty of Florida State University lineup. “There had been no tradition of doing it a sort of love letter from the artistic direct- level,” Edwards says. “I feel there’s a conversation established a summer acting troupe in the musicals until I came to the theater here,” or to his adopted home of Florida, it is a way between me and our Ringling Museum’s Asolo Theater (an explains Edwards, whose career has been a of keeping the tried-and-true works fresh. audience, between our Catch a Performance 18th-century stage shipped from Asolo, mix of Shakespeare, contemporary plays, All of the productions speak to Asolo theater and the community.” Italy). Today, the company’s facilities occupy musicals, and opera, including a stint at the Rep’s ability to take risks and try new things It’s all a part of a national Asolo Repertory Theatre an arts center with two theaters — the better Metropolitan Opera in New York. Under his — a luxury afforded by the openness of the conversation, he observes, 5555 North Tamiami Trail For tickets call the box of fice at to accommodate the rotation of the near- aegis, Asolo Rep was the first company to city’s audiences. “In Sarasota,” observes to introduce new ideas to

kwise from top left): Courtesy of Asolo R 800.361.8388 or 941.351.8000, dozen plays from October through July — produce Broadway’s A Tale of Two Cities, and c Edwards, “people come here for a week, then audiences. “We have a big or log on to asolorep.org. as well as the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for after premiering at La Jolla Playhouse in they’ll come for two weeks, then a month, and job,” he asserts. And so far,

Actor Training season (the original historic California, Bonnie & Clyde took its next photos (Clo then they move here. You have the ability to a job well done.

• 58 • • 59 • ★ Celebrate Sarasota Art. Culture. Entertainment. Art is Jorge Blanco Polo, 2009, 169” x Vicky Randall 96” x 82”, aluminum Clockwork: and paint, from Six Weeks in July, 4’ x 2’ x 1’ Caracas, Venezuela fabricated A native of Venezuela, stainless steel Made in Sarasota Jorge Blanco Vicky Randall has lived and For more than 50 years, the town has been a has been creating worked in Sarasota creative tour de force. And that hasn’t changed. artwork in since 1999. With fabricated metals more than 35 years for more than 25 fter World War II, aspiring artists and teachers came to Sarasota to attend the Ringling School of exhibited work, years. She is best of Art and Design, and many stayed in the area and achieved worldwide acclaim. From the 1950s his art can be found known for her in private collections, to ’80s, Sarasota was an avant-garde artist colony with internationally recognized artists monumental public art installations, a wide galleries, and including Hilton Leech, Jimmy Ernst, David Budd, Conrad Marca-Relli, Everett Shinn, range of which can be found in corporate and museums in Syd Solomon, and Helen Sawyer. The visual arts scene in this Florida Gulf Coast city is as private collections in the U.S. and abroad. Europe, the dynamic as ever — and the artwork created here continues to draw worldwide attention. Learn more at vickyrandall.com. Caribbean, South America, and the U.S. His public art creations appear throughout the world, and over the last decade he has A Elizabeth been awarded 13 public-art commissions in the U.S. To see Van Riper kathleen more of his work, go to jorgeblancosculpture.com. Lauren’s Cache mcdonald Pot, 30” x 30” Lido Beach, mixed media Sarasota, FL on canvas acrylic, 24 x 24 Fourth-genera- Kathleen tion Sarasota McDonald is artist Elizabeth a landscape and Van Riper seascape is continuously painter, a potter, inspired by printmaker, and photographer. She is best nature’s known for her fearless use of pure color, exuberance. much of it informed by her travels to exotic Her work locals and Sarasota County beaches and appears in both waterways. More work can be seen online corporate and at KathleenMcDonald.artspan.com. private collec- tions and has been licensed and offered by prestigious national retailers in the U.S. and abroad. Van Riper has recently launched a retail/wholesale Web site (elizabethvanriper.com) offering her fine art images as fashion and home accessories for artful living. Rubadoux photo Courtesy of the private collection of Elisabeth and Gil Waters enezuela

bronzart foundry Craig Rubadoux (Kabal American The Ancient Incident Greenhill Tango, 30” x 29” aracas, V Zephyr), 1982–2006, 7’2.5” x 7’7” x 1’9” mixed media on canvas

For more than 30 years, the staff of Craig Rubadoux settled in Sarasota in 1945 and Florence Putterman

Bronzart, a full-service, lost wax foun- studied with Ben Stahl and at the Ringling School ollection. C Crossroads, 65” x 58”, acrylic on canvas dry, has worked closely with artists and of Art and Design. His art is included in many Joseph Melancon A National Endowment Grant awardee and recipient of their clients in the creation of high- public and private collections including New Sunbath, 48” x 72”, acrylic on canvas numerous other national awards, Putterman’s work has been quality, large and small bronze sculp- York’s Guggenheim Museum; Atlanta’s High Joseph Melancon is a nationally recognized featured in solo and group exhibitions in the U.S. and Europe. ture. The foundry’s work is found in Museum of Art; Sarasota’s Ringling Museum of award-winning artist whose workshops are highly Her paintings are in private, corporate, and museum collec- private collections and major public Art; Fort Lauderdale’s Museum of Art; and St. sought after. His work is in academic, corporate, tions throughout the U.S., including the Metropolitan Museum installations. For more information Petersburg’s Museum of Fine Arts. Rubadoux courtesyhoto of C Private and private collections throughout the country. of Art in New York and the Chicago Art Institute. For more on Robert Rauschenberg

and images, visit bronzartfoundry.com. works primarily on paper and canvas. “Polo” p For more visuals, visit josephmelancon.com. her art, visit florenceputterman.com.

• 60 • • 61 • ★ From Main Capital of the World,” or the Downtown Celebrate Venice Art Classic, held every spring. Sarasota Street to Artists say they are drawn to Venice Art. Culture. Entertainment. offbeat, for the light. Whether you paint, photograph, or merely appreciate the this town works of others, you too will see the light at the Venice Art Center, which offers a celebrates variety of classes in practically every a broad medium. Go ahead, get in touch with your inner Picasso with a course in spectrum abstract art or drawing, or take in one of the numerous exhibitions showcasing of art in local talent. many Venice’s cultural life features art in its many forms. Under the guiding hand forms. of Conductor and Musical Director Kenneth Bowermeister, the Venice Symphony, composed of musicians from across the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, comedies, intimate cabarets, contemporary Clockwise from far France, Germany, and a host of other cutting-edge productions, and classic family left: The King and I at the Venice Theatre, countries, presents six sets of concerts fare. Add nationally renowned concert and the Downtown Venice a year. Start off the 2011–12 season with a stand-up comedy acts, and it’s easy to see why Art Classic, and the Venice Symphony holiday concert, or hear Young-Ah Tak play Venice Theatre is the destination for live Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 in Febru- entertainment. Mark your calendars for June ary. Spring brings outdoor pops concerts and 18–26, 2014, when Venice Theatre will once a local food drive. It’s one of several examples again host the International Community of community outreach (which also include Theatre Festival in Paradise, a gathering of concerts at area schools), an essential troupes that stage all genres of theater — component of the Venice Symphony’s comedy, drama, opera, and circus acts — in By Nancy Oakley mission. the native languages of each country There is art, there is music — and there is represented. theater. For the last decade, Venice Theatre This global gathering is an apt metaphor has been distinguished as the third-largest for Venice. The beauty of its beaches, its and most-awarded community theater in the Italian-inspired downtown, and myriad For more information, visit U.S. Two stages in a beautifully renovated cultural offerings are nothing short of venicegov.com, historic building host a dazzling array of Edenic, but it’s the city’s sense of venicemainstreet.com, Venice: veniceartcenter.com, programming. The theater’s 62nd season community that truly gives meaning to venicestage.com, and thevenicesymphony.org. The Art of Living photos courtesy of the city of Venice includes Broadway-style musicals and the word “paradise.” rive just 30 miles south of sance architectural style, dotted with beautiful fountains, is a feast for the eyes as Sarasota to the Gulf of Mexico, you walk among giant oaks and banyan trees and you might think you’ve between the beach and the inviting down- arrived at the Adriatic Sea. For town. Stop at any of the 100-plus independent shops on Venice Avenue for the latest beach there lies the City of Venice. fashions and antiques, or sate your appetite at D any of the sidewalk cafes and waterfront Like its Italian counterpart, this island-city is restaurants offering a global smorgasbord, one of bridges and canals. A small, historic from French and Italian fare to Japanese and beach town with big city amenities, Venice New American cuisine. And don’t forget the was designed by famous city planner John many outdoor events such as the festival Nolen in 1926. Its Northern Italian Renais- celebrating the city’s moniker, “Shark’s Tooth

• 62 • • 63 • ★ Celebrate Sarasota Art. Culture. Entertainment.

Stage Left, Right,

Florida Studio Pulitzer Prize–winning musical Next to Normal to the heart-wrenching world Theatre puts on premiere of Jericho, FST produces work that and speaks to a living, breathing, and constantly Centerby nancy oakley more than a changing community. performance. Once their appetites were whetted with the latest and greatest of cutting-edge theater, Series, while playwrights can try out Clockwise from top left: Sarasota audiences hungered for more. In rehearsals of their latest works. Even The productions 1987, FST began offering lively music revues. children get into the act with Under Six, of The 39 Steps, featuring a collage of works by students Ruined, he words “studio theater” conjure home in Sarasota’s Historic Women’s Club Today, in the Parisian-style Goldstein Night Train to Building. From there, FST expanded year Cabaret, audiences enjoy cabaret and improv, in kindergarten through the sixth grade. Memphis, and images of small stages, one-act Black Pearl after year but never lost touch with its roots. which celebrates the lyric poets of our time It’s the culmination of FST’s Write a Sings! plays, and solo performances. But Billing itself as a company where “the and presents social and political satire. And Play program, in which some 55,000 six programs? National and regional street meets the elite,” FST offers the best in that’s not all. In an effort to draw new students across Florida, from kindergarten contemporary theater at an affordable price audiences, FST introduced daring and edgy through 12th grade, premieres? A playwriting program? and encourages everyone in the community to fare that stimulated audiences by mixing learn the art of be a part of it. The company now boasts three thought-provoking plays, such as Edward crafting a play. T theaters that host performances year-round, Albee’s The Goat, with popular works such as So the next time A festival? And some 200,000 attendees per thanks to its six theatrical programs. last season’s Shear Madness. you hear the phrase year? Florida Studio Theatre is a testament to Of these programs, the Mainstage season But staging performances isn’t the extent “studio theater,” ask the power of dreaming big. plays are at the helm. Winter and summers of FST’s reach. The company makes a yourself, as did one Established in 1973 by Jon Spelman, FST are filled with dynamic plays and musicals of concerted effort to keep theater alive by famous playwright, For tickets, visit the box started out as a small alternative troupe that Broadway and off-Broadway fare. The developing new plays, specifically during the “What’s in a name?” office located at the corner of North toured prisons, migrant camps, community program has seen 89 national premieres and annual Sarasota Festival of New Plays. Here, In the case of Florida Palm and Coconut avenues, call centers, and nursing homes. By 1977, its 33 regional premieres across its historic audiences can see a play in process, thanks to Studio Theatre, the 941.366.9000, or visit floridastudiotheatre.org.

supporters found the company a permanent Keating and Gompertz stages. From the photos courtesy florida studio theatre the Richard and Betty Burdick Play Reading answer is “plenty.”

• 64 • • 65 • ★ Celebrate Sarasota Art. Culture. Entertainment. Allegro!

Matthew Bourne. As rehearsal director for Dance Magazine was surprised to learn that Bourne’s alternate version of , a The Sarasota Ballet and its dancers were huge hit on Broadway and beyond, Webb performing works never before seen — not proved his sense of creative diversity in dance even in New York. The 2011–2012 season styles. began with the great honor of partnering with In only four seasons, The Sarasota Ballet The Suzanne Farrell Ballet at Washington, has added 42 new ballets to its repertoire D.C.’s Kennedy Center in October. Together representing a remarkable range of choreog- they performed Balanchine’s Diamonds, raphers. De Valois, Ashton, and MacMillian, created in 1967 for his muse, the young and other Brits such as Peter Darrell and Suzanne Farrell. This month, the two David Bintley are among them. Other famed companies repeat these performances in The Sarasota choreographers include George Balanchine, Sarasota and Clearwater, paired with John Cranko, Andre Prokovsky, Hans van Ashton’s poignant love story, The Two Ballet wows Manen, and . Respected Pigeons, a company and audience favorite. audiences repetiteurs and choreographers work directly with the dancers, bringing the world to around Sarasota and showcasing the company, now Clockwise from top numbering 32 dancers, to today’s interna- left: Sir Peter the globe. tional ballet masters. They also enjoy a Wright’s Giselle, Victoria Hulland; special relationship with Royal Ballet Sir Frederick principal and American Ballet Theatre guest Ashton’s The Two Pigeons, Octavio principal Johan Kobborg, who will return to Martin and Sarasota for his third season, preparing his Victoria Hulland; Peter Darrell’s Salute for January performances. Othello, The Sarasota Ballet was the first company Ricardo Rhodes; Anna Pavlova’s worldwide to add a ballet by Dragonfly Solo, n an already rich arts commu- Founded “It’s a sensational season. I don’t think any to its repertoire when it wowed audiences Danielle Brown in 1991 by American company has ever done all these with The Infernal Galop. In 2009–10, they nity, The Sarasota Ballet quick- former ballets before. It’s a rarity.” The New York created a sensation with There Where She ly became the hottest ticket in Stuttgart Times critic Alastair Macaulay named them Loves by , arguably town when Director Iain Webb Ballet “America’s foremost exponent of Ashton the most sought-after classical choreographer dancer ballets” when he saw them the next season, of today. For more about took the reins in 2007. Jean highlighting their “remarkable grasp of While local critics raved, international The Sarasota Ballet’s Allenby- Ashton’s multilayered musicality.” accolades began — and the ballet blogosphere remarkable performances I Weidner, The Sarasota Ballet was one of Following a career with , buzzed. London’s Dance Now called The this year, visit Florida’s cultural gems, but Webb was where he was guided by British ballet legends Sarasota Ballet “a high profile company with sarasotaballet.org. charged with putting this regional company Dame , Sir Frederick a unique repertory of genuine quality.” The on the international ballet map. Ashton, and Sir Kenneth MacMillan, Webb Faster Times said they “danced and acted The first season he received a nod from worked closely with boundary-crashing, with such vividness … storytelling is the

eminent dance critic Clive Barnes, who said, Tony Award–winning choreographer photos by frank atura company’s forte.” In recent visits to Sarasota,

• 66 • • 67 • ★ Celebrate Sarasota Art. Culture. Entertainment. The Trill Thing The Sarasota Opera celebrates its 53rd season — and much more!

By waynette goodson

t’s an exciting Not only is the company The season wraps up with Barber’s lobby, new lounge spaces, more comfortable Clockwise from enjoying a $20 million theater Vanessa, a continuation of the company’s new seating (replacing 50-year-old movie-style top: View of time for the Sarasota Opera renovation, it’s about to embark American Classics Series (March 10–24). seats), and most of all, a private dining room. House at sunset; Christina Bouras internationally on its 53rd season, topped off with “Victor DeRenzi is simply the finest, most Today Opera magazine hails the theater as as Léïla and a gala celebration to honor idiomatic Verdi conductor I’ve ever heard, and “one of the best places to view opera,” and Jonathan Boyd acclaimed as Nadir Maestro Victor DeRenzi’s 30th I’m not forgetting some much more celebrated Musical America dubbed it “one of America’s in the 2003 Sarasota Opera. anniversary as artistic director. names,” writes arts critic Lawrence Johnson. finest venues for opera.” Sarasota Opera production The kickoff production is Indeed, under DeRenzi’s leadership, the Over the course of three decades, Maestro of Bizet’s The

I Puccini’s tender love story Madama Butterfly company has garnered international attention esser, herb booth, booth studios DeRenzi has produced more than 100 differ- Pearl Fishers; inside (Oct. 28–Nov. 15), then Bizet’s fiery Carmen as a place to experience rarely performed eb H ent operas and conducted almost 600 per- the theater takes the stage on Feb. 11 with original operatic works. He also created educational formances since his start in 1983. (Equally spoken dialogue through March 24th. and outreach activities. Notably, the Sarasota impressive, the opera’s executive director, Donizetti’s tale of deceit, murder, and Youth Opera Program introduces youth ages Susan T. Danis, has spent 12 years growing madness, Lucia di Lammermoor (Feb. 8–18 to all aspects of opera. the opera’s budget from $3.2 million to more 18–March 24), One of the best parts for audiences is than $8.5 million.) is followed by experiencing all this fine opera in the “Jewel Come see the numbers add c studios; The Pearl Fishers D by an

DeRenzi’s first on the Gulf,” the former A.B. Edwards l up by calling 941.328.1300 for time conducting Theater, now completely restored to its eb subscriptions or by visiting the Sarasota Opera Box Office Verdi’s masterpiece Mediterranean Revival glory. It’s quite the Theater in downtown Sarasota in 1979 and Box Office Hours: Otello, which marks crescendo, considering the company’s start in first performed there five years later as the online or in person. Join in the Daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the final five years 1960 with a chamber-sized repertoire in the Sarasota Opera House. excitement and experience a and through intermission on kwise from l top): c performance for yourself. performance evenings. of the Company’s 320-seat Asolo Theater. Recognizing the After undergoing a $20 million renova- 61 N . Pineapple Avenue Verdi Cycle ending need for a theater more conducive to opera, tion, the theater reopened in March 2008 You might even find yourself 941.328.1300 [email protected] in 2016. the company bought the former A.B. Edwards photos (CLo featuring a larger orchestra pit, expansive shouting “Bravo!”

• 68 • • 69 • ★ Celebrate Sarasota Art. Culture. Entertainment. What’s That Sound? The Sarasota Orchestra: Come as you are. Leave different.

or more than 60 years, the The 80-mem- Sarasota Orchestra has ber orchestra performs been entertaining local more than music lovers and visitors 100 classical, pops, and from around the world. multimedia F concerts each year and thrives as the oldest continuing June 4–23, 2012 orchestra in the state of Florida. 2012 Sarasota Music Festival With five exhilarating series, the orchestra or three weeks each June, some Festival of the State of offers patrons a diverse mix of concerts from of the world’s most accomplished Florida.” September to May. The Sarasota Orchestra student musicians and faculty Today, the festival is led also presents the world-renowned Sarasota artists converge on Sarasota to by artistic director Robert Music Festival each June. study and perform great classical Levin, a world-renowned Masterworks music. The Sarasota Music Mozart scholar, Harvard The full orchestra presents its hallmark Festival is a magical combina- professor, and one of the Journeys to Genius F series of seven concerts featuring unprec- tion of youthful promise and acclaimed talent most acclaimed concert This popular multimedia series unveils the edented variety and the opportunity to that carries a reputation as one of the finest pianists in the world. The stories behind the great masters and provides experience the talents of some of today’s most classical-music events in the world. faculty masters represent insight into some of their most memorable dynamic conductors representing differing After a highly competitive review process, nearly all major American works. In a fast-paced, 70-minute narrated artistic and musical perspectives. 58 exceptional students work side-by-side orchestras and a cross format, audiences discover what makes these with a guest faculty composed of 40 music section of renowned music Pops masterpieces so timeless, powerful, and For more information visit masters. In any given day during the festival, schools, conservatories, and institutes of Clockwise from left: Pops conductor Andrew Lane leads three exceptional. orchestra violinist sarasotaorchestra.org. a student may rehearse in a faculty-coached music. The students range from professional- To purchase tickets call vibrant concerts featuring selections Chung-Yon Hong, Sarasota Orchestra the box office at Chamber Soiree ensemble, play in master classes, and perform level musicians to superior students in music from heralded Broadway shows, a tribute by the bay, and 941.953.3434. The box Ensembles made up of orchestra musicians on stage. Interspersed are unique opportuni- schools and conservatories. Festival students to some of jazz music’s greats, and a Navigating the office is located at perform seven concerts of exceptional ties for the public to hear these visiting artists travel from around the world to participate. Bridge, the 2009 709 N . Tamiami Trail, in salute to American icons. Sarasota Music the Beatrice Friedman chamber music throughout the season. rehearse or perform together. Sarasota Music Festival audiences are Festival poster Symphony Center. Great Escapes As an arts leader in the community, the The Sarasota Music Festival began in entertained by faculty showcases, student This enjoyable series of six concerts Sarasota Orchestra is dedicated to exquisite 1965 as a one-week event with seven guest and faculty chamber music performances, continues the tradition of providing a performance and first-class musical educa- mentors. Over the years, the festival contin- and Saturday symphonies with a student delightful mix of pops-like music with a tion. The orchestra’s acclaimed music-educa- ued to expand and receive national and orchestra and student recitals. The “Levin sprinkling of light classics interspersed tion program includes the 50-year-old Youth international attention. In 1984, it was Lectures” have become a festival favorite. with informative and colorful commen- Orchestra, a summer music camp, and the designated by the Florida State Legislature as For more information about the Sarasota

tary by the conductor. Sarasota Music Festival. herbphotos by booth/courtesy of sarasota orchestra the “Official Teaching and Performing Music Festival, visit sarasotaorchestra.org.

• 70 • • 71 • ★ Celebrate Sarasota Art. Culture. Entertainment.

AnAn InvitationInvitation to Visit

The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens The Gardens are open 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. every day, with the exception of Christmas Day. the public on July 7, 1975, and has since elby Gardens is focused on furthering The Gardens closes at 3:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving doubled in size to 14 acres. Day, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve. the understanding and appreciation of Selby Gardens offers visitors a rich 9 00 South Palm Avenue cultural experience. Guests of all ages can Sarasota, FL 34236 plant life, with emphasis on epiphytes, left: top from clockwise photos . stroll through the lush natural beauty of the 941.366.5731 selby.org

and to provide enjoyment to all who S

( Garrity cott Gardens, have lunch at the cafe or under the visit and experience the Gardens. banyan trees, attend classes and lectures, visit the Kid’s Corner, and browse at the K

S Garden Shop. The Gardens also offers P oi

Marie Selby was born Mariah Minshall exhibits in the historic mansion and special D ond), in Wood County, West Virginia, in 1885 events including Lights in Bloom, Plant and S r. E r. cot t Garrity (Great (Great Garrity t cot

and later moved to Marietta, Ohio. She Garden Festival, Asian Festival, and the L lliot married William Selby in 1908, and Garden Music Series. Selby Gardens also ivstone ( ivstone together they bought seven acres of land offers majestic nuptial and reception venues

bordering on Sarasota Bay and Hudson to say “I Do.” R ed O ed Clockwise L awn), awn), from top left:

Bayou. Little did they realize this Visitors are encouraged to come often to C rchid), The Great Lawn,

purchase would someday become an experience the new and ever-changing C

liff liff Moreton Bay Fig,

exquisite Sarasota bayfront landmark. display of rare and exotic orchids, bromeliads, R liff Koi Pond, Cattleya R oles ( oles leopoldii var. Marie Selby left her property as a and other luscious plants in the Conservatory ( oles pupurata (red orchids), M oreton Bay Bay oreton

gift to the community to be used as a and in the Gardens. Selby Gardens is a Y Rhyncholaeliocattleya ellow O Melinda Wheeler botanical garden “for the enjoyment of stunningly beautiful showplace that delights (yellow orchid)

the general public.” Marie Selby more than 130,000 visitors each year. rchid) F i g

Botanical Gardens officially opened to See you in the Gardens! ),

• 72 • • 73 • ★ Celebrate Sarasota Art. Culture. Entertainment.

By Ivy Lamb Discovering the Secrets of the Sea Despite humble beginnings, has been on the cutting edge of marine science since the 1950s.

t’s 1955. In sleepy Placida, Florida, world- marine immunology, marine microbiology, labs are attached to renowned scientist Dr. Eugenie Clark (also sensory biology, and behavior. Mote even has a university or to hospitals dedicated to treating dolphins, the government, but sy known as “Shark Lady”) fashions a marine e whales, and sea turtles. because we are ourt laboratory out of a one-room shack with c One thing that hasn’t changed: the spirit independent, we of discovery that drove Dr. Clark’s original can guide our

the help of a few enthusiastic fishermen. r photos research. She was the first to discover that research — quickly e sharks can learn, a groundbreaking idea at and reliably. We are able to do things that Clockwise from far I left: Dr. Eugenie Clark; Fast-forward to 2011 in Sarasota and that the time. Today, Mote’s Center for Shark benefit our community the most because we a sea turtle rehabili- n. all oth

one-room shack is now a 10.5-acre, state-of- de Research is officially designated as a national have the support of our community.” tated at Mote is released on the beach the-art marine research facility called Mote center for shark research by Congress. Mote’s influence on the local community sy of E in Sarasota; Protect e Marine Laboratory (after benefactor William Mote Marine Laboratory also under- can be measured in numbers, too. This past Our Reefs license ourt plate supports coral c R. Mote), a 200-acre aquaculture farm east of stands the link between humans and the year, Mote Marine Laboratory staff pub- reef research; and its main campus, a smaller lab and outreach ocean. From studies on the toxic algae that lished more than 150 scientific articles, Mote underwater robots monitor ocean facilities in the Florida Keys, and a field cause red tides, to research on shark immune textbooks, and book chapters, attracted more water quality aviar photo station on Pine Island in Charlotte Harbor. c systems that might offer treatment for human than 1,300 volunteers, and had an estimated Mote Marine Laboratory, known for its cancer, Mote tackles projects that directly economic impact of $71 million. popular aquarium and groundbreaking Argentina, the Dominican Republic, the affect the health of humans and ocean “You can sit in your ivory tower and do any

research, has become an integral part of the Middle East, and even the Arctic. Its d aquarium dwellers alike. kind of research you want, but you have to Gulf Coast community. One of the few distance-learning education program, “One of the primary reasons we do our communicate with your scientific colleagues, independent nonprofit marine laboratories in SeaTrek, reaches K–12 students worldwide. research is to help give the community better and the people in the local community have the nation, Mote has a staff of 195, with more Over the course of five decades, Mote water quality, better seafood, and better to know what you’re doing,” says Dr. Clark. e laboratory an

than 30 doctoral-level scientists. And while Marine Lab has expanded to cover many Clark photo by tak konstantinou. health through research programs focusing “That’s what I’m proud of. That Mote has e arin ni e the lab is best known for its work in Florida, areas of research, including studies of aquatic e M on our coasts, on our fisheries, and on developed from a tiny little laboratory where its scientists conduct research programs all toxicology, chemical fate and effects, environ- biomedical applications,” says president and people study fish, to a place where people can Dr. Eug of mot over the world in places such as Mexico, Cuba, mental health, marine biomedical research, CEO Dr. Kumar Mahadevan. “Many marine come and learn.”

• 74 • • 75 • ★ Celebrate Sarasota Art. Culture. Entertainment.

Clockwise from top left: Sustainable and delicious Mote caviar; kids sifting for fossilized treasures in Fossil Creek; black-footed penguins are featured in Penguin Island; and Mote’s Seahorse Conservation Lab

with a local The aquaculture technology can preserve wild. Most fascinating? These animals all company to grow wild fish and supply seafood to a growing participate in special research programs that native wetlands market with minimal impact on the environ- help scientists learn more about their plants that help ment. So how does this aquaculture-produced behavior and biology — knowledge that can filter any food taste? Hailed by chefs from Sarasota to help manage wild populations. remaining New York, the fillets and caviar from Mote For a limited time, Mote is also hosting nutrients from are downright delicious. some very special guests: black-footed the small penguins. From now to Spring 2012, the amount of Close Encounters of the Watery Kind aquarium houses the tuxedo-wearing A More Sustainable Future wastewater. These plants are later used to The ocean can be a mysterious place. What’s penguins, offering guests a unique opportu- Mild. Smooth. Silky. The melt-in-your-mouth restore wetlands habitats across the state. out there just below the waves? At Mote nity to meet the South African natives. caviar from Siberian sturgeon has long been With dwindling wild fish populations and Aquarium, you don’t have to be a deep-sea Like the other exhibits in Mote Aquarium, considered a delicacy. Unfortunately, years of an outsized U.S. seafood trade deficit (almost diver to come face to face with hundreds of Penguin Island is about much more than overfishing badly depleted the sought-after $9 billion per year), the aquaculture technol- different marine species, from sharks to sea entertainment. These birds were just placed sturgeon. Luxury and sustainability seemed ogy at Mote Marine Lab points the way urchins. on the endangered species list. The aquarium incompatible until Mote Marine Laboratory toward a more sustainable future. This year, Explore coral reefs and learn about the hopes that when visitors learn about the Mote Aquarium is opened its aquaculture park in 2001. the Lab’s aquaculture park is helping meet the fish that live there. Visit the 135,000-gallon penguin’s plight, they will better understand open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Mote Aquaculture Park is blazing the path rising demand for seafood by selling about shark habitat to watch live feedings and the need for conservation, both locally and every day of the for healthy and environmentally friendly 75,000 pounds of sturgeon and two tons of narrated training sessions. Sign up to take a internationally. year. For more information, call aquaculture. The 200-acre facility adheres caviar. The park also grows depleted saltwater special tour through the Seahorse Conserva- The aquarium gives visitors a chance to 941.388.4441 or log to strict health regulations and has developed species — game fish such as snook, red drum, tion Lab and get a behind-the-scenes look at meet fascinating sea creatures and to learn on to mote.org. cutting-edge technology to filter and conserve and pompano — to help rebuild wild popula- the lives of these curious creatures. about the extraordinary research and water. Rather than cycling in new water tions. Mote grows corals as well, used in At Mote Aquarium you can also meet conservation efforts at Mote Marine every five to seven minutes, Mote’s sturgeon restocking efforts designed to help restore the sea turtles, dolphins, and manatees. These Laboratory. A visit to Mote Aquarium is a program recycles its water for days, signifi- continent’s only coral reef, located in the educational ambassadors teach visitors about family-friendly outing that promises to cantly reducing waste. The park partners Florida Keys. ways that we can help protect them in the educate and entertain.

• 76 • • 77 • ★ Celebrate Sarasota Art. Culture. Entertainment.

Igniting the Imagination Art Center Sarasota Great will inspire and enlighten you.

ince its founding in 1926, the Art education is offered in classes, Performances workshops, lectures, artist demonstrations, organization has recognized that discussions, and a variety of cultural Artist Series Concerts brings a host of top experiencing the visual arts is not programs. The center is accessible to artists of all skill levels who come to broaden their performers year-round to Sarasota. only an enriching part of being horizons and young students who want to human but is, in fact, essential. explore and nurture their artistic talent. ow in its 16th season, Artist Series Art Center Sarasota has thrived thanks S to the many participants, corporate Concerts of Sarasota has grown through Some 40,000 people flock to Art Center sponsors, donors, and students that support innovation, presenting world-renowned Sarasota in the Bayfront Cultural District the organization and believe in the impor- classical musicians from leading venues Above: annually from destinations across the U.S. and tance of creativity Art Center abroad, often to browse the exhibitions in the as an essential and concert halls from the U.S. and abroad. Sarasota; Below: five galleries, attend an exhibition opening element of a photos courtesy of art center sarasota center art of courtesy photos N Art Center Gallery reception, or purchase unique original art. thriving Series Executive Director John Fischer says, connection between the performance and For a complete schedule, Over 26 exhibitions in the community. “Our goal is to provide entertainment the audience. Each year during its 10-month details, and tickets, visit galleries anually ensure new It is a center experiences equal to what you find in great season, Artist Series Concerts offers more artistseriesconcerts.org. artworks to view and explore that celebrates the cities like New York, Chicago, and Los than 50 performances, most presented in For tickets by phone, call the Historic Asolo

at every visit. Art Center arts by bringing Art Center Sarasota rtist series concerts of sarasota Angeles — but in the ‘always on vacation’ the charming setting of the Historic Asolo Theater box of fice at Sarasota’s curated exhibi- people together is located at atmosphere of Sarasota.” Theater at the Ringling Museum of Art. 941.360.7399. To reach tions showcase professional and a place where 707 North Tamiami Trail. What makes Artist Series Concert The ever-popular pops programs showcase Artist Series Concerts For more information of Sarasota, call local, national, or interna- the imagination performances unique is the focus on small leading performers from Broadway 941.306.1200. call 941. 365 . 2032 or

tionally known artists. can flourish. photos courtesy A one-of-a-kind venues, which provide a true and cabarets. visit artsarasota.org.

• 78 • • 79 • ★ Celebrate Sarasota Art. Culture. Entertainment.

Enriching, Educating, Come On Down! and Entertaining Sarasota’s downtown teems with history, Circus Sarasota is a unique presence dining, shopping, and much more.

in the community. by tara titcombe

by lance elko cultural and entertainment hub, revamped and now t is the history and culture of the Sailor Circus, dedicated to “children of all downtown Sarasota boasts big city filled with public art ages” in the community. Laughter Unlimited and lush landscaping. circus that sets Sarasota apart is a program in which performers provide amenities including theaters, art Continue your from any other place in Florida entertainment for, and meaningful one-on- galleries, and festivals throughout downtown discovery and, for that matter, almost any one interaction with, residents and patients by checking out the of assisted living facilities, nursing homes, the year. dozens of art galleries, other city in North America. hospitals, UCP, and cancer support commu- A boutiques, and nities. For school-aged students, Big Top Downtown’s historic district (bounded by antique shops — several feature locally I No single organization better exemplifies Education offers a stimulating and enjoyable First and State streets, and Orange and made crafts and goods. Then grab a bite the living, breathing circus in this commu- circus-themed curriculum to teach math, Gulfstream avenues) is listed on the National to eat at one of Sarasota’s more nity than Circus Sarasota. Thanks to the science, and reading. Sailor Circus is the Register of Historic Places and features a than 60 restaurants. vision and passion of Dolly Jacobs and Pedro longest-running youth circus program in stunning collection of early-1900s buildings. Also check out local flavors Reis, Circus Sarasota continues to preserve America, serving Sarasota County students Stroll the wide sidewalks and check out the every Saturday at the Sarasota and enhance Sarasota’s lively circus legacy from grades 4–12. Over 10,000 students Kress Building, Roth Cigar Factory, and the Farmers Market — a downtown that began in 1927. have participated in the program, and more Sarasota Opera House for a peek at the tradition since 1979. And don’t Circus Sarasota’s annual performance than a million people have attended variety of architectural styles. miss Live It’s Friday Night, the engagements have been acclaimed for performances of “The Greatest Little If you’re looking for history and entertain- first Friday of every month, when world-class artistry and entertainment Show on Earth!” ment, don’t miss the Golden Apple Dinner downtown is on full display with showcased in a one-ring, five-star European- What you experience under the Big Top Theatre. Since 1971, it’s been serving up a music, activities, and entertain- Visit dsasarasota.com for Visit circussarasota.org style circus. No less significant, however, are and what Circus Sarasota contributes to the buffet-style meal along with world-class plays ment throughout the area. In more information on for more information and a downtown Sarasota. 2012 calendar of events. the year-round ongoing outreach programs community prove that the circus is alive and and musicals. Bonus: The theater is located downtown Sarasota, there’s Laughter Unlimited, Big Top Education, and well…and living right in Sarasota! near Selby Five Points Park, recently always plenty to celebrate. photos courtesy of www.did-sarasota.com and www.barbarabanks.com photo courtesyphoto circus sarasota

• 80 • • 81 • Clockwise from left: Kirill Gerstein, Midori, Dolly Parton, Jerr y Seinfeld, Yanni ★ Pinchas Zukerman, and Thomas Hampson Celebrate Sarasota Art. Culture. Entertainment.

Bringing In Concert the Arts to Life The Sarasota Concert Association presents some A one-of-a-kind venue hosts diverse of the world’s greatest classical music performers. performers and inspires young minds.

by ivy lamb or the past 67 years, the SCA has opera singer, and recording artist, Hampson is a star baritone of the Metropolitan Opera. f all the buildings dotting the Orchestra and violin presented a five-concert series each Next, Russian pianist Kirill Gerstein, one beautiful Sarasota Bay, one in virtuoso Joshua Bell. year featuring performances by of the most prolific and charismatic young And when you see performers in classical music, will take the particular stands out: the purple stand-up comedians like internationally renowned symphony stage. and lavender, sea shell-shaped Jerry Seinfeld and Bob orchestras and distinguished soloists. Then renowned violin soloist Midori will Saget, you’ll know that perform with conductor Osmo Vänskä and Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Van Wezel Hall offers F the Minnesota Orchestra. Since her debut at O something for everyone. This January through March, the the age of 11 with the New York Philharmonic Inspired by a pair of shells from the Sea of A true cultural gem, the Van Wezel Sarasota Concert 2012 series will offer a stunning more than 25 years ago, Midori has estab- Japan, architect William Wesley Peters enriches the Gulf Coast community through Association 2012 Great array of artists and orchestras at lished a record of achievement that sets her (collaborator of Frank Lloyd Wright) its programming, and with the help of The Van Performers Series the Van Wezel Performing Arts apart as a master musician, innovator, and a designed the hall to mimic their scalloped Wezel Foundation gives back by bringing the

JAN 9 Royal Philharmonic Hall in Sarasota. champion of the developmental potential of silhouette. The interior of the hall is just as arts to life for local schoolchildren. The Orchestra with Pinchas Britain’s acclaimed Royal children. association concert sarasota the of courtesy photos impressive. Renowned for its acoustics and Foundation supports the annual Schooltime Zukerman, conductor Philharmonic Orchestra opens the The 2012 season concludes with the intimate feel, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Performances, which educated and enter- and violin 2012 season with principal guest Northwest German Philharmonic, conducted Hall has brought world-class entertainment tained more than 22,000 students from JAN 30 Thomas Hampson, For more baritone conductor Pinchas Zukerman. A by Eugene Tzigane, with cellist Amit Peled. to Sarasota for more than 40 years. Sarasota and neighboring counties last year information about FEB 16 Kirill Gerstein, piano world-renowned violinist, violist, SCA also presents “Munchtime Musi- erforming arts hall The 2011–2012 season places both the alone. In recognition of its outstanding arts the Van Wezel MAR 7 Minnesota Orchestra with and conductor, Zukerman is cales,” a series of free concerts featuring variety and quality of the Hall’s programming outreach, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Hall Osmo Vänskä, conductor, call 800.826.9303 or and Midori, violin considered one of the greatest performances by high-caliber, area-based on center stage. The lineup features every- Performing Arts selected Sarasota as the sixth visit vanwezel.org. MAR 18 Northwest German violinists of the 20th and 21st artists. The series is designed to offer a wide thing from Broadway hits like Shrek the partner city for “Any Given Child,” a long- To learn more about Philharmonic with Eugene Tzigane, centuries. variety of musical genres, including classical, Musical and Young Frankenstein to pop range arts education program for grades K–8. the Van Wezel conductor, and Amit Peled, cellist Foundation call The season continues with ac- folk, and jazz, featuring both vocal and legends Liza Minnelli and Frankie Valli and Whether you attend a show or help inspire 941.366.5578 For more information claimed American baritone instrumental performers. The series is free the Four Seasons. If classical is more your a child by donating to the Van Wezel Founda- or log on to call 941.955.0040 or visit vwfoundation.org.

Thomas Hampson. A recitalist, and open to the public. photos courtesy of the Wezel Van P style, catch performances by the Cleveland tion, you’ll be saying one thing: Bravo! sarasotaconcertassociation.org.

• 82 • • 83 • ★ Celebrate Sarasota Art. Culture. Entertainment. The Sound of Clockwise from top left: New College Koski Plaza, pianist Kathleen Supové, Innovation saxophonist Sam Rivers, New College student New Music New College: performs, and NMNC director Innovate, experiment, explore, and professor of music challenge, experience. Stephen Miles

By lance elko Upcoming Events November 11–12 New College students perform hybrid works of movement and vocal sound by composer and NMNC director Stephen Miles and choreographer or many years, Visual arts have been compelling and Margaret Eginton of the New College faculty in the former Ringling Sarasotans have central to the town’s experimental sounds Mansion that is now College Hall. identity for decades, but in galleries, outdoors, January 21 been blessed the role of performance and other unconven- Pianist Kathleen Supové Using electronic media, costume, and audience with art in arts has expanded greatly tional spaces. engagement, Supové turns the idea of a piano recital in recent years. Music in The students and into performance art. Supové has appeared with the all its forms. particular has struck a faculty perform Lincoln Center Festival, the Philip Glass Ensemble, and a host of other performance artists. note with the community — original music, and F March 2–3 especially the performances presented by NMNC also presents Crossroads 4: Meeting of the Minds Festival New Music New College. concerts by a host of Fluid Motion with Sam Rivers Sarasota’s New College is the official contemporary music Free-form jazz meets experimental music when saxophonist Sam Rivers ollege of florida and Fluid Motion perform on the evening of March 2. Rivers is one of the honors college of the state of Florida. It is specialists from across the country. finest contemporary improvisers working today. Fluid Motion’s sound is highly selective — only 840 students attend Director and professor of music Stephen described as angular, intricate, and post-bop in style. On March 3, Sam this unique liberal arts school. For 50 years, Miles explains that NMNC is an evolving Rivers and Fluid Motion perform with Sarasota Orchestra musicians and New College students. Both concerts will be outdoors, and the March 3 graduates have become leaders in academics, experiment, one that tests assumptions and event will surround the audience with sound from three stages. medicine, law, journalism, advertising, and conventions about music. “We challenge the April 21 music, among other fields. traditional boundaries that separate music Michael Gordon’s Timber In 1998, New Music New College emerged and speech, music and theater, and performer The composer and co-director of New York–based Bang on a Can pre- sents a new work. Timber, performed by the ensemble Mantra Percussion, as a program within New College — providing and audience,” Miles says. creates a mélange of sound from six graduated simantras, percussion kwise from top left): Courtesy of new c

For more students who possessed musical talent and New Music New College is unique not c instruments fashioned from two-by-four lumber pieces. The piece explores information visit refreshingly new ideas an opportunity to only in its musical offerings and approach to polyrhythmic textures and oscillating dynamics. Alex Ross of The New newmusic Yorker describes the sound as having “the fury of punk rock, the nervous newcollege.org. create and perform throughout the commu- learning, but also in its integration with the brilliance of free jazz, and the intransigence of classical modernism.” nity. Many Sarasotans have enjoyed the community of Sarasota. photos (Clo

• 84 • • 85 • ★ Celebrate Sarasota Art. Culture. Entertainment. Creativity and Community Ringling College of Art and Design inspires students of all ages — and art lovers everywhere. By Ivy Lamb

ere I hope a Spoken by art Animation and Digital Filmmaking, and a BA exploring and enhancing their creative abilities, Clockwise collector and in the innovative Business of Art & Design Continuing Studies and Special Programs offers from top: famous school of Selby Gallery, circus im- program. Cited as the “Most Wired Campus community art classes, lectures, workshops, madeby, and Computer artists will rise, presario John in America” by U.S. News & World Report in and travel programs, in addition to the four- Animation Lab for though life is Ringling in 2011, the college also has received attention week intensive PreCollege Perspective program 1931, those from BusinessWeek, which named Ringling for high school juniors and seniors. short, art is long.” hopeful words College one of the top 60 design schools in the To spread the inspiration found on its main H — originally world (and one of only 10 in the U.S.). Ringling campus, the college’s two art center divisions spoken by Hippocrates — turned encourages creativity and innovation across — Longboat Key Center for the Arts and the out to be remarkably prescient. all its disciplines, but the college reaches far Englewood Art Center — provide art classes and Today, the arts school that beyond the student body; it also has myriad workshops, lectures, special events, and invi- Ringling founded is considered galleries and programs aimed at engaging the tational and community exhibitions throughout one of the best art and design wider Sarasota community. the year designed to educate, engage, and colleges in the world, and a vital Selby Gallery, the professional exhibition galleries, and the Patricia Thompson Gallery entertain the communities they serve. part of the Sarasota community. space on campus, features the work of showcasing alumni work. Ringling College refuses to rest on its Over the course of 80 years, internationally recognized contemporary Ringling College has made its mark laurels. The college is in the process of Ringling College of Art and visual artists in addition to annual shows outside the main campus as well. In the heart establishing the Visual Arts Education Design has grown from a student featuring faculty and students. The Gallery of Sarasota’s Rosemary Court Arts District, Center, which will house the newly conceived body of 75 to nearly 1,400 also hosts lectures, panel discussions, and you’ll find “madeby,” a unique retail gallery Sarasota Museum of Art/SMOA. When To learn more about Ringling College of degree-seeking students. performances. Many other galleries are that showcases student and alumni work completed, SMOA will bring a rich array of Art and Design, The college offers BFA scattered across the main campus, such as for sale. modern and contemporary art to Sarasota, call 800.255.7695 degrees in 13 disciplines, ranging the student-directed Crossley Gallery, the For non-degree seeking students and and help cement the city as the cultural capital or 941.351.5100. Visit us online at

from Fine Arts to Computer Basch and Willis A. Smith Construction, Inc. photos courtesy of the ringling college of art and design community members who are interested in of southwest Florida. ringling.edu/community.

• 86 • • 87 • ★ Celebrate From left: former President Sarasota Bill Clinton, former Prime Minister Art. Culture. Entertainment. Tony Blair, and Dr. Maya Angelou VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS

As the oldest and largest public college on Florida’s “Cultural Coast,” State College of SCF Concert Choir under the direction of Melodie Dickerson Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) has a long- Just as SCF’s commitment to standing commitment to arts education and Guitar Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, and the arts community is performance. Fueled by students’ energy and Symphony Orchestra. reflected in an array of Visual faculty’s expertise, SCF produces and hosts a Studio 84 Productions is the student and Performing Arts programs, variety of entertainment — photo, ceramic acting company that performs classic and the College’s partnership with and art exhibits, theatre productions, and contemporary comedies, dramas, mysteries, and responsiveness to the music concerts — at beautiful campus musicals, and new works by the Theatre facilities and at venues throughout the area. business community is faculty. All shows are directed by the Theatre demonstrated by an expanded Highly regarded faculty members are faculty and presented in the David S. and mission that includes more recognized for their professional contribu- Anne V. Howard Studio Theatre. college workforce degrees tions to area arts organizations such as the The Fine Art Gallery hosts exhibits by along with a broad offering of appointment of Robyn Wilkes, SCF’s director students, faculty and guest artists from noncredit classes, workshops, of instrumental studies, as director of the around the world who mingle with the public and seminars through the Sarasota Pops Orchestra. at opening receptions. Visitors leisurely Corporate and Community Skilled music faculty members combine peruse the exhibits during gallery hours or Development division. performance and teaching careers, guiding prior to performances and shows. students through private lessons and direct- SCF students gain valuable hands-on Annual Holiday of the Ceramics Sale Meeting Minds ing ensembles that maintain an active experience whether they are pursuing performance schedule in the community and cultural studies as a profession or hobby in the 839-seat Neel Performing Arts Center. through additional offerings that include art The Ringling College Library Association Student music ensembles include the history, two- and three-dimensional design, TOWN HALL Lecture Series brings the world’s most Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, Music Theatre graphic design, film production, and photog- engaging personalities to the Gulf Coast of Florida. Ensemble, Jazz Combo, Jazz Ensemble, raphy/digital imaging. SCF Venice hosts the photos from left: barbarabanks.com, robertpopephotography.com, courtesy of ringling college library college ringling of courtesy robertpopephotography.com, left: barbarabanks.com, from photos Studio 84 Productions’ “Everything in the Garden” directed by Ken Erickson Venice Symphony OWN HALL The Ringling activities and the TOWN HALL Lecture Lecture Series has College Library Series stimulates meaningful and provocative Association conversation about important issues.” It’s no been a cultural insti- (RCLA) attracts wonder that the series is well subscribed. tution in Sarasota for world leaders, Recent speakers have included former artists, entertain- President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of more than 30 years. ers, sports figures, State Condoleezza Rice, international T journalists, and journalist Fareed Zakaria, director of the authors to share their life experiences, Metropolitan Museum of Art Philippe de SCF’s Jazz Ensemble under opinions, and passions with an attentive and Montebello, former Prime Minister Tony the direction of Marc Mannino Town Hall 2012 Speakers sophisticated audience. Fueled by volunteers, Blair, Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel, and RCLA has contributed more than $6 million best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell. Tina Brown Jan 7 to support the Verman Kimbrough Memorial The TOWN HALL Lecture Series offers Laura Bush Jan 11 Library on the campus of Ringling College of a choice of morning or evening programs Roland Fryer Feb 1 Art and Design — a college that now ranks followed by a lunch or evening reception General Stanley Fine Art Gallery manager among the top art schools in the world. where subscribers can have more personal Fine Art Gallery manager McChrystal Feb 13 JoeJoe Loccisano Loccisano with with guest guest Est. 1957 • Region’s first and largest public college Steven Levitt Mar 5 Sarasota is an affluent community filled interaction with the speakers. A group of local artistartist Olympia Olympia Zacchini Zacchini Bill O’Reilly Mar 21 with intellectually curious people who choose high school students, selected by their Associate • Bachelor • Online Degrees to live in this vibrant spot on the globe. One principals, are also given an opportunity to To learn more visit Bradenton • Lakewood Ranch • Venice • eCampus subscriber said at the end of last season, “Our meet with these exceptional leaders — people rclassociation.org. community has a thirst for engaging cultural who have changed the course of history. scf.edu

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate and baccalaureate • 88 • degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges• at89 1866 Southern • Lane, Decatur, GA, 30033-4097, or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of SCF. An equal access/equal opportunity institution.

state college of florida.indd 1 9/30/11 10:48 AM ★ Celebrate Sarasota Art. Culture. Entertainment. A Remarkable Musical Experience in the University he Perlman Music Program Winter Residency offers the Community rare opportunity to experience acclaimed A prime location, quality education, and community Tmusic faculty and student musi- cians of exceptional talent mentor, outreach make USFSM a grade-A school. learn, and perform. by nancy oakley The Perlman Music Program/Suncoast, ho wouldn’t want to go to with elementary schools in two counties, founded to present The Perlman Music while the Hotel & Restaurant Management Program Winter Residency, welcomes the a university near America’s program actively serves the area’s tourism 8th annual return of Toby and Itzhak Perlman, No. 1 beach? The 4,700 students industry. And Sarasota’s vibrant arts the PMP faculty, and PMP musicians (ages at the University of South Florida community figures into USFSM’s mission as 12–20+) to southwest Florida. well: The university has designed a unique The public is invited to attend 20 free Sarasota-Manatee, just a few miles MBA program to teach students the business musical events, including rehearsals, master of film and is integrating arts into its classes, and works-in-progress recitals on from Siesta Beach and across the street from curriculum. This year, USFSM will continue the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus. This the Sarasota Bradenton International to play host to the Perlman Music Program’s remarkable two-week program culminates in Airport, appreciate the advantages of location Winter Residency (see page 91). the Celebration Concert at the Sarasota Opera and a dynamic curriculum that has resulted With such an emphasis on community, House, with Itzhak Perlman conducting the in unparalleled growth in a little more than it comes as no surprise that some 18,000 PMP Orchestra. three short decades. USFSM alums choose to stay in the region Join us for this uplifting artistic and A part of the University of South Florida and excel at the companies they work for. educational experience! System, USFSM offers bachelor’s and master’s While he was a student, Jason Krykwo degrees in Arts & Sciences, Business, secured an SBA loan to start Sleek Audio, Education, and Hotel & Restaurant Manage- a customizable headphone company. Says ment at its main campus and teaching site in the COO, “To date, we have personally fit North Port. With classes boasting a 15-to-one more than 1,200 professional athletes, student-to-faculty ratio, there is little wonder musicians, and artists with custom earphones enrollment and academic achievement have and have distribution in more than 50 PMP Sarasota Winter Residency soared at this institution. countries. Without the support of the staff December 26, 2011–January 6, 2012 USFSM is located at Celebration Concert with Itzhak Perlman 8350 N. Tamiami Trail But USFSM understands that learning and faculty of USF Sarasota-Manatee we and the PMP Orchestra and 5920 Pan extends beyond the classroom. Its mission never would have garnered the marketing Januar y 7 at 5 p.m. American Blvd.

photo by barbara banks Itzhak Perlman in rehearsal with has always been to serve the region. The skills and international prowess that we For advance tickets and details, visit in North Port. Perlman Music Program orchestra students PerlmanMusicProgramSuncoast.org.

Visit sarasota.usf.edu College of Education, for example, partners have.” photos courtesy university of south florida sarasota-manatee for more information.

• 90 • • 91 • Sarasota Opera’s ★ Magic Flute Celebrate Sarasota Art. Culture. Entertainment.

Logan Learned of the Sarasota Ballet in Sir ’s Les Patineurs Art, Culture, Where Charitable Passion Community “I begin with an idea and then it becomes and Creativity Meet something else.” —Pablo Picasso

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County n Lakewood Ranch, building performing arts. Every February a strong community is based marks one of the most popular events connects donors to the organizations they love. of the year — Ovation. This celebra- upon ideas, one of which is tion features artists from across the rts lovers know that Sarasota creating a culture closely tied Suncoast on two outdoor stages with is ranked one of the “Top 5 live performances, special demon- to the many assets in the region. strations, and interactive booths and Best Art Towns in America” I displays. In March, during Art at the in John Villani’s The 100 Lakewood Ranch is an 8,500-acre, award- Ranch, artisans line the street with displays winning master-planned community ranging from pottery to jewelry and sculpture Best Art Towns in America. straddling Sarasota and Manatee counties on to photography. One of the most popular the West Coast of Florida. Just minutes from events, Music on Main, presents local bands or It takes a community to keep our arts venues the Gulf Coast beaches and the abundant musicians playing on Main Street during the The Community Foundation of Sarasota vibrant and thriving. When donors partner cultural assets of Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch first Friday of every month. Patrons come out County is a public with the Community Foundation of Sarasota is already home to more than 15,000 residents. to dance or just pull up a chair for this street charity that enriches County, they can support the Sarasota Ballet, The Ranch is known for its schools, Sarasota party, which attracts thousands of visitors and the community by rank atura, courtesy of the community foundation of sarasota, courtesy of florida studio theatre assisting donors in Sarasota Opera, Sarasota Orchestra, West Polo Club, its own Main Street, a 75-acre benefits a different charity each month. creating permanent Coast Black Theatre Troupe … any or all of the sports complex, and plenty of shopping We also partner with many arts groups charitable funds. great organizations that make Sarasota an arts and dining. in Sarasota to bring their offerings to the

mecca. We make donor dreams a reality. For We take many opportunities throughout Ranch, including the Asolo Repertory Good. For Ever. the year to exhibit these assets. Delight in the Theatre, La Musica, and the Van Wezel ® For more The Community Foundation of Sarasota arts in Lakewood Ranch by attending any of Performing Arts Hall. information visit 2635 Fruitville Road County: your one-stop shop for smart giving to Arthur Marks in Florida Studio our signature events, as we showcase local At Lakewood Ranch, we began with an idea lakewoodranch.com. Sarasota Theatre’s Mr. Bojangles photos courtesy lakewood ranch 941.955.3000 the arts and all the things you care about. photos (clockwise from top left): F and national artists, music, film, and the … and look what it has become. cfsarasota.org.

• 92 • • 93 • ★ Celebrate Sarasota Art. Culture. Entertainment. By Tara Titcombe Business and Pleasure Sarasota is proof that you can mix work and play.

ot only does Sarasota enjoy a diverse arts the area in 2004. “I scene, but it also boasts a dynamic business lived in New York City for most of my community. And the Economic Develop- adult life, and I was ment Corporation (EDC) of Sarasota craving the art and culture that I was County knows that the two go hand in hand. accustomed to,” she N says. “I didn’t see the volume and the Such characteristics are enhanced further first drawn to the area because of its arts and Sarasota’s stunning natural beauty, ideal richness in other cities in the South that I saw by warm and welcoming Sarasotans. Joffe’s culture. “We decided to move to the United climate, and proximity to water give the city here in Sarasota.” business has been embraced by the commu- States…and our choice was simple: Florida,” an advantage for attracting businesses. But Along with a strong business environment, nity — and she feels completely accepted. says Rivolta. “But coming from Milano and the arts and culture of the community are and rich arts and cultural offerings, Sarasota “Quite a few CEOs tend to retire here,” she being involved for generations in the cultural what make Sarasota stand out. Just ask boasts superior educational institutions and a says, “and I’ve found a few of them who have and artistic life there, we needed a place that Roxanne Joffe, president and founder of CAP growing population providing a talented become my mentors.” could give us similar opportunities. We were Clockwise from left: Brand Marketing, who moved her business to workforce for local companies. Rob Camp- The EDC — a public-private partnership — lucky — we found Sarasota.” Roxanne Joffe, president and founder olta

bell, CEO for Voalté — a healthcare software v works hard to ensure that businesses are not Just like Joffe, Rivolta found a place to of CAP Brand solutions company — recognizes the only accepted, but welcomed, and the same lay both his business and personal roots. Marketing, Sarasota Business District and importance of the arts in the workplace. “I goes for employees relocating to Sarasota. “Sarasota became my home,” he says. “It is Harbor, and Piero believe any healthy community has to have “This area is juxtaposed with amazing people the center of my life and is so deep in my Rivolta VB, and piero ri great diversity,” he says. “Even in technology and professional leaders,” Joffe says. “It has not heart that most of the books that I write we spend a lot of time on designing, staging, been difficult to integrate into the community.” reflect these sentiments.” arasota C and creating compelling stories for user There is perhaps no better example of an Sarasota is a unique community Contact the EDC of experiences. So access to the arts community individual becoming an integral part of the that supports business just as much as Sarasota County by calling is really critical.” community than Piero Rivolta. The Italian- it supports the arts. As Joffe explains, 941 . 309.1200 or by visiting Campbell also notes that the creative oxanne Joffe, S born novelist, poet, and businessman moved to “Where else was I going to get the arts edcsarasotacounty.com. environment relates to an innovative business Sarasota in 1980 where he established Rivolta and culture, the weather, the people, community. “In the last ten years, I’ve seen a Yachts, developed various real-estate projects, and all those experiences in a manage- good amount of blossoming entrepreneurships as well as created an international chamber able and livable place?” Only in

and high-tech startups,” he says. photos courtesy of R music festival called La Musica. But he was Sarasota.

• 94 • • 95 • Let your destination

To learn more about all Celebrate Sarasota Sarasota has to offer, visit choose your sarasotafl.org/fine-arts. Stars of the Show

Art Center Sarasota New Music New College Universit y of South Florida , airport 941 . 365 . 2032 artsarasota.org 941.487.4888 Sarasota-Manatee page 78 newmusicnewcollege.org 941.359.4200 sarasota.usf.edu Art Is Made in Sar asota page 84 page 90 page 60 Perlman Music Program/ Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Artists Series Concerts Suncoast, Inc. and Foundation of Sarasota 941.955.4942 800.826.9303; 941.366.5578 941.306.1200 artistseries.net perlmanmusicprogramsuncoast.org vanwezel.org; vwfoundation.org America’s and Florida’s #1 Beach page 79 page 91 page 8 3 Asolo Repertory Theatre Ringling College 941.351.8000; 800.361.8388 Library Association Thank You! Via A Stress-free Travel Experience. asolorep.org 941 .925 .1343 rclassociation.org page 58 page 8 8 Ringling College Thank you to all the participating

iper Circus Sarasota 941 . 355 .9335 circussarasota.org of Art + Design organizations that helped make this page 80 941.351.5100; 800.255.7695 possible. Special thanks to Virginia Haley, ringling.edu Cit y of Venice page 86 of the Sarasota Convention and Visitors lizabeth R Van 941.486.2626 venicegov.com Bureau, and Harry Leopold for their page 62 Sarasota Ballet 941.359.0099 sarasotaballet.org inspiration and dedication to making the Community Foundation page 66 of Sar asota Count y this special section a reality, and to the 941.955.3000 cfsarasota.org Sarasota Bradenton following individuals and organizations: page 92 international Airport 941.359.2777 srq-airport.com Gil and Elisabeth Waters; Ms. Jean SARASOTA Downtown Improvement District page 96 Allenby-Weidner; Jane T. Smiley; Margot did-sarasota.com rt, sarasota orchestra,rt, and E Sarasota Concert page 81 and Warren Coville; Philip and Nancy BRADENTON Association Kotler; Bill Yandow; Boar’s Head Provi- INTERNATIONAL EDC of Sar asota Count y 941.955.0040 useum of A 941.309.1200 edcsarasotacounty.com sarasotaconcertassociation.org sions, Inc., President Michael Martella; srq-airport.com page 94 page 82 Sarasota Convention & Visitors Bureau; Florida Studio Theatre Sarasota Opera ingling M H. Gladstone and Betty Pritchard 941.366.9000 floridastudiotheatre.org 941.328.1300 sarasotaopera.org McKeon Charitable Foundation; Arts and able R page 6 4 page 6 8 Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, Inc.; The John and Mable Ringling Sarasota Orchestra Museum of Art 941.953.3434; 866.508.0611 City of Sarasota Downtown Improvement 941.359.5700 ringling.org sarasotaorchestra.org District; City of Venice; Community he John and M page 5 4 page 70 Foundation of Sarasota County; Graham Lakewood Ranch Communities Marie Selby Interiors; Mote Scientific Foundation; 941.962.2357; 800.954.9578 Botanical Gardens lakewoodranch.com 941.366.5731 selby.org Victoria Leopold Fund of Community page 93 page 72 Foundation of Sarasota County; Sarasota Mote Marine Laboratory State College of Florida , County Tourist Development Council; Manatee-Sarasota and Aquarium and the Sarasota Board of County 941.388.4441 mote.org 941.752.5000 scf.edu

photos (from left) courtesy of T page 74 page 8 9 Commissioners.

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sarasota airport.indd 1 9/21/11 2:06 PM