The Arts Advocates Gallery

THE ARTS ADVOCATES GALLERY

The Arts Advocates Gallery displays works from our unparalleled collection of Sarasota Art Colony paintings and sculptures and Florida Highwaymen artworks. The gallery is open every Saturday from 2:00-4:00 pm.

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 Carol Darling darlingcj@yahoo.com.

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 six 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.

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.

Directions

LOCATION

The Crossings at Siesta Key Mall
Suite 119, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail

Enter the mall through the doors next to Connors Steak & Seafood and turn left.

Member Artist Exhibits

Member artist exhibits are sponsored by Observer Media Group.

The Landings Artists Collaborative Exhibit

2:00-4:00 p.m., Saturdays, November 1-29

A vibrant, welcoming group of artists working in many different disciplines. Every Saturday during the month, one of the artists will give a talk.

Gilded: The New Icons Exhibit

2:00-4:00 p.m., Saturdays, December 6-27

A stunning two-person exhibition featuring paintings by Alicia Brown and digital works by Elisabeth Trostli. Together, the artists explore themes of identity, female beauty, and representation. Every Saturday in December there will be informative talks about painting and gilding, (Brown) and digital painting and AI.

Jody Goldman Exhibit

2:00-4:00 p.m., Saturdays, January 3-24

Jody uses her art to bring attention to the protection of endangered species and their exclusive habitats, bringing awareness to the delicate balance we have in nature.

Living Creatively: The Art of Lynn Coppinger Exhibit

2:00-4:00 p.m., Saturdays, February 7-28

Lynn’s passion for multiple mediums is on full display in this exhibit, which features not only colored pencil creations but also captivating pieces in oils, acrylics, pastels, ink, and mixed media.

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 Carol Darling at 941-256-6469.