Our gallery was named Best New Gallery in Sarasota Magazine’s The Best of Sarasota 2022 Editor’s Picks!
“Arts Advocates has long been a collector and exhibitor of works by Sarasota artists, including our well-known Sarasota Colony luminaries. But when it opened its own space in the Crossings at Siesta Mall, it found a more permanent home and a spot where docent-guided tours could enlighten visitors.” Read the whole article here.
The gallery is also available for other organizations to host events. To arrange group and special tours, contact docent team leader Stephenie Frasher at docent@artsadvocates.org. For group events, contact Donna Maytham, gallery director, at pavlova03@comcast.net.
ON EXHIBIT
Currently on exhibit at the Arts Advocates Gallery are more than 20 pieces from our collection of renowned works by the Sarasota Colony of Artists who, in the 1920s, began migrating to Sarasota inspired by its natural beauty. They were also drawn by the arrival of noted art collector John Ringling, whose colorful and dynamic circus acts inspired many paintings and sculptures.
Also on view are five paintings by the Florida Highwaymen. The Highwaymen were a group of 26 black artists, including one woman, who were mostly self-taught and painted in Florida from the 1950s on for several decades. Because they were not invited to show their work in galleries, they sold their work from their cars along US 1 and A1A.
Over the years, our works of art have been on display at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and continue to be shown there as well.
Eleven Arts Advocates artworks are now on public display at Sarasota City Hall, 1565 First Street, Sarasota, FL 34236.
Group and special tours of our gallery can be arranged through Stephenie Frasher, docent team leader, at docent@artsadvocates.org or by calling 443-454-2206.
LOCATION
The Arts Advocates Gallery
The Crossings at Siesta Key mall, Suite 119 3501 S. Tamiami Trail at Siesta Drive, Sarasota Enter the mall through the doors next to Connors Steak & Seafood and turn left.
Member Artist Cosette Kosiba, 2:00-4:00 p.m. Saturdays, April 1-29
Watercolor and acrylic painting were Cosette’s initial focus, until she fell in love with pastel. She has studied pastel with Julie Skoda, Kathleen Newman, Jean Hirons, Joanna Karpay, Jacob Aguiar and Richard McKinley. She is donating 30% of her sales during her show to Arts Advocates.
Member Artist Helena Poto, 2:00-4:00 p.m. Saturdays, June 3-24
Helena's work follows a quote she wrote many years ago: “Life is a continuous line traveling towards the completeness of the last moment.” All of her work is an expression of this thought. The objects and subjects she paints are always, upon completion, exhibiting their purity of line and color, and expressing their deeper philosophical meaning of life.
Member Artist Alice Sundstrom, 2:00-4:00 p.m. Saturdays, May 6-27
So, In her show titles “A Journey to Places Unknown,” Alice invites you to leave behind what you think to be true. Buckle your seatbelt and begin a journey through a world that transforms and strains the boundaries of your current reality as you create an experience that is uniquely yours.
HOLD YOUR EVENT IN OUR GALLERY
The Arts Advocates Gallery is available to other organizations hosting special meetings, concerts and events. For more information, please contact Donna Maytham, co-gallery director, at 941-351-5361.
