This presentation focuses on artists who have created alternative versions of iconic paintings depicting American history, including “Washington Crossing the Delaware” by Emanuel Leutze. These artists’ revised narratives reflect the different lenses through which they view our past and their hopes for our future.

The 2024 Scholarship Awards Luncheon is the annual celebration of our student scholars. Students will be introduced and some will perform. Our guest speaker is Ms. Sara Curtis Robinson, vice president for advancement of Ringling College and its arts and culture programs in the community including Sarasota Art Museum, Town Hall Lecture Series, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), and Englewood Art Center. 

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!

In celebration of Pride Month, June’s art talk features Arts Advocates member Jess Pope. Raised in a strict Pentecostal family – no tv, computers or dancing, no adornment in her hair or skirts above her knees – Jess was taken to a ballet by a neighbor when she was seven years old. Her life and dreams were changed forever. 

Jess’ work as a dancer and choreographer derives its point of view through issues of gender, erotic power, and queer mothering, leaning into the intersections of her experiences. She is a firm believer in the transformative power of movement, and everyone’s need for human connection and community.