Sunshine Travel's Guide to Sarasota: The Arts Scene in Sarasota

If you want to fully explore the arts scene in Sarasota, then be sure to plan a long visit!  Between the art in public places, self-guided arts tours, museums, and performance venues, you might even be hard-pressed to squeeze in some beach time!  Here, Sunshine Travel presents a sampling of the arts scene to give you an idea of what Sarasota has to offer.

photo courtesy Sarasota CVB

Sarasota was once home to the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus.  John Ringling and his wife, Mable, built a 36,000 square foot mansion on the Sarasota Bay, which they named Ca d'Zan.  The Ringlings were also avid art collectors, and eventually built a museum to house their massive personal collection.  You can experience both of these, as well as the Museum of the Circus and surrounding gardens when you visit the Ringling Museum of Art.  

The Ringling Museum hosts many events throughout the year, including Ringling in Bloom (February 23-26, 2012, showcasing "flowers, fashion, and fine art"), Art After 5 (every Thursday, 5-8pm, with after-hours discounted admission ), the ViewPoint Lecture Series , and even Art of Food. 

To immerse yourself further in Sarasota's ongoing art experience, visit Towles Court, an artist colony near downtown that landed a spot in Coastal Living’s “Top 10 Artists Colonies”.  On the 3rd Friday of each month, all galleries are open to the public from 6pm-10pm during “Art Walk”.  With refreshments and live music, you can meander through the various studios and galleries, or take in a class or demonstration.  During the day, you can also take a Cultural & Arts Segway Tour through the area.

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Fans of midcentury modern architecture are sure to be familiar with Paul Rudolph.  Rudolph, a well-known midcentury architect, lived in Sarasota, where he built several buildings and homes.  The Sarasota Architectural Foundation (SAF) is a nonprofit that promotes and preserves Sarasota’s architectural legacy, including that of Paul Rudolph; check the SAF's upcoming events to see if there are any home tours or interesting lectures that you may be able to attend during your visit.

For those who love the performing arts, check the box office schedule at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, where you can get tickets for a variety of top-name entertainers and celebrated musicians, as well Broadway productions (and the occasional "Family Fun" production).  If it’s opera you’re looking for, the Sarasota Opera House (built in 1926) has undergone a full restoration, and the Opera is currently in its 53rd season, featuring Verdi, American Classics, and lesser known operas in the Masterworks Revival Series.

If you happen to be visiting in mid-April, don’t miss the internationally acclaimed 14th Annual Sarasota Film Festival, April 13-22, 2012.  The film line-up will be announced on March 20; tickets will go on sale on March 22.  Like most other arts programs in Sarasota, there is an outreach program aimed at kids.  For example, there are special free screenings for kid-friendly movies, classes teaching the basics of screenwriting and film analysis, and even the chance for kids under 18 to submit their own short film!

No matter what your favorite art medium is, you're sure to find something you'll enjoy in Sarasota.  Be sure to look at Sarasota's upcoming art events before your visit, so you don't miss out on something special.  Have a favorite that I missed?  Let me know, and I'll be sure to add it!