With Barbara A. Ramsay, chief conservator of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

What is the role of the conservator of a museum with hundreds of priceless paintings? How are old paintings restored to their original splendor? Ms. Ramsay will explain this ongoing behind-the-scenes effort.

Luncheons at the Sarasota Yacht Club are sponsored by Observer Media Group. 

With Peter Rothstein, producing artistic director of Asolo Repertory Theatre

When Peter Rothstein stepped into Michael Donald Edwards’ shoes, his vast experience gave him just the background he needed to guide Asolo Rep to exciting new heights. Rothstein will share his vision for Asolo’s future.

Luncheons at the Sarasota Yacht Club are sponsored by Observer Media Group. 

Take a guided tour of the paintings and sculptures owned by Arts Advocates on display at the Van Wezel. After that, step onto the stage where a Van Wezel guide will give you a peek behind the curtain and share stories and anecdotes about the colorful world of show business!

Suzanne Havens is a painter and photographer passionate about studying art and art history. She provides insights from both the artists' and critics' perspectives, offering a fast-paced journey through Western art. Suzanne's presentation is filled with captivating visual images aimed at engaging all audiences.

Roll up your sleeves and enjoy a medium that is full of surprises. Create a one-of-a-kind silk eyeglass case. Artist Dawn Gerardot Putman will demonstrate painting techniques.

The 2025 Scholarship Awards Luncheon is the annual celebration of our student scholars. Students will be introduced and some will perform. Our guest speaker is Courtney Smith, visual and performing arts director at Booker High School. Courtney was named 2023 Teacher of the Year, and she is a former Fine Arts Society/Arts Advocates scholarship winner.

Luncheons at Sarasota Yacht Club are sponsored by Observer Media Group.

Learn how to make creative portraits with your digital camera by watching, listening, and doing it yourself with help. We will use various types of lighting: continuous, flash, and moving flashlights. We will experiment with lighting placement, intensity, color temperature, modifiers, and reflectors. You will take turns being the model, posing the model, dressing the set, lighting, choosing camera settings for different effects, and more. You can watch and learn some techniques for development. 

Take a guided tour of the paintings and sculptures owned by Arts Advocates on display at the Van Wezel. After that, step onto the stage where a Van Wezel guide will give you a peek behind the curtain and share stories and anecdotes about the colorful world of show business!