Art Center Sarasota Presents
90th Anniversary Celebration
Sunday, October 16 § Michael’s On East
Join the community in celebrating one of Sarasota’s longest-running cultural organizations.
(Sarasota, FL) Art Center Sarasota presents its 90th anniversary celebration, Sunday, October 16, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Michael’s On East, 1212 East Ave., Sarasota. Tickets are $90 and include a gourmet brunch with wine and champagne. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit Art Center Sarasota’s youth scholarships and education outreach programs. To purchase tickets, visit www.artsarasota.org/90thanniversary or call 941-365-2032.
“We invite the community to help us celebrate Sarasota’s longest-running arts organization,” says Lisa Berger, director of Art Center Sarasota. “In the past 90 years, the center has brought art into the lives of many generations. At this event we’ll honor those people who have helped keep the regional visual arts scene vibrant throughout all these years. The honorees have made a significant impact on the vitality of the organization through contributions, moral support and projects that have enhanced the facility.”
Event honorees include Wilfred P. “Bubsy” Becker, June and Bill Gordon, Betty and Howard Isermann, Sam Shapiro and Jane T. Smiley.
“We will also be giving special recognition to three of our past and current board chairs, William (Jim) Harman, Adam Kendall and Ramsey Frangie,” says Berger. “These outstanding individuals helped to make the Art Center what it is today by recognizing what is best for our artistic community. They have all stepped up in times of need and urgency in decision-making.”
Some longtime supporters, who assist financially and also volunteer a great amount of time to making sure the programs offered run smoothly, will be also recognized. These include Elaine and David Charney, Brenda and Ted Hadjian and Dotty and Dick Terry.
Berger explains that the center has evolved into a space where “the power of art brings people together to create community. Our objective is to push boundaries, explore new territory, create dialogue and invite participation from diverse voices. We celebrate the convergence of individual and group talent, local and global artistic heritage, and bridging cultural barriers.” According to Berger, the center’s dynamic exhibitions, classes and other programs draw more than 50,000 visitors each year.
The center also serves as a vital forum for local artists.
“We proudly serve regional talent, opening our space to hundreds of area-based artists throughout the year,” says Berger. “In the 2016-2017 season, the work of regional artists will be showcased in seven juried exhibitions. Additionally, we hire over 30 local instructors, as well as national and international visiting instructors. These programs help launch the careers of many local artists.”
About Art Center Sarasota
Art Center Sarasota was the first arts and cultural institution in Sarasota. It was founded in 1926 as the “Sarasota Art Association” by Marcia Rader, the art supervisor for the Sarasota County schools district. In the early years, the group met monthly and sponsored exhibits in rented facilities. The Association was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in 1943 and has been in its current location in the Sarasota Bayfront Cultural District since 1949. Art Center Sarasota is now a membership-based organization that offers curated and juried exhibitions, adult and youth education programs, outreach initiatives for underserved youth, and culturally related public programming. Art Center Sarasota’s mission is to inspire individual creative expression, nurture artistic talent and provide the community with accessible and diverse visual art opportunities.
Art Center Sarasota
707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236
Phone: 941-365-2032 § Fax: 941-366-0585
www.artsarasota.org
Gallery Hours:
Free admission
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday
Closed Sunday
