Our gallery was named Best New Gallery in Sarasota Magazine’s The Best of Sarasota 2022 Editor’s Picks!
“Arts Advocates has long been a collector and exhibitor of works by Sarasota artists, including our well-known Sarasota Colony luminaries. But when it opened its own space in the Crossings at Siesta Mall, it found a more permanent home and a spot where docent-guided tours could enlighten visitors.” Read the whole article here.
The gallery is also available for other organizations to host events. To arrange group and special tours, contact docent team leader Stephenie Frasher at docent@artsadvocates.org. For group events, contact Donna Maytham, gallery director, at pavlova03@comcast.net.
ON EXHIBIT
Currently on exhibit at the Arts Advocates Gallery are more than 20 pieces from our collection of renowned works by the Sarasota Colony of Artists who, in the 1920s, began migrating to Sarasota inspired by its natural beauty. They were also drawn by the arrival of noted art collector John Ringling, whose colorful and dynamic circus acts inspired many paintings and sculptures.
Also on view are five paintings by the Florida Highwaymen. The Highwaymen were a group of 26 black artists, including one woman, who were mostly self-taught and painted in Florida from the 1950s on for several decades. Because they were not invited to show their work in galleries, they sold their work from their cars along US 1 and A1A.
Over the years, our works of art have been on display at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and continue to be shown there as well.
Eleven Arts Advocates artworks are now on public display at Sarasota City Hall, 1565 First Street, Sarasota, FL 34236.
Group and special tours of our gallery can be arranged through Stephenie Frasher, docent team leader, at docent@artsadvocates.org or by calling 443-454-2206.
LOCATION
The Arts Advocates Gallery
The Crossings at Siesta Key mall, Suite 119 3501 S. Tamiami Trail at Siesta Drive, Sarasota Enter the mall through the doors next to Connors Steak & Seafood and turn left.
Visions in Black, 2:00-4:00 p.m. Saturdays, February 4-25
Arts Advocates is honored to be one of three participating galleries to exhibit winning entries from the annual Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative “Visions in Black” juried art show featuring artists of color. Join us for a reception to celebrate the creators and their artworks on February 4 from 4-6 p.m.
Seven Sacred Pauses, 2:00-4:00 p.m. Saturdays, March 4-25
Seven Sacred Pauses, a cross-disciplinary collaboration between visual artist Leslie Butterfield and poet Teresa Carson, was inspired by Art in Common Places and based on a contemporary non-sectarian version of the traditional monastic tradition of praying at set hours during the day and night as a reminder that the spiritual life is not separate from physical life.
HOLD YOUR EVENT IN OUR GALLERY
The Arts Advocates Gallery is available to other organizations hosting special meetings, concerts and events. For more information, please contact Donna Maytham, co-gallery director, at 941-351-5361.
