Our speaker, Thayer Greenberg, is managing artistic director of The Sarasota Players, the longest-running theatre in Sarasota. The Players launched the careers of many performers who went on to stardom on Broadway, in Hollywood, and on TV. Thayer will discuss The Players' season, their planned move to the Payne Park Auditorium, and their education programs. As a special treat, several actors will attend and sing music from their production of “Les Misérables.”

Meet & Mingle: There is social time that begins at 11 am before lunch. Come early to meet other members and friends who also love the arts. 

Justin Gomlak Greer’s journey is a masterclass in artistic evolution. From center stage on Broadway to the heart of arts education, Greer has built a career defined by versatility, passion, and purpose. A trained opera singer, retired Broadway dancer and actor, and now a respected arts educator and DEI practitioner, Greer brings a wealth of experience to every role he inhabits—onstage and off.

"The Imagination of Art Venti"  invites you to enjoy Art Venti's "pencil paintings" – magnificent, extremely detailed works created with layers and layers of delicate colored pencil strokes on very large paper. His compositions often address environmental and socio/political issues. The larger pieces take 3-5 months to complete. Since moving to Sarasota, Florida, he has produced his largest and most complex and meticulous works, the sizes having increased up to 110” in width. This is your opportunity to view them, and to meet and talk to the artist.   

Take a guided tour of the paintings and sculptures owned by Arts Advocates on display at the Van Wezel. After that, step onto the stage where a Van Wezel guide will give you a peek behind the curtain and share stories and anecdotes about the colorful world of show business!

This tour includes a variety of historical buildings pertaining to Palmetto. We will explore the 1880 Heritage Post Office, the 1936 School House, the 1900 Cottage Museum, the Heritage Chapel, and the Cyprus House Military Museum.

Ever wonder why some of your flower and garden photos just don't look as spectacular, stellar, or special as you expected? This workshop will cover both beginner and intermediate concepts, and is not specific to a particular camera model, so you may use your smart phone, fixed lens camera, and advanced camera with interchangeable lenses. 

The 2026 Scholarship Awards Luncheon is the annual celebration of our student scholars. Join us in getting to know these students, viewing their artwork, and seeing some of their performances. To maximize focus on the students and their talent, there will be no guest speaker. Instead, this is an opportunity to learn more about our scholars and to understand the impact the Arts Advocates scholarships has on their lives.

If you cannot attend but would like to MAKE A DONATION, CLICK HERE.

Patron and Sponsor ticket buyers ($100-$2,500) are invited to a pre-luncheon scholar reception on the patio of the Sarasota Yacht Club from 11:00-11:30 a.m.

Take a guided tour of the paintings and sculptures owned by Arts Advocates on display at the Van Wezel. After that, step onto the stage where a Van Wezel guide will give you a peek behind the curtain and share stories and anecdotes about the colorful world of show business!