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ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT WHAT IS ART?
nity centers, health care practices and many more “common” places, along with a postcard takeaway version.
One of the first spots to exhibit one of the first broadsides, which Butterfield referred to as “Moon” was the Sarasota fitness and community center known, at that time, as Our Y (now CoreSRQ), where Butterfield and Carson continue to be members.
The artwork was Butterfield’s, and Carson curated the poem, “On the Spirit of the Heart as Moon-Disk,” by 12th Century Japanese poet Kojijú.
When talking about art, it’s a huge understatement to say that there’s no singular agreement about its definition or purpose.
But it’s plain to see what art means to 3-year-old Sarasota nonprofit Art in Common Places.
“Our belief that art belongs to everyone is at the heart of Art in Common Places,” explains artist Leslie Butterfield.
This singularly unique organization, run entirely by volunteers, was founded in 2020 by Butterfield, a visual artist, poet Teresa Carson and businesswoman Cynthia Burnell.
“The word ‘common’ refers to the types of places we want to place our broadsides. We are especially interested in places where people who might not otherwise have access to art and poetry live or visit,” she adds.
By broadside, Butterfield is referring to the 18-by-12-inch posters designed and produced from the artistic output of a six-week collaboration between a carefully selected and matched artist and poet. Once they are created by volunteer designer Jeff Haste of Deerbrook Editions, and then printed, broadsides are entered into monthly rotating exhibitions located in libraries, commu-
“The artwork was vibrant, and the poem spoke about the human connection,” says Pamela Peters, CoreSRQ member engagement director. “It was relevant to what was going on in society at the time (the COVID-19 pandemic) and everyone just said, ‘wow.’”

One of the newest broadsides, just beginning to rotate into exhibitions, represents the collaboration between artist Pamela Olin and poet Don McLagan, both of Sarasota.

“I didn’t know I was being considered, but I do know Leslie and Teresa from other art stuff around town,” says Olin, who is a lifelong artist and teacher. “The one thing I requested was a ‘live’ poet. I wanted someone I could have a dialogue with.”
As it turned out, she already knew McLagan. Olin says the two agreed to have weekly meetings via Facetime to collaborate, and during the calls, McLagan was also able to see Olin’s studio and what she was working on.
“A sculpture I was just beginning sparked his imagination,” Olin says.
“The sculpture and poem speak to each other and the viewer about understanding,” says McLagan. The result of this inspiration and collaboration is the broadsheet called
When I meditate I elevate into a stratosphere where my tragedies dissipate, into an aroma of triumph that never disintegrates, I inhale until my soul inflates, exhale love with every breath I take, my heart song resonates, I become weightless in this space, where dreams regenerate, here I have anticipated being emancipated, certain that I am uncertain, I take steps to be still in this place, no longer will I hesitate, my eyes closed, with my third eye wide open, I can see heaven’s gates, falling through my rock bottom to pursue love in the pits of Hell for Heaven’s sake, the flames of life still fight off the shadows of doubt and for that I say Namaste ...