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 six 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.
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 Elisabeth Trostli: "Fierce and Fabulous"
2:00-4:00 p.m. on Saturdays, April 6-27
Intricate fantasy portraits of women warriors, geishas, divas, and angels. Trostli uses a creative digital painting process to incorporate detailed visual references and embellishments in the creation of her works on canvas and paper.
Member Artist Michael Cohen: "What Light Does When Nobody's Looking"
2:00-4:00 p.m. on Saturdays, May 4-25
Michael’s work attempts to capture fleeting scenes we sometimes fail to appreciate as found art. He sees himself as a “collector” as much as a creator of these images. The subjects aren’t typically a person or object, but rather the light itself, its reflection or, in the case of deep shadows, the absence of light.
Member Artist Suzanne Havens: "Seeing With Imagination"
2:00-4:00 p.m. on Saturdays, June 1-29
Suzanne Havens holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and a Masters of International Business degree. She has mounted five one-woman shows. In 2020, her photo won best in show at the 40th Annual Selby Gardens Juried Photographic Exhibition.
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.
