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
Arts Advocates Gallery
The Crossings at Siesta Key mall
Suite 119, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail
Enter the mall through the doors next to Connors Steak & Seafood and turn left.
Member Artist Lorraine Robertson
2:00-4:00 p.m. on Saturdays, September 2-30
Lorraine, upon retirement as a family physician, returned to earlier loves in her life: painting and drawing. She studied privately with nationally known artists and attended the Art Students League, Woodstock School of Art, and the Southern Atelier of Fine Arts.
Member Artist Lynn Coppinger
2:00-4:00 p.m. on Saturdays, October 7-28
Lynn is a self-taught artist. She is mostly a realist artist but loves delving into abstract as well. Her favored medium, currently, is colored pencil, but she also frequently uses graphite, acrylics, pastels, watercolor, oils, and inks.
Veterans Exhibition
2:00-4:00 p.m. on Saturdays, November 4-25
A show of four Arts Advocates members who are also veterans: Diana de Avila, Jessica Hartman, John Quigley, and Mark Wiseman (pictured).
Member Artist Marie-Louise McHugh
2:00-4:00 p.m. on Saturdays, January 6-27
Marie-Louise’s painting style is contemporary realism. Her favorite medium is oil on canvas, but you will find some acrylic works, too. She also loves working on paper with gouache paints.
Member Artist Cecile Moran
2:00-4:00 p.m. on Saturdays, December 2-30
Cecile's work is found in numerous collections in the United States and Spain and has been exhibited in Massachusetts, California, New York, and Florida.
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.
