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DRAYTON SAUNDERS ON OUR LOCAL MARKET OUTLOOK

NEW DOWNTOWN GEMS + FAB HOME PRODUCTS

DEVELOPER & FINANCIAL

EDUCATOR

Kim Githler

& PROGRAMS

ASOLO REP ROCKS WITH JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR SUMMER CAMPS

Burr Bakke, DDS

• Fellow of the American Dental Implant Association

• Fellow of International Congress of Oral Implantologists

• Fellow of the American Academy of Dental Facial Esthetics

• Member of American Academy of Implant Dentistry

• Post Doctoral Instructor of Full Mouth Reconstruction

• Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (only 550 accredited dentists worldwide)

• Fellow of the American Academy of Dental Facial Esthetics

• Post Doctoral Instructor of Full Mouth Reconstruction

• Member International Academy of Oral Biological Dentistry and Medicine

• Practicing dentistry for 33 years

• Member of North American Association of Facial Orthotropics

• Member of the American Orthodontic Society

• Member of the International Association of Orthodontics

• Member of American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine

• International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology

• Member of International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology

• Member of International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine

• Member of Academy of Holistic Dental Association

• RG Recognized Dental Laboratory Technician

Jill Morris, DMD

Cameron Johnson, DMD

Sydney Johnson, DMD

World Class Dentistry “When Experience Matters”

• Accredited AACD Cosmetic

• Implant Surgery and Restorative Dentistry in one Location

• Husband and Wife Team Combining 78 Years of Experience

• On-Site Laboratory Higher Aesthetics

• Post Graduate Instructors of Neuromuscular and Esthetic Dentistry

On Coveted Lido Key REDEFINING THE SARASOTA LIFESTYLE.

ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE.

Retirement Living On Sarasota Bay

SBC Resident Burt Herman: “Come

“We considered many alternatives, but in the end it all came down to Sarasota Bay Club. It was our son who encouraged us to settle here and, now that we have, we know it was the right move. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you’re not ready!”

We invite you to make Sarasota Bay Club your home! Experience our unique community firsthand by scheduling a private tour.

Call Mimi Nowak or Dana Moe At (941) 256-2618 Today.

1301 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Find us online at SarasotaBayClub.com

WHen It coMes to ReAL estAte, 2025 RePResents oPPoRtUnItY

By Drayton Saunders

HoMe & design stunning furnishings and décor from local businesses

By Reno Gomez & Julie Milton

PReseRving HistoRY a new home gives the royal treatment to a historic beauty

By Tom Reese

HosAnnA! asolo rep stages jesus christ superstar

By Scott Ferguson

designing A coLLection

a love of art creates an important partnership and a shared vision for artist support and connection

By Kaileia Suvannamaccha

cReAting tRAnsfoRMAtionAL exPeRiences beYond tHe stAge florida studio theatre camps, classes & programs

By Reno Gomez

this common problem – Bronze or Stainless

HOME TRENDS

Both materials offer excellent salt tolerance and oxidation/corrosion resistance with a minimum of maintenance. A variety of styles and finishes provide a perfect match to existing color schemes including rich patinas of classic bronze, contemporary polished or matte nickel, and black.

rich patinas of classic bronze, contemporary polished or matte nickel, and black.

Smitty’s Architectural Hardware, located inside The Plumbing Place, displays many lines of door hardware in beautiful styles for your home that are well suited for our demanding environment, and will create the first impression your front door deserves.

Beautifully crafted bathroom and kitchen fixtures, fittings and accessories from leading designers. Masterpieces of functionality and style showcased in an astounding showroom.

Replacing the door hardware in your home can be complicated. Let us take care of that for you. One of the experts at Smitty’s Architectural Hardware can visit your home to identify the type and style that fits your individual taste and your door configuration, and create a complete specification of handing, locking type and all other necessary details needed to complete your order. Call us today to schedule a ‘house call’ Your new look is just around the corner!

our showroom or

our showroom or call to arrange an appointment.

from the • PU b L is H e R

Let me get real. When it comes to our home, loving where you live is vitally important to your mental and physical health, your social interactions, and your overall enjoyment of life. For me, the reality is that I am not loving where I live.

As publisher of a magazine that sponsors and supports more than 100 non-profit events and arts performances each social season, I am constantly driving around town from event to event. And since most of these happenings take place in and around our Downtown area where our office is located, the choice of a townhome in Palmer Ranch was probably not the best idea for me, especially during our busy season with additional traffic!

There are so many wonderful reasons to love Palmer Ranch including its beauty, abundance of parks and recreational facilities, and of course the Legacy Trail. As an outdoor lover and cyclist, I love the Trail. But when I must drive home from Downtown several nights a week to get changed for a formal event and then drive right back Downtown, it has become quite stressful.

This was my first thought about home when I began thinking on what to write for this letter for our May Home & Design issue. Not good!

So, my mission this summer is to find my solution to be closer to Downtown, start loving where I live, and reduce my stress level during season. Any ideas from our readers or many friends, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Back on topic—the May issue! From new condos and developments to the state of our market, we start with local real estate.

First, we thank Drayton Saunders, president of Michael Saunders & Company, the leading real estate brokerage in Sarasota County in market share. Drayton explains how to navigate as either a buyer or seller in this year’s real estate market conditions, a market he considers full of opportunity—an important read for sure.

Our monthly Around Town features developer and financial maven Kim Githler, who has been involved in the development of several well-known Downtown Sarasota buildings that shape our skyline and who co-founded an educational financial investment company called MoneyShow decades ago. Her latest development project is One Park, an elegant new condo building located in Quay Commons, which she is developing with national real estate developer PMG. Kim’s life and career have been interesting and inspirational to say the least—especially for women. We thank Kim for sharing her story with our readers and for contributing so much to the fabric of life in Sarasota.

For the design and comfort of our homes, we are so fortunate to have incredible locally owned showrooms right in Sarasota. The Plumbing Place on Fruitville Road has a huge showroom of upscale kitchen and bath fixtures as well as beautiful architectural hardware for doors and cabinets. John Smithman has owned this local gem for many years and he and his team are top notch. The Murse Family has owned Rugs As Art for decades—it’s the rug superstore on

H JOHN KNOWLES, PUBLISHER john@scenesarasota.com

Perfect for those times when you don’t want or have time to cook but still crave something delicious. Morton’s kitchen offers an amazing array of gourmet entrees and comfort foods, all prepared from scratch and packaged to go.

Save time, money and effort while savoring the city’s best take-out, hands down. Don’t miss our huge selection of freshly made salads too!

South Tamiami Trail. Again, stellar customer service along with thousands of rugs at outstanding prices puts this store top of mind. Another wonderful local showroom is Mullet’s Appliances. The Mullet Family started this store in the 1970s and it has grown into the top source for high-end home appliances. Customer service and relationships are so important to these local owners and the decades of success they have enjoyed prove they are doing just that.

Also relating to home design, have you ever met anyone who designed their home around saving a tree? It happens, but it is rare for sure. In the case of Sarasotan John Dyson, his new home on John Ringling Parkway, built by Mike Bachman, owner of Elegant Custom Homes, is giving the royal treatment to a 150-year-old Royal Poinciana. Read all about it in this issue!

Our beloved Florida Studio Theatre offers theater camps, classes, and programs for young and older, offering experiences that transform beyond the stage. They have passionate professionals waiting to teach and inspire, so be sure to read more in our Education Matters article.

In the “Spotlight” this month, we feature the important educational outreach of Forty Carrots—the backbone of its programs. The organization’s outreach strengthens families bringing them important information, resources and support.

Giving and those who give are a key editorial component of Sarasota Scene. This month we feature artist Tim Jaeger and art collector Dr. Richard Mones whose collaboration has created an important partnership and shared vision in support of both students and artists. We also feature longtime philanthropist and businesswoman Milli Ricciardelli whose first visit to Children First launched a journey of love.

It’s a great time of year. Snowbirds are gone, and we have our city back. Enjoy the home where you live inside and the home that is our town outside. I’ll be looking for a new place to call home closer to Downtown before the snowbirds return!

Cheers!

Serving the Sarasota area for over 50 years

H JOHN KNOWLES, PUBLISHER john@scenesarasota.com

Publisher/Executive Editor H John Knowles

Managing Editor/Strategic Partnerships

Julie A. Milton

Executive Creative Director Darcy Kelly–Laviolette

Communications Specialist Gina Liga

Distribution Mike Straffin

Accounting Sally A. Bailey

Advertising Inquiries

Paul McNamara

Call/Text 917.751.6506 | paul@scenesarasota.com

Contributing Graphic Designer Laura Guzman

Contributing Writers

Scott Ferguson

Reno Gomez

Hunter Hageman

Julie Milton

Tom Reese Kaileia Suvannamaccha

Contributing & Social Photographer Nancy Guth

Contributing Photographers

Curtis Anderson, Jr.

Janet Combs

Jordan Kelly-Laviolette

Harry Sayer

Lori Sax

Official

Greeter &

Major Reacher

Music on Main

may 2

LWR Music on Main is a free concert series and block party with local food vendors, beer trucks, sponsor booths, and games and activities for the kids. Proceeds from the event will benefit a different local non-profit organization each month. Lakewood Ranch Main Street | lakewoodranch.com/musiconmain

may 3

The 27th Annual

Corvettes on the Circle Car Show

The show includes all Corvette model years from the classic 1953 C1 to the current 2025 C8. Trophies will be awarded to the top three cars in each generational class as well as Best in Show and Skyway Corvette Club Favorite. St. Armands Circle Park | skywaycorvetteclub.com

may 3-4

Downtown Sarasota Spring Craft Fair

A variety of jewelry, pottery, ceramics, photography, painting, clothing and much more will be on display. Plus an expansive green market with plants, orchids, exotic flora, handmade soaps and gourmet spices.

Five Points Park | artfestival.com

may 10

Petals and Poses

Mother’s Day Fashion Show

Head over to LWR Waterside Place for the ultimate Mother’s Day celebration, where fashion, fun, and family come together for a day to remember! Be dazzled as local boutiques hit the runway in a Fashion Show at 2:00 pm.

Waterside Place | lakewoodranch.com/events

may 10

Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival

This fun annual event offers something for everyone, from the excitement of racing and learning about the sport of dragon boat, to a Health and Wellness Village, where products and services are provided to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Nathan Benderson Park | nathanbendersonpark.org

Be Fabulous Music and Arts Pride Fest

Celebrate Sarasota’s vibrant community with music, art and performances that uplift and inspire.

Five Points Park | fabaf.org

Bradenton Marauders

Star Wars Night

The Marauders are playing a home stand against the Lakeland Flying Tigers while also paying tribute to the Star Wars franchise, with character appearances, themed jerseys, ballpark decorations and a post-game firework show.

LECOM Park | mlb.com

may 10 & 11

Mother’s Day Brunch at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Celebrate the grace and warmth of Mother’s Day with an elegant brunch that exudes sophistication and charm. Your brunch ticket grants you full access to the gardens and Selby’s spring exhibition, George Harrison: A Gardener’s Life.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Downtown Sarasota Campus | selby.org

may 14

Casino Royale Fundraiser

Enjoy an unforgettable evening at Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation’s glamorous James Bondinspired gala! Immerse yourself in luxury and entertainment with thrilling casino games, delectable hors d’oeuvres and cocktails while enjoying live music, raffles and auctions.

Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation | lakewoodranch.com/events

Come Home to Quality

Remodeling your dream home shouldn’t be a nightmare...

Elegant Custom Homes owner Mike Bachman, an accomplished homebuilding executive in Florida for more than 20 years, formed Elegant Custom Homes 5 years ago. His work continuously demonstrates his artistic talents while maintaining and defending his clients’ visions, confirming his stellar reputation as a builder. When looking to build a new custom home or renovating your existing home, look no further than Elegant Custom Homes.

For more information on Elegant Custom Homes, please call (941) 209-8434.

Flow from a cocktail hour in the Gallery or Terrace room to the 9,500 SF ballroom for the party.

30,000+ SF of indoor and lush outdoor space - perfect for photos!

Tasting the City - Sarasota

has been selected by as Editor’s Pick for Best New Event Destination of 2024

Indulge in Sarasota’s culinary treasures at Tasting the City, a food tasting event showcasing local restaurants and businesses.

BMW of Sarasota | eventbrite.com

St. Armands Fine Art Festival

Enjoy an extraordinary outdoor gallery of stunning works in sculpture, jewelry, painting, photography, glass, ceramics, mixed-media, metalwork, fiber art, woodworking, and more.

St. Armands Circle | paragonfestivals.com

Sarasota Memorial Day Parade

may 19 may 24-25 may 27

The parade begins at Main Street and Osprey Avenue at 11:00 AM and concludes at J.D. Hamel Park with a ceremony.

Downtown Sarasota | sarasotafl.gov

www.shellysgiftandchristmasboutique.com

Saturday

am - 6:00 pm

Family Movie Night at The Bay: Wicked

Enjoy a free, outdoor family-friendly movie under the stars. Kick off the end of school and warm up your vocals at the sing-along version of Wicked. The Bay, Sarasota |

Adopt-A-Palooza Pet Adoption Expo

The largest one-day pet adoption and expo-style event in Manatee County is back! Find a new friend among over 100 adoptable pets. Free to attend, family-friendly and leashed pets are welcome. Adoption fees waived in lieu of a donation.

Bradenton Area Convention Center | mymanatee.org/pets

to submit your event for consideration, please send information to publisher@scenesarasota.com

June 1-20 SAVOR SARASOTA RESTAURANT WEEK

This year, in celebration of Savor Sarasota’s 20th anniversary, over 50 restaurants throughout Sarasota County will offer multi-course menus with lunch for just $25 per person and dinner for $45 per person. savorsarasota.com

June 7-8

ST. ARMANDS CRAFT FESTIVAL & SIDEWALK SALE

This popular, free, outdoor event takes place inside St. Armand’s Circle Park. For two days, guests will enjoy works from over 175 artisans

St. Armands Circle | artfestival.com

June 12

U.S. ROWING YOUTH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

This event marks the pinnacle of the youth rowing season. Athletes will have earned their place through intense competition at the 2025 USRowing Youth National Championships

Qualifying Regattas, setting the stage for an unforgettable showdown of speed, strategy, and determination. Nathan Benderson Park | nathanbendersonpark.org

Monorail, Inc. + Inspire ETF

A Transformational Partnership for Conservative Values-Driven Investing

In a groundbreaking move poised to reshape the landscape of values-driven investing, Monorail, Inc., a leading financial technology company, and Inspire Investing, a renowned faith-based investment firm with over $3 billion in assets under management, have announced an exciting new partnership. This collaboration brings together Monorail’s cutting-edge financial technology platform, which serves over 13,000 accounts, and Inspire Investing’s innovative, biblically-aligned exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Together, they aim to deliver immense value to investors seeking purpose-driven financial growth.

The partnership has been championed by Phillip Dickson, CEO of Monorail, Inc., and Robert Netzly, CEO of Inspire Investing. Notably, Robert Netzly will also be joining Monorail’s board of directors, signaling a deeper alignment between the two organizations and a shared commitment to advancing values-based investing.

Synergy for a Greater Purpose Monorail, Inc., under the leadership of Phillip Dickson, has built a reputation for its intuitive financial tools designed to empower individuals and families to achieve their financial goals while staying true to their values. Known for its user-friendly interface, advanced analytics, and goal-oriented solutions, Monorail has consistently delivered personalized financial management experiences to a rapidly growing client base.

Inspire Investing, led by Robert Netzly, has become a pioneer in the faith-based investing space. With $3 billion in assets under management, Inspire’s ETFs are crafted using a rigorous screening process that filters out companies inconsistent with biblical values, such as those involved in abortion, pornography, and human

Phillip Dickson, CEO & Founder of Monorail

Photo by Curtis Anderson, Jr.

rights violations. Simultaneously, they include businesses that score high on Inspire’s Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI) principles.

The partnership combines Monorail’s technological innovation with Inspire Investing’s commitment to excellence in conservative, biblicalvalues investing, creating a powerful platform for individuals looking to align their portfolios with their moral and spiritual convictions.

Key Benefits of the Partnership

1. Enhanced Accessibility to Values-Based Investing

Through this partnership, Inspire ETFs will be seamlessly integrated into Monorail’s platform, allowing users to invest in biblically responsible funds with ease. Monorail’s 13,000 accounts represent a growing demographic of investors who previously found it challenging to align their financial goals with their conservative, biblical values. Now, they will have a streamlined solution at their fingertips.

2. Innovative Financial Tools for Strategic Growth

Monorail’s advanced financial technology will offer investors a comprehensive suite of tools to track, manage, and optimize their portfolios. This includes real-time insights into the performance of Inspire ETFs, personalized investment recommendations, and educational resources to empower users in their financial journey.

3. Increased Awareness and Adoption of Faith-Based Investing—The collaboration is expected to expand the reach of biblically responsible investing to a broader audience. Monorail’s rapidly expanding client base will now have access to Inspire’s well-regarded funds, thereby boosting awareness and adoption of faith-based investment strategies.

4. A Commitment to Social Impact—Both companies share a vision of using financial resources to create a positive societal impact. By promoting investments in companies that align with

biblical values, the partnership contributes to a movement toward more ethical business practices, empowering investors to make a difference through their financial choices.

Leadership Speaks

Phillip Dickson, CEO of Monorail, shared his excitement: “This partnership with Inspire Investing reflects our commitment to empowering our clients with the tools they need to invest according to their beliefs. By integrating Inspire’s trusted funds, we are taking a significant step toward bridging technology and values in the financial world.”

Robert Netzly, CEO of Inspire Investing and Monorail’s newest board member, echoed the sentiment: “We are thrilled to partner with Monorail, a company that shares our passion for purposedriven financial solutions. Joining their board of directors is an honor, and I look forward to helping guide the company as we create a future where investors can confidently align their money with their conservative, biblical convictions.”

Looking Ahead

The partnership between Monorail, Inc. and Inspire Investing marks a significant milestone in the world of values-based investing. With Inspire’s $3 billion in assets under management, Monorail’s 13,000-strong account base, and Robert Netzly’s presence on the Monorail board, the collaboration demonstrates the growing demand for investments that align with personal and spiritual values.

For investors, this union means more than just financial growth; it signifies the ability to align their money with their mission. With Phillip Dickson and Robert Netzly at the helm, the future of conservative values-based investing has never been brighter.

Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Monorail is not a registered broker-dealer. Securities are offered through ViewTrade Securities Inc., a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA/SIPC. Clearing and custody services are provided by Apex Clearing Corporation. SIPC protection applies to securities accounts but does not protect against market losses.

Statements regarding “millions in assets under management” and “thousands of users” reflect internal company data as of the most recent reporting period and are subject to change. These figures should not be interpreted as an endorsement of future performance or growth potential.

The upcoming cryptocurrency trading platform is not yet live and is subject to regulatory approval. There is no guarantee that the service will be available as described or at the expected timeline. Cryptocurrency investments carry additional volatility and risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Digital assets are not insured by the FDIC or SIPC.

Charlie Kirk and Lara Trump are paid endorsers of Monorail. Their statements should not be considered financial advice or an official recommendation to invest. Endorsements are for promotional purposes only and do not guarantee any financial returns or investment performance. The advice expressed in this advertorial are those of Monorail and are not the advice of Sarasota Scene or its editors.

Chris Friday: Where We Never Grow Old

MAY 4–AUGUST 10, 2025

Multidisciplinary artist Chris Friday invites visitors into imagined sanctuaries in her new site-specific installation. Tender depictions of Black figures resting peacefully and ceramics representing everyday items that conjure comfort for the artist make up this world, portrayed in a larger-than-life scale. Through this never-before-seen body of work, Friday invites viewers into her artistic haven where memory is sacred, imagination is incorruptible, the burdens of the outside world are lifted, and the soul never grows old.

IN THE GALLERIES

Personal to Political: Celebrating the African American Artists of Paulson Fontaine Press

MAY 4–AUGUST 10, 2025

Featuring works by 17 artists, this nationally traveling exhibition celebrates African American artists who are reshaping contemporary art. With 46 fine art prints, a selection of Gee’s Bend Quilts, and a largescale basketball pyramid installation, this exhibition showcases a diverse array of artworks by both highprofile and underrepresented visual artists.

Personal to Political: Celebrating the African American Artists of Paulson Fontaine Press is organized by Bedford Gallery at the Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek, CA.

Chris Friday. Future Venus in Two Parts (Part 1), 2025. Chalk on black archival paper, approx. 48 x 154 in. Courtesy of the artist; Chris Friday (American). Detail images of site-specific installation, Chris Friday: Where We Never Grow Old, 2025. Hand-built kiln-fired ceramic, glaze solid gold luster. Courtesy of the artist.

Loretta Pettway (American, born 1942), Remember Me, 2009. Color soft ground and spit bite aquatint etching with chine collé. Courtesy of Paulson Fontaine Press, Berkeley, CA.

PAR t Y pics

JEWISH NATIONAL FUND BREAKFAST FOR ISRAEL

Guests gathered at The Ora for the Jewish National Fund’s annual Breakfast for Israel. Russell F. Robinson, Chief Executive Officer, spoke about how the Israel Resilience Campaign supported the initial on the ground efforts, and how the Build Together Campaign and the Reimagine Campaign are dedicated to rebuilding Israel’s shattered southern communities and reimagining the future of Israel’s north.

Photo by Janet Combs.

Tamara Jacobs, David Epstein & Rabbi Brenner Glickman

Harvey Siegel & Shepard Englander

Saul Zuchman, Holly Fischer with Elana & Steve Walzer

David & Edie Chaifetz with Marsha Eisenberg

Cheryl Goldhirsch, Barbara Rosenzweig, Aaron Rosenzweig & Bruce Goldhirsch

Tania Castroverde Moskalenko with Award Honoree Paul Seed

Mary Bensel & Mark Famiglio Co-Chairs Jim & Susan Travers

Co-Chairs Drayton & Kara Saunders

James Matra & Melba Ramirez

Concert Series

A TRIBUTE TO FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS

10 seasoned entertainers preserve the music and iconic style of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons in this full-blown stage show featuring mega hits of the ‘60s.

May 18, 2025

A TRIBUTE TO THE TEMPTATIONS

Dedicated to recreating the true essence and the spirit of Motown super group The Temptations.

WOMEN & MEDICINE EDUCATIONAL LUNCHEON

A record 465 guests attended Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation’s 12th annual Women & Medicine Educational Luncheon. The event was held for the first time at The ORA to accommodate the increased number of attendees. The program featured an interactive panel discussion on women’s heart health raising a net of over $260,000 to help SMH bring world-class healthcare to our community. Photos by Nancy Guth.

May 19, 2025 Sharon Owens

TRIBUTE TO BARBRA

Acclaimed as “the best tribute artist,” Owens takes you on a journey through songs from ‘60s Broadway, ‘70s Disco, and ‘80s films. You’ll feel as though you’ve spent an enchanted evening with Barbra Streisand! Sponsored by

Margaret Harrison & Deon Brown

Rene Sheade & Jacqui Kaufer

Alyssa Fiumano, Maria Troiano, Janis Tibble & Cheryl Clark

Dr. Mindy Ward, Sepi Ackerman & Taylor Collins

Co-chairs Audrey Stewart, Stacey Corley & Barbara Rodkin

Discover expert craftsmanship, modern designs, and a complete solution for your remodeling project with Kirkplan Kitchens—proudly serving Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte counties, including Venice, North Port, and Punta Gorda. Watch as our skilled installers and collaborative team turn your dream space into reality. As a licensed general contractor , we’ll guide you through every step of the process and provide a personalized design plan the very same day we visit your home.

SECOND CHANCE LAST OPPORTUNITY

HEALING & HOPE GALA

Second Chance Last Opportunity hosted its 4th annual Healing & Hope Gala and celebrating Founder Dr. April Glasco’s birthday at Michael’s On East. The gala highlighted the transformative impact of the organization’s workshops on women and girls, featuring testimonials from former participants.

Photos by Nancy Guth.

Remodeling your dream home shouldn’t be a nightmare...

Dr. April Glasco

Charlene Wright & Wonder Brown

Laura McCoy, Shinece Davis & Elena Andrews

Kim & James Cornetet

IT’S A HOME AND A LIFESTYLE

By Tom Reese

As Sarasota continues to grow, the demand for thoughtfully planned residential communities has never been higher. In 2018, Eldon Johnson and Terry Wolfram, Managing Partners of Gracewater Community Development and Privada Homes, acquired 139 acres of prime land just minutes from Downtown Sarasota to bring their shared vision of an elevated lifestyle community to life.

Fast-forward to 2025, and excitement is building at Gracewater as the first homeowners begin moving in. Located just 10 minutes from downtown Sarasota, Gracewater is the only gated, resort-style community of its kind in the area. With amenities breaking ground this May, residents can soon look forward to a luxurious pool with private cabanas, a state-of-the-art fitness center, pickleball courts, dog parks, and more.

Gracewater will also offer an on-site Lifestyle Manager, dedicated to curating meaningful events and experiences that bring neighbors together and celebrate the best of Sarasota’s downtown lifestyle.

Leading the way at Gracewater is Privada Homes, a local builder known for combining modern luxury with thoughtful design. Each Privada home includes elevated

standard features such as 10-foot ceilings, 8-foot doors and entrances, quartz countertops, impact-resistant windows, and energy-efficient natural gas — finishes that are often considered upgrades elsewhere. Another major selling point: the community sits 40 feet above sea level and experienced zero flooding during the intense 2024 hurricane season.

Privada, which translates to “private” or “exclusive” in Spanish, was created by Johnson and Wolfram to build homes that are designed with passion and purpose and carefully crafted as individual works of art for the world to admire. While Gracewater is the first community Privada will be a part of, their ultimate goal is to create a better Sarasota through communities that reflect an active and unique Florida lifestyle.

Gracewater also includes homes by respected builders Lee Wetherington Homes and David Weekley Homes, offering a diverse range of architectural styles to suit every taste. The community will feature over 400 residences, including 216 single-family homes by Privada Homes from the $700s, custom estate residences by Lee Wetherington Homes starting from $2 million and paired villas by David Weekley Homes from the $500s. With a variety of home types and price points, Gracewater at Sarasota offers something for every family and lifestyle.

To learn more about making Gracewater your home, please call 941.401.9599 or visit the Sales Center at 711 Maldives Trail, Sarasota, Florida 34234. You can also browse available homes, explore renderings, schedule a tour, and discover more about the community at www.gracewatersrq.com.

WESTCOAST BLACK THEATRE TROUPE’S APRIL FOOLS FÊTE

Over 300 people celebrated a Fun Family Reunion at the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s April Fools Fête 2025 at The Ora. A heartwarming evening filled with live entertainment by some of the talented Stage of Discovery students and alumni, everyone’s favorite WBTT artists, and the dynamic WBTT band thrilled all in attendance. In addition, patrons savored a delicious feast with favorite family reunion food catered by Michael’s On East. It was a night filled with fun and dancing — all in support of WBTT’s education programs! Photos by Nancy Guth.

Dale Booker & Marilyn Thompson

Dr. Donald Johnson, Doug Anderson, Otis Harper, Herman Gilbert & CA Houston

Edie & Merle Cleatis

BJ Creighton & Andrew Economos

Debra Flynt-Garrett with Ben & Sharon Kunkel

Nate Jacobs

Hadara Porter

CHILDREN FIRST FAIRYTALE BALL

A sold-out crowd of nearly 350 guests gathered in celebration of Children First’s 25th Anniversary Fairytale Ball: Magic is all Around presented by PGT Custom Windows & Doors and the MITER Foundation. Event Chairs Stephanie & Allen Hochfelder and Lavender & Michael Suarez helped set the stage for an unforgettable evening. The Cecil-Smith family shared their journey with Children First and its RISE program at Emma E. Booker Elementary, following a heartfelt introduction by Board Chair and alumnus Michael Suarez. Philanthropic highlights included a lively auction and paddle raise led by President & CEO Philip Tavill and Vice President of Philanthropy Jessica Rogers. Photos by Harry Sayer.

Evan Ackerman

Lauren & Brian Hersh

Michael & Lavender Suarez

Clint & Heather Kasten

Philip Tavill, Amie Austin & Jessica Rogers

for children a Heart

HOW MILLI RICCIARDELLI BECAME A LIFELINE FOR SARASOTA’S MOST VULNERABLE FAMILIES

By Hunter Hageman • Photo by Nancy Guth

In the heart of Sarasota, where sunshine graces the Gulf Coast and community spirit thrives, one woman has quietly become a beacon of hope for hundreds of children and families. Milli Ricciardelli, a longtime philanthropist and businesswoman, has channeled her resources and passion into supporting Children First, Sarasota County’s exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services. Her journey with the organization began not with a grand plan, but with a simple visit that changed everything.

A Life-Altering Visit

Ricciardelli’s philanthropic journey didn’t begin with a mission—it began with a moment. That moment transformed her understanding of what it meant to truly invest in the future of a community. Seeing the children firsthand, and the care they received despite immense challenges, stirred something in her that could not be ignored.

“Someone took me to Children First and said, ‘I want you to see what this organization is all about,’” Ricciardelli recalls. “I walked into the classroom and saw these beautiful babies who are living with limited resources, but they’re clean and smart, playing with blocks and Play-Doh. I thought, ‘No, I can’t have this.’”

That day, she went home and ordered ten tricycles— five red, five pink—complete with helmets. When the children saw them, their joy was palpable. “They rode them long and hard and were so happy. It had me in tears,” she says. “That was the beginning.”

A Mission Rooted in Community

Founded in 1961 by the Junior League of Sarasota as the Sarasota Day Nursery, Children First has evolved into a comprehensive support system for families living

at or below the federal poverty level. The organization provides early childhood education, health and nutrition services, and family strengthening programs across multiple locations throughout Sarasota County.

Children First serves over 1,000 children and family members daily, offering programs like Early Head Start for infants and toddlers, Head Start for preschoolers, and the Families First Institute, which provides parents with classes in parenting, career readiness, and budgeting.

“They don’t just take care of the children; they reinforce the family dynamic,” Ricciardelli explains. “They help the mothers in many ways and try to raise them up. It’s not only about the babies; it’s about the family.”

“THEY DON’T JUST TAKE CARE OF THE CHILDREN; THEY REINFORCE THE FAMILY DYNAMIC.”

“THE REWARDS TO ONESELF ARE SO GREAT THAT IN THE GIVING, WE GET MORE OUT OF IT THAN THE RECIPIENTS DO.”

The need is urgent. According to Children First, 87% of the families they serve live below the federal poverty level—just over $26,000 for a family of three. The average income is only $14,000 a year. Many of these families face compounding challenges: 66% are headed by single parents, 8% are homeless, and 33% of caregivers have yet to receive a high school diploma or GED. Nearly a quarter of the children enrolled have a diagnosed disability.

Giving Beyond the Checkbook

Beyond her financial contributions, Ricciardelli’s presence at the centers brings emotional support and visibility to the cause. Her visits help validate the efforts of staff and educators working tirelessly to provide stability for the children. Her involvement signals that the community sees, values, and believes in the children they serve.

While Ricciardelli’s contributions certainly include financial generosity—supporting events, bidding on auction items, and making substantial donations—her involvement is deeply personal. She recently spent an afternoon at Children First, playing with the children and witnessing firsthand the impact of her support.

“I got there at 11 o’clock and didn’t leave until 1:30 in the afternoon,” she says. “When I get there, I don’t want to leave.”

Her commitment extends to her family as well. “When I told my sister that they needed volunteers, she stepped

up and goes there one day a week. She’s very good with them and with the infants. They’ve got brand new babies there because the mothers must go back to work.”

Although Ricciardelli leads a busy life managing her late husband’s construction business and properties in both Florida and New Jersey, she prioritizes making time for Children First. “I can’t be locked into a strict volunteer schedule,” she says. “But when I do visit, I try to make it count.”

A Legacy of Philanthropy

Ricciardelli’s philanthropic spirit is not confined to Children First. She is an active member of Women in Philanthropy, a Sarasota-based organization that supports various local charities. At a recent event, she advocated for Children First to receive a $25,000 donation, which was met with unanimous approval.

“When I went there the next morning, I was there for a meeting with the board, and I said, ‘You’re getting a donation from Women in Philanthropy for $25,000.’ There were tears,” she recalls, referring to a staff member at Children First.

The Ripple Effect

Ricciardelli’s influence goes beyond financial impact—it fosters a culture of compassion and civic responsibility. Her story has motivated friends and fellow community members to step up and get involved, whether through volunteering,

donating, or advocating for early childhood education. Ricciardelli’s generosity has a ripple effect, inspiring others to contribute in their own ways. She believes that giving brings immense personal fulfillment.

“I would say please do so because you will benefit from it spiritually,” she advises those considering supporting Children First. “The rewards to oneself are so great that in the giving, we get more out of it than the recipients do.”

Her story is a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on a community. Through her unwavering support, Ricciardelli has become an integral part of the Children First family, helping to create a brighter future for Sarasota’s most vulnerable children and their families.

How You Can Help

Everyone should have access to world-class care, especially at the end of their lives. We fund a variety of programs that brighten the lives of patients and their families in the care of Tidewell Hospice.

The Tidewell Foundation is committed to supporting compassionate full life care for everyone in our community who needs it. With your help, we can assure a wider embrace of services for all.

Whether through donations, volunteering, or attending events, your involvement can make a significant difference in the lives of children and families in Sarasota County. Let’s brighten lives together.

MORE INFORMATION about Children First and how you can support their mission, visit childrenfirst.net.

CALLING ALL

AMARA on Sarasota Bay

Offers Luxurious Golden Gate Point

Condominium Residences Accented by a Private Marina

Naples-based The Ronto Group has continued its Sarasota expansion with the debut of AMARA on Sarasota Bay. This luxurious nine-story condominium project will be located on Golden Gate Point with elegant residences overlooking Sarasota Bay.

With a private marina and a location perfect for the good life in the heart of downtown, boat lovers will especially love calling AMARA home. Gather friends and family and meander around the Bay. One of the slips will be designated for the community HOA and charter pick-ups can be arranged.

The elegant new AMARA project will offer 54 residences in two towers and sits on 660 feet of Bay frontage offering a mid-rise boutique building on a 2.3-acre site.

BOAT LOVERS

Once known simply as Cedar Point, it’s easy to see why this tiny 22-acre peninsula—surrounded by Sarasota Bay—eventually earned the name Golden Gate Point. The luxurious new condominium will hug the shoreline and command breathtaking city, bay, gulf and sunset views.

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE: Boat lovers will especially love calling AMARA on Sarasota Bay home, offering access to a private marina for celebrating the good life on the water in the heart of downtown.

INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED INTERIOR DESIGNER

Spaces will be designed by internationally renowned interior designer Lillian Wu of the New York City-based Lillian Wu Studio. She is currently working on two other Florida West Coast projects with The Ronto Group: Rosewood Residences Lido Key and Rosewood Residences Naples.

“AMARA residents will enjoy panoramic views of downtown Sarasota and the Bay. Property owners will have exclusive opportunities to dock their yachts directly at the private marina and stroll through the picturesque garden esplanade to their residences. This project is thoughtfully designed to reflect this seamless experience, subtly translating the luxurious finishes of yachts into amenity spaces,” Wu explained.

“Drawing inspiration from the building’s unique curved architecture, soft wave-like contours are carried into the interiors, influencing fabric choices and furniture design. Distinctive features, such as articulated chandeliers crafted from sail fabric, serve as the striking centerpiece of the social lounge bar, evoking a touch of nautical elegance,” said Wu.

Residents will also have the option to personalize their units with a carefully curated selection of finishes, complemented by sophisticated and luxurious diamond-hammered detailing on Gessi plumbing fixtures for an elevated living experience.

INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED INTERIOR DESIGNER: Spaces will be thoughtfully designed by Lillian Wu of the New York City-based Lillian Wu Studio, subtly translating the luxurious finishes of yachts into amenity spaces.

ELEGANCE ON GOLDEN GATE POINT: The elegant new AMARA condominiums offer 54 residences in two towers, accented by a private marina. The property sits on 660 feet of Bay frontage offering a mid-rise boutique building on a 2.3-acre site.

BAY VIEWS FROM EXPANSIVE OUTDOOR TERRACES

Offering seven floor plans, the residences at AMARA on Sarasota Bay range from 2,600 up to 3,500 square feet. Each condominium has an expansive outdoor terrace. In addition, there will be seven penthouses.

The North building offers three residences with expanded terraces on the second-floor amenity level. The South building offers two floor plans with similar, dramatic open terraces on the second floor. Two of the expanded terrace residences offer private pools and spas, a bar and outdoor kitchen.

The pool terrace level is inviting and overlooks Sarasota Bay. Owners will enjoy the state-of-the art fitness center with a private sauna and steam room, an indoor/outdoor bar, and a social clubroom for entertaining family and guests.

Other amenities include: a Bocce Ball court, game room, social room with indoor/outdoor bar and various fire pit seating areas, plus a fitness room featuring hot and cold plunge pools and an outdoor yoga lawn.

AMARA on Sarasota Bay is ideally located at 550 and 590 Golden Gate Point, facing east to Marina Jack. Residents can explore the charms of Sarasota, with quick access over the bridge to St. Armands Circle leading to the beaches, or easy access to the shops, dining options and cultural offerings a few blocks away in the heart of downtown.

WOW VIEWS: The pool terrace level is inviting yearround and overlooks Sarasota Bay. Owners will enjoy the state-of-the art fitness center with a private sauna and steam room, an indoor/outdoor bar and a social clubroom for entertaining family and guests.

The official debut of AMARA took place in February with a private Broker’s Open soiree. Demolition of the former Pier 550 condominiums began on January 23, 2025. The Ronto Group is developing AMARA on Sarasota Bay in partnership with Wheelock Street Capital.

Prices begin at $4.2 million, with eight residential floors. Visit www.amarasarasota.com or call 941.867.7160 for information and appointments.

THE RONTO GROUP

For over 60 years, Naples-based The Ronto Group has perfected its skills in real estate development. Specializing in luxury high-rise residences, the company’s solid reputation for imaginative vision, steadfast integrity and reliable performance has led to worldwide recognition.

After receiving numerous awards from the homebuilding industry for superior design and craftsmanship, their expertise and attention to detail is evident in every project. The Ronto Group continues to expand along Florida’s West Coast, from Tampa Bay to Sarasota.

THE RONTO GROUP’S SARASOTA EXPANSION

The Ronto Group offers two additional Sarasota luxury projects currently under construction:

The Rosewood Residences Lido Key

The Rosewood Residences Lido Key offers 65 private, ultra-luxurious beachfront residences. Offered on eleven stories, all units have unobstructed views of the Gulf of Mexico (America?). The project is anticipated to be completed by early 2026. Located at 1000 Benjamin Franklin Drive, residents overlook the beach and are within walking distance of St. Armands Circle for shopping and dining.

Rosewood Residences Lido Key was the first contracted Rosewood property to be exclusively residential. The residences will average approximately 4,200 square feet in size and showcase state-of-theart finishes and features. Residents will be offered the amenities of a luxury resort, minus hotel guests. Units are priced from $7,200,000 to $11,200,000.

The sales gallery is located at 540 John Ringling Blvd. at the entrance to St. Armands Circle in the Bermuda building.

Visit www.residenceslidokey.com for more info, and for appointments call 941-888-3131.

The Owen Golden Gate Point

The Golden Gate community gave a hearty welcome to The Owen Golden Gate Point when ground was broken in June 2024 showcasing the vision to create 29 condominium residences on ten floors. Situated on a coveted 1.8-acre site at 325 Golden Gate Point, the building’s three bedroom, three and a half bath open concept floor plans range from 2,263 to 3,065 square feet under air plus a balcony with a gas grill. Slated for completion by March 2026, prices for The Owen Golden Gate Point residences start at $2.64 million.

Visit www.owengoldengate.com for more info, and for appointments contact Ronto Realty at 941.210.0987.

Bay View by EJ Paprocki, 45 x 60 Oil on Canvas

around town

B y julie milton

This brilliant beauty made her local and global mark decades ago and her impact continues through today in ways that would make any woman proud. As a founder of MoneyShow (moneyshow.com) in the 1980s, Kim became an educator in financial investing—a field not popular with the ladies back then. Now, with over one million members, MoneyShow’s team of experts empower investment enthusiasts around the world. Throughout these decades, Kim also invested in several major real estate development projects which helped shape our skyline and elevate our lifestyle. We are honored to feature Kim and learn more about the life of this fascinating lady.

Where did you grow up and who influenced you the most in your formative years?

I was raised in Florida and had the amazing opportunity to be raised by my Grammie Anne. She was an incredible influence in my life and raised me with tremendous love and logic. She was an avid reader and always created an atmosphere of adventure and knowledge.

You have had such an interesting and impressive professional life. To what or to whom do you attribute your courage and boldness when you entered the then men-dominated fields of finance and real estate development years ago.

I have been incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to spend 43 years (or at the raw age of 22) in the world of economics and investing. That journey was very rewarding as my first mentor was a brilliant economist named Louis Rukeyser. Together, we pioneered the education of the self-directed investor and trader.

My mentors on Wall Street have been Milton and Rose Friedman, John Templeton, John Bogle, Steve Forbes and Jim Michaels, to name a few. These people have been incredibly generous to me and our MoneyShow community with their time and talent. Through their success, they taught me that anything is possible through perseverance and hard work.

Please tell us about MoneyShow, why you founded the company, and how you empower investors.

Our company has always had the philosophy that knowledge is power! So, when we first started producing events, they were centered around bringing the smartest and experienced experts into a community of investors. We centered our topics around geopolitics, Washington policy, and investing in various assets.

My passion to start the company came from the knowledge of producing events successfully. The brilliance of economics and investing came from Louis Rukeyser. It was the power

githler

surround yourself wIth people who are smarter than you. learn from them and never take no for an answer. keep knockIng on those doors untIl one says yes. and know that sometImes the “nos”

teach us as much as the “yeses.”

of his PBS television show, Wall Street Week, that started 45 years ago, that gave us our start in the world of Wall Street. Empowering people is a passion of mine, whether it is team members at the company or our community of experts and attendees. It comes down to understanding their needs and fulfilling those objectives.

In 2014, you were honored by the New York Stock Exchange and invited to ring the closing bell. What did this honor mean to you?

The day had profound meaning for many reasons. It was on the 12th of September, the day after the World Trade Center’s thirteenth anniversary, where I lost many friends on Wall Street. My tribute was also for them and the lives that we lost.

Also, I believe so strongly in free market capitalism. This is the foundation that makes America successful. The New York Stock Exchange is the bastion of entrepreneurs that took the risk to start businesses and to launch them for the public’s benefit.

People like Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, and Warren Buffet, to name a few. Many of our investors have made millions of dollars in profit because of public markets like the NYSE. I will always be grateful to have closed the bell at the greatest symbol for free market enterprise in America, the NYSE!

You have partnered in several local development projects. What was the first, what was in between, and please tell our readers about the latest condo project in which you are a partner.

Real estate is a very important core holding or any portfolio. It provides income, appreciation and tax benefits. This is one of the asset classes we teach our investors at MoneyShow. So, it was a natural progression for our family to start investing and building commercial assets in this category.

We began larger investments about 30 years ago when we put a local group together to acquire the Hyatt Hotel. That began the journey of partnering with quality developers to develop luxury condominiums.

I am honored to say that we are partners with Property Markets Group. They are truly a distinguished and award-winning national developer with 160 projects completed like the Steinway Tower in New York, the Waldorf Astoria Residences in Miami and now, our 86-unit luxury condominium project, One Park, on Boulevard of the Arts.

The is no doubt you are an inspiration to women. How do you feel about that and what advice would you give to a young person starting out with big dreams? I would say, surround yourself with people who are smarter than you. Learn from them and never take no for an answer. Keep knocking on those doors until one says yes. And know that sometimes the “Nos” teach us as much as the “Yeses.”

When Kim Githler isn’t providing financial education or looking for her next development project, do you have any hobbies and favorite local haunts?

My work consumes most of my time, however, I enjoy the amazing variety of charities in Sarasota.

From the incredible art organizations like Ringling Museum to the magnificent Selby Gardens and amazing marine life of Mote Marine, we are very blessed to live in Sarasota!

Your life has taken you places far and wide. What are some of your favorites and is there a bucket list trip you can share.

Our events continue to this day in Asia and Europe. This past February, we were in Vietnam, which I would highly recommend. It has a fascinating international vibe and is very reasonable in price!

For someone on a European adventure, I would highly recommend the Beau Rivage Palace overlooking the French Alp’s in Lausanne, Switzerland. It’s close to Montreux on Lake Geneva, and both towns are wonderful places to enjoy the best Bellini you will ever have!

2025 REPRESENTS

By Drayton Saunders

Whether you are a buyer, seller, agent or broker of residential real estate, the world in early 2025 probably feels like it has flipped upside down. You might be seriously pondering your next steps. Uncertainty can breed fear, and fear can cause anyone to make mistakes. My advice? Take a few deep breaths. Find an expert who has been through this before, and you will get through this too. The opportunities ahead might surprise you.

First, let’s look at what has changed. After the chaos of the COVID pandemic in 2020 and 2021, it was an undisputed sellers’ market, especially here on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Interest rates were low, inventory was low, and demand was high. Sellers were regaling their friends and business associates with how easy it was to sell their properties.

Then starting in 2023 and 2024, we entered a period where inventory was still low, but demand seemed to flatten, even though we had a reasonably strong economy. This was caused largely by the spike in interest rates and resulting pressure on mortgage financing. Cash is always king, but for a time in 2024, it seemed as though there were two interest-related factors at work. The first factor was the simple pressure of higher mortgage interest rates. The second factor was the expectation that interest rates might fall significantly late in 2024 or early 2025. This second factor

caused many savvy buyers to defer purchases in hopes of obtaining more advantageous financing. The result was plateauing in some sectors of the market.

In Sarasota County, for example, we saw fewer homes selling for lower prices than in 2023. There were only about 7,500 single family home sales in 2024. That was a decline of more than 1.5 percent from the year before. Not only that, but the median sale price fell from $515,000 to $505,000. The decline was even steeper for townhouses and condominiums. Other pressures on the market included insurance costs, the memories of the two hurricanes that struck Florida last fall, and condo fees.

So, where are we now?

The clearest description would be we are in a more balanced environment.

On the buyers’ side, inventory is higher than in recent memory. In Sarasota and Manatee counties, we have about a six-month supply in the single-family residential market. This means that buyers have more to choose from than they had even a year ago.

Also, median sales prices have softened. This is true in all niches of the market.

Sales competition is getting more creative. For example, in new construction, builders are finding ways to compete apart from price. Some developers are offering buyers incentives, such as buying down their mortgage rates.

With more inventory and less urgency, buyers finally have the luxury of time to more carefully consider their options, to ensure the property they are buying is not just a fair deal but aligns as closely as possible with their needs and desires. That all helps to make this a great time to buy.

On the sellers’ side, sales are taking longer to finalize. The average time to close is drifting closer to 90 days. But that’s not out of line with historic averages.

Moreover, realization seems to have landed that fixed mortgage rates of around 6.7 percent for 30-year loans and 5.9 percent for 15-year mortgages are the new normal. (That may sound high to some people, but when Michael Saunders and Company started 48 years ago, a 30-year-fixed mortgage was nearly 9 percent and broke 16 percent in 1981. Mortgage rates didn’t fall below 8 percent again until the 1990s.)

Acceptance of normative interest rates may induce people to stop deferring a purchase and to get into the market. And so, we expect to see an increase in financed purchases. All in all, this is still a good time to sell.

I offer a caveat, however. With more reflection on the part of prospective buyers, sellers will have the need and the opportunity to highlight the distinctive qualities of their properties and to focus their efforts appropriately. This requires skill and care.

When you read about real estate news—including essays like this one—you are given a lot of macroeconomic data about median prices, inventory and other big data points. This is, of course, important information because it paints a picture of the overall market in which transactions are taking place. But it is also very important to remember that each buyer, seller and piece of property has unique qualities and characteristics that ultimately decide the outcome of each sale. It’s this matching of dozens of specific and very important aspects that makes the business of real estate so interesting and rewarding.

The best real estate firms understand this no matter what the market is like. And when we are in a dynamic market like we are now, it is especially important to give careful attention to these details. So, in addition to the macroeconomic data, we drill down to the micro-data that affects individual transactions. We then use the insights we can develop from these data points and observations to help our clients, whether they are on the buyer’s or seller’s side of the table to understand all the factors at play and to achieve a favorable outcome.

This is the best advice I can give to anyone trying to make sense of the current market. Find a trusted guide to help you strategize and navigate a transitioning market like this. Part of this must include gathering as much information as you possibly can which should include data about the market, unique attributes about the neighborhood where the property is located, key facts about the qualities the property has, and especially the things that set it apart. If you are selling, find as much insight into a buyer’s mindset as possible.

Things are interesting; and making an informed decision is always the most critical aspect of any decision to buy or sell.

DRAYTON

HOME & DESIGN

With stunning furnishings and décor, high-quality kitchen and bath finishes and products, and spectacular art for your floors, these featured businesses have earned the trust of the most discerning clients through outstanding customer and design services.

Everyday Elegance at THE PLUMBING PLACE

By Reno Gomez

Kitchens and bathrooms are the most essential rooms in any home. The design of these rooms can significantly impact the aesthetics and overall functionality of your home. Whether you are building or remodeling, The Plumbing Place has the finest assortment of kitchen and bath products to transform your space into the home of your dreams.

The interactive, 6,000+ sq ft designer showroom on Fruitville Road is owned by John Smithman, a former banker who pivoted career paths. As a child, John learned from his father, the senior vice president of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in Washington D.C. for 35 years, how to plan, design and build just about anything in a home. He decided to put those experiences to work for himself professionally, which led him to purchase The Plumbing Place in 2001.

“Here at The Plumbing Place, we don’t simply sell kitchen and bath fixtures. We strive to stay at the forefront of design trends, and fill our showroom with the latest and greatest products that Sarasota and Bradenton homeowners, designers and architects seek,” said Smithman.

With the ever-expanding market incorporating new technology and materials, and environmental impacts affecting businesses, The Plumbing Place stays rooted in its goal to be the best at what it does. Smithman believes that focusing on the quality of the products, staying ahead of design trends, and offering world class customer service are the keys to his team’s success.

“Many companies venture outside of what they are good at to expand offerings and increase sales,” said Smithman. “I believe that in order to be very good at what you do, you should concentrate on being the best at that and not be distracted by too many other areas. We keep our eye on the ball.”

One natural expansion to The Plumbing Place’s product collection was the addition of Smitty’s Architectural Hardware—a “showroom within a showroom” showcasing many high-quality lines of kitchen and bath cabinet hardware, as well as exterior and interior door hardware.

When Smithman needed to replace the “lifetime brass” front door hardware on his home, which tarnished after only two years, he realized just how much our humid and salty climate can deteriorate standard door hardware. He set out to find a better-quality product to solve this problem not only for himself, but to bring to his customers. Smitty’s line of products offers some of the best names in the business —including Emtek, Rocky Mountain Hardware, Ashley Norton, and more— all made with the highest quality materials that can withstand our demanding climate and look pristine for years.

All the latest trends in bathrooms from the U.S. and from around the globe can be found across this must-see showroom. Freestanding bathtubs and sleek and dynamic faucets and shower heads can elevate the look of any bathroom. Lighted mirror cabinets, as well as smart toilets with integrated bidets, bring the modern comforts of automation to your space. Transitional, classic and contemporary bath fixtures are available

“What makes us stand out is our people. I am blessed to have the most experienced, knowledgeable and personable staff in the industry.”

in a wide variety of finishes, including classic chrome, satin brass, nickel, gold and black.

Counter space and usability can make or break a kitchen design. For smaller spaces, or for busy kitchens with a need for convenience, workstation sinks with built-in ledges can accommodate a variety of accessories, such as cutting boards, drying racks, and more. Granite composite sinks offer unbelievable durability for your investment and are available in exciting colors and finishes to coordinate with any style or design. The assortment of timeless fixtures, including no-touch faucets in elegant finishes, are the luxurious details that will complete your dream kitchen.

An assortment of under-the-counter water purification systems serve to eliminate the elements of municipal water treatments that are not ideal for consumption. These additions can be added to any kitchen, bathroom, or to the entire home for safer, cleaner water for drinking, bathing, and washing.

While the showroom has a wide variety of choices, the process can be overwhelming for those who are building new or remodeling. The Plumbing Place works with home contractors for new builds and offers home visits to help find the perfect products for your needs.

According to Smithman, “What makes us stand out is our people. I am blessed to have the most experienced, knowledgeable and personable staff in the industry. Most people don’t have a lot of knowledge about what type of faucet best fits their need, or how to design a great shower that is both beautiful and functional. We do, and more importantly we take the time to explain those things to our customers so they can make good decisions and create the bathroom or kitchen that is right for them.”

Visit the showroom at 5678 Fruitville Road in Sarasota. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

A Custom Home Approach with CLIVE DANIEL HOME

By Reno Gomez

Thinking about making your dream home a reality? Check out Clive Daniel Home (CDH)—your one-stop home and design showroom. The team of over 20 passionate and creative interior design professionals have the knowhow to turn your home interior into a dream come true.

CDH is a hybrid of interior design services and sales where the design team utilizes the store’s extensive in-stock catalog of home furnishings and accessories to offer solutions for every home want and need. Since opening its 65,000+ sq ft Sarasota showroom in late 2022, the CDH team continues to prove why they excel in home, commercial and hospitality design.

Located just east of I-75 in the Fruitville Commons, CDH interior designers, led by general manager Robbie Hoskins, welcome shoppers into a world of luxury and comfort. Styles ranging from contemporary, transitional, traditional, and coastal designs are expertly showcased by CDH’s team of merchandising visionaries, seamlessly blending global trends of colors and textiles. The second floor serves as the design studio, housing Sarasota’s largest fabric library, allowing designers to customize

the fabric, finishes, and configuration of just about any piece on the showroom floor.

CDH has won more than 450 awards for design excellence, and while CDH’s work speaks for itself, co-founder and CEO Daniel Lubner believes the accolades come second to the satisfaction of their clients. The key to success lies with the design team and their dedication to fulfilling the unique vision of each client they serve. Every project begins with a discovery meeting with a CDH interior designer curating an intelligent design that incorporates everything a client loves.

“Our designers are extraordinary artists, and they are there to help with your project. Whether it’s just that one perfect accessory to finish a room, or you are staring at a piece of dirt that eventually will be your home, we have the talented team that’s going to be able to deliver the vision,” said Daniel.

As CDH is an interior design firm first, Daniel emphasizes the importance of bringing on a designer from the very beginning of any home project. They work alongside the

architect and the contractor to ensure that every detail of your home, whether it’s a renovation or a new build, is properly designed—from window treatments to flooring and everything in between. The specialists in CDH’s internal divisions can maximize the amount of time spent with clients without having to source externally for custom spaces like kitchens and closets.

During the recent pandemic, Daniel noted a shift in the way many clients value the experience of living in their homes, and the importance of loving where you live.

While some clients opt for more classic and neutral designs, others embrace the departure from neutrals

and minimalism to bright colors and maximalism. With the consistent rotation of products designed in house, CDH always has the latest trends, often setting new trends with its own designs, and offering customization options that are not available with other traditional furniture retailers.

Clive and Daniel Lubner are true testaments to the American dream. After immigrating from South Africa, the father and son duo utilized their backgrounds in interior design and carpentry to establish a luxury furniture and design firm in Naples. Following his successful tenure with Robb & Stucky, and the sale of the original business, Daniel founded Clive Daniel Home in 2011 with his father. The 85,000 sq ft Naples’ showroom opened its doors in 2012, the first of four showrooms across the state of Florida. Naples is also home to a CDH2 Designer Outlet, with additional CDH showrooms located in Boca Raton and Fort Myers.

The Sarasota showroom is located at 3055 Fruitville Commons Blvd. and is open daily. Visit www.clivedaniel.com for more information or call 941.900.4663 for an appointment.

without a shadow of doubt.

Help Make Higher Education Possible.

Help Make Higher Education Possible. To learn more, contact our Executive Director, Cassandra Holmes, at 941.752.5390 or HolmesC@SCF.edu

SCF-Foundation.org Creating FUTURES without a shadow of doubt.

SCF-Foundation.org

To learn more, contact our Executive Director, Cassandra Holmes, at 941.752.5390 or HolmesC@SCF.edu

Help Make Higher Education Possible. To learn more, contact our Executive Director, Cassandra Holmes, at 941.752.5390 or HolmesC@SCF.edu

SCF-Foundation.org Creating

Help Make Higher Education Possible. To learn more, contact our Executive Director, Cassandra Holmes, at 941.752.5390 or HolmesC@SCF.edu

SCF-Foundation.org

RUGS AS ART An Oasis of Beauty

By Reno Gomez

A beautiful area rug can turn your space from an everyday common place to a show-stopping statement, and shopping for the right one can be a challenge for anyone. Rugs As Art, Sarasota’s award-winning superstore of rugs, art and accessories, is home to the finest assortment in the area at the best prices, with a knowledgable sales staff to assist you every step of the way.

Serving the community for nearly 40 years, Rugs As Art is a must-shop staple in Sarasota. Opened in 1986 by John and Lucy Murse, Rugs As Art has grown from the original 800 sq ft shop in Gulf Gate into a massive 20,000 sq ft luxury showroom. Rugs As Art is a family owned and operated business, with sons Jesse and Matthew working alongside their father, John, each day. The family’s ongoing commitment to providing a superior selection of quality

area rugs, outstanding service and an affordable pricing model has transformed Rugs As Art into a world leader.

The showroom elevates the shopping experience with handsome displays of rugs, home furnishings, lighting, art, and accessories. The in-house Designer Resource Center specializes in carpeting and custom area rugs, so the options of designs are only limited by your imagination. Dedicated departments allow for ease of shopping between handmade, machine made and custom made area rugs. The store’s selection of products feature styles ranging traditional, contemporary, transitional, and everything in between. The convenient Sarasota location proudly services Florida’s west coast, including Sarasota, Bradenton, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Port Charlotte, Naples and Fort Myers.

With such a large selection of rugs available, and endless customization options, it’s easy to find what’s trending on the sales floor, as well as what best fits your vision for your home. Warm, neutral tones help provide a calming escape from the chaos of our everyday lives. Area rugs with unique textures can be a conversation starter in any room. The right combination of fiber and density can keep your rug performing well for many years. High pile plush fabrics can soften any minimalist room with hard flooring, creating a unique and cozy atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.

When asked what sets Rugs As Art apart from the competition, Jesse Murse said, “Our three S’s— selection, savings, and service—are the pinnacles of our company. We have thousands of rugs in stock and we’ve maintained partnerships with our weavers

for nearly 40 years enabling us to offer the best pricing. Plus, our customer service is second to none.”

Rugs As Art has earned many accolades since 1986 and has been locally recognized as the recipient of multiple “Small Business of the Year” awards, the “Insignia Award” for Best Customer Service, and twice earned “Retail Business of the Year” from the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, as well as numerous other awards from across the region. Nationally, industry peers have three times voted Rugs As Art as the “Best Rug Store in America,” a prestigious award given by AmericasMart and the Oriental Rug Importers Association.

The Murse family is passionate about connecting with local organizations, advocating for community spirit and invigorating the local economy.

Throughout the years of continued support, Rugs As Art has partnered with organizations such as Boys & Girls Club of Sarasota County, Sarasota Opera, Loveland Center, Sarasota Ballet, and more.

Rugs As Art is excited to announce the reopening of their Sarasota showroom following extensive repairs to damages caused by Hurricane Milton in late 2024. After five long months in their temporary location at the University Town Center, the Murse family is proud to welcome guests back to their showroom located at 6650 South Tamiami Trail in Sarasota, open Monday through Saturday, 9:30a.m. to 6p.m. For more information, visit www.rugsasart.com or call 941-921-1900.

What’s Cooking? MULLET’S APPLIANCES

By Julie Milton

When it comes to cooking, everything tastes better when it is cooked using a Wolf range. With continually evolving special features, function, and design, the latest offerings by Wolf are a must see, especially for the serious at home chef.

Where’s the best place in town to learn more? Why Mullet’s Appliances on Clark Road, of course! This fifty plus year locally owned business with great depth of expertise showcases Wolf products and other top quality appliance brands. In addition to selling top brand appliances, Mullet’s Appliances also provides concept design assistance, and product installation, maintenance and repair services. If you’re thinking about a new range, refrigerator, dishwasher, washer or dryer, or other big appliance, visit Mullet’s and explore the options. (4233 Clark Rd., Sarasota | 941.921.5531)

Here are some of the newest features and finishes by Wolf.

Wolf 48” Professional Induction Range

FEATURES:

• Door finishes are available in stainless steel or powder-coated black or white.

• Boost mode delivers rapid heat for 40% faster boil times. The large 5500-watt zone supercharges boost mode to heat even the largest pots.

• Sturdy knobs mimic the experience of cooking with gas, offering precision across the temperature range.

• Bridge two cooking zones into one larger surface for induction-capable griddles, open roasters, and fish poachers.

• Black glass ceramic surface for scratch resistance and easy cleaning.

Wolf 36” Gas Range FEATURES:

• Door finishes are available in stainless steel or powder-coated black or white.

• Dual-stacked, sealed burners provide precise highto-low temperature control and a spark ignition system that reignites the burner automatically.

• Dual VertiFlow™ convection system provides reliably even heat and reduces hot and cold spots.

• 30” Dual VertiFlow™ convection oven and 18” single convection oven.

• Gourmet mode features nearly 50 presets that automatically control the oven to ensure delicious results.

• Ten cooking modes: Bake, Broil, Convection, Convection Roast, Dehydrate, Gourmet, Proof, Roast, Stone (30” oven only), and Warm.

• Intuitive and easy to read touch screen.

• LED backlit control knobs illuminate when in use, indicating zones are active.

• The oven offers self-clean, delayed start, timed cook, and Sabbath features.

• Temperature probe alerts you when your dish has reached the desired temperature.

• Three adjustable oven racks: one standard and two full-extension ball bearing racks; 18” oven has one standard and one full-extension ball bearing rack.

• Cobalt blue porcelain interior

• Gourmet mode features nearly 50 presets that automatically control the oven to ensure delicious results.

• Ten cooking modes: Bake, Broil, Convection, Convection Roast, Dehydrate, Gourmet, Proof, Roast, Stone, and Warm.

• Powerful 20,000 Btu burner for fast boils and intense sears.

• Top configurations include all burners, infrared char broiler, and infrared griddle with stainless steel covers.

• Intuitive and easy to read full-color touchscreen.

• LED backlit control knobs illuminate when in use indicating which burners are active.

• The oven offers self-clean, delayed start, timed cook, and Sabbath features.

• Temperature probe alerts you when your dish has reached the desired temperature.

• Three adjustable oven racks: one standard and two full-extension ball bearing racks.

• Cobalt blue porcelain oven interior.

preserving history

A new home gives the royal treatment to a historic beauty

by tom reese

When John Dyson purchased the home at 1410 John Ringling Pkwy in 2023, the lot was in complete disarray. The house had hardly been maintained since its construction in the 1960s, and the landscaping was overgrown and tattered.

John’s plan all along was to tear down the existing home and build a new one. However, he was immediately drawn to a beautiful and historic 150-year-old Royal Poinciana tree on the property and realized he must do whatever it takes to save it and make it a focal point of his new residence.

The Royal Poinciana tree is native to Madagascar, an island nation off the southeast coast of Africa that boasts a climate akin to that of South Florida with both warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. It was first discovered by Wenceslas Bojer in 1824. Bojer named the species Poinciana regia to honor Philippe de Lonvellier de Poincy, who was the governor of the French West Indies in the 17th century. Eventually, the species was reclassified under the Delonix genus, becoming Delonix regia; however, it still retains the common name of Poinciana or Royal Poinciana, and can be found in various parts of Florida today.

The tree at 1410 John Ringling Pkwy takes up approximately 25% of the lot and boasts a unique design of three trunks that come together to create the appearance of an overgrown bonsai tree with breathtaking orange and red flowers along the canopy. The quarter acre lot sits right on Sarasota Bay and overlooks downtown across the Ringling Bridge.

John Dyson was the former deputy mayor of New York City in the 1980s and 1990s. He is a Cornell agricultural graduate and the owner of multiple vineyards and distilleries in California and New York.

“A lot of times with older homes, people look to clear as much as they can off the lot and start from scratch,” said Mike Bachman, owner of Elegant Custom Homes and builder of John Dyson’s new home. “Mr. Dyson, a farmer at heart, looked at this tree and knew he could save it.”

Mike was introduced to John Dyson through Andrew Tanner, a Realtor with Premier Sothebys, and was hired to be intimately involved in the design, architecture, and construction of the home while preserving the tree for generations to come. He intentionally only builds around five homes a year through his business so he can be with the client every step of the way and give them his full attention.

“When Mr. Dyson told me he wanted to save the tree and build the home around it, I thought there was no way we could trim and prune it and still fit an elegant home on the lot. I was wrong,” said Mike.

As John and Mike began the initial designs for the new house, they came up with several variations that included saving and restoring the tree while using as much space on the lot as possible for the home itself. About two years ago when this project was just beginning, they enlisted the help of ISA Certified Arborist Scott Fey of Island Tree Service and Sarasota Tree Service.

Scott, a second-generation arborist, began slowly pruning the tree and putting it on a regular feeding schedule to improve its health, and allow for the extra

space needed to build the home. Little by little, they reduced the canopy, got rid of the dead limbs, and got the tree back on track for a normal growth cycle, all while dealing with the relentless hurricane seasons of the past two years.

“One of the biggest challenges we faced was redirecting the growth of the tree. As the root system pulls the water out of the ground to feed the different limbs, we wanted to make sure the energy and growth of the tree was focused back to the middle, so it would grow up and out in a more traditional manner,” said John Dyson.

After Hurricane Milton struck Florida’s Gulf Coast last October, Mike and John visited the property and were stunned to see the tree completely barren and looking quite dead. Luckily, salt water did not reach the tree and most of the damage was caused by wind. With the help of Scott, they were able to clean it up, get it back on a regular feeding schedule, and leaves began to blossom once again.

The home is now more than 50% completed and will be finished at the beginning of next year. The design of the home was very strategically planned to work

around the tree so that it would not interfere with its roots or future growth. A portion of the garage floor has been left open so the existing roots underneath the structure of the home are able to get air and water.

Mike and his team incorporated grade beams into the construction of the home, horizontal reinforced concrete structures that play a crucial role when paired with piles. They

and proud. Neighbors along John Ringling Parkway and throughout Sarasota have a strong appreciation for its beauty and are thrilled at its recovery.

HOSANNA!

ASOLO REP STAGES

BY SCOTT FERGUSON

Imagine the pitch to prospective theatrical producers by composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice in 1969: In a contemporary stage musical, the son of God takes on human form, preaches a revolutionary Gospel, calls out the hypocrisy of religious leaders, argues about the mission of his ministry with a follower named Judas, and dies to save mankind from its sins. “A rock opera about Jesus Christ? Pass!,” said potential backers.

So Lloyd Webber and Rice pivoted and decided instead to produce the entire piece as a record album. It was the era of the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967) and The Who’s Tommy (1969). These two groundbreaking creations went beyond the usual Top 40 singles with the “concept album,” a long-playing record that tells a complete story in song from beginning to end. In step with that trend, the double album Jesus Christ Superstar was released in late 1970.

In a review of the record, Time magazine called it “a modern-day passion play that may enrage the devout but ought to intrigue and perhaps inspire the agnostic young.” Despite the controversy it caused in some circles, Jesus Christ Superstar was the best-selling album of 1971 in the U.S. With its success, producers thought audiences might be ready for a stage production.

On Broadway, the counter-culture musical Hair, billed as “The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical” had debuted in 1968, after an off-Broadway run the year before. Jesus Christ Superstar followed on Broadway in 1971, and in London’s West End the following year. Since its debut 54 years ago, thousands of productions have been staged around the world, and the rock musical genre continues to inspire composers and directors.

Enter Josh Rhodes, who will direct and choreograph Asolo Repertory Theatre’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar as the company’s 2024-25 season finale. Local audiences may remember his work as director and choreographer of Evita, another Lloyd Webber and Rice creation, staged at Asolo Rep in 2017, as well as Guys and Dolls (2016), The Sound of Music (2019), and Cabaret (2022).

Those assignments were during the tenure of Michael Donald Edwards, Asolo Rep’s former producing artistic director. Peter Rothstein assumed that role in 2023 when Edwards retired.

“This is the first opportunity I’ve had to collaborate with Josh,” says Rothstein. “I’ve been a huge fan of his work for many years, and I’m thrilled to have him back at Asolo Rep to work his magic.”

Rothstein says Jesus Christ Superstar “is a title that Michael and Josh talked about for many years. When we were able to get the rights, I immediately reached out to Josh to direct and choreograph it.

“I think what is brilliant about this show is that it tells a familiar story in a completely new way,” Rothstein continues. “It is the story of the passion of Christ, but from the perspective of Judas Iscariot.”

Rhodes has directed and choreographed Jesus Christ Superstar once before, in 2016 at the Casa Mañana in Fort Worth, Texas. He has also worked on various musicals as director, choreographer (or both) on Broadway, London’s West End and at other U.S. regional theaters. He says he loves coming back to Asolo Rep.

“This theater company gives artists a beautiful process,” says Rhodes. “We have time to do it right, and there’s

Grace Yoo | Mary Magdalene Heathcliff Saunders | Judas Jenny Kim-Godfrey | Music Director

Jesse Nager | Jesus

a wonderful collaboration of all of the creative artists. We get to come up with all-new concepts; there are new costumes designed, sets built, and orchestrations arranged. We get to cast talented people. We get to rehearse a show really well.

“Asolo Rep has created a space that allows us to make our craft as excellent as possible. They say to us, ‘We don’t want a revival of a national tour that people have already seen. We want something specific for this audience.’ We take that seriously because it’s a beautiful opportunity for an artist to invent something that touches an audience, maybe in a way they weren’t expecting.”

For Rhodes, working with the designers to develop the look and atmosphere of the production is key.

“Once you collaborate with your designers and envision the set and the costumes, they help shape the production. I owe a lot to Alejo Vietti, who’s creating costume design inspired by the movie Dune. We’re not doing modern dress, but we’re also not doing biblical robes. In Dune, the characters are dressed to survive the elements. We took a cue from that look, but the production also tips a hat

to a classical time or a timeless space; it’s both modern and not modern at the same time.”

Rhodes says the ancient Greeks also influenced the production, including the four basic elements they recognized: earth, water, air and fire.

“The set — designed by Adam Koch — looks like stone, as if it’s been carved out of the earth,” says Rhodes. “And when we meet Caiaphas and the priests who are plotting against Jesus, we have fire there, which brings in heat and conflict. And Mary Magdalene represents water, to cool Jesus when he’s troubled.”

In the tender moment marked by the song “Everything’s Alright,” Mary Magdalene sings “Sleep and I shall soothe you, calm you and anoint you. Myrrh for your hot forehead, then you’ll feel everything’s alright, yes, everything’s fine. And it’s cool and the ointment’s sweet, for the fire in your head and feet.”

Rhodes says “Mary Magdalene is trying to keep the peace between Judas and Jesus, to calm the waters a bit. In this interpretation of the story, Jesus and Judas have different

Peter Rothstein

ideas of where the movement could go. I think of them as two owners of a business that grows, and one becomes a superstar. I say ‘business’ because Christianity was a new idea, a new religion, a new trend, a new thought, and the Romans were trying to shut them down. The pressure they went through makes for this huge clash of the titans. I love putting all of this conflict on an elemental set. It pushes the actors to the front.”

Rothstein and Rhodes believe Asolo Rep audiences will respond to this production with enthusiasm.

“Jesus Christ Superstar is a favorite of many musical theatre-lovers,” says Rothstein, “but I think it is also a perfect musical for folks who don’t think they like musicals, for folks who don’t typically come to the theatre. It’s like going to a rock concert. There are so many musical moments that simply take my breath away. It is a truly thrilling, complex, and profoundly moving score.

“Jenny Kim-Godfrey is our music director for the show. She does terrific work for us, including directing the music for our productions of Man of La Mancha, Twelve Angry Men and this season’s Lady Molly of Scotland Yard ”

Rhodes says, “My experience is so special every time I work at Asolo Rep. We’re going to dig deep and do our best to give Sarasota a stunning new production of Jesus Christ Superstar.”

For more information and tickets to Jesus Christ Superstar (May 14-June 15, 2025), visit AsoloRep.org or call the box office at 941-351-8000.

Photo by Nancy Guth

DESIGNING A COLLECTION

A Love Of Art Creates An Important Partnership And A Shared Vision For Artist Support And Connection.

By Kaileia Suvannamaccha

“Richard and I have become best friends,” says Tim Jaeger, Director and Chief Curator of Galleries and Exhibitions at Ringling College of Art and Design (RCAD).

Jaeger’s friendship with art collector Dr. Richard Mones began in 2023 through their collaboration on RCADs Fluid Impressions exhibition, which featured works by legendary Sarasota artist Syd Solomon from Dr. Mones’ personal collection. The exhibition was led by a student curatorial team who were part of Jaeger’s Exhibition Design and Management class. Students learned how to curate, design, and promote a professional exhibition. The partnership was so successful that the following year they joined forces again for American Illustration: The Jack Davis Exhibition with Dr. Mones returning to provide insights to the students from a collector’s perspective.

The collaboration between Jaeger and Dr. Mones did not stop there. Through ongoing conversations about their passion for art, they discovered a shared vision for Sarasota, which culminated in the opening of 502 Gallery, located in downtown Sarasota’s historic Burns Court District.

A Welcoming Space for Art Enthusiasts and Local Artists

502 Gallery is filling a critical void in Sarasota’s art landscape by providing a dedicated space for midcareer and established artists—locally and beyond. “Our goal with 502 Gallery is to champion individual

artists by giving them the spotlight they deserve,” says Jaeger. “We’re creating more visibility for their work within the community and offering local collectors a deeper connection to the talent that surrounds them.”

Though 502 Gallery operates independently, its ties to Ringling College are deep-rooted. “So much of the talent we celebrate—seasoned voices and fresh perspectives alike—has grown from the rich soil of that creative community.”

In August 2024, Jaeger’s and Mones’ debut exhibition, Shopliftable, featured over 150 small works by more than 50 artists—many of them Ringling College graduates. Among them was Tom Stephens, a well-regarded local artist and Ringling alum, who created an entirely new body of work specifically for 502 Gallery.

At 502 Gallery, thoughtfully curated exhibitions do more than showcase art. “They tell stories, educate people, and explore various concepts and trends in modern and contemporary art,” says Jaeger.

The gallery’s goal is to both sustain local artists by creating a mutually beneficial environment. “It brings us great joy to help artists sell their work. If they want to stay in Sarasota, we hope our sales can support that. There’s no worse feeling than having to shift away from your passion because you can’t afford to pursue it,” he adds.

“We don’t just train artists to make good work, we teach them how to share it with the world and connect it to something bigger than themselves.”

According to Dr. Mones, “We wanted to build something intimate, meaningful, and honest. This wasn’t about creating a business—it was about creating a space for connection.”

Building on a Legacy

Jaeger has been at home in Sarasota since 1998, when he arrived to attend RCAD. “It’s not just the place that kept me here—it’s the people and the history, the legacy that Ringling helps establish,” he reflects.

Dr. Mones moved to Sarasota in 2014 with his wife, Pamela. Inspired by the college’s influence in shaping the city’s cultural identity, Dr. Mones passionately immersed himself in Sarasota’s art scene.

“Richard has taught me so much—about curating, collecting, even just seeing,” Jaeger says. “We’re very different, but somehow always aligned. It’s rare, and it’s special.”

“Tim finishes my sentences sometimes. I’ve never disagreed with him on anything major, which makes our collaborations feel natural, and very rewarding,” Dr. Mones adds.

Their approach to curation bridges the past and present, showcasing the talents of today’s artists while educating the public about the roots of Sarasota’s artistic identity. “We want to recognize those who came before us—artists whose work helped put Sarasota on the map. But it’s equally important to highlight the artists working today, many of whom have ties to Ringling,” Tim explains. Sarasota has long been an arts and cultural hub in Florida, and they are proud to be part of that tradition, continuing to build on the legacy already established.

Rosemary District

“Ringling’s galleries are where I learned to see and be seen as an artist,” Jaeger adds. “Now, I get to create that same opportunity for a new generation.”

Mentorship in Motion

In his role as Director and Chief Curator of Galleries and Exhibitions at RCAD, Jaeger is dedicated to creating opportunities for students to engage in the broader conversation about art and culture. By involving students in all aspects of gallery operations—from critiques to exhibition design—he provides practical experience that extends beyond the classroom. This hands-on learning approach helps foster creativity long after graduation.

Ringling College art galleries, with seven distinct spaces, are designed to nurture professional development. Exhibitions primarily feature works by students, faculty, alumni, and visiting artists, with around 95% of the showcased work originating from the Ringling community. “We’re not just showing art—we’re building future curators, future gallery directors, future visionaries,” Jaeger emphasizes. “It’s important that our students understand how the art world works, and that they feel they belong in it.”

Dr. Mones, a lifelong collector, agrees with the importance of providing access. “Art has always been central to my life,” he shares. “For me, creation means bringing things together, understanding and appreciating the art I encounter. I’m fortunate to be able to collect.”

“We don’t just train artists to make good work,” Jaeger adds. “We teach them how to share it with the world and connect it to something bigger than themselves.”

Honoring the Past and Investing in the Future

The upcoming exhibition at 502 Gallery will delve into Sarasota’s postWorld War II era, capturing the city’s historic charm through the eyes of the artists who lived and worked here. For Mones and Jaeger, exhibitions of this type provide a rare opportunity to transport visitors back in time. The exhibition honors the late artists William Hartman and Wilfrid Berg, two lifelong friends who spent decades painting the quieter, pre-development landscapes of Sarasota.

“It’s a love letter to old Sarasota to the artists who came before us and to the importance of remembering where we came from,” says Jaeger. “The images are deeply nostalgic, capturing the beauty of old Sarasota. We’re reminded of how much has changed, with new buildings replacing old landmarks.” Through these paintings, the gallery aims to inspire reflection on the city’s history and highlight the need to preserve its environment and cultural heritage for future generations.

This theme of honoring the past while investing in the future is central to both 502 Gallery and Ringling College galleries. It’s also woven into the partnership between Jaeger and Mones, whose distinct backgrounds are united by a shared purpose.

“It’s a long-term investment,” Jaeger says. “It takes time to make real change, and we’re both committed to it. As an artist, I’m constantly revising and trying to hone in on what I feel is not only what I want to say, but what people might need.”

Much like Hartman and Berg, whose decades-long friendship and shared artistic vision immortalized the beauty of old Sarasota, Jaeger’s and Mones’ collaboration at 502 Gallery is built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to preserving and celebrating the city’s artistic legacy. Both pairs—Hartman and Berg to the past, and Jaeger and Mones to the future—serve as bridges, ensuring Sarasota’s artistic identity continues to evolve while honoring the roots that laid its foundation. Through their work, they remind us that the strength of an artistic community lies in its ability to nurture and support one another across generations.

BEYOND THE STAGE

BY RENO GOMEZ

At the heart of Sarasota’s thriving arts and culture scene is Florida Studio Theatre (FST), which welcomes everyone to experience live theater every season through the work of passionate professionals dedicated to inspiring upcoming generations. Through the numerous diverse and inclusive programs offered, FST seeks to challenge as much as it entertains, laying the foundation to educate both performer and patron alike.

FST was founded in 1973 as an alternative touring group, reaching underserved audiences in nursing homes, prisons, and more. This core aspect of FST’s mission—to make theater affordable and accessible to as many people as possible—brought about a natural evolution of introducing FST programs into our schools. While young playwrights and performers learn technical skills to bring a story to life, the lessons of confidence, empathy, critical thinking,

and opportunities for social and cultural dialogue set the stage for a more empowered life.

Through FST’s Write A Play program, introducing students to the art of theater starts as early as Kindergarten. This year-round arts integration program gives students valuable exposure to professional theater, broadening their understanding of cultural opportunities within their own community while deepening their appreciation for storytelling. As natural storytellers, children are empowered with the confidence and tools to write their own plays by showcasing the work of young playwrights and engaging them in the creative process through live performances and interactive workshops. At the end of the program, their work is celebrated at the annual Young Playwright’s Festival, honoring their creativity and imagination with full productions of their work.

FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE CAMPS, CLASSES & PROGRAMS

As students continue their education, the Write A Play: Secondary program adapts to meet the education challenges of sixth to twelfth grade students. Through in-classroom workshops led by professional teaching artists, proven theatrical methodology inspires students to nurture creativity, literacy, and self-expression. Since its inception over 30 years ago, Write A Play has grown from a local initiative into a nationally and internationally recognized program, inspiring thousands of young playwrights each year.

Outside of the classroom, FST sought to find a solution to the need to bring theater education directly to the community that was not cost or location prohibitive. The Gateway Program launched during FST’s 2022-2023 season addresses both geographic accessibility and transportation issues for students unable to participate in programs at FST’s downtown campus. During the 2023-2024 season, FST’s Gateway Program reached 122 youths ages 5-18

through partnerships with six organizations: Girls, Inc., Harbor58, Just for Girls, the Boys & Girls Clubs of DeSoto, Booker Middle School, and Unidos Now. Through a series of acting, improv, musical theater, and movement workshops, participants collaborated with FST’s team of resident teaching artists, who played a crucial role in the personal and intellectual growth of the participating students. The 2024-2025 season will include partnerships with other organizations such as AlsoYouth, the Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library, CreArte Latino, and Kids and Elders Through Arts (KAETA).

Workshops this year range from improv, public speaking, spoken memoir, acting, movement, and FST’s first bilingual Musical Theatre workshop series, hosted in the fall in partnership with CreArte Latino. Participants in the program are also eligible to continue their theatrical training with individual scholarships at FST in year-round

“EVERY CHILD GETS THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE IN THE SPOTLIGHT.”

classes, as well as winter, spring, and summer break camps.

Rachel Moulton, Associate Artist and Director of Education, is excited to welcome students back to the FST summer camp. The unique education model allows students to work with resident teaching artists and the director to create an original 45-minute show to perform on one of FST’s stages.

“What’s really special about creating a show for this group of children, filled with pieces of poetry, quotes, short stories, and more, is that it’s written with and for the voice of a child. In our classes, they learn methodology, dance, singing, and movement. There’s an authenticity to that that allows them to inhabit the characters from the inside out. It gives them agency to feel confident in their performance. Every child gets the opportunity to be in the spotlight,” said Rachel.

For over 35 years, FST’s summer camp has been empowering students to discover, create, and connect through the art of live theater. Enrollment is open now for youth ages 5-17, with classes beginning the week of June 2, and sessions run

throughout the summer to August 8. Full and partial scholarship opportunities are available for all FST educational programs. Families and students submit the application form available on the FST School website. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, as FST is committed to making their education programming as accessible and affordable as possible.

Of course, education does not end with a diploma, and theater education is no different. Year-round classes are available for adults with course offerings in Theatre Performance, Theatre Writing, Improvisation, and Theatre Appreciation. Intimate class sizes ensure one-on-one performance feedback from seasoned resident artists to help guide students to meet their creative goals.

Florida Studio Theatre is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose diverse programs serve over 200,000 attendees each year. As an essential part of the artistic team, FST donors share the belief that investing in the arts creates transformational experiences that extend beyond the stage. Whether underwriting a show, providing a scholarship to a young student in the education program, or through a monetary gift to the theater, FST encourages the community to explore the many ways to support the future of the arts in Sarasota. For more information, visit www.floridastudiotheatre.org.

ed U c Ation matters

FORTY CARROTS FAMILY CENTER’S EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH: STRENGTHENING FAMILIES ONE CONNECTION AT A TIME

By Hunter Hageman

In a world where the earliest years of life hold the power to shape a child’s entire future, the work happening at Forty Carrots Family Center is nothing short of transformational. With a focus on prevention, education, and emotional wellness, this Sarasota nonprofit organization has carved a unique path—meeting families where they are and empowering them to build brighter futures.

At the heart of Forty Carrots’ mission is the belief that every family deserves access to quality education and support, regardless of income or circumstance. This belief fuels the organization’s wide-reaching educational outreach programs, which span parenting education, early childhood development, and mental health support.

“Outreach is really the backbone of our programs,” explains Laura Josephson, Parenting Education Director at Forty Carrots. “We want to be in the community, working with as many families as possible. While early childhood education is one part of our services, the thread of education runs through all programs, including mental health. To truly strengthen families, we need to provide them with information, resources, and support.”

Josephson’s colleague, Carla Johanns, Chief Program Officer, oversees the organization’s three core programs. She echoes the importance of education in a broad, inclusive sense. “We’re not teaching parents how to read and write,” she says. “We’re teaching them how to become their child’s first and most important teacher.”

Prevention at the Core

Unlike many child and family organizations that focus on intervention, Forty Carrots emphasizes prevention, especially through parenting education. Johanns explains that parenting education is a proactive way to combat child adversity, which cuts across all socioeconomic lines. “Child adversity does not discriminate,” she says. “Parenting education is one of the best tools we have to prevent abuse, neglect, and trauma.”

Their programming focuses on several protective factors shown to reduce the risk of negative outcomes for children. These include nurturing attachment, parental resilience, social connections, knowledge of child development, concrete support in times of need, and understanding a child’s emotional development.

“We want parents to become behavior detectives,” Josephson explains. “Behavior is communication. If a child is acting out, they’re trying to tell us something. It’s the caregiver’s job to understand that language.”

Accessibility and Equity

Accessibility is not just a buzzword at Forty Carrots—it’s a strategic imperative. More than 80% of the organization’s services are delivered directly in the community, often at no cost to participants. From libraries to transitional housing, recovery centers to schools, Forty Carrots embeds its programs into the places where families already are.

“We go to them,” says Johanns. “We work with homeless and pregnant mothers, teen parents, individuals in recovery, survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. It’s about breaking cycles of abuse, poverty, trauma and doing it in a way that builds connection and trust.”

One example is the organization’s partnership with Lightshare, a recovery program for mothers and infants. While Lightshare’s focus is sobriety, Forty Carrots adds value by providing parenting education, helping residents build stronger bonds with their children and reinforcing the family unit as they heal.

Parenting with Purpose

The skills taught in parenting education aren’t what you might expect. They’re not about nap schedules or

feeding techniques, but about resilience, empathy, and emotional intelligence. One of the cornerstones of this programming is the evidence-based Circle of Security® Parenting (COSP) program.

“Circle of Security is rooted in decades of attachment research,” explains Josephson. “It’s an eight-week series that helps parents understand how to support their child’s independence while building secure attachment. It also asks parents to reflect on their own upbringing, how they were parented, and how that shapes their own parenting style.”

The program is court-approved in Florida’s 12th Judicial Circuit and open to families regardless of whether they have a case plan. It’s a powerful tool not only for education but for healing generational trauma.

Learning Through Play

Another signature initiative is Partners In Play® (PIP), a free community program that introduces early literacy concepts through guided play. Held in public libraries, PIP provides hands-on, floor-time experiences where parents or caregivers engage with children in activities that foster social, cognitive, and emotional development.

“We use play as a springboard to build relationships,” says Josephson. “Parenting educators are right there, modeling behavior, offering guidance, and empowering caregivers to be confident and engaged.”

Over 93% of children who attend PIP aren’t enrolled in any other form of early learning. That makes this program especially crucial, not only for school readiness, but also for identifying developmental delays. Outside of pediatricians, educators often serve as the first professionals to flag potential red flags and refer families to early intervention services.

Mental Health Integration

While parenting education is prevention focused, Forty Carrots also offers intervention through its licensed mental health services. Therapists are embedded in many outreach programs, providing trauma-informed insight and offering warm handoffs to families in need of more in-depth support.

“It’s not therapy in those sessions,” Johanns clarifies, “but when the need arises, we can make that connection in a non-threatening, supportive way. And when we do therapy, we do it as a family. We involve parents, not just the child, so that the work we’re doing has lasting impact.”

Partnerships and Logistics

What allows Forty Carrots to serve such a broad and diverse region? Mobility. The organization operates five fully stocked vans that function as mobile classrooms, traveling over 31,000 miles each year. Each van is equipped with materials tailored to specific programs—from infant support groups to mental health services.

“We are a well-oiled machine,” Josephson says with a smile. “We even have a van coordinator who ensures maintenance, inventory, and rotation schedules so we can deliver consistently excellent services across Sarasota and Manatee counties—and soon, into DeSoto County.”

Stories that Matter

The impact of this work is best seen through the stories of families whose lives have been transformed.

Johanns shares the story of a mother in recovery who struggled with attachment due to her own childhood trauma. After engaging with a Forty Carrots therapist, she was referred to PIP, where she found additional support through parenting educators. Later, she applied for and received a preschool scholarship through Forty Carrots. Today, she and her child are thriving.

Josephson recalls a mother who, in the depths of postpartum depression, considered ending her life. On the drive toward the Skyway Bridge, she remembered hearing about Forty Carrots. She turned the car around, joined a parenting group, and was connected to therapy. That mother now credits Forty Carrots with saving both her life and her child’s life.

These are not isolated incidents. Every year, Josephson conducts surveys measuring impact and outcomes across programs. Nearly 99% of participants report changes in parenting behavior, improved emotional connection, and a deeper understanding of their child’s development.

Looking Ahead

While the organization continues to refine its core programming, it remains open to evolution. Programs like Welcome to Our World (WOW), designed for caregivers of newborns, reflect an ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. Virtual offerings, piloted during the COVID-19 pandemic, now serve families across the U.S. and beyond.

“If we had unlimited funds and more staff, I’d love to see this model replicated across the country,” Josephson says. “Families tell us all the time, ‘I wish we had something like Forty Carrots in our community.’”

For now, the team remains focused on what they do best: strengthening families, one connection at a time.

“Everything we do,” Johanns concludes, “is about building attachment, supporting bonding, and helping families thrive. The approach may change depending on the setting, but the mission never does.”

B est se A ts

Rep

ARTIST SERIES CONCERTS

941.306.1200 / artistseriesconcerts.org

Scintillating Saxophones

May 4

Beijing Guitar Duo

May 8

ASOLO REPERTORY THEATRE

941.351.8000 / asolorep.org

Jesus Christ Superstar

May 14 - 18

ENSEMBLENEWSRQ

ensrq.org

Jagden and Foreman

May 12

FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE

941.366.9000 / floridastudiotheatre.org

Jersey Boys Through May 25

Comedy Roulette

Through May 30

Divas

Through June 22

FOGARTYVILLE COMMUNITY CENTER

941.894.6469 / wslr.org/fogartyville

Noah Guthrie

May 4

Svetlana and the New York Collective

May 9

Fogartyville Community Center

Victor Furtado and Carolina Schott

May 10

Creative Nexus ‘Cuttin’ Up’ Art Opening

May 16

Diego Figueiredo

May 22

Don Soledad and Pablo Arencibia

May 30

ISLAND PLAYERS

941.778.5755 / theislandplayers.org

Grace and Glorie

May 8 - 18

KEY CHORALE

941.552.8768 / keychorale.org

Beethoven’s Ode to Joy

May 10

40th Joyful Jubilee

May 10

LEMON BAY PLAYHOUSE

941.921.4845/lemonbayplayhouse.com

The Puzzle with the Piazza Through May 11

MANATEE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

941.749.1111/ manateeperformingartscenter.com

Evita Through May 11

Celebrate Broadway! Spring Musical Theatre Show

May 10

Asolo

Artist Series Concerts

Street Life Serenator -

Tribute to Billy Joel

May 13

Swan Lake

May 14

Stage Door University Aerial Showcase

May 28

MCCURDY’S COMEDY THEATRE

941.925.3869/mccurdyscomedy.com

Open Mic Competition

May 1, 8, 22, 29

Ryan Hamilton

May 2 - 3

Bermuda Mavericks

May 8 - 10

Fundraiser: ACS Bachelor Auction

May 13

Matt Braunger

May 15

Carlos Mencia

May 16 - 17

Jimmy Shubert

May 22 - 25

Humor Institute Class Performance

May 28

Wyatt Cote

May 29, 30, 31

THE SARASOTA PLAYERS

941.365.2494 / the players.org

You’re the one that I Want!

May 2 - 4

THE SARASOTA BALLET

941.359.0099 / sarasotaballet.org

The Wizard of Oz

May 17

SARASOTA CONTEMPORARY DANCE

941.260.8485 / sarasotacontemporarydance.org

Voices: Rising Choreographers

May 1 - 6

The Sarasota Ballet

Van Wezel

Ultra High Resolution, Large Format Fine Art Photography of Florida & Be yond

SARASOTA ORCHESTRA

941.953.4252 / sarasotaorchestra.org

Country Hits: Songs from Nashville

May 2 - 3

Great Escapes: G.O.A.T.S.

May 7 - 10

Discoveries: Vivaldi Inspired May 17

VAN WEZEL PERFORMING ARTS HALL

941.953.3368 / vanwezel.org

John Christ: Jokes for Humans

May 1

Illusionist Rick Thomas

May 2

Fleetwood Mach: Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show

May 3

Air Supply

May 4

VENICE SYMPHONY

941.207.8822 / thevenicesymphony.org

Capstan Chamber Series

May 4

Patriotic Pops: Salute to the Greatest Generation

May 24

WESTCOAST BLACK THEATRE TROUPE

941.366.1505 / westcoastblacktheatre.org

Syncopated Avenue

Through May 25 VISIT SCENESARASOTA.COM

for a calendar of performances and events. To submit a performance for listing consideration, please email publisher@scenesarasota.com

art scene

ART CENTER SARASOTA

941.365.2032 / artsarasota.org

North Sarasota County Spring Art Show

Through May 10

Annual Juried Regional Show: Vice and Virtue

May 22 - August 2

ARTCENTER MANATEE

941.746.2862 / artcentermanatee.org

Manatee County School District

Annual K-12 Exhibition

May 3 - 23

CHASEN GALLERY

941.260.5787 / chasengalleries.com

Shopping List: Brendan O’Connell May 3-31

CREATIVE LIBERTIES

941.799.6634 / creativeliberties.net

Remake Learning Days

May 1

A Better World Through Art

Student Art Show

May 3

Chasen

CREATURO GALLERY

941.953.6163/ creaturogallery.com

Art Walks Every First Friday May 2

LIGON FINE ART GALLERY ANNEX @CLIVE | DANIEL HOME DESIGN

832.361.0308 / angelaligonart.com

Jozef Batko

Oil on Canvas

DEFINE ART | GALLERY | STUDIO

941.500.2393 / definegallery.com Botanical Collections May 2 - 30

HARMONY GALLERY

941.953.4252 / sarasotaorchestra.org/about/ community/harmony-gallery

Robert Rashkow: Groovy People Through May 20

ISLAND GALLERY & STUDIOS

941.778.6648 / islandgallerywest.artspan.com

Florida Inspired Jewelry Creations

Animals and Wildlife: Carol Farkas and Jody Goldman May 1-31

Pascal Benichou Oil on Canvas

Duncan Chamberlain

Mixed Media Sculpture

MARA ART STUDIO + GALLERY

941.914.8110 / marastudiogallery.com

Check website for current exhibitions and events.

MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS

941.366.5731 / selby.org

George Harrison: A Gardener’s Life Through June 29

NORTH PORT ART CENTER

941.423.6460 / northportartcenter.,org

Water All Around May 3 Reception

Black & White & 1 Color May 17–31

Art Center Sarasota

Harmony Gallery

ArtCenter Manatee

Gallery

Define Art Gallery

Dr. Reichbach and his staff have committed to the mission of providing hope to those suffering from pain and mental health illnesses since first opening the Gulf Coast Ketamine Center in 2016. In 2020, the practice began a partnership with Veterans in Pain, a national nonprofit dedicated to solutions for U.S. veterans suffering from physical and emotional chronic pain. Serving as the director of the ketamine division for Veterans in Pain, Dr. Reichbach proudly offers discounted services through Reichbach Center for veterans and their immediate family members.

RINGLING MUSEUM

941.359.5700 / ringling.org

Radical Clay: Contemporary Women Artists from Japan Through May 11

Conjuring the Spirit World Through July 13

Catch of the Day: Flying Fish from Modern Japan Through April 6

Radical Clay: Contemporary Women Artists from Japan Through May 11 Embodied Through September 21

Robert Rauschenberg: A Centennial Celebration Through August 3

SARASOTA ART MUSEUM

941.309.4300 / sarasotaartmuseum.org

Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks Through May 4

Jillian Mayer: Slumpies May 4 - August 19

Personal to Political: Celebrating the African American Artists of

May 4 - August 10

Chris Friday: Where We Never Grow Old May 4 - August 10

SPAACES

941.374.3492 / spaaces.art

I’m Ok Through July 5

TO SUBMIT YOUR EVENT/EXHIBITION FOR CONSIDERATION , please send information to publisher@scenesarasota.com

Sarasota Art Museum

Paulson Fontaine Press

Ringling Museum

Sarasota Art Museum

Siesta Key | A4643281 | $16,000,000 Karen Chandler | 941-544-4919

Key | A4630440 | $10,500,000 Kim Ogilvie | 941-376-1717 Lakewood Ranch | A4647045 | $5,985,000 Stacy Haas | 941-587-4359

Longboat