On Wednesday, November 13 at the ART Ovation Hotel, Arts Advocates launched the new "Speaking of The Arts …" series.  Gayle Williams, Music Critic for the Herald Tribune called this series "a Town Hall for the arts."  The  overwhelming success of this event is a tribute to Suzanne Weitz, chair, and committee members Barbara Blackburn and Bo Galford.  The Committee is grateful to our leading sponsor, The Maryann and James Armour Family Foundation and also support from the Art Ovation Hotel and Cumberland Advisors.  There were over 160 guests in attendance and among these were many leaders from local art and educational organizations: Bruce Rogers from the Hermitage, Lee Dougherty Ross from Artist Series and Miriam Wallace representing the Humanities Department at New College. 

COMMENTS FROM OUR MEMBERS 

"Donna and Suzanne, the evening was beyond my expectations. I don't think I've ever been to a better lecture. (Marin) did not have to raise her baton to impress beyond words. What an extraordinary woman!"  Karen Mathis "What a wonderful talk last evening at Art Ovation.  It bodes well for this series and I want to thank you and all who worked to get Marin to speak in Sarasota.  I loved that she mentioned Paul Wolfe who was so influential in starting the music scene in Sarasota,"  Judy Levine.  "It was a flawless evening."  Jay Wilson, new member.

COMMENTS FROM THE COMMUNITY 

"What a fabulous program--Marin Alsop was just terrific, engaging, informative, and delightful to hear!  We are so glad we attended this educational and frankly charming event.  Kudos to you all for presenting such a quality program.  Please keep me posted about all of your upcoming events/activities."  Sharon Prizant, Director of Community Engagement, Cumberland Advisors.

PURPOSE

"Speaking of The Arts…" events give Arts Advocates an opportunity to collaborate with other arts organizations such as the Sarasota Orchestra, theSarasota Concert Association, Choral Artists of Sarasota and The Perlman Music Program. In addition, the series is a wonderful way to fulfill our mission: to Inspire creativity, advance education and connect the community to the arts. 

GOING FORWARD

"The Speaking of the Arts…" Committee (Suzanne Weitz, Barbara Blackburn, Bo Galford and advisors Waddy Thompson and Mary Ann Armour) are currently collaborating with Asolo Repertory Theatre to bring a 'high profile' personality from Broadway to spend an evening with us in Sarasota.  For this event, the format will be an interview and there will be an increased opportunity to interact with the audience.  A late March or early April date is planned