Art Center Sarasota Presents
“Noche Cubana”
An Evening to Celebrate the Arts and Culture of Cuba
Wednesday, July 22, 6-9 p.m.
Featuring a performance by students of the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School, a salsa dance demonstration and class by award-winning Sarasota Herald-Tribune dance writer Carrie Seidman, photography by Cliff Roles and others, live music and signature Cuban foods and beverages.
(Sarasota, FL) Art Center Sarasota presents “Noche Cubana,” an event celebrating the arts and culture of Cuba, Wednesday, July 22, 6-9 p.m., at Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, in Sarasota. The evening includes an exhibition of recent photographs, storytellers, music, dance, a salsa dance demonstration and class, Cuban food and signature cocktails. Tickets are $25 per person, which includes one cocktail. Individuals are strongly urged to buy tickets in advance; tickets at the door are not guaranteed. To purchase advance tickets, visit www.artsarasota.org/cuba or call 941-365-2032.
Lisa Berger, executive director of Art Center Sarasota, explains that the center hosted a trip to Cuba to attend the Havana Biennial in May. “We came back filled with admiration for this beautiful country so deeply steeped in arts and culture,” she says, adding that they were able to visit artists’ studios and the biennial art exhibition throughout Havana. “Speaking with Cubans gave us much insight into their everyday lives. We were delighted to find out that artists were so highly regarded and enjoyed more freedom that the general population. This event is one way to share the experience with those who have an interest and curiosity about Cuba and may someday want to travel there. It also helps to keep the memories fresh for those of us who have had the opportunity to visit.”
The evening will feature a performance by students of the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School, a salsa dance demonstration and class by award-winning Sarasota Herald-Tribune dance writer Carrie Seidman, photos of Cuba by recent travelers, live music and signature Cuban foods and beverages.
“We’re thrilled that Cliff Roles will share his extraordinary photos of the country and its people with us during the event,” says Berger, adding that Dr. Pedro Schuck and Marcos Carvajal, Cuban art trip organizers, will be at the event to answer questions about traveling to Cuba. “And who wouldn’t want to participate in a salsa class with Carrie Seidman? Come and enjoy a mojito and celebrate our new relationship with this fascinating country!”
Berger urges interested people to buy tickets in advance. “This is going to be a sold-out event,” she says. “Buy your tickets now!”
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
