September 2020

THE RINGLING Balm to the Arts & Soul

BREAKING GROUND

THE SARASOTA BALLET

Mote’s New Aquarium

ASOLO REP Standing Strong

scenesarasota.com

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Celebrates 30 years of

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2020 – 2021 Season Guide

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CONTENTS features

24 ASOLO REP Standing Strong in the Face of Adversity

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

24

30 JUMPING TWICE AS HIGH The Sarasota Ballet Celebrates 30 Years

By Sylvia Whitman

38 LOOKING AHEAD to Mote SEA

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

44 THE RINGLING Sharing Humanity In A “Fraught Time”

By Sylvia Whitman

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38

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52 2020 –2021 ARTS & CULTURE GUIDE

ON THE COVER The Sarasota Ballet celebrates 30 incredible years.

Photography by Matthew Holler.

CONTENTS departments

INHEALTH

SOCIAL SCENE

16 THE LIST September Events Calendar

85 86

ON THE TOWN 20 THE FIND Art for the Home 70 EDUCATION MATTERS Finding Pathways at The Bishop

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

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76 Salt Water Taffy

By Kelli Lynn Woodend 82

88

76 8

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Sleep Disorders

By Sanjay Yathiraj, M.D. What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

By Federico Richter MD. RPhS. DABVLM

ARTS & CULTURE

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BEACH READS

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BEST SEATS Performing Arts Calendar GET INSPIRED Cultural happenings brought to

you by the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County LITERARY SCENE Books About Self-Improvement

By Ryan G. Van Cleave LAUGHING MATTERS The One About Fan Mail, Part 1

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

Be Informed Be Entertained Be SCENE scenesarasota.com

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from the publisher

D

DID YOU KNOW THAT THE STATE OF FLORIDA RECEIVED ABOUT $8.3 BILLION FROM THE CARES ACT, WHICH WENT TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS THROUGH THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT? Sarasota County received approximately $75 million of these funds to assist businesses during these challenging times.

The Sarasota County Commission approved CARES Act funding for these categories: Safety & Security Health & Medical Food, Water & Shelter Economic Recovery But just how much is being allocated toward economic recovery? To answer that question, the County sent a survey to the business community. How businesses reply to the survey will determine the amount that goes toward economic recovery. Which businesses will be helped? Who will be left out?

That may be a problem, but there is another problem that I am aware of and it’s a big one.

The county commissioners ignored the needs of the County’s largest employers in Sarasota County – the arts.

According to the Arts and Economic Prosperity study last conducted in 2015 by Americans for the Arts: “The nonprofit arts and culture sector is a $342.4 million industry in the Greater Sarasota/Bradenton Area—one that supports 8,705 full-time equivalent jobs and generates $38.2 million in local and state government revenue. Nonprofit arts and cultural organizations are businesses in their own right. They spent $216 million during fiscal year 2015 to employ people locally, purchase goods and services from local establishments, and attract tourists. They also leveraged a remarkable $126.5 million in additional spending by cultural audiences—spending that pumps vital revenue into restaurants, hotels, retail stores, parking garages, and other local businesses.”

I have visited the inner workings of many of these arts organizations.

Companies like Asolo Rep, The Sarasota Ballet, Sarasota Opera, Sarasota Orchestra, and the Van Wezel that not only employ the artists, but also the behind the scene people such as carpenters, seamstresses, metal fabricators and office workers. Other organizations such as Venice Performing Arts Center and The Players Centre for Performing Arts have extensive mentoring and trade apprenticeship programs. These organizations are foundational to our youth in career and life education.

The arts mean business! And this study was from 2015. As you can well imagine, these numbers are even greater five years later.

With this our annual September Arts & Culture issue, I have to honestly tell you it is far from what it should be. There are few scheduled live

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from the publisher

performances and they happen in 2021. Most performances have been canceled due to the pandemic. Arts organizations are scrambling to provide digital experiences to entertain its audiences—very difficult indeed. They are trying to keep their staff on board to be ready when things do open again. Also very difficult with no revenue coming into their organizations.

Stan Writesel & Baylee

Alan Gravley & Beau

We have done the best we can to provide you information on seasons that are in question. Please continue to check with each organization as things are “ever changing”—certainly the buzzword of the times we are living in.

So let’s focus on some of the brighter things happening in the arts community this season. We start with our cover story on Sarasota Ballet’s 30th anniversary season. It is truly incredible what a world-class ballet company they have become. Mote continues with its plans for its new aquarium and we’ve got the latest in this issue. The Ringling has a sensational lineup of both in-house exhibitions and virtual happenings. Michael Edwards and Linda DiGabriele, the artistic and executive leaders at Asolo Rep respectively, share the challenges they face this season and their hopes for a brighter future. We have our annual arts and culture guide listing performances and exhibitions as best we can gather at this point.

I encourage each and every one of you to participate and support the arts. They need our help now more than ever.

Enjoy the many streamed performances, and when you do venture out, please enjoy as many live cultural experiences as you can. Organizations offering live activities are adhering to safe and secure guidelines. The Van Wezel will have some fall outdoor events and The Ringling will be offering guided tours of its exhibitions to limited groups.

If you have the opportunity to be a voice in support of the arts community, I encourage you to do so. A loss of a single organization or artistic company will have an immeasurable loss for generations. As many of you already know, it took years and a lot of hard work to build our world class cultural community.

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THE LIST

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SEPTEMBER 2020 EVENTS CALENDAR

4 » The 15th Annual Dick Vitale Gala: Virtual Experience

This is the best we could do – really. We are sorry to report

The V Foundation for Cancer Research and ESPN Hall of Famer Dick Vitale will host this virtual event. dickvitaleonline.com

there’s not much happening this month and as for what we’ve listed here, we encourage you to check the status before

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Sept 1 – 20 » In Dialog with Nature: Glass in the Gardens

you show up. Who knows? You just may be surprised that

9 » think + drink / science

some of these live events are actually happening!

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature 7 p.m. on Zoom $3 for Members | $5 for Others bishopscience.org

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9 » Run for the Turtles - Virtual Mote’s annual Run for the Turtles is virtual! Support sea turtle conservation and research.

Register Before September 9 mote.org/run

11 – 13 » Sarasota Bradenton Fall Home Show

TUMMY TUCKS | BREAST LIFT | ARM & THIGH LIFTS | COOLSCULPTING

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17 » 2020 East Meets West Expo Robarts Arena $5 in advance | $10 at the door sarasotafair.com

19 » Courtyard Market at the Bazaar

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30 » Stelliferous on Zoom The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature 7:00 p.m. $3 for Members | $5 for Others facebook.com/BishopScienceFL

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Asolo Rep

Standing Strong in the Face of Adversity

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

A

s COVID-19 caused most of the world to shut its doors this summer, I especially worried about its impact on the arts. With Sarasota being renowned for its robust art and culture scene, what would happen to this vital part of our community’s DNA? More to the point, after so many

years of covering local issues for Sarasota Scene, I know that, taken together, the arts community is a major economic driver, being the third largest employer in Sarasota.

What did all this mean for them? For us?

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Managing Director Linda DiGabriele and Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards So, I spoke with Asolo Rep Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards and Managing Director Linda DiGabriele about this very topic, as well as the upcoming season and the future of their organization. Edwards said, “We’re in a strange position. Theaters were among the first to close when COVID hit, and we’re likely to be among the last to open when people are willing to come back. But we have to be ready for when that eventuality happens.”

Like all of the arts leaders, he knows that people aren’t returning to live events until they feel safe. But equally important, Asolo Rep doesn’t want to open until they feel it’s safe and appropriate for their people, too. “We have to work with four different unions,” he explains, “and in our contracts with them, we have to guarantee safe working conditions. We can’t just decide, ‘Hey, we’re going to do it!’ and throw open the doors. We have to be deliberate and careful in how we proceed.”

In terms of what this means for the already announced full mainstage season? Some of it will be postponed.

Not cancelled, though, which is a key distinction.

“For Billy Elliot, we’re keeping the whole team and production together for a fall 2021 show,” Edwards says. They’re also not doing Kevin Ludwig’s The Three Musketeers in January. Even if the pandemic fizzles out by November the way everyone hopes, it’s simply unrealistic to assemble artists from New York, Chicago, and elsewhere to work with local artists to begin rehearsing and get everything else together in time for an early 2021 date.

There’s hope, though, that March 2021 might see Asolo Rep offering the classic Thornton Wilder play Our Town and/or the new comedy, Grand Horizons. Plus, there are the world premieres of two musicals, Knoxville and Hood which are currently scheduled for May and June respectively.

“We’ve got a certain degree of flexibility with those,” reports Edwards. “We’re planning for the possibility of doing all four, or just one, or any combination of them, depending on the situation. If we ultimately can’t do any, we’ll be postponing those with the intention of being fully operational again by fall 2021. We’re simply working

SEPTEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

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with a combination of realism and optimism. We know there’s an end to the pandemic—it’s simply a matter of when, and how soon we can ramp up our productions once that happens.”

DiGabriele adds that they’re providing numerous options for subscribers. “We were pleasantly surprised at how so many wonderful, loyal people went ahead and subscribed for the 20-21 season even well after COVID arrived.” They’ll credit those subscriptions or find other ways to ensure people won’t lose any money and are able to come back when it’s appropriate to do so.

In the meantime, however, Asolo Rep folks aren’t sitting around and waiting. They’ve strongly pivoted to increase and improve their online presence. “We’re now thinking of ourselves as producers of online content in a way we’ve never been before,” says Edwards. “We’re going to stay connected to our audience, if not through the traditional way of putting on shows and talking to people, then by reaching out through online platforms.”

To that end, they’re repurposing archival material and making new selections available weekly via their Monday Musical Moments (I heartily recommend Evita’s “Buenos Aires!). And there’s Engage on Air, where performers,

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directors, and others involved in Asolo Rep shows talk about their experiences in an interesting behind-thescenes manner.

Asolo Rep is also continuing its robust education program. “That’s an area we’re really developing,” notes DiGabriele. “We’re adding adult classes, and special classes for homeschooled children. We’re also able to stream archival footage of past productions into classrooms—the unions have allowed that for years.”

Essentially, many of the educational things they’ve done in the past—like bringing short adaptations of Shakespeare classics in-person to schools—will move online for now. And since online delivery can greatly expand one’s audience, they’re now looking at a postCOVID situation where they use both in-person and online options to reach more students than ever before, in whatever manner works best.

If there’s a plus to all this for Asolo Rep, this might be it—it’s forcing them to rethink the ways they engage with people. While their Monday Musical Moments are quite compelling, those videos were created purely for archival purposes. Moving forward, the theater now plans to create high-level videos suitable to share online. Looking back at what they’ve been doing since March, you can already see the improvement of their clips and interviews

by leaps and bounds, but they hope to acquire better equipment to ensure the sound and video quality is what audiences have come to expect from top-level arts organizations.

They’re also looking into offering performances in nontraditional venues, such as Ed Smith Stadium, the Sarasota Kennel Club, and other outdoor spaces. Some other communities have done similar things at drive-in theaters, though thanks to the heat of Florida, people here would likely leave their cars running, making things a bit noisy and probably stinky, too. But Asolo Rep continues to seek options so the show can go on—at least until they can get back on their own stage.

“We’d really like to thank the community for its generosity,” DiGabriele says. “Since March, people have come forward—both individuals and foundations—with extra gifts and donations. It’s an amazing amount of goodwill and generosity. The reality, though, is that all arts organizations are looking at some heavy lifting in the coming year without ticket sales.” Why? Because ticket sales generally provide about half of what it takes to support these institutions. If the doors stay closed, they’ve essentially only got half of their needed budget.

It leaves a giant fiscal hole that can’t be ignored.

“We’d really like to thank the community for its generosity . . . The reality, though, is that all arts organizations are looking at some heavy lifting in the coming year without ticket sales.”

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Like other arts organizations, Asolo Rep will be running a sustainability campaign in the fall to maintain their educational programming, develop new plays and musicals, and purchase necessary equipment to improve their online offerings. Edwards explains that Sarasota has one of the highest concentrations of people who make their living in the arts. “It’s pretty impressive, since we’re talking about the likes of New York, San Francisco, Houston, and Dallas,” he says.

“We’re right there with them. And at the moment, they all have no income. They’re on unemployment or working to find new and creative ways to survive.

Their wellbeing is as necessary to the vitality of our community as any business here.”

that the people of Sarasota have listened to every interview, watched every Monday Musical Moment, and then told us what we’re doing that’s great, and offered suggestions on what else we can do or what we can do better. We’re partners in this, and we welcome the dialogue and engagement.”

In terms of what people can do to help, Edwards suggests that “it’d be great if people started really consuming the material we have out there. We have a lot online now, and more to come. I’d LOVE to know

For more information on Asolo Rep’s season, online content and education offerings, please visit asolorep.org.

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Online sharing is an effective way to help them get the word out, he reminds us. About this, Edwards adds in his typical bring-the-excitement fashion, “You’re a community member. You helped produce these shows by buying tickets. Now tell the world about it.

We’re going to really come roaring back. Everyone in Sarasota should be really proud of where we are!”

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JUMPING

TWICE AS HIGH The Sarasota Ballet Celebrates 30 Years

By Sylvia Whitman | Photos by Matthew Holler

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SARASOTA SCENE | SEPTEMBER 2020

“It will be a full experience for the audience and for the dancers themselves. I’m trying to give them something different. ” —— IAIN WEBB

T

he Sarasota Ballet has long been preparing for a memorable 30th Anniversary Season.

First up were eight summer performances at the Joyce Theater in New York, followed by an appearance at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival in the Berkshires. Then you know what happened. “It was going to be a great start, but things changed,” says director Iain Webb. As arts venues closed during the coronavirus lockdown, The Sarasota Ballet took care of its dancers, maintaining salaries and health insurance through the end of annual contracts.

Then Webb and his team began reconfiguring plans.

The 20-21 season is still going to be memorable—just in a different way.

DRY RUN SUMMER The Sarasota Ballet enrolls scores of young dancers in summer programs. It considered going all virtual, but a poll revealed that most families still wanted children to come in person. So, in a collaborative process with parents, the education crew split the program into studio mornings and Zoom afternoons. With health and safety

the first priority, the team taped off 6x12 feet areas for each dancer in every studio, cleaned daily, and required everyone in the building to wear a mask. “If you can imagine, for a dancer, breathing through a mask,” says Webb, shaking his head. “But as the medical profession says, your lungs are going to be much stronger at the end of it.” The summer session culminated in the usual big finale, often a child’s first chance to be on stage or perform a solo.

“I have to tell you, to see these young dancers, with masks on—it was heartbreaking in a way, and yet it was so inspiring,” says Webb. The tots had sprinkled glitter on their face masks. “They loved it. It was great to see, after all the care that we had put into it, that there was that moment of enjoyment there. That’s what it’s about.”

The small classes, social distancing, and cleaning protocols of the summer paved the way for the reopening this month of the Margaret Barbieri Conservatory—a full-time, pre-professional program for 11-18-year-olds—and The Sarasota Ballet School.

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BEHIND-THE-SCENES FALL But the three full-company performances on the original 30th anniversary schedule cannot happen in pandemic mode—because of too large gatherings of audience members and too close communions of dancers. “When you look at the scenario of dance, it’s not a case of somebody in the center of the stage or in the car park just singing,” says Webb. “You can’t do distanced partnering. We’re physically touching each other.”

Webb considered the “usual” (these days) live stream of some kind of performance. But what if … video cameras started rolling sooner, from the dancers’ first moment back in the studio?

Imagine a sort of rehearsal reality show with a dozen principals as they learn steps and feel the music together. “I think it will be interesting for people to understand what goes on behind the scenes to produce a ballet,” says Webb.

To limit physical contact, the “digital fall season” will feature thematically linked dances rather than a full ballet. “There are a couple of solos, a couple of pas de deux; there’s a great pas de trois,” says Webb. Instead of seeing just a finished product, viewers will follow the sometimes messy process, although it will culminate in a polished performance, complete with costumes and, in the end, no masks. “It will be a full experience for the audience and for the dancers themselves. I’m trying to give them something different,” says Webb.

His team is working on the logistics of this “flyon-the-wall” fall. “I’m not known for making my job easy,” says Webb. Likely the digital season release dates will follow the ballet’s original fall performance schedule, with the first production “opening” on October 23. To honor agreements with copyright holders, ticket numbers will likely match the audience size of a theatre, with subscribers getting first dibs, before single ticket sales. Videos will be available only through private links, over a period of 3-5 days, to allow flexibility in viewing.

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“It’s a big undertaking, really different from what anybody else is doing,” says Webb. “But I figured that would be a way of saying to our donors, to our subscribers, this is your company.”

FULL SWING SPRING At this point, Webb says he’s looking to bring the rest of the company back into full swing in January. Expect an extraordinary gala—perhaps outdoors. “Then we’ll be doing the program we announced”—four full montage programs, including such pieces as Peter Darrell’s Othello, George Balanchine’s Serenade, and Agnes de Mille’s Fall River Legend.

Challenges lie ahead. Normally the company would be rehearsing something for March in September.

And travel restrictions have complicated flying in répétiteurs from abroad.

But Webb feels an urgency to get the company back performing— not just for The Sarasota Ballet’s audiences but for the dancers, some of whom will have been sidelined for almost a year before they return to the stage. “You’ve got to understand dancers’ careers.

Some of them start very young, like the ones at our school who move into the conservatory and then to a company. So, you train and train and train. Your actual career, though it can be absolutely fantastic, is short. That’s the life of a dancer.” Actors, by contrast, can age into different roles. But dancers—“we have one small window,” says Webb. He doesn’t want anyone to miss theirs.

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“They’re going to want to go full steam ahead.”

In his role as nurturer-in-chief, he has to make sure every member of the company is ready to deliver a performance of a lifetime. Webb anticipates one of the hardest jobs this year will be pacing his dancers.

“They’re going to want to come in, and they’re going to want to go full steam ahead.”

THE BIG PICTURE Webb says he’s already looking at next season. Despite pandemic setbacks and budget cuts, he’s bullish about the future of The Sarasota Ballet. Location is one reason, our “amazing city, one of the major cultural cities of Florida.”

He points to the great variety of arts organizations that make Sarasota so much more than a beach town.

People retire here for the arts—but younger people come here for that reason, too, he says, “like the young families who are moving so that their children can take part in the conservatory, with their dream of joining the company.” In spite of Covid-19, “the arts are what keeps Sarasota breathing.”

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Webb says The Sarasota Ballet will emerge from this crisis year as a stronger organization even more deeply connected to its community. He teases his dancers about the aerobic fitness they’re developing behind their masks: “I’ve told the guys they’re going to jump twice as high because they’re going to have all that power in their lungs.” He believes arts appreciation will grow stronger, too.

“When you’ve gone through some difficult thing, to see something beautiful or hear some music coming

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through the dancer’s body—the audience is just going to be holding their breath,” he says. “We’ll get through this. The world will get through this. I’m convinced there’s going to be an amazing spotlight at the end of the tunnel, and The Sarasota Ballet will be dancing there.”

For updated information on The Sarasota Ballet’s 30th anniversary season, visit the website: sarasotaballet.org/30th-anniversary-season-overview.

OUR DOORS ARE OPEN FOR DISCOVERY. Journey to worlds beyond and below. We are now open and taking extra safety measures so you can connect with the cosmos and dive deep fearlessly. With so much to discover, where do you begin?

www.BishopScience.org 201 10th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205

We’ll be jumping for joy when we can welcome you back to the theatre!

However, the safety of our patrons, staff, and volunteers is utmost in determining exactly when to reopen.

Please visit VeniceTheatre.org to stay up to date on our plans and be sure to subscribe to our email list if you haven’t already.

You can also follow us on social media to stay in the know.

VeniceTheatre.org | 941.488.1115 | 140 Tampa Ave. W. SEPTEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

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By Ryan G. Van Cleave “What’s the #1 thing people need to know about Mote?” says Michael Moore, the Campaign Director for Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA).

His own answer: “That Mote SEA is happening. We’re $75 million into our $130 million goal, and we’ll be breaking ground by this October.”

Benderson Park for starting the construction of the actual building, which will begin in April 2021. Moore is quite confident that will happen on time, thanks to consistent, ongoing support and interest from the community that continues to bring the funding campaign closer to its goal.

The groundbreaking will mark the beginning of key site preparation to ready the twelve acres at Nathan

Building Mote SEA is a two-year process which looks to be completed in early 2023. With a planned

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SARASOTA SCENE | SEPTEMBER 2020

to Mote SEA 110,000 square-foot hub and a million saltwater gallons of animal habitats, this is going to be an impressive aquarium that’ll compare well with the top ones in the country—Chicago’s Shedd, Baltimore’s National Aquarium, and the Georgia Aquarium. The largest animal habitat will be the Gulf of Mexico exhibit, at more than 500,000 gallons. The giant shark habitat at Mote’s current City Island campus?

That’s a mere 135,000 gallons.

It’s going to be more than just an aquarium, though.

Between Sarasota and Manatee Counties, we have 70,000 k-12 students who will benefit from the education programming that’ll be located at Mote SEA. “Not just field trips, either,” notes Moore, “but 3 STEM teaching labs where students can learn about all types of marine life and habitats.

And since last year, our education staff has been working with curriculum administrators to prepare

SEPTEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

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what we’ll be able to offer that integrates with the Florida requirement for STEM education. It’s something the school districts are quite excited about. With good reason!”

Mote’s President & CEO, Dr. Michael P. Crosby, says that the new educational offerings from Mote SEA will not only expand formal STEM education to every k-12 student in our area, but will also “transform our ability to provide informal science education and enhanced levels of ocean literacy to much larger and more diverse populations in our community.”

Here’s more good news. Mote’s not leaving City Island, where it’s been—in one form or another—since 1970. All of the space currently devoted to housing the Aquarium’s marine animal life will be changed over to accommodate a more robust research agenda. “Over the years, lots of scientists have wanted to come and be part of the research we’re doing on manatees, coral reefs, sharks, and more,” says Moore. “But we simply didn’t have the room.

By moving the public animal habitats to Mote SEA, our research capacity on this campus will be greatly increased.”

And here’s even more good news. Mote’s not diving into the aquarium business blind, so to speak. They’ve been running the current aquarium in a revenue-positive manner for years, so expanding to a world-class version means they’ll be able to go from being merely revenue-positive to bringing in $3 million a year, which they plan to use to further the education efforts of Mote SEA.

Moore says they expect 700,000 visitors in the first year, with 640,000 each year thereafter. “Though our space is being built to accommodate 1,000,000 people per year,” he adds. With expectations like those, Mote SEA sounds like

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SARASOTA SCENE | SEPTEMBER 2020

Mote education program.

Credit Conor Goulding.

The best news of all—in a very immediate, COVID-ravaged-world way—is the local economic benefits Mote SEA will provide.

Initially, there’s an estimated impact of $280 million from the construction alone, but long term, the impact looks to be $28 million annually from the operations.

Rendering: Mote Science Education Aquarium habitat.

Visitors at Mote Aquarium, touch habitat.

Credit Olivia Raney.

Visitor at Mote Aquarium, diamondback terrapin habitat.Credit Carlos Matthews.

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it’s going to be both popular and one of Sarasota’s signature contemporary buildings.

One of the ways Mote SEA is going to stand out is how it uses technology. Public Relations Manager Stephannie Kettle says that when the current City Island campus brought virtual reality into the Aquarium, the results were tremendous. People loved it. “So, from the start of our planning for Mote SEA,” she explains, “we knew we wanted to incorporate hightech engagement and learning opportunities like VR and AR.” Considering that this new aquarium complex is being constructed in such a tech-savvy age, it’ll be far easier to purpose-build things like VR and AR directly into Mote SEA’s DNA. Retrofitting tech into decades-old aquariums just doesn’t provide the same level of results.

Something many will be both shocked and excited about is their plan to allow people to…wait for it… dive into Mote SEA’s habitats. “There’s a separate back-of-house space set aside for changing rooms and equipment,” reports Moore. “And for a fee, people can sign up to dive in a half million gallons of saltwater in the Gulf of Mexico habitat and safely swim with the sharks.”

And while the majority of creatures in the Mote SEA exhibits will be connected to the research efforts of the Mote scientists, the popularity of a past traveling exhibit has convinced them to add in a special treat.

Penguins. The new aquarium will have actual penguins in an Antarctica-style habitat.

How cool—literally!—is that?

In a time when the majority of news in the daily headlines is negative, this is welcome good news.

It reminds us all why Sarasota is a such a special place. While other areas are shutting down, closing off, and thinking about limitations, we’re looking to grow, expand, and be the type of community that is worthy of such a world-class institution as Mote SEA seems poised to become.

For more information on Mote Marine Laboratory or the future Mote SEA, please visit www.mote.org or call 941.388.4441.

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SARASOTA SCENE | SEPTEMBER 2020

Each one of us has the potential to impact a person, a cause, a community. For 40 years,

90 Funded Performances 800 Unlocked Imaginations 1600 Standing Ovations

the Community Foundation of Sarasota County has matched donors to causes, creating lasting impact.

You can be the one to make a difference.

cfsarasota.org

SEPTEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

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Ecstasy (B), 1953 | Woodblock print; ink and color on paper with mica by Saitō Kiyoshi, 1907–1997 | 79.8 × 74 cm (31 7/16 × 29 1/8 in.)

The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Gift of Charles and Robyn Citrin, 2019, SN11658.62

THE RINGLING:

SHARING HUMANITY IN A “FRAUGHT TIME”

BY SYLVIA WHITMAN The statue of David in The Ringling’s courtyard may be wearing a mask, but coronavirus protections haven’t kept the museum from offering the Sarasota community the balm of art. Spacious galleries and 66 acres of grounds allow for ample social distancing, with only the upper floors of Ca’ D’Zan and the interactive circus galleries off limits. Individual audio tours have temporarily replaced groups led by docents. And for those longing for lectures, artist talks, and panel discussions, The Ringling has a virtual lineup in a variety of registers. October’s offerings range from spooky stories from the collection to Vancouver-based artist Howie Tsui’s musings on the martial arts, Buddhist hell scrolls, Hong Kong politics, and stories of exile and isolation.

“It’s been an interesting challenge to think about what can we do to engage and connect with people to

provide this sense of shared humanity in this really fraught time,” says Laura Steefel-Moore, head of the museum’s education department.

IN THE GALLERIES At a time when art, like people, often has to stay put, The Ringling’s patrons can enjoy extended exhibitions interrupted by the lockdown: Chinese artist Sun Xun’s 3-D animated film, Time Spy; Howie Tsui’s multimedia panorama, Retainers of Anarchy; Syd Solomon’s selection of camouflage-infused paintings, Concealed and Revealed. Curators have also drawn from the museum’s collections to mount new shows. Raiding the closet? Hardly. Being Seen features recent acquisitions of photos by Black women exploring identity, gender, and power. Opening in November, Kabuki Modern spotlights Kabuki actor portraits from late 19th to mid-

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Yamamura Kōka (Toyonari) (Japanese), 1885–1942 | Actor in a Chinese Opera, 1924 | Published by Yamamura Kōka Hanga Kankōkai | Woodblock print; ink and color on paper | 15 3/4 × 14 3/4 in. (40 × 37.5 cm) | John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Gift of Charles and Robyn Citrin, 2019, SN11668.7

Steady Gaze (Two Cats), 1952 | Woodblock print; ink and color on paper with mica | 60 × 44.5 cm (23 5/8 × 17 1/2 in.) | The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Gift of Charles and Robyn Citrin, 2014, SN11412.91

20th century Japan, both mass-produced woodblock prints and custom-made paintings.

Many of the prints are recent gifts, including an album donated less than a year ago by Elenore Baldinger, a Marylander who was visiting her family in Sarasota.

The album contains 100 portraits of a single actor in different roles from the 1890s—images on display for the first time. “It’s really exciting to get all of these out,” says Asian art curator Rhiannon Paget. “The prints are really, really exquisite. They were printed with the finest material and highest technical levels available at that time, with gorgeous colors, shimmering mica backgrounds and altogether superb artisanship. Very dynamic.” Also making a debut is a refurbished and remounted painting purchased in 2017.

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“It’s lovely to be able to show things that haven’t been on view before,” adds Paget. “Asian art may be The Ringling’s most recent area of focus, but the collection is strong and attracts a great deal of interest locally and further afield.”

ON THE GROUNDS More than fine art draws visitors to The Ringling.

Events manager Christina Fraser books all kinds of gatherings—a schedule the pandemic has put through the shredder. “We’ve had to reinvent everything we do,” she says.

With mega weddings on hold, Fraser’s team began promoting “elopement packages” for local couples: outdoor spot, half an hour, under 10 guests, BYOO (bring your own officiant). One couple chose the site of

Shin’ei, active early 20th century | Onoe Baikō VI as Oiwa, Number 4 from the series Actor Portraits, 1926 Published by Matsuki Heikichi | Woodblock print; ink and color on paper | 15 1/4 × 10 1/4 in. (38.8 × 26 cm) | Museum purchase through the David J. Patten Asian Art Fund, 2020, 2020.15

Clay Image, 1952 | Woodblock print; ink and color on paper by Saitō Kiyoshi, 1907–1997 | 82 × 54 cm (32 5/16 × 21 1/4 in.) The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Karl A. Bickel, 1961, SN8070

one of their first dates, under a banyan on the tree trail by the bay.

Tickets for yoga on the Ca’ D’Zan lawn have also been selling out. “People are looking for opportunities to escape from stress,” says Fraser. Next on tap: acoustic music at sunset. Picnic, anyone? Providing food and drink will be Metz Culinary Management, the new food service vendor revamping the Banyan Café and the soon-to-be-rechristened restaurant. The coffee shop has just reopened as Starbucks, and fine dining is set to return by October.

IN THE ETHER The total lockdown of spring pushed the education team to reimagine face-to-face gatherings. The Ringling’s monthly Reflection Program, for instance, invites people

with dementia and their care partners to the galleries for facilitated conversations. Do you like this painting?

How does it make you feel? Although migrating to Zoom sometimes diminishes images’ breathtaking qualities, it has also enabled less mobile members of the memory-loss community to participate. Interactive and educational online family programs offer another kind of respite, for parents: screen time without guilt! Although the team encourages moms and dads to participate, they can also take a short break, leaving the remote teaching to The Ringling.

Distance offerings have expanded the museum’s reach.

Snowbirds and other out-of-towners can attend the virtual book club or live events like “Ask a Curator” and “Contemporary Questions about the Historic Circus.”

Free for members, most sessions cost $5 and require a SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 2020 2020 || SARASOTA SARASOTA SCENE SCENE

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Shōji, Katsura Detached Palace, designed 1954 | Woodblock print; ink and color on paper | 32 × 76.6 cm (12 5/8 × 30 3/16 in.)

The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Karl A. Bickel, 1961, SN8067

“ticket,” a way of keeping the Zoom frame intimate and manageable. The informality of connecting from home “tends to make the conversations a little more relaxed and easygoing,” says Steefel-Moore. “You also get to see sides of personality that you wouldn’t if everyone was in the gallery.” Afterward, recorded content goes up on the website, accessible to national and international audiences at any time.

As well as going broad, online presentations can also run deep. High-res images allow close-ups—details viewer might miss in a gallery. Comparing two images side by side is a cinch. No longer tethered to physical displays, a virtual tour can cross eras and emphasize themes. With digital programs, Steefel-Moore says, “it’s much easier to pull up photographs, prints, or other artworks that aren’t currently on view in the museum.” With Black Lives Matter in the news, the museum can spotlight works by Black, indigenous, and other artists of color.

Finally, the ed team is imagining how to capitalize on not being in a museum full of rules and decorum.

Steefel-Moore put together a food-based tour complete with a tasting menu sent to participants in advance: Inches from a digital reproduction of a still life, for instance, viewers could be savoring the flavors in the scene.

LOOKING FORWARD TO SPRING Although no one knows exactly what 2021 will bring, comfort, diversity, and creativity will carry into the season. To date, the museum has announced two new 48

SARASOTA SCENE | SEPTEMBER 2020

exhibitions. Frans Hals: Detecting a Decade opens on Valentine’s Day—a collaboration between The Ringling and the Dallas Museum of Art, where this close-focus exhibit is currently on view. It juxtaposes two portraits of the same man, Haarlem brewer and mayor Pieter Jacobsz Olycan, painted about 10 years apart by 17th century Dutch Baroque artist Frans Hals. For the first time, the two paintings are hanging side by side (one belongs to The Ringling, the other to a private collector), giving viewers a rare chance to see how a master’s technique evolved.

Saitō Kiyoshi: Graphic Awakening, a single artist exhibit, moved up on the museum schedule, from April to mid-March. “He’s probably the best known modern Japanese printmaker in the U.S.,” says Asian art curator Paget. “During the postwar period, he emerged as a favorite among the members of the Allied occupation.

Then he was able to take advantage of all these new exchange programs that were launched by the American government and NGOs to strengthen ties between Japan and America” at a time—the ‘50s and ‘60s—when officials were trying change the image of Japan from enemy to Cold War ally. A graphic designer and illustrator first—”he had a very keen sense of design”— Saitō failed as a painter and “actually hated making prints.” Which is ironic, Paget explains, because among his peers no one better “exploited the physical materials of woodblock printmaking in a more explicit way than he did. He has all these wonderful woodgrain textures in his prints, lots of gouge marks; you get a sense of the power of the chisel scraping the surface of the wood, and then the stickiness of ink as it

Kabuki Modern: Opens Nov 13, 2020 – June 27, 2021

Opens Feb 14, 2021 – May 16, 2021

Saitō Kiyoshi: Graphic Awakening: March 14, 2021 – August 15, 2021

Zanele Muholi, South African, born 1972, Kodwa II, Amsterdam, from the series Somnyama Ngonyama (Hail the Dark Lioness), 2017, Gelatin silver print, Museum purchase, 2017, SN11594.2 | © Zanele Muholi

pulls away from the block to the paper.” Given the variety of his subjects and technique, Paget promises that the exhibit will offer “something for everyone.”

expertise,” says Cartwright. “It’s no small feat to create something that’s beautiful and safely adhered to the wall.”

Mounting the show and writing the catalog—earlier than first planned, on a tightened budget—has posed a number of challenges: research libraries closed, delivery systems disrupted. But the pandemic lockdown had a silver lining, says Paget. “I had a little bit more time at home to devote to the final stages of the manuscript.”

Despite the uncertainty of these times, Cartwright takes heart that so many people have chosen to live in Sarasota because they feel passionate about the arts, the third largest employer in Sarasota County.

Aficionados appreciate the benefits of museums and theaters and botanical gardens. “They don’t want these things to go away. We have such a long history of support. That gives me great hope.” She knows old friends want to support The Ringling, and she trusts they’ll return as they feel able and comfortable to do so.

Sarah Cartwright, Ulla R. Searing Curator of Collections, has also found some unexpected grace. There are the extended exhibits, the fresh look at materials in the collection, new tricks like live-streaming from galleries, and the chance to finish projects. In January, the museum completed the reinstallation of a large gallery, but during the pandemic lull, local woodworker Dale Rieke completed a humongous frame for the recently restored 13x22 foot portrait, Emperor Justinian. “He was really excited about being able to contribute his

“I hope that they recognize that we still very much do need their help.”

See The Ringling’s website for the latest info on exhibitions and events: ringling.org.

SEPTEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

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Experience elegant dining inside or alfresco...

From its inviting old world charm and sophistication to its timeless, artistic cuisine, let the legendary Cafe L’Europe take you on an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Carry Out Available!

431 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota | 941.388.4415 | cafeleurope.net

50

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AND THE ARTS & CULTURE ALLIANCE OF SARASOTA COUNTY

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ALL PERFORMANCES, EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS LISTED IN THIS GUIDE ARE SUBJECT TO DATE CHANGE OR CANCELLATION DUE TO COVID 19. PLEASE CHECK WITH THE VENUE BEFOREHAND.

ARTS & CULTURE GUIDE SPONSORS | RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART + DESIGN, COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SARASOTA COUNTY, MORTON’S MARKET, GOLD & DIAMOND SOURCE, MAULDIN & JENKINS SEPTEMBER 2020 | |SARASOTA SCENE 5151 SEPTEMBER 2020 SARASOTA SCENE

PERFORMING ARTS Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota

with Kayo Iwama, piano

The Chorus & Orchestra of Anna Maria Island

April 21, 2021

PO Box 1213

Piano Grand V: The Ultimate Piano Grand

Holmes Beach, FL 34218

May 8, 2021

941.795.2370

Kendra Colton, soprano

1226 N Tamiami Trail, Ste 300

amicco.org

Sarasota, FL 34236

Asolo Repertory Theatre

941.306.1200

5555 N Tamiami Trail

artistseriesconcerts.org

Sarasota, FL 34243

The Circus Arts Conservatory

Performances at various venues.

941.351.8000

2075 Bahia Vista St

Omer Quartet with

asolorep.org

Sarasota, FL 34239

Hanzhi Wang, accordion

Grand Horizons

941.355.9805

October 11, 2020

March 2021

circusarts.org

Our Town

Visit website for performances.

A Soprano, a Tenor and a Piano October 26, 2020 Max Tan, violin with Joseph Holt, piano November 3, 2020 Nexus Chamber Music Chicago November 15, 2020 Palm Court Treasures November 22, 2020 Dick Hyman and the Florida Jazz Masters December 6, 2020 A Classic Christmas with Frisson December 13, 2020 Harumi Hanafusa January 9 – 10, 2021 Todd Thomas, baritone with Joseph Holt, piano January 21, 2021 Steven Banks, saxophone and Xak Bjerken, piano January 31, 2021 Amore - Love Songs with Anthony Nunziata February 10, 2021 Merz Trio with Jordan Bak, viola February 14, 2021 Rising Stars of Sarasota February 25, 2021 Antonio Chen Guang, piano February 28, 2021 Bill Buchman’s Art of Jazz Quintet March 10, 2021 Anthony Trionfo, flute with Albert Cano Smit, piano March 14, 2021 Ventures in Brass with the Venice Symphony Brass Quintet March 23, 2021 Vieness Piano Duo April 4 – 5, 2021 Rinat Erlichman, violin with Jun Cho, piano April 11, 2021 52

SARASOTA SCENE | SEPTEMBER 2020

Visit website for performances.

March 2021 Hood

Diversity: The Voices of Sarasota

May 2021

PO Box 2453

Knoxville

Sarasota, FL 34230

June 2021

888.550-6279

Billy Elliot the Musical

diversitysarasota.org

Fall 2021

Visit website for performances.

Ken Ludwig’s The Three Musketeers TBA

ensemblenewSRQ

Engage: Monday Musical Moments

PO Box 15372

Online Every Monday

Sarasota, FL 34277 ensrq.org

Belle Canto 8148 36th S E

Visit website for performances.

Sarasota, FL 34243

Florida Studio Theatre

941.400.2152

1241 N Palm Ave

bellecanto.org

Sarasota, FL 34236

Phenomenal Women:

941.366.9000

A Concert Celebrating EVERY WOMAN

floridastudiotheatre.org

Spring 2021

Visit website for performances.

Festival of Women’s Voices Workshop and Concert for Women ages 14 + Spring 2021

FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training 5555 N. Tamiami Trail

Choral Artists of Sarasota

Sarasota, FL 34243

PO Box 52987

asolorep.org/conservatory

Sarasota, FL 34232

Sister Carrie

941.387.6046

November 4 – 22, 2020

choralartistssarasota.org

Exit, Pursued by a Bear

Listen to the Earth Project

January 6 – 24, 2021

April 23 - 25, 2021

Baby with the Bathwater

Listen to the Earth Concert

February 17 – March 7, 2021

& World Premiere

Shakespeare in the Gardens:

April 25, 2021

Julius Caesar April 7 – 26, 2021

Glenridge Performing Arts Center

Jazz Club of Sarasota

Lemon Bay Playhouse

330 S Pineapple Ave, Ste. 111

96 W Dearborn St

7333 Scotland Way

Sarasota, FL 34236

Englewood, FL 34223

Sarasota, FL 34238

941.366.1552

941.475.6756

941.552.5325

jazzclubsarasota.com

lemonbayplayhouse.com

theglenridge.com

Visit website for performances.

Season Productions

Guitar Sarasota

Key Chorale

January 20 – February 14, 2021

Mini-Concert & Lecture Series

1233C S. Tamiami Trail

Almost, Maine

St. Paul Lutheran Church

Sarasota, FL 34239

March 10 – April 4, 2021

2256 Bahia Vista St

941.921.4845

Now and Then

Sarasota, FL 34239

keychorale.org

April 28 – May 16, 2021

941.260.3306

Together We Rise:

Baggage

GuitarSarasota.org

Celebrating the Resilience

June 9 – 27, 2021

International Concert Series

of the Human Spirit

Showcase Productions

Riverview Performing Arts Center

October 30, 2020—Virtual

Paisley Craze

1 Ram Way, Sarasota, FL 34231

A Holly Jolly Holiday

January 9, 2021

Johan Smith – Switzerland

December 18 – 19, 2020

Marcy Downey –

January 9, 2021

Bach & Vivaldi

Flashback! Fun with the 60s and 70s

Rene Izquierdo – Cuba

January 16, 2021

February 20, 2021

February 6, 2021

Coronation: Mozart & Haydn

Gid Pool Comedy Show

Antonio Rey Flamenco Troupe – Spain

February 13, 2021

With Al Ernst

March 6, 2021

Tomorrow’s Voices Tonight,

February 27, 2021

Laura Snowden – United Kingdom

Student Scholar Soirée

Jimmy Mazz

April 3, 2021

March 1, 2021

February 28, 2021

Cirque des Voix®:

James Hawkins

Vera & Imre Hecht

The Next Decade of Wonder

April 11, 2021

Emerging Artist Series

March 12,13, 14, 2021

Gid Pool With Peter Hefty

Art of Murder

April 17 –18, 2021

St. Paul Lutheran Church Sarasota, FL 34239

La Musica International Chamber Music Festival

Duo Excelsa

PO Box 5442

Manatee Community Concert Band

November 16, 2020

Sarasota, FL 34277

941.363.1237

Robert Philips

941.366.8450 ext. 7

manateeconcertband.com

December 21, 2020

lamusicafestival.org

See website for concert information.

Sam Desmet

Sonata A Due

January 18, 2021

February 8, 2021

Chattanooga Guitar Duo

Open Rehearsals

Manatee Performing Arts Center

February 15, 2021

TBA

502 3rd Ave W

Luther Enloe

Concert I

Bradenton, FL 34205

March 15, 2021

April 8, 2021

941.749.1111

Youth and Community Showcase

Concert II

manateeperformingartscenter.com

April 19, 2021

April 11, 2021

Go Ask Alice

Concert III

October 1 –18, 2020

The Island Players

April 14, 2021

Mamma Mia!

10009 Gulf Dr

Concert IV

October 22 – November 8, 2020

Anna Maria, FL 34216

April 19, 2021

Danny King of the Basement

2256 Bahia Vista St

941.778.5755

November 5 – 22, 2020

theislandplayers.org

Cinderella December 3 – 20, 2020 Hot Air January 7 – 24, 2021 Titanic January 14 – 31, 2021 SEPTEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

53

February 18 – March 7, 2021

North Port Performing Arts Association

Pets!

6400 W Price Blvd

February 25 – March 14, 2021

North Port, FL 34291

Chaplin

941.426.8479

The Players Centre for Performing Arts

March 25 – April 11, 2021

nppaa.net

838 N Tamiami Trail

I Do! I Do!

Fun Home

Celebration Concert January 2, 2020

Sarasota, FL 34236 941.365.2494

Will Rogers Follies

North Port Concert Band

April 29 – May 16, 2021

northportconcertband.org

So Long Dearie!

Visit website for performances.

Farewell Tour

April 8 – 25, 2021

McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre

theplayers.org

September 3 – 13, 2020

1923 Ringling Blvd

North Port Chorale

A Few of Our Favorite Things

Sarasota, FL 34236

6400 West Price Blvd

Virtual Farewell

941.925.FUNY (3869)

North Port, FL 34291

September 25, 2020

mccurdyscomedy.com

thenorthportchorale.org

Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Visit website for lineup.

“Magic Moments”

October 17, 2020

February 13, 2021

Moving Ethos Dance

The Lights on Broadway

The Pops Orchestra

1768 Briar Creek Ln

April 17, 2021

PO Box 1622

Sarasota, FL 34235

Sarasota, FL 34230

941.312.1693

North Port Symphony

941.926.POPS (7677)

movingethos.org

northportsymphony.com

thepopsorchestra.org

Visit website for performances.

Made In AMERICA

Visit website for performances.

November 8, 2020

Musica Sacra of Sarasota

Jingle All the Way

Ring Sarasota

PO Box 50581

December 6, 2020

P.O. Box 2113

Sarasota, FL 34232

Love Story

Sarasota, FL 34276

941.405.7322

January 31, 2021

ringsarasota.org

musicasacrasarasota.org

On Broadway

Season 11

Ein Deutsches Requiem

February 28, 2021

February 21, 28

March 7, 2021

The Ides of March

& March, 21, 28 & April 11, 2021

March 21, 2021

New Music New College

The Ringling 5401 Bay Shore Rd

Caples Fine Arts Complex

OASIS — Opera for Animals: Singing is Saving

5800 Bayshore Rd

8437 Tuttle Ave #333

941.359.5700

Sarasota, FL 34243

Sarasota, FL 34243

Ringling.org

941.487.4888

941.351.1007

For a list of performances, visit

newmusicnewcollege.org

operaforanimals.org

Museums and Visual Arts section.

Flutist Claire Chase

Visit website for performances.

New College of Florida

Sarasota, FL 34243

Rise Above Performing Arts

January 20, 2021 The genre-crushing

Perlman Music Program/Suncoast

PO Box 51837

chamber group yMusic

941.955.4942

Sarasota, FL 34232

March 11, 2021

perlmanmusicprogramsuncoast.org

941.702.4747

The Art of Andriessen

15th Anniversary PMP Sarasota

riseabovearts.com

March 18, 2021

Winter Residency

Carrie

Fierce piano star Vicky Chow

December 19, 2020 – January 2, 2021

November 5 – 8 & 12 – 16, 2020

April 24, 2021

Super Strings

Footloose

December 2020

February 18 – 21 & 25 – 28, 2021

Works-in-Progress Recital

The Little Mermaid

TBA

May 13 – 16 & 20 – 23, 2021

54

SARASOTA SCENE | SEPTEMBER 2020

SaraSolo Productions, Inc. (Gotta Van)

The Cleveland Orchestra with

Behind the Curtain

Franz Welser-Möst, Music Director

Live Streaming With

PO Box 3102

& Yuja Wang, piano

Social Media IG & Facebook LIVE

Sarasota, FL 34230

January 24, 2021

Resident Choreographer Erin Fletcher

941.400.2036

Great Performers Series Concert: Bach

September 18, 2020

sarasolo.org

Collegium Japan

SCD Artistic Director

Visit website for performances.

January 28, 2021

November 13, 2020

Takács Quartet and Joyce Yang, piano

Zoe Austin Choreographer for

The Sarasota Ballet

February 25, 2021

“Dance Makers”

5555 N Tamiami Trail

Benjamin Beilman, violin,

January 15, 2021

Sarasota, FL 34243

and Yekwon Sunwoo, piano

Founding Board member Muriel Mayers

941.359.0099

March 1, 2021

about her 15 years with SCD

sarasotaballet.org

Emanuel Ax, piano

April 16, 2021

Refractions (Program 4)

March 16, 2021

February 26 – March 1, 2021

Sarasota Concert Band

Sarasota Cuban Ballet School

Serendipitous Movement (Program 5)

5317 Fruitville Rd #192

501 N Beneva Rd, Ste 700

Sarasota Opera House

Sarasota, FL 34232

Sarasota, FL 34232

March 26 – 27, 2021

941.650.1177

srqcubanballet.com

Mark Morris Dance Group (Program 6)

sarasotaconcertband.org

Visit website for performances.

Sarasota Opera House

Visit website for performances.

FSU Center for the Performing Arts

Sarasota Folk Club

April 9 – 10, 2021

941.371.1433

Sarasota Opera House

Sarasota Contemporary Dance Company

April 30 – May 1, 2021

1400 Blvd of the Arts, Ste 300

Fogertyville

Heroines (Program 7)

sarasotafolk.org

Sarasota, FL 34236

525 Kumquat Ct

Sarasota Choral Society

sarasotacontemporarydance.org

Sarasota, FL 34236

5317 Fruitville Rd #147

Theater Productions

941.377.9256

Sarasota, FL 34232

Live Streaming & Face to Face options

Visit website for performances.

sarasotachoralsociety.org

Dance Makers

Visit website for performances.

January 18 – 24, 2021

Sarasota Chorus of the Keys

choreography by Leymis

Sarasota International Folk Dancers (Sarasota Grapeviners)

P.O. Box 51751

April 29 – May 2, 2021

803 N Tamiami Trail

Tribute to Muriel Mayers evening of past

Sarasota, FL 34236

Sarasota, FL 34232 chorusofthekeys.org

Late Nights @ SCD – Live Streaming

941.923.3302

Visit website for performances.

SCD Chats on Zoom

ifdsarasota.webs.com

Meet the SCD family

Visit website for performances.

Sarasota Concert Association

September 16, 2020

PO Box 1714

Choreographers from Evolving/Revolving

Sarasota Jewish Chorale

Sarasota, FL 34230

September 30, 2020

941.355.8011

941.225.6500

Meet our collaborator legendary harpist

SarasotaJewishChorale.org

scasarasota.org

Ann Pilot

Visit website for performances.

Great Performers Series

October 21, 2020

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

SCD’s General Manager,

Sarasota Music Archive

Riverview Performing Arts Center

what to expect of SCD in 2021

Selby Public Library, Geldbart Auditorium

Moscow State Symphony Orchestra

January 13, 2021

1331 First St

with Pavel Kogan, Music Director,

Eliza Ladd

Sarasota, FL 34236

and Blake Pouliot, violin

January 2021

941.861.1168

January 14, 2021

Karim Manning

sarasotamusicarchive.org

February 2021

Visit website for performances.

Rachel Lambright March 2021 SEPTEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

55

Sarasota Music Club

Sarasota Orchestra

Venetian Harmony Chorus

PO Box 19613

709 N Tamiami Trail

701 N Indiana Ave

Sarasota, FL 34276

Sarasota, FL 34236

Englewood, FL 34223

941.925.3602

941.953.4252

941.480.1480

sarasotamusicclub.org

sarasotaorchestra.org

venetianharmony.com

Visit website for performances.

Visit website for performances.

Visit website for performances.

Sarasota Musica Viva

State College of Florida

The Venice Chorale

P.O. Box 1244

5840 26th St

The Venice Performing Arts Center

Osprey, FL 34229

Bradenton, FL 34207

1 Indian Ave

941.870.9885

941.752.5252

Venice, FL 34285

sarasotamusicaviva.org

scf.edu

941.484.8491

Visit website for performances.

Neel Performing Arts Center

thevenicechorale.org

Visit website for performances.

Holiday Joy

Sarasota Opera

December 6, 2020

61 North Pineapple Avenue

Suncoast Concert Band

The Season of Love

Sarasota, FL 34236

12308 Lobelia Terrace

February 14, 2021

941.328.1300

Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

Jazz Divine

sarasotaopera.org

941.907.4123

April 19, 2021

Fall Season

suncoastconcertband.org

Venice Concert Band

“Live from Sarasota Opera House” Streamed from The William E. Schmidt

Theatre Odyssey

1 Indian Avenue Venice, FL 34285

Opera Theatre, Sarasota Opera House

PO Box 1383

veniceconcertband.org

November 13, 2020

Sarasota, FL 34230

“From Bach to Broadway”

Concert featuring Sarasota Opera

941.799.7224

February 22, 2021

Resident Artists

theatreodyssey.org

“Musical Landscape”

Selby Gardens

Glenridge Performing Arts Center

March 22, 2021

November 17, 2020

One Act Play Festival

“Kaleidoscope””

Concert featuring Sarasota Opera

Through October 4, 2020

April 26, 2021

Historic Spanish Point

Urbanite Theatre

November 19, 2020

1487 Second St

The Venice Institute for Performing Arts

Resident Artists

Sarasota, FL 34236

1 Indian Ave

Winter Opera

941.321.1397

Venice, FL 34285

Tosca

urbanitetheatre.com

941.218.3779

February 6 – March 20, 2021

Visit website for performances.

veniceperformingartscenter.com

The Daughter of the Regiment

Dancing Dream: A Tribute to Abba March 18, 2021

The Pearl Fishers

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

February 20 – March 20, 2021

777 N Tamiami Trail

April 3, 2021

Attila

Sarasota, FL 34236

March 6 – 21, 2021

941.953.3368

Venice Musicale

vanwezel.org

PO Box 179

Visit website for performances.

2357 S Tamiami Trail #3

February 13 – March 13, 2021

Sarasota Opera Guild

Good Vibrations

941.374.2914

Venice, FL 34292

sarasotaopera.org

941.488.4902

facebook.com/sarasotaoperaguild

venicemusicale.org

Visit website for performances.

Visit website for performances.

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SARASOTA SCENE | SEPTEMBER 2020

The Venice Symphony Venice Performing Arts Center 1 Indian Ave Venice, FL 34285 941.207.8822 thevenicesymphony.org Brahms and The Boys November 20 – 21, 2020 A Holly Jolly Holiday

Friday, October 30th • 7:30 PM

December 18 – 19, 2020 Under the Big Top: A Tribute to the Circus

Our VIRTUAL season opener brings us together to experience the healing and hope of music. The Chamber Singers present an inspirational program of favorites, uplifting spirituals, and music that celebrates the resiliency of the human spirit.

January 8 – 9, 2021 A Night at the Oscars February 5 – 6, 2021 Superheroes and Schumann February 26 – 27, 2021 Game of Romes March 26 – 27, 2021 Fantasy, Firebird, and Fabiola April 23 – 24, 2021

Venice Theatre

Season subscriptions on sale now!

941.921.4845

key chorale

Sarasota’s Symphonic Chorus Joseph Caulkins, Artistic Director

140 W Tampa Ave

TickeTs @ KeyChorale.org

Venice, FL 34285 941.488.1115 venicetheatre.org Visit website for performances.

INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe

February 8-April 19, 2021

1646 10th Way Sarasota, FL 34236 941.366.1505

Sonata a Due

westcoastblacktheatre.org

February 8

The Soul Crooners

Michael’s On East A performance by Derek Han, piano and Daniel Avshalomov, viola, followed by cocktails and dinner.

October 7 – November 22, 2020 Black Nativity Ruby January 6 – February 21, 2021 Pipeline March 3 – April 11, 2021 Smokey Joe’s Café April 21 – June 6, 2021

photos: Frank Atura

December 2 – 27, 2020

Concert Series

April 8, 11, 14, 19

Sarasota Opera House The finest musicians from around the world present both familiar and unusual chamber music.

Musical Chefs Interactive Dinner April 15

Michael’s Wine Cellar A lively dinner featuring La Musica musicians leading cooking demonstrations to create your meal.

Sponsored by Gloria Moss in memory of Janet Hunter.

LaMusicaFestival.org • 941.366.8450 ext. 7 SEPTEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

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Help support local business by bidding on store, restaurant, spa, and home products or services in a fun, competitive digital auction format. The winning bidder receives a voucher or gift card to be redeemed at the business for the product or service they bid on.

FEATURED ITEMS

Boutiques & Bubbles for 2

Acupuncture Treatment

Dazzle Dry Mani/Pedi

Discover Sarasota Tour

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Angela’s Salon & Spa

BIDDING STARTS AT 50% OF RETAIL VALUE! VISIT SUNCOASTFIND.COM TO START THE BIDDING, OR EMAIL INFO@SUNCOASTFIND.COM TO LEARN MORE

58

SARASOTA SCENE | SEPTEMBER 2020

PHOTO BY NANCY GUTH

SARASOTA SCENE MAGAZINE PRESENTS

MUSEUMS & VISUAL ARTS Anna Maria Island Art League City Hall Field 5901 Marina Dr. Holmes Beach, FL 34217 941.778.2099 IslandArtLeague.org Springfest 2021 March 13 & 14, 2021

Art Center Manatee 209 9th St W Bradenton, FL 34205 941.746.2862 ArtCenterManatee.org *All exhibits for the remainder of 2020 have been cancelled due to COVID 19. Please check the website for 2021 updates.

Art Center Sarasota 707 N Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34236 941.365.2032 ArtSarasota.org Exhibitions Carl Abbott, Victoria Trespando, Art Center Instructors October 15 – November 27, 2020 Open Season December 10 – January 15, 2021 Cynthia Mason and Neil Bender, Vitus Shell, ASALH: Black Muse 2021 January 28 – March 5, 2021 Pop-up Exhibits March 8 – 13, 2021 “Off the Wall” Postcard Event March 12, 2021 James Martin, Jacob Bailes, Savannah Magnolia March 18 – April 16, 2021 Sarasota County Schools Spring Show April 19 – May 1, 2021 Booker Visual Performing Arts Senior Thesis Show May 5 – 14, 2021 Nancy Dillen, Kamel Moelrio, Peter Christ May 27 – July 2, 2021 “The Big Show” July 15 – August 20, 2021 Petticoat Painters, Sibel Kocabasi September 2 – October 1, 2021

Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island

Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society (FSWS)

5414 Marina Dr Holmes Beach, FL 34217 941.778.6694 AMIArtistsGuildGallery.com

7215 11th Ave W Bradenton, FL 34209 941.792.0608 SuncoastWatercolorSociety.com *All exhibits for the remainder of 2020 have been cancelled due to COVID 19. Please check the website for 2021 updates.

Embracing Our Differences Outdoor Exhibit PO Box 2559 Sarasota, FL 34230 941.404.5710 EmbracingOurDifferences.org Embracing Our Differences International Art Exhibit January 20 – April 1, 2021

Englewood Art Center Ringling College of Continuing Studies 350 South McCall Road Englewood, FL 34223 Ringling.edu/EAC *All exhibits for the remainder of 2020 have been cancelled due to COVID 19. Please check the website for 2021 updates.

Fine Arts Society of Sarasota PO Box 1432 Sarasota, FL 34230 941.330.0680 ArtsAdvocates.org Zoom Meeting with Kevin Costello: “What makes a masterpiece” (members) September 17, 2020 Online

Florida Maritime Museum 4415 119th St W Cortez, FL 34215 941.708.6120 FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org Virtual Museum Tours Available on the Clio app: theclio.com/entry/103506/tour Lectures Visit the website for virtual lectures Permanent Collections The Blake Banks Ship Models Maritime Library

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (The Ringling) 5401 Bay Shore Rd Sarasota, FL 34243 941.359.5700 Ringling.org Museum From Home: Virtual Events and Lectures (via Zoom) Virtual Gallery Conversation: Labor and Work September 9, 2020, 1:00 pm “Ask a Curator Day” Panel Discussion September 16, 2020, 1:00 pm Artist Talk: Howie Tsui with Ola Wlusek October 14, 2020, 3:00 pm Behind the Scenes of the Howard Brothers Model Circus October 14, 2020,10:30 am Virtual Gallery Conversation: Spooky Series October 28, 2020, 1:00 pm Contemporary Questions about the Historic Circus November 4, 2020, 1:00 pm Virtual Gallery Conversation: Feeling Thankful November 18, 1:00 pm Virtual Gallery Talk: Kabuki Modern December 2, 2020, 1:00 pm Exhibitions Sun Xun: Time Spy Through October 4, 2020 Tour du Monde Through October 18, 2020 Re-making the World: Abstraction from the permanent collection Through May 2, 2021 Syd Solomon: Concealed and Revealed Through January 24, 2021 Howie Tsui: Retainers of Anarchy Through November 29, 2020

SEPTEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

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Being Seen: Recent Acquisitions from the Ringling photography collection Through January 3, 2021 Suffragists and Circus October 25, 2020 – January 21, 2021 Kabuki Modern November 13, 2020 – June 27, 2021 Frans Hals February 14 – May 16, 2021 Saitō Kiyoshi: Graphic Awakening March 14 – August 15, 2021 Skyway 2021: A Contemporary Collection June 20, 2021 – October 3, 2021 Programs Family Programs: Learn from home anytime!

Available 24/7 on the website

Light Chasers: Plein Air Painters of the Suncoast PO Box 17463 Sarasota, FL 34276 941.924.0818 LightChasersinc.com *All events for the remainder of 2020 have been cancelled due to COVID 19. Please check the website for 2021 updates.

Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy 2121 N Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34234 941.364.3399 WhimsyMuseum.org *All events for the remainder of 2020 have been cancelled due to COVID 19. Please check the website for 2021 updates.

North Port Art Center 5950 Sam Shapos Way North Port, FL 34287 941.423.6460 NorthPortArtCenter.com Out of the Box October 5 – November 6, 2020 Black & White Plus One November 9 – December 4, 2020 Holiday Exhibit December 7 - December 24, 2020

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SARASOTA SCENE | SEPTEMBER 2020

Palm Avenue Arts Alliance

The Southern Atelier

PalmAvenue.com First Friday Walks September Swing September 4, 2020 An Evening of Classics October 2, 2020 A Prelude to Season November 6, 2020 Holiday Treasures December 4, 2020

7226 21st St E Sarasota, FL 34243 941.753.7755 SouthernAtelier.org Workshops Floral and Still Life Painting with Robert Johnson February 18 – 21, 2021 Interpreting Visual Reality with Carolyn Anderson March 8 - 11, 2021

Ringling College of Art + Design 2700 N Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34234 941.359.7563 ringling.edu/galleries Ian Dean: Nostalgicons Patricia Thompson Gallery August 28 – October 2, 2020 Open by appointment please email galleries@ringling.edu 2020 Annual Ringling College Faculty Exhibition Online Exhibition September 4 – November 27, 2020 020 Annual Ringling College Staff + Continuing Studies Instructors Exhibition Online Exhibition September 4 – November 27, 2020

Sarasota Museum of Art 891 S Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34236 Ringling College Academic Center Auditorium 2363 Old Bradenton Rd Sarasota, FL 34234 941.309.7662 sarasotaartmuseum.org Online Exhibits Color. Theory. & (b/w) sarasotaartmuseum.org/color-theory-bw The Memory Project: Barbara Banks, Worker sarasotaartmuseum.org/worker-project

State College of Florida Fine Art Gallery 5840 26th St W Bradenton, FL 34207 941.752.5225 SCF.edu/ArtGallery *All events for the remainder of 2020 have been cancelled due to COVID 19. Please check the website for 2021 updates.

Surface Design Guild Sarasota SarasotaSurfaceDesign.com Exhibitions & workshops offered year-round

Towles Court Art District 1938 Adams Ln Sarasota, FL 34236 941.587.9851 towlescourt.com

Venice Art Center 390 Nokomis Ave Venice, FL 34285 941.485.7136 veniceartcenter.com

HISTORY, SCIENCE & EDUCATION Adult and Community Enrichment (ACE) — North Port 4445 Career Lane North Port, FL 34289 ACE-Sarasota.com

Adult and Community Enrichment (ACE) — Sarasota 4748 Beneva Rd Sarasota, FL 34233 ace-sarasota.com

Anna Maria Island Historical Society 402 Pine Ave Anna Maria, FL 34216 941.778.0492 amihs.org Museum Tuesdays & Thursdays: 10am – 1pm

Big Cat Habitat 7101 Palmer Blvd Sarasota, FL 34240 941.371.6377 BigCatHabitat.org Yoga with Tigers Fourth Saturday of Every Month Sunset Safari Feast September 19, 2020 Wild-O-Ween November 28, 2020

C.G. Jung Society of Sarasota PO Box 50611 Sarasota, FL 34232 941.952.8188 CGJungSarasota.org INsight Lecture & Workshop Series Weathering the Storm in our Unprecedented Times January 29, 2021 Zoom Alternate if Live Event Canceled Synchronicity and Its Implications January 30, 2021, 9 am – 1 pm Zoom Alternate if Live Event Canceled Intimations in the Night: The Soul’s Call to Return Home February 19 & February 20, 2021 Zoom Alternate if Live Event Canceled

Path to the Soul March 12 – March 13, 2021 Zoom Alternate if Live Event Canceled Dreams, Life, Death, and the Alchemical Wedding Between Worlds April 9 – April 10, 2021 Zoom Alternate if Live Event Canceled Free Film Discussions on Zoom Select Evenings December 2020 – April 2021

Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast

Manatee County Agricultural Hall of Fame Feature Exhibit No Closing Date Core Exhibits Manatee County Agricultural Hall of Fame Citrus Vegetables & Fruits Livestock Horticulture Farm Shop & Garage Barn

400 Palmetto Ave Osprey, FL 34229 941.918.2100 ConservationFoundation.com

Events Palmetto’s Christmas in the Park December 3, 4, 5, 10 & 11, 2020

By Appointment Only

Crowley Museum & Nature Center

Manatee Village Historical Park

16405 Myakka Rd Sarasota, FL 34240 941.322.1000 CrowleyFL.org

1404 Manatee Ave E Bradenton, FL 34208 941.749.7165 ManateeVillage.org Museum Visit

By Appointment Only

Historical Society Of Sarasota County 1260 12th St Sarasota, FL 34236 941.364.9076 hsosc.com 2020 Hero of History Award Luncheon— Honoring Jon Thaxton March 18, 2021 *All events for the remainder of 2020 have been cancelled due to COVID 19. Please check the website for 2021 updates.

Manatee County Agricultural Museum 1015 6th St W Palmetto, FL 34221 941.721.2034 manateecountyagmuseum.com Exhibits Artwork of Pat Robertson Through October 16, 2020 Underwater Farms – Aquaculture in Manatee County Virtual Exhibit Online Now Live Exhibit Runs November 3, 2020 – Summer 2021 An Icy Enterprise November 3, 2020 Florida’s Turpentine Industry No Closing Date

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens 900 S Palm Ave Sarasota, FL 34236 941.366.5731 Selby.org Downtown Sarasota Campus The 45th Anniversary Orchid Show: Women Breaking the Glasshouse Ceiling October 10 – November 29, 2020 Lights in Bloom December 13, 2020 – January 2, 2021 Roy Lichtenstein’s Monet’s Garden Goes Pop! February 14 – June 27, 2021 Historic Spanish Point Campus Enchanted Garden Fairy Festival February 27 & 28, 2021 Anniversaries Selby Gardens’ 45th Anniversary

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy Sarasota, FL 34236 941.388.4441 Mote.org

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Fish, Fun and Fright October 23, 2020 Oceanic Evening October 31, 2020 Year-Round Exhibits The Teeth Beneath: The Wild World of Gators, Crocs and Caimans Shark Zone Creatures from the Reef Florida Bay Habitats Sea Turtles: Ancient Survivors Manatees Otters & Their Waters From the River to the Seas Oh Baby! Life Cycles of the Sea Exploration Gallery Fossil Creek

New College of Florida 5800 Bay Shore Rd Sarasota, FL 34243 941.487.4153 NCF.edu/new-topics-new-college Benefiting New College Foundation.

New College’s New Topics Privacy and Accountability: Not a Contradiction with Dr. Anita L. Allen October 1, 2020

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SARASOTA SCENE | SEPTEMBER 2020

Understanding the 2020 Presidential Election: What’s Going to Happen? What Does it Mean? with Eric Schickler and Alexis Simendinger October 15, 2020 Challenge and Response: Facing Hard Choices in a Time of Economic Crisis with William Dudley November 12, 2020 Reflections on a Congressional Career; Lessons for Today’s Politics with Lincoln Diaz-Balart February 18, 2021 Cybersecurity and Civil Liberties with Jennifer Granick March 18, 2021

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Ringling College of Continuing Studies 1050 S Tuttle Ave, Bldg 1 Sarasota, FL 34237 OlliatRinglingCollege.org Arts & Studio Courses Wheel Throwing: Beginner – Intermediate (SDA) October 5 – November 2, 2020

Powel Crosley Estate 8374 N Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34243 941.722.3244 BradentonGulfIslands.com/crosley-estate/

Ringling College of Art + Design 2700 N Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34234 941.351.5100 ringling.edu See Museums & Visual Arts for gallery exhibits.

Ringling College Library Association PO Box 814 Sarasota, FL 34230 RCLAssociation.org TOWN HALL: Lisa Genova November 9, 2020 TOWN HALL: Annie Leibovitz November 23, 2020 TOWN HALL: Gov. Chris Christie January 18, 2021 TOWN HALL: Tony Dungy February 1, 2021 TOWN HALL: Ronan Farrow February 15, 2021 TOWN HALL: Paul Nicklen March 15, 2021

Sarasota Children’s Garden 1670 10th Way Sarasota, FL 34236 941.330.1711 SarasotaChildrensGarden.com For full list of nature, gardening & art programs, please visit website.

Sarasota Garden Club 1131 Blvd of the Arts Sarasota, FL 34236 941.955.0875 sarasotagardenclub.org Holiday Tea December 5, 2020 Butterfly Club Event January 13 2021 Garden to Table Flower Show February 25, 2021 Gardens in Paradise March 13, 2021 IKEBANA Exhibition April 7, 2021

Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning (SILL) 8499 S Tamiami Trail, Box 219 Sarasota, FL 34238 941.365.6404 SILLSarasota.org

Sarasota Jungle Gardens 3701 Bay Shore Rd Sarasota, FL 34234 941.355.5305 sarasotajunglegardens.com Schedule of events available online.

Year-Round Exhibits Free roaming flamingos Alligator feeding pool Alligator, crocodiles, giant tortoises,

snakes and many other reptiles Parrots Birds of prey Lemurs African porcupine Coati Mundi Muntjac deer Petting zoo

SunCoast Alliance for Lifelong Learning (SCALL) PO Box 1072 Sarasota, FL 34236 SunCoastLifelongLearning.org Lifelong Learning Expo 2021 TBA

Suncoast Science Center Faulhaber Fab Lab 4452 S Beneva Rd Sarasota, FL 34233 941.840.4394 SuncoastScience.org For a list of camps, programs and events, please visit website.

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature 201 10th St W Bradenton, FL 34205 941.746.4131 bishopscience.org IQuest Second Saturday every month think + drink (science) Second Wednesday every month Stelliferous Last Wednesday every month KidSpace Second & Fourth Saturdays of each month Lunch & Learn Second & Fourth Wednesdays of each month Small Wonders: Insects in Focus Through October 18, 2020 Water’s Extreme Journey Through January 3, 2021

Venice Heritage PO Box 1190 Venice, FL 34284 941.237.0478 veniceheritage.org For a list of programs and events, please visit website.

SEPTEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

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FESTIVALS & FAIRS OCTOBER 2020 Classic Car Show

Venice Children’s Halloween Parade

Siesta Key Village Annual Holiday Lighting

Venice Main St visitvenicefl.org October 31, 2020

siestakeyvillage.org November 28, 2020

Lakewood Ranch Main St lwrcac.com/events October 2, November 6, December 4, 2020

Fright Night on St. Armands

Music on Main

NOVEMBER 2020

Lakewood Ranch Main St lwrcac.com/evetns October 2, November 6, December 4, 2020

Sarasota Gem-Jewelry-Bead Show Municipal Auditorium, Sarasota frankcoxproductions.com October 2 – 4, 2020

Downtown Sarasota Art & Craft Festival

St. Armands Circle starmandscircleassoc.com October 31, 2020

DECEMBER 2020 Carriage Rides, Strolling Carolers, Santa Strolls Lakewood Ranch Main St lwrcac.com/events Every Thursday in December 2020

Ferraris on the Circle

Bradenton Blues Festival

St. Armands Circle Park starmandscircleassoc.com November 7, 2020

Bradenton Riverwalk Pavilion bradentonbluesfestival.org December 4 – December 7, 2020

The Fence - Sarasota

Holiday Night on St. Armands

Nathan Benderson Park fence.photoville.com/city/sarasota November 8 – March 1, 2021

St. Armands Circle starmandscircleassoc.com December 4, 2020

Sarasota Boat Expo

Art & Design Show Sarasota

Main St, Sarasota artfestival.com October 3 – 4, 2020

Sarasota County Fairgrounds sarasotaboatexpo.com November 6 – 8, 2020

Robarts Arena artanddesignshowsarasota.com December 4 – 6, 2020

Jagfest Concours d’Elegance

Sarasota Architectural Foundation

Siesta Beach Seafood & Music Festival

St. Armands Circle Park starmandscircleassoc.com October 10, 2020

Sarasota Oktoberfest Gulfstream Ave, Sarasota paragonartevents.com October 16 – 18, 2020

Sarasota Celtic Music Festival Motorworks Brewing, Bradenton celtoberfest.org October 16 – 18, 2020

St. Armands Boat Show St. Armands Circle starmandscircleassoc.com October 18 – 19, 2020

42nd Annual Siesta Fiesta Siesta Key Village artfestival.com October 24 – 25, 2020

Lakewood Ranch BooFest Lakewood Ranch Main St lwrcac.com/events October 31, 2020

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SARASOTA SCENE | SEPTEMBER 2020

SarasotaMOD Weekend Multiple Venues sarasotamod.com November 6 – 8, 2020

St. Armands Circle Art Festival St. Armands Circle, Sarasota artfestival.com November 14 – 15, 2020

Siesta Beach paragonartevents.com December 4 – 6, 2020

Sarasota Gem-JewelryBead Show Municipal Auditorium, Sarasota frankcoxproductions.com December 4 – 6, 2020

2020 Chalk Festival Venice Airport Fairgrounds chalkfestival.org November 15 – 17, 2020

Lido Beach Holiday of the Arts paragonartevents.com December 7 – 8, 2020

Siesta Key Crystal Classic

Holidays Around the Ranch

Master Sand Sculpting Competition Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key siestakeycrystalclassic.com November 13 – 15, 2020

Lakewood Ranch Main St lwrcac.com/events December 12, 2020

Fall Arts & Crafts Show @the Shops at North Port November 21 – 22, 2020

Coquina Beach Seafood & Music Festival Anna Maria Island paragonevents.com December 11 – 13, 2020

Ponies Under The Palms Mustang Show

Porsches in the Park

Main St, Lakewood Ranch lakewoodranch.com November 22, 2020

St. Armands Circle Park starmandscircleassoc.com December 12, 2020

Sarasota New Year’s Eve Pineapple Drop Downtown Sarasota December 31, 2020

JANUARY 2021 Sarasota Winter Fine Arts Festival Downtown Sarasota paragonartevents.com January 9 – 10, 2021

Anna Maria Islandfest Arts & Craft Show 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach sunsetboulevardpromotions.com January 9 – 10, 2021

32nd Anniversary Circus Ring of Fame St. Armands Circle starmandscircleassoc.com

Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival Gulfstream Ave, Sarasota paragonartevents.com January 15 – 17, 2021

29th Annual Venice Fine Arts & Crafts Festival Venice Airport Grounds venicenokomisrotary.org January 16 – 17, 2021

Embracing Our Differences Bayfront Park embracingourdifferences.org Outdoor International Juried Art Exhibit January 20 – April 1, 2021

Bradenton Boat Show Bradenton Convention Center sarasotaboatexpo.com January 22 – 24, 2021

Forks and Corks 2020 eatlikealocal.com January 28 – February 1, 2021

Englewood Seafood & Music Festival Pioneer Park paragonevents.com January 22 – 24, 2021

St. Armands Circle Art Festival

Sarasota Spring Fine Art Festival

artfestival.com January 25 – 26, 2021

Downtown Sarasota paragonartevents.com March 6 – 7, 2021

FEBRUARY 2021 Sarasota Highland Games & Celtic Festival Sarasota Fairgrounds sarasotahighlandgames.com February 6, 2021

Winterfest at the Mansion Arts & Craft Show Phillippi Estate Park sunsetboulevardpromotions.com February 6 – 7, 2021

Downtown Sarasota Arts & Craft Show Five Points Park sunsetboulevardpromotions.com February 13 – 14, 2021

Sarasota Bradenton Home & Garden Show Bradenton Area Convention Center sarasotabradentonhomeshow.com February 15 – 16, 2021

Siesta Key Craft Festival Siesta Key Village artfestival.com February 20 – 21, 2021

The Venice Antiques Show Venice Community Center allmanpromotions.com February 22 – 23, 2021

St. Petersburg Fine Art Festival South Straub Park paragonartevents.com February 27 – 28, 2021

Fairy House Festival Historic Spanish Point selby.org February 28, 2021

MARCH 2021 Through Women’s Eyes International Film Festival Hollywood II, Sarasota throughwomenseyes.com March 5 – 7, 2021

Downtown Venice Art Classic W Venice Ave artfestival.com March 6 – 7, 2021

Sarasota St. Paddy’s Festival JD Hamel Park, Downtown Sarasota paragonartevents.com March 12 –14, 2021

Anna Maria Island Art League Springfest Art Festival City Hall Field, Holmes Beach islandartleague.org March 13 – 14, 2021

2020 Jewish Film Festival Various Venues jfedsrq.org March 17, 2021

Sarasota County Fair Sarasota Fairgrounds sarasotafair.com March 19 – 28, 2021

Downtown Sarasota Springfest Arts & Craft Show Five Points Park, Sarasota sunsetboulevardpromotions.com March 21 – 22, 2021

Suncoast BBQ & Bluegrass Bash Venice Airport Festival Grounds suncoastbbqbash.com March 26 – 27, 2021

Sarasota Film Festival sarasotafilmfestival.com TBA

Springfest at the Mansion Arts & Craft Show Phillippi Estate Park sunsetboulevardpromotions.com March 27 – 28, 2021

InspireSarasota! 2021 Five Points Park, Downtown Sarasota sarasotaarts.org TBA

SEPTEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

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APRIL 2021

Lakewood Ranch Spring Fine Arts Festival

Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival

lwrcac.com/events April 3, 2021

Main Street, Lakewood Ranch paragonartevents.com TBA

Nathan Benderson Park gwndragonboat.com May 15, 2021

La Musica International Chamber Music Festival

MAY 2021

Sarasota Music Festival

Sarasota Cinco de Mayo Festival

SarasotaOrchestra.org TBA

EGGstravaganza

Opera House lamusicafestival.org TBA

Florida Winefest & Auction floridawinefest.org TBA

Venice Shark’s Tooth Festival Venice Airport grounds sharkstoothfest.com April 9 – 11, 2021

Lido Beach Spring Fine Art Festival paragonartevents.com TBA

Suncoast Boat Show Marina Jack suncoastboatshow.com April 23 – 25, 2021

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SARASOTA SCENE | SEPTEMBER 2020

Gulfstream Ave, Downtown Sarasota paragonevents.com May 1 – 3, 2021

SUMMER 2021 Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week

Classic Corvette Car Show St. Armands Circle starmandscircleassoc.com May 2, 2021

11th Annual Harvey Milk Festival Five Points Park harveymilkfestival.org TBA

visitsarasota.com June 1 – 14, 2021

Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Lido Beach, Downtown Sarasota & Marina Jack sarasotapowerboatgrandprix.org June 27 2021

Christmas in July US Rowing Southeast Regional Championships Nathan Benderson Park nathanbendersonpark.org TBA

Downtown Venice visitvenicefl.org July, 2021

ARTS COMMUNITIES & ORGANIZATIONS AIA Florida Gulf Coast Chapter PO Box 160 Sarasota, FL 34236 941.315.8242 aiagulfcoast.org Sarasota Design Conference October 29 – Nov 1, 2020

Alliance Francaise de Sarasota

CreArte Latino Cultural Center 8251 15th Street E Airport Mall Plaza Sarasota, FL 34243 creartelatino.org

Florida West Coast Bead Society

Friends of Sarasota County History Center

Education Foundation of Sarasota County

PO Box 91 Venice, FL 34284 Chidsey Building: 701 N Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34236 941.275.2810 foschc.org Visit website for Florida Humanities Speaker Series info.

1960 Landings Blvd Sarasota, FL 34231 941.927.0965 edfoundationsrq.org

All Children’s Music Foundation

Embracing Our Differences

2150 Wason Rd Sarasota, FL 34231 941.306.9444

PO Bo 2559 Sarasota, FL 34230 941.404.5710 embracingourdifferences.org Outdoor International Juried Art Exhibit January 20 – April 1, 2021

402 Pine Ave Anna Maria, FL 34217 941.778.0492 amihs.org.

Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County 1226 N Tamiami Trail, Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34236 941.365.5118 sarasotaarts.org Celebration of the Arts Fall 2020 Alliance Member Exhibits January – May 2021 Inspire Sarasota Family Festival Spring 2021

Center for Architecture Sarasota 265 S Orange Ave Sarasota, FL 34236 cfasrq.org Tiny House Competition Exhibit April 29, 2021 to Early June 2021 Visit website for additional events, exhibitions and programs.

Arts Council of Manatee County

PO Box 25612 Sarasota, FL 34277 foundersgcsarasota.org Visit website for community events.

floridawestcoastbeadsociety.com

715 N Washington Blvd Sarasota, FL 34236 afsarasota.com

Anna Maria Island Historical Society

Founders Garden Club of Sarasota Founded 1927 - Member The Garden Club of America

Arts Advocates Chartered as the Fine Arts Society of Sarasota PO Box 1432 Sarasota, FL 34230 941.330.0680 artsadvocates.org Zoom: Baila Miller, “The Making of Modernism October 15, 2020 Anne Roddy, Elling Eide Library’s Chinese Puppet November 19, 2020 Andy Sandberg, Hermitage Artist Retreat November 21, 2021 Petra and Paul Ratner, Sarasota’s Film Programming February 18, 2021 Dr. Henry Ettman, “Developing New Audiences for Musical Arts: What We Can Learn from Jazz” March 18, 2021 Mary GrandPre, Illustrator of U.S. Harry Potter Books April 15, 2021

Friendship Knot Quilters' Guild Meetings held at Sarasota Community Church 4041 Bahia Vista Street, Sarasota, FL friendshipknotquiltersguild.com Cynthia Wismann: Wild Poppies November 16, 2020 Feather Study November 17, 2020

Gulf Coast Chapter of the US National Committee for UN Women gulfcoast@unwomen-usnc.org unworn-usnc.org Ongoing Programming Visit website for Book Club and Conversation dates.

Walk With Us December 5, 2020 Through Women’s Eyes International Film Festival March 5 – 7, 2021

Gulf Coast Italian Culture Society PO Box 2591 Sarasota, FL 34230 gcics.org

926 12th Street W Bradenton, FL 34205 941.746.2223

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Hermitage Artist Retreat 6660 Manasota Key Rd Englewood, FL 34223 941.475.2098 hermitageartistretreat.org Artful Lobster November 14, 2020 Greenfield Prize Dinner April 11, 2021

Historic & Preservation Coalition of Sarasota County 1260 12th Street Sarasota, FL 34236 941.364.9076 hsosc.com 2020 Hero of History Award Luncheon Honoring Jon Thaxton March 18, 2021 Visit website for Conversations at The Crocker, Trolley Tours, and Historic Sarasota Bay Cruises.

Lakewood Ranch Main St 8100 Lakewood Ranch Blvd Bradenton, FL 34202 941.907.9243 lwrcac.com/events

Manatee Village Historical Park 1404 Manatee Ave E Bradenton, FL 34208 manateevillage.org Arts & History of the Florida Cracker in Green – Virtual Visit website for digital tour.

Visit website for lectures, workshops and activities.

Manasota Weavers Guild PO Box 17876 Sarasota, FL 34276 manasotaweaversguild.com

Palm Ave Merchants Association palmavenue.org First Friday Walks (evenings)

The Parrish Arts Council parrishartscouncil.org Visit website for events, exhibitions and classes.

Petticoat Painters petticoatpaintersfl.com

Realize Bradenton Manatee Arts Education Council Supports, Promotes & Celebrates Pre-K-12 Public School Arts Education 1023 Manatee Ave W Ste 215 Bradenton, FL 34205 manateeschools.net Visit website for events and programs.

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941.621.6471 realizebradenton.com Bradenton Farmers Market Every Saturday from October – May Mainly Art Every third Saturday October – May Howl’Ween TBA

SARASOTA SCENE | SEPTEMBER 2020

Bradenton Blues Festival December 4 – 6, 2020 Art Slam 2021 March 12 – 13, 2021

SARTQ Artist Collective sartq.com Visit website for exhibition schedule.

Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation PO Box 1754 Sarasota, FL 34230 941.953.8727 preservesrq.org

Sarasota Choral Society 5317 Fruitville Rd Sarasota, FL 34232 941.343.9894 sarasotachoralsociety.org

Sarasota County Film And Entertainment Office 1680 Fruitville Rd Sarasota, FL 34236 941.309.1200 filmsarasota.com

Sara De Soto Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution 941.953.7955 facebook.com/saradesoto.fssdar

Sarasota Film Society

Sarasota Shell Club

Village of the Arts

Burns Court Cinemas 506 Burns Court Sarasota, FL 34236 Lakewood Ranch Cinemas 10715 Rodeo Drive #8 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941.955.3456 filmsociety.org Academy Awards Party April 25, 2021

PO Box 4124 Sarasota, FL 34230 sarasotashellclub.com Annual Sarasota Shell Show Potter Building/Sarasota Fairgrounds February 12 & 13, 2021

Bradenton, FL 941.747.8056 villageofthearts.com

Sarasota Garden Club 1131 Blvd of the Arts Sarasota, FL 34236 941.955.0875 sarasotagardenclub.org Holiday Tea December 5, 2020 Butterfly Club Event January 13, 2021 Garden to Table Flower Show February 25, 2021 Gardens in Paradise March 13, 2021 IKEBANA Exhibition April 7, 2021

Sumi-E Society of America Sarasota Chapter Brush Painting in the East Asian Manner Visit website for meetings and workshops. sarasotasumi-e.weebly.com

Suncoast Alliance for Lifelong Learning (SCALL) PO Box 1072 Sarasota, FL 34230 941.408.3723 suncoastlifelonglearning.org

Tapestry Artists of Sarasota 8069 Stirling Falls Cir Sarasota, FL 34243 941.359.1765 americantapestryalliance.org

Venice Main Street Sarasota Italian Cultural Events, Inc. PO Box 17292 Sarasota, FL 34276 Facebook.com/ItalyinSarasota

Sarasota Pen Women 941.342.8542 sarasotapenwomen.com For monthly exhibitions, visit website.

941.484.6722 venicemainst.com See Festivals & Fairs section.

Art Walks First Friday & Saturday every month.

Events & workshops schedules available online.

Visit Sarasota County 701 N Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34236 941.955.0991 visitsarasota.org Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week June 1 – 14, 2021

WEDU 1888 Brother Geneen Way Sarasota, FL 34236 941.375.9435 wedu.org

Women Contemporary Artists 3619 Quail Hollow Place Bradenton, FL 34210 941.739.3677 womencontemporaryartists.com

WSLR+ Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center 525 Kumquat Ct Sarasota, FL 34236 941.894.6469 wslr.org/music

SEPTEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

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on the town

Education MATTERS

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

FINDING PATHWAYS AT THE BISHOP In a time where few people are leaving home for anything except work and school, The Bishop is still creating new ways to engage the public in general, and young people in specific, because the value of what the museum offers is so significant. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature’s Director of Education, Tish Sacks, explains this further by saying, “Museums help us connect learning to the real world—moving beyond paper and pencil to the natural environment and the universe. We provide a way for students and teachers to place their learning in a context where students can have that AHA moment—‘Now I see why this matters.’”

As someone who has an annual membership at The Bishop, I’ve had my own share of AHA moments whether it’s looking at Clyde Butcher’s black-and-white photos of wildlife on and around the Myakka River, seeing the “Giants, Dragons, & Unicorns” traveling exhibit last year, or getting a sense of what Florida looked like three million years ago from the land of change gallery. Quite simply, The Bishop is full of AHA-worthy moments.

To answer one big question, yes—they’re still open. The times, though, are different than normal, so check before swinging by. Or better yet, buy tickets online to ensure they have the capacity to meet your needs. They’ve adjusted their standard admission pricing, too, which makes your visit— groups no larger than 10, please!—even more financially feasible than normal.

Yes, the planetarium shows are now shorter, and they allow a max of 30 in that space built for 118. People wear masks as they use the one-way paths and adhere to social distancing guidelines. There are no live manatee presentations to keep people from gathering in large groups in a single spot. But that doesn’t mean The Bishop isn’t offering a lot to its many visitors, patrons, and fans.

To help students find their own AHAs in these COVID-fraught times, Sacks reports that “we are planning for a range of

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Small Wonders Insects in Focus

options, keeping an eye on the emerging needs of teachers and students. This includes virtual and video offerings, outreaches, and field trip programs in a modified format for small groups. We are also looking at ways to modify the slate of early learning offerings we developed last year.”

Fundamentally, she notes, their approach to early learning remains the same—that the most important early learning begins with adults joining their children in a process of inquiry and discovery that engages all the senses. “Since COVID, we have been trying to provide as many online tools as we can to assist parents as well as teachers to pursue learning in a fun but safe way,” Sacks says. “We also recognize the challenges that families and schools in underserved communities face when finding resources to support their early learners, so we have been focusing a lot on making these resources as accessible as possible. This means continuing our partnership with the Soar in 4 Manatee community and our participation in Museums for All.” What’s perhaps most exciting about The Bishop is their free Pathways phone app. I’ve got it on my iPhone XR. If you want virtual tours? No problem. There’s the 15-minute “No Shoes, No Chert, No Problems” tour, “Water Adventures!” at 20 minutes, and the hour-long 4th-grade tour which was added in April to replace a longstanding free field trip opportunity The Bishop created to support 4th grade science

SEPTEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

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on the town

A Summer Science Camp participant codes his computer to command a robot to move — It’s Electric camp.

Summer Science Campers gather around Educator Becky Facer to observe an adult grain beetle in her hand as they learn about the life cycle of insects — Camp CSI.

benchmarks. “We modified an existing program and added companion materials that could be downloaded by students and teachers,” explains Sacks.

Did I mention how the app not only helps people with virtual and in-person tours, but that an AR (augmented reality) camera feature allows deeper interaction with certain exhibits, as well?

How terrific is that?

Martha Wells, Chief Community Engagement Officer at The Bishop, adds that the app helps people connect different things in the museum in ways they might not on their own, such as showing how mastodons and manatees are related.

Or you’ll simply discover things you didn’t know, like how giant sloths roamed Florida at one point. Who knew? (Well, I did, but that’s because I have the app.)

Wells has been with The Bishop for nearly a decade, and while these are trying times, she’s excited about all the museum is doing to keep people involved. That spirit of eagerness and meeting the needs of the community has been there from the start. “We’re really evolving. We’re developing this concept of deep engagement—not just being a place of things, but of experiences.” For her and others who work there, the physical space is just one important level. It also serves as a canvas upon which other experiences can be built.

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“We’re all about the positive, interactive museum experience,” says Wells. “Our entire approach to education is to make things engaging—to help others find the joy of discovery. Everyone pretty much has what they need when they walk in the door.

Questions that need answering, and things they enjoy. We’re doing all we can to take it from there.”

For those who think you’ve been to The Bishop before—a been-there-done-that mentality—Wells notes that there are plenty of new things to see. “I moved here from Chicago. I’ve worked at the Shedd Aquarium, the Adler Planetarium, the Brookfield Zoo, and elsewhere—those are all amazing places.

But The Bishop has been here for more than seventy years.

It was started by members of the community who felt history was important, and that commitment is part of our DNA. This is an incredible place, and it keeps getting better.”

F O R M O R E IN F O R M AT IO N

about The Bishop or their educational offerings, please visit www.bishopscience.org or call 941.746.4131.

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Best SEATS PERFORMING ARTS CALENDAR

941.351.8000 / asolorep.org Engage: Monday Musical Moments An online compilation of favorite moments from Asolo’s musical archives. Check in every Monday for a new Asolo Rep Musical Moment.

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941.355.9805 / circusarts.org CAC Connects Online platform bringing Performance, Training, Education & Outreach to the community with CAC’s coaches in live online classes and pre-recorded training sessions to keep your body moving and your brain socializing.

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941.366.9000 / floridastudiotheatre.org FST School for Youth Online Whether your interest is to explore personal creativity and confidence or serious theatrical training, discover an artistic home for yourself, your child, or your business with FST’s teaching staff of trained theater professionals.

941.359.5700 / ringling.org Virtual Talks & Lectures A dynamic line-up of live, conversational, virtual programs for your enjoyment from anywhere.

Through December 16

WHILE THEATERS ARE DARK RIGHT NOW, TAKE A COMFORTABLE SEAT AT HOME AND ENJOY VIRTUAL

SEVERAL ORGANIZATIONS. ALL LISTINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. PLEASE CHECK WEBSITE FOR UPDATES.

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941.365.2494 / theplayers.org So Long, Dearie! Farewell Tours One-hour tours of the theater to say farewell before re-locating in October.

Enjoy the bar, photo opportunities and more.

September 3 - 13

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SARASOTA ORCHESTRA 941.953.4252 / sarasotaorchestra.org Music Moves Us: Chopin Recital with Jeffrey Kahane Campaign of ‘social distancing’ friendly engagement with video vignettes from Sarasota Orchestra musicians.

Link for more information: sarasotaorchestra.org/music-moves-us

SARASOTA OPERA 941.328.1300 / sarasotaopera.org Sarasota Opera Online From living room and driveway performances to historic anecdotes, creative efforts keep virtual audiences entertained.

Links for more information: -sarasotaopera.org/throwback-thursday -youtube.com/SarasotaOpera -facebook.com/SarasotaOpera

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941.488.1115 / venicetheatre.org Classes for Adults Adults In-Person and Online Classes include Beginning Acting, Scene Study, Just Say Yes Improvisation and more.

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WESTCOAST BLACK THEATRE TROUPE 941.366.1505 / westcoastblacktheatre.org WBTT LIVE! Online See a select show via your Computer, Tablet, Smart Phone or Smart TV. Once you purchase your ticket, you will receive an email confirmation with instructions.

For a full list of this season’s performing arts events, view our Arts & Culture Guide.

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ALEXART INTERNATIONAL ART GALLERY alexartinternational.com | 813.465.1249 Virtual: Pop Food 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

September 4

ART UPTOWN artuptown.com | 941.955.5409 Live: Justice, Equality & Responsibility Tuesday – Friday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

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DABBERT GALLERY dabbertgallery.com | 941.955.1315 Live: Boundless Color - Florida Style 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Through October 31

ISLAND GALLERY WEST islandgallerywest.com | 941.778.6648 Live: Featured Artist – Jane Keeling Wednesday – Sunday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

September 1 – 30

MEG KRAKOWIAK GALLERY & STUDIO megkrakowiakstudios.com 941.400.2478 Live: Colorful Palette 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. or by appointment September 1 – 30

NORTH PORT ART CENTER northportartcenter.org | 941.423.6460 Live: Let the Colors Unfold & NPAC Instructor’s Showcase 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Through October 3

STATE OF THE ARTS GALLERY sarasotafineart.com 941.468.6914 Live: Rebound Tuesday – Friday: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

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Have an upcoming visual art event?

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Meet Artist

BIANCA SELKET As a native to Sarasota, I have always appreciated natural beauty. As a child, I began to draw at four. I noticed how silent the world became around me.

I always held that peace sacred, never losing my desire to draw what I saw.

I moved to Atlanta, GA for Art Direction. I found myself drawn back to Sarasota after decades away. Doors began to open for me. Though some only cracked, I pushed through.

I found a way to make the practice of fine art work for me, only after I first worked for it. In 2017 luck led me to Samantha Gohlar, founder of 501 c(3) youth minority professionals group Emerge Sarasota. I volunteered to assist the board chair of arts and culture, and after becoming a co-chair, I now serve as the board chair. With Emerge, I created many programs such as arts events and led sales at local craft markets where I sell my work and the work of other artists. A portion of our proceeds is donated to organizations aimed to implement laws ending systemic racism and police brutality.

Jessie Di Lorenzo, Arts Integration Specialist of the Any Given Child Foundation, enlisted my help as a teaching artist. I work to provide uniquely intertwined pathways of school curriculum and artistic expression. This past year I received a scholarship grant and graduated from Pineapple Yoga Studio’s teacher training program. This happened thanks to meeting Claudia Baeza, the Studio’s owner, when I was a 2018 exhibiting artist in ShannonRohrer Phillips’ Voice + Visibility Salon Series. The series is designed to connect and strengthen all women in business. In appreciation of my return to Sarasota, I aim to enrich our youth. My full portfolio and event dates can be found at biancaselketart.com

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Beach reads

Salt Water Taffy

By Kelli Lynn Woodend | Illustration by Darcy Kelly-Laviolette Dec 25th 2:45pm Beep Hi, Mimi Jo. It’s Momma. We’re all over here at Aunt Peggy’s just waiting on ya. Should we go on and eat? Just give me a buzz and let us know. I can fix you up a plate if you’re running late.

Call me. Bye-bye now.

Dec 25th 4:11pm Beep Hi, Mimi Jo. It’s Momma. The kids are itching to open their gifts so we gonna go on and start the Dirty Santa game. I’d hate for you to miss it. Oh, Aunt Peggy’s saying get your big fat butt over here and eat this bread pudding already. Call me. Check ya later now.

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Dec 25th 8:19pm Beep Millie Josephine, you call your momma back right this minute.

Now you got me all worried. I’m still at Aunt Peggy’s. Christina’s here. She said you’ve been ignoring her texts. The whole gang’s waiting on ya. I put your plate in the fridge. Already scraped the marshmallows off your sweet potatoes. Call me.

Jan 15th 11:46pm Beep It’s Momma. Not sure what to say. Thought I’d try to call ya. Just having a real bad night.

Beach reads Jan 16th 9:13am Beep Hi, Mimi Jo. It’s Momma. Just wanted to hear your voice again.

I’m at McDonald’s drive through. Thinking about all our parkinglot biscuits. Pretty silly, I reckon. Okay, guess that’s all I wanted to say. Bye-bye now.

Jan 19th 7:09pm Beep Sorry to call again. I’m out here on the porch drinking a Rumchata and root beer. Joyce turned me on to them. You get yourself a cup of ice in a Tervis tumbler, half Rumchata, half root beer. Might snow tonight. Still nice to sit outside. I got your puffy coat on.

Just wishing you were here with me. Okay. Check ya later now.

Jan 21st 1:14pm Beep Hi, Mimi Jo. Momma here. You forgot your umbrella in my car.

Did you know that? I just found it in the back seat. Guess I’m just looking for a reason to call. Bye-bye now.

Jan 30th 6:19pm Beep Just wanted to let you know they have Supermarket Sweep on Amazon Prime now. You were always so good at those grocery clues. Alrighty. That’s all.

Feb 4th 3:32 pm Beep Hi, Mimi Jo. Momma here. I just put a pork butt in the Crock-Pot and poured a big cold beer. Listening to my Tricia Yearwood CD. I know you’re so gosh darn sick of me playing that. I got a big ol’ nasty burn on my neck this morning. My curling iron again. Trying to look purty. For what, I don’t know. Bye-bye now.

Feb 6th 9:29 am Beep Morning, Mimi Jo. I got some shuteye last night, thank the Lord.

I’m staring at this here picture of Jesus taped up on my wall and maybe my mind’s all messed up, but I think it just winked at me.

Made me chuckle a little. Bobbie Dean Cutie Cat scratches at it a lot so it’s all torn up on the corners. Bobbie Dean Cutie Cat says hi, by the way. Alrighty. That’s all I wanted to say.

Feb 8th 10:44am Beep Momma here. Sun’s out today. Not that I’ve been outside or nothing. I called Christina this morning. Course she don’t answer her phone. I asked if she wanted to get some supper tonight. My treat. Who can turn down a free meal? Well, I guess a teenager can who doesn’t want to be seen with her granny on a Saturday night. Just thought we could keep each other company. Called Aunt Peggy, too. And Joyce. Everybody’s got something going on. Alrighty, Mimi Jo. I’m talking your ear off. Bye-bye now.

Feb 8th 11:45pm Beep Hi, Mimi Jo. It’s Momma. Christina never called me back. Didn’t you teach your baby girl anything about manners, missy? I ended

up having a big bowl of cold spaghetti in bed like Meryl Streep does in that one movie. It’s funner when she does it. Well, there’s a man in bed with her. So, of course, that’s a better time than I had. Bye-bye now.

Feb 11th 7:52pm Beep Called Christina again. She’s gonna meet me at Perkins in the morning for breakfast. I told her I’d pick her up, but she didn’t want to tell me where she’s staying. Fair enough. Just like her momma, I tell you what. Secrets. Secrets. Check ya later now. Bye-bye.

Feb 12th 11:54 am Beep Welp, all hell broke loose with Christina this morning. She got so gosh darn mad at me. I brought up Christmas, and she just slammed her hand down on the table, grabbed her purse, and stormed out the door. Didn’t even finish her pancakes.

Feb 12th 9:02pm Beep Hi, Mimi Jo. Oh, I reckon I’ve really messed things up with Christina.

I’ve called and called her. I wish she’d just come and live with me instead of some scuzzy boyfriend. I even got the back bedroom all set up for her. Looks real nice. We’ll see.

Feb 14th 9:13pm Beep You know what? There was a time in life when I loved Valentine’s Day. Had your daddy. Had my babies. Better paying job. Benefits.

Breeding the Basset Hounds. Those were some real good days.

One year your daddy got me a spoon rest, and I was over the moon. It’s the little things, ain’t it? Treated myself to some Mexican tonight. Got my queso dip, chimichanga, frozen margarita. Now, I got the TV on full blast. Earth Girls Are Easy. I’ve never seen it, but I love me some Jeff Goldblum. And Geena Davis, well she might be my favorite. Has she even done much lately? She’s the type of actress who has the looks and all that, but she just always seems a little unsure of herself or something. She looks like Christina, huh? I’m always saying, “Christina, now why don’t you get some new clothes? Some earrings maybe? Burlington. TJ Maxx. All good deals. You can look real nice for not too much money.”

But she just likes to look messy. Why is that Mimi Jo? Why do people like to look messy all the time? She’s still not talking to me. Welp, Happy Valentine’s Day. I got some Girl Scout Cookies cooking in the freezer.

Feb 15th 7:46am Beep Hi, Mimi Jo. Didn’t sleep too well last night. Now this might sound crazy, but I think I heard someone messing around in the kitchen.

Around 3:30am or so. Probably just my silly pills.

Feb 17th 8:42 pm Beep Hi, Mimi Jo. Momma here. Peggy and Wavy went up to Smoky Mountains last weekend and got me a big ol’ box of salt water taffy, so, I got CSI on, and I’m sorting out all the flavors on the bedspread. Made a little pile for ya. I know you like the orange

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Beach reads crème and key lime pie so’s you can have those. Putting all the banana ones and spearmint ones in my pile. Now I know we both like the pina colada ones, so I’m dividing those up evenly between us. I swear, Mimi Jo, I’ll never forget that time you got that strawberry taffy stuck to your white jeans when we were all up at Niagara Falls. Remember that? Oh, my gracious. I was laughing so hard I had tears running down my legs. Good times.

Good times.

Feb 20th 3:20pm Beep Was just looking here at my account online and, sure enough, got more money going out than coming in. So much debt, Mimi Jo. I’m ashamed of it. Could never really talk to you about it. I still owe on the house. I drive an old car. Don’t have anything flashy to show for it. My social security checks just don’t cut it. I buy the store-brand food when I can. Always couponing. Now Bobbie Dean Cutie Cat is into these pricey bisque packets. I tell you what. Alrighty, enough of my blabbing. Gonna try to save up some money this year. Help Christina out a little bit.

Feb 21st 11:34pm Beep Hey, Mimi Jo. Momma here. You know I don’t like the word “ghost,” but I keep feeling like there’s something going on in the house. Could have sworn I just heard someone clapping in the other room. I don’t like that one bit.

Feb 22nd 1:05am Beep It’s Momma again. Still can’t sleep. Bobbie Dean Cutie Cat is doing that terrible thing cats do. You know, staring at something invisible in the room. What is it, Bobbie Dean? What is it? I’m not gonna hang up the phone tonight if that’s alright. Just gonna keep you on the line and put it by my pillow. Alright then. Nighty night, Mimi Jo. Talk to ya in the morning.

Feb 23rd 7:45pm Beep That’s it. I can’t take it. I’m staying over at Joyce’s tonight.

Feb 24th 7:07 am Beep Hey, Mimi Jo. I’m here in Chick-fil-A parking lot, just praying my rosary. I can’t stay at Joyce’s anymore. I’ve never seen so many urns in my life. Her husband Gary, her mother Connie, her sister Rainy. And then two Corgis, Cheese Ball and Queen Mary. You know, last night was the first time I spent a night away from the house in, gosh, maybe 15 years? Well, let’s see now. Maybe the motel at your wedding? Nope, I came back to the house early and missed all that BB gun drama. Alrighty, I got a hot chicken biscuit on my lap. Bye-bye now.

Feb 24th 7:45am Beep Momma here. Just got home. This house is so heavy with memories my shoulders ache just walking in the front door. Maybe Aunt Peggy wouldn’t mind me sleeping on her pull-out.

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Feb 25th 3:26 pm Beep Welp, Aunt Peggy’s didn’t work out too good. She’s still not over that whole cruise ship bungle. Wavy felt bad for me, gave me his camping equipment. It’s too darn cold to sleep outside. Maybe I’m being overdramatic. I can handle a little bump in the night.

Your daddy once got on a bull with a broken eye socket and a dislocated hip. I always think about that when I need to toughen up a bit. Check ya later.

Feb 26th 11:19am Beep Swish, swish, swish, swish, swish, swish, swish, swish, swish, swish.

Yes, um, give me one of those Kit Kats, why dontcha? And gas on pump seven. Swish, swish, swish, swish.

Feb 26th 11.22am Beep Mimi Jo? I think I just butt dialed you. Heaven’s sake. I’m out running my errands.

March 1st 3:15am Beep Hi, Mimi Jo. Momma here. Can’t sleep. Called up Father Greg and he’s coming by Friday. Wish Christina weren’t so darn blasted mad at me. Remember that time you got so upset with me ‘cause I wouldn’t buy you those paper dolls? Well, I spanked you good for that sassy mouth of yours. I just want to say I’m real sorry about that. I’d do anything to go back to that day. Worst three dollars I never spent.

March 2nd 4:39am Beep Hi Mimi Jo. Momma here. Have you ever seen The Intern? It looks real cute.

March 3rd 1:28am Beep Thought I just heard something again. I really wanna go in the kitchen and make myself a rainbow sherbet and 7up, but I reckon I’ll just stay in here on the phone with you for a bit.

March 6th 2:40pm Beep Hi, Mimi Jo. Well, Father Greg just swung by to do his little exorcism or what-have-you. Said some prayers, sprinkled some holy water.

I didn’t have much in the way of snacks. Bowl of Cheese Nips on the table, a few Fig Newtons on a saucer, Diet Dr. Lightening. He said he’s just down the road if I get a hankering to go to Mass.

Oh, he teases me. I told him, “Now Father Greg, you know I got all kinds of beef with the Catholic Church these days.” He didn’t press me. That’s why I like him. Oh, Bobbie Dean is all up in the Fig Newtons. Get down now, Bobbie Dean. Get down right now, lil’ missy. I gotta go.

March 7th 8:03am Beep Morning, Mimi Jo. Welp. The night went pretty good. No noises.

Nothing unusual. Still kept the lights on. TV, too. The Pelican Brief was on TBS. You know I love that one.

Beach reads March 8th 4:49pm Beep Hi, Mimi Jo. Momma here. Kinda felt like maybe swinging by the church today. Nothing fancy. Maybe just light a candle at that Mary statue I like. You never liked going to Mass and, well, I’m sorry for all those years I forced you.

March 9th 9:14pm Beep Hi, Mimi Jo. My shampoo bottle just fell in the shower on its own.

So much for the exorcism. I did stop by the church yesterday. Had a chat with Father Greg. Now, he went and called it confession, but I don’t really like that term. Just told him about my little problem-calling you up on the phone and all. I expected him to get upset with me, but he was real understanding. Said these things take time. He gave me a book. And not a boring Catholic book like I expected. It’s called Walden. I’ve never read it. Maybe you have.

He said it’s very popular. Suggested it might be good for me to get out in nature a bit. Less TV. Less junk food. Fill my mind with good things. Books. Birds. Brussels sprouts. Oh, I laughed. He don’t know me very well.

March 10th 9:15am Beep Hi, Mimi Jo. Momma here. I’m here at Panera. Getting myself a cinnamon crunch bagel with that walnut cream cheese. Trying to be healthy. Was up all night long. Still reading my book. Well, not READING-reading it. Just flipping through pages and stopping on a paragraph here and there. You know how I like to read my books. Here’s something that jumped out at me. “Go fish and hunt far and wide day by day, farther and wider, and rest thee by many brooks and hearth-sides without misgiving. Remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth. Rise free from care before the dawn, and seek adventures.” I just really like the way he puts things. It’s nice, huh? Alrighty. Back to my book.

March 11th 4:32pm Beep It’s Momma. I just got notice from the phone company. Since your bill hasn’t been paid lately, they’re gonna be shutting down your account in a few days. Just thought I’d call and tell ya.

March 12th 10:03am Beep I keep calling up Christina. She finally texted me last night. Just said, “Leave me alone, Granny.” Guess that’s a start. Put a little smile on my face. Bye-bye now.

March 13th 6:08am Beep You know, I keep reading this book and it’s got me thinking. I was a really good camper back in the day. Me and your daddy went camping all the time with some of our bowling buddies. This was back before you were born. I mean, hey, I can build a fire. I can fish. I make a real mean s’mores. My trick is using Snickers instead of Hershey’s. Oh, it’s real good. And come to think of it, Uncle Wavy gave me that tent and camping equipment. Do you think that was a sign? I could drive down south where it’s a little warmer.

Just a few days maybe. A week or two? A little adventure of my own. Something to think about, I reckon. Alrighty. Check ya later.

March 14th 4:06am Beep Hi, Mimi Jo. Today’s the day they turn your phone off. Welp. Not really sure what to say. I guess this is goodbye for now. I love you, Mimi Jo. I know I don’t say that often enough. Now, you take real good care of yourself. Don’t worry. I’m not gonna get all mushy or nothing. We’ll just leave it at that. Bye-bye now.

March 14th 6:07am Beep Hi, Mimi Jo. Welp. It’s still on. Sorry to call again. Just sitting here on the porch and thought I’d listen to your voice recording one last time.

March 14th 7:45am Beep Just checking. Still there.

March 14th 2:45pm Beep Still there.

March 14th 5:51pm Beep Still there.

about the author Kelli Lynn Woodend Playwright Kelli Lynn Woodend was born and raised in Western Kentucky.

She has written scripts for Emmy Award-winning documentaries at History Channel and PBS. Her plays have been produced both nationally and internationally. She worked with the Muppets and Sesame Studios in NYC before recently relocating to Sarasota with her husband and son.

Connect with her on Instagram @dressmakerschild.

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arts&culture

LITERARY Scene

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

THIS MONTH’S SELECTIONS ARE ALL ABOUT SELF-IMPROVEMENT!

THE GRATITUDE PROJECT: HOW CULTIVATING THANKFULNESS CAN REWIRE YOUR BRAIN FOR RESILIENCE, OPTIMISM, AND THE GREATER GOOD EDITED BY JEREMY ADAM SMITH, KIRA NEWMAN, JASON MARSH, AND DACHER KELTNER

While I’m leery of subtitles that are 2x longer (or more!) than the actual title, this one makes a big promise, so I decided to give it a shot. I’m glad I did, too. Because prior to seeing this book, I didn’t know about the University of California, Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, which since 2001 has committed to exploring “the roots of happy and compassionate individuals, strong social bonds, and altruistic behavior— the science of a meaningful life.”

The pieces collected in this book—some direct from their online magazine, Greater Good (www.greatergood.berkeley.edu)—build on the insights, tips, and research their organization has compiled over the years. What has some of that research shown? For one thing, that studies consistently report how people who regularly practice gratitude report far “fewer symptoms of illness, including depression, and more optimism and happiness.” Their research also shows that they enjoy stronger relationship with friends, family members, and coworkers.

Sociologist Georg Simmel claims that gratitude encourages us to both appreciate these gifts but also to pay them forward, which is a type of “moral memory of mankind.” Many of these pieces echo that idea of moving from gratitude to action. Others delve into the psychology and neuroscience of gratitude. Perhaps more important, this book offers solutions such as to how a state of thankfulness can be created and applied—both on a personal and communal level—for the betterment of all.

Maybe it’s just the strange, isolated times we’re in, but this feels like an especially timely book. Some of the chapters I found most compelling are “The Surprising Neural Link Between Giving and Gratitude,” “How Gender Shapes Gratitude,” “How Gratitude Can Help Couples Through Illness,” and “Five Ways to Cultivate Gratitude at Work.”

With contributions by researchers, public figures, and others, this book goes beyond mere platitudes to offer something for most any reader who comes with an open mind and open heart.

RYAN’S RATING: 82

SARASOTA SCENE | SEPTEMBER 2020

YOUR NEXT FIVE MOVES: MASTER THE ART OF BUSINESS STRATEGY

BY PATRICK BET-DAVID

Some of you might already know Patrick BetDavid as the creator of Valuetainment—a leading YouTube channel for entrepreneurs. But he’s an author, too, and his new book is a “practical and effective guide for thinking more clearly and achieving your most audacious business goals.” Lofty sounding, right? But that’s what he’s all about in his own life—moving to the new higher level.

What I like about the book is the clarity of language he uses—you’re not going to find academic-speak in these pages. For example, consider business principle #1: No one has 100% job security including the founder or CEO. Or principle #2: What brought us here, won’t take us to the next level. Those are plain-English ideas that readers can ponder and soon find ways to incorporate into their own lives.

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For those ready for what’s next

Michelle has been a third-generation local and broker associate since 1982. Some of her awards include: • Five Star Professional - 13th year and the Florida REALTORS® Honor Society - 13th year.

• Her designations of importance are: Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS), • Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) and Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS).

• She also earned the Commitment to Excellence (C2EX) endorsement from the National Association of REALTORS® for agents who are committed to practicing business at the highest standards.

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941.724.4663 Michelle.Crabtree@PremierSIR.com MichelleCrabtree.PremierSothebysRealty.com Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate.

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arts&culture If you don’t run your own business, a few of these tips (like how to scale your business) don’t apply at the moment. But much of what’s being offered here can help you gain control and stability in a world in major flux. Underpinning much of this book is the mindset that constant reflection and improvement is a must for success.

In short, his passion is clear on every page, and his stern approach might be a bit cold, but as he shares in numerous anecdotes, when he lets emotions run the show, bad things have happened.

For any serious executive or entrepreneur, this down-to-earth and experiencebased book will help you see possibilities you likely haven’t before.

RYAN’S RATING: WWW.YOURNEXTFIVEMOVES.COM

THE HIGHLY SENSITIVE PERSON’S GUIDE TO DEALING WITH TOXIC PEOPLE

BY SHAHIDA ARABI

While I wouldn’t consider myself a try HSP (highly sensitive person), I’m comfortably on the empath side of the equation.

Many people find themselves right there with me, feeling easily overwhelmed by the world, suffering from needing to always people-please, and experiencing stress in any conflict.

In and of itself, notes motivational coach and bestselling author Arabi, that’s not an issue. But the naturally giving nature of these people makes them a frequent target by narcissists and self-centered individuals who simply see others as an opportunity to exploit for their own game.

You can protect yourself, though, explains Arabi. She offers evidence-based skills that are firmly grounded in cognitivebehavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Through the use of these skills, you’ll both notice and be empowered to shut down common tactics of manipulation, such as stonewalling, covert put-downs, and love bombing.

Arabi also offers targeted tips on how to protect yourself from the five main types of toxic people: garden-variety boundarysteppers; crazymakers and attention-seekers; emotional vampires; narcissists; and sociopaths/psychopaths.

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If you’ve ever wanted to create healthier boundaries and improve your sense of self, this book has the combination of practical strategies and welcome wisdom to help make a difference. There are plenty of journal reflections and other suggested activities here to keep one busy for a good while.

RYAN’S RATING: WWW.SHAHIDAARABI.COM

InHEALTH SLEEP DISORDERS

By Sanjay Yathiraj, M.D.

“O sleep! O gentle sleep! Nature’s soft nurse.”

— William Shakespeare

The irony is most adults born with sleep issues were able to do so without any difficulties as newborn infants.

Newborn infants are born knowing how to sleep.

However, this ability is lost when problems with sleep arise in adults.

Since antiquity, several thousand years ago physicians have noted good quality of sleep is essential for good health.

The human brain has an internal clock intricately balancing two opposing factors - homeostatic and circadian drive. The propensity to go to sleep versus propensity to stay awake respectively. Sleep time depends on age.

Sleep is organized into REM sleep versus non-REM sleep. REM stands for “rapid eye movement” and is typically when dreams occur. Non-REM sleep consists of stage I, stage II and deeper wave sleep. Deep sleep is typically when the body and brain perform maintenance functioning. Sleep problems include difficulties in falling asleep called insomnia, peculiar behavior during sleep called parasomnias, as well as excessive daytime somnolence or propensity to sleep too much during the day.

The treatment of insomnia consists of lifestyle changes referred to as behavior modifications and medications.

The first step of treating insomnia is good “sleep hygiene. “ This consists of changing the bedroom environment to be quiet without television. The bedroom should be used only for sleep and intimacy.

If no sleep occurs within 30 minutes, then get out of the bedroom. The wake-up time should be set the same every day. Avoid excessive alcohol since it can initially help the patient falls asleep, but the second part of the night sleep will be fragmentary.

Over-the-counter sleep aids, such as antihistamines, should be used with caution since one-half of the medication can remain in the body for 12 hours. Typically pharmaceutical sleep aids have the risk of loss of efficacy and older medications increase risks of falling in the elderly. Severe insomnia patients should see a sleep specialist board-certified physician in sleep medicine.

The second type of sleep problem is called “parasomnias” which are peculiar behaviors in asleep. For example, sleep talking which is benign. However, if new behaviors start to occur during sleep such as acting out dreams or sleepwalking, than follow-up with a medical sleep specialist is advised.

The third type of sleep disturbance is called “excessive daytime somnolence” which occurs when the quality of sleep is poor. The most common cause of excessive daytime somnolence (EDS) is a lack of an adequate amount of sleep time. Obstructive sleep apnea is also another risk factor for EDS. Risk factors include snoring, fatigue, observed stop breathing episodes, high blood pressure, morbid obesity, small throat size, 16 in neck size in women in 17 injury neck size in men.

Hopefully, this will give you an overview of underlying issues with sleep. We have already discussed why a good night of sleep is essential, with three types of sleep disorders consisting of insomnia, parasomnia, and excessive daytime somnolence. These issues can be successfully treated by a board-certified sleep medicine specialist physician.

Sanjay Yathiraj, M.D. Palma Sola Neurology Associates 2902 59th Street West, Suite D Bradenton Florida 34209-7021 Office: 941-877-7007 Facsimile: 941-238-9119 dryathiraj@psna.biz SEPTEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

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InHEALTH WHAT IS CHRONIC VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY?

By Federico Richter MD. RPhS. DABVLM

Chronic venous disease is a common disorder that affects the veins of the legs.

Roughly 25 million people suffer from venous disease in the United States. For years, varicose veins and spider veins remained on the medical back burner, receiving little to no attention for all but the severe cases. This was partly because the available treatments were mostly invasive and did not seem to be justified unless the condition was so severe that it threatened one’s quality of life.

These veins carry blood from the legs to the heart.

Normal veins have a series of one-way valves that open and close to direct blood flow from the surface of the legs to the deep leg veins from which calf muscles pump blood back to the heart. The valves also control the pressure in smaller veins on the surface of the legs.

In chronic venous insufficiency, vein walls weaken and valves are damaged, causing blood to pool in the legs.

The condition is usually hereditary and can occur as a result of a lack of exercise or prolonged sitting or standing. Other causes include a blood clot in a deep vein of the legs, called deep vein thrombosis; or inflammation of the veins, called phlebitis. These conditions can block valves or weaken veins.

Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing chronic venous insufficiency. These include obesity and pregnancy, both of which can restrict blood flow in the legs.

People who have a sedentary lifestyle, smoke, and who sit for prolonged periods, which can reduce blood flow in the legs, are at risk. The condition is more common in women age 50 and older but it can also affect men.

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Symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency include swelling, aching, and cramping in one or both legs.

People with this condition may have reddish or brown areas on the skin, scaly or leathery skin, and varicose veins.

Left untreated, the condition can lead to disabling pain and open sores or leg ulcers, especially around the inside of the ankles.

Modern vein treatments are simple procedures that are performed in an office setting with little to no down time. It is easier and less traumatic to treat vein issues when they are in an earlier stage than to treat the more serious problem, such as chronic venous insufficiency that have developed over time.

Finding the right vein specialist (Phlebologist) who focuses and dedicates full time to treating patients with venous disorders will help get this chronic disease controlled. It is very important to find a Phlebologist whom you can trust and with whom you can communicate. This is why I belief that a single procedure can cure vein problems or prevent them from recurring is, unfortunately, unjustified.

Vein disease is a lifelong problem and can be improved only with a long-term strategy that includes treatments when it is necessary and management of conservative measures in between those times.

Federico Richter MD. RPhS. DABVLM Florida Vein Center 6050-A 53rd Ave E Bradenton, FL 34203 941.907.3400 www.floridaveincenter.com

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This article brought to you by: Lutheran Services of Florida.

Kathleen J. Houseweart Director Sarasota Guardianship Program, 941-358-6330.

This article brought to you by: Lutheran Services of Florida.

Kathleen J. Houseweart Director Sarasota Guardianship Program, 941-358-6330.

LSF Guardianship program focuses on three areas:

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Protection - stepping in to protect the individual from potential abuse neglect or exploitation by completing an initial assessment to determine care needs and protect the person, property and assets

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Protection - stepping in to protect the individual from potential abuse neglect or exploitation by completing an initial assessment to determine care needs and protect the person, property and assets

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Coordination - promptly applying for benefits, coordinating services, overseeing card plans, medical appointments and any necessary treatment plans. All efforts are made to adhere to the ward’s wishes and support the least restrictive safe environment.

•

Coordination - promptly applying for benefits, coordinating services, overseeing card plans, medical appointments and any necessary treatment plans. All efforts are made to adhere to the ward’s wishes and support the least restrictive safe environment.

•

Advocacy - Educate the ward, their family and the community about guardianship and the alternatives. This includes facilitating the Family Guardianship Course in partnership with SCF twice a year, and providing community education to individuals and groups.

•

Advocacy - Educate the ward, their family and the community about guardianship and the alternatives. This includes facilitating the Family Guardianship Course in partnership with SCF twice a year, and providing community education to individuals and groups.

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87

arts&culture

Laughing MATTERS THE ONE ABOUT FAN MAIL, PART 1

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

S

omething regular folk might not appreciate about having a Pulitzer-prize-winning humor column is the volume of fan mail one receives. Oodles! Trunkfuls! Oceans of it!

Or so Dave Barry said in a video I watched on YouTube. Well, half of it, anyway.

To my utter surprise, it turns out that my humor dealio here also receives fan mail. And since this month’s exposé on the secret Illuminati agenda of squirrels didn’t quite pan out (I assure you, Great Squirrel Overlord, I’m following your orders to cease and desist to the letter!), it’s time for the first installment of “Ryan Responding to Fan Mail.” Because, well, letters!

If I read a little bit

between the lines

question all writer

s get from time

to time. Heck, I he

ard Stephen King

Thanks for asking,

I heard that you taught a humor cla ss at Ringling College. Ho w’d that happen?

You’re about as amusing as a parking tick et.

—“Slappy”

First!

—“Jim” 88

SARASOTA SCENE | SEPTEMBER 2020

at what you’re ge

tting at is a vers

ion of the ge ts th is three times per se? As a writer, I get my ideas from a combination of sources: 1. —marathon past -midnight Dungeon s & Dragons sess ions with my middle-s chool besties 2. —penguin séance s 3.—classified ads fr om the future

interview. My resp on

Hey! . Jerk! n w la y m ing on k r a p p Sto —“Bev”

here, it’s clear th

Bev!

ss, and mail you a out your home addre h ut sle , are u yo o wh is to figure out s.) But my inner My first instinct here you play-at-home fan r fo r” mo hu rk “da as , this is what’s known ra. (Coming Chupacabra. (In the biz d mail you a Chupacab an , big r pe su ile sm , to put my blue chin up “the callback.”)

Smurf child wants me is a technique called gh lau r he ot an t ye r e fo back to a previous jok , or are Chupacabras of us. But is it just me all e lik t jus r mo hu ill learning about e humans?

What can I say? I’m st s, and cats dressed lik ay gw Se ing rid le op pe ny? Like farts, REALLY inherently fun r, Slappy!

Thanks for the lette

Alas, Jim, you’re

not the first to

fire off fan mail

. You’re third. Bu

For that, I offer th

t the effort is m

is meager rewar

What’s the diffe

rence between

Whether or not

d.

having a latte an

you have time fo

Better luck next

r t.

time, Jim!

d being late?

uch appreciated

.

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89

arts&culture Hey, RVC! My stepdad is a big-ti me media guy in New York City, and I think with the right bribe ,I can get you booked on The Today Show. Whaddya say ?

FYI—I like Dom Perignon, really firstrate truffles, and Ferraris.

What a kind offer,

Larry! Thank you

so much. I’ve neve r met your friend, Dom, and all that much into breakfast foods (al l that syrup!). An Is that the new tr d Ferraris? iple-pepperoni op tion at Blaze Pizza ?

If so , count me in! Slic around! (Well, fo es all r you and me only . I’ve only got a sin gle 10% off coup on).

I can’t say that I’m

I’ll await your med

ia maven stepfath

er’s call.

—“Lawrence”

cryptozoology. th wi d sse se ob You seem really something? r o tch a u q as S t o? Are you par eali d e th s t’ a Wh —“Patrice”

What’s the most idiotic and use less purchase you’ve ever made?

—“Bob”

Yes.

o crank I’ll have t t a h t r e id s to cons hasepossibilitie razy purc c y a n a e m r a h O s here are S g that, I’ll about how e I’m doin ion, Bob. T il t h s e W u . q h the story e t s u in a r f t w a e e h r ’s t t e a h r Th e for an o uncove k in 1994, t in exchang o-meter t ember bac h c k m r in e u h R h t .

C in e h c it c up t an Catholi lly compli e the Rom ir I was tota u g q c in a h stock? t o t d e going relat common e r ft e o w s o s r e t ic a and Bill G hares of M mber of s Microsoft u n d ie if c unspe es. wenty tim t e k li il a ed that em . I forward lt u fa y m kie once.

That was eaten Twin lf a h a r otally ix bucks fo t think I t ink I paid s h h t ig I m ? u e o s a Y h . acky purc LY hungry n weird-w ally, REAL w e o r y s n bucks. a m w r I As fo e, and n from te ic w t o c d ra r p e h ll t ro er footba lked my b It was aft be fair—I ta o t t u b , overpaid

If you’d like to be part of the fun that’s a future “Ryan Responding to Fan Mail” episode, go ahead and zip away your notes to Spam@SceneSarasota.com. Better yet, just handwrite it on a sheet of onionskin paper, seal it in a 9x11 manila envelope, then stick it to your garage door with a bloody steak knife. I’ll come by and pick it up myself. Or I’ll send my pet Chupacabra to do it.

90

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