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SRQ DAILY Aug 23, 2019

Friday Weekend Edition

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Friday Weekend Edition

"My philosophy is that everybody's got the talent and the creativity."

- Judi Light, artist
 

[Visual Arts]  Helping New Artists See the Light at Art Ovation Hotel
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

If there’s anything that artist Judi Light is certain of in this world, it’s that anyone can be an artist. And as the current artist-in-residence at the Art Ovation Hotel in Downtown Sarasota, she’s doing her part to spread the news, offering free watercolor classes for four hours a day in the hotel lobby studio, today through Sunday.

“My philosophy is that everybody’s got the talent and the creativity,” Light says. She herself didn’t even pick up the paints until 2012, and now the self-taught artist’s work can be found at both the Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy in Sarasota and The Cottage Art Gallery in Nokomis. What typically holds people back, she’s learned, is simply their own self-doubt. “We’re usually self-editing so much and so self-critical that we don’t allow ourselves to do what we can actually do,” she says. But with these informal classes, she hopes to show people a side of themselves they may never have seen.

With all of the paper and paints supplied, participants begin by learning some basic techniques, but quickly move on to their projects, which will typically either be impressionistic floral images or personal cartoons. Surrounded by Light’s charmingly off-the-wall illustrations of animated creatures and characters reminiscent of something one might find in a Lewis Carroll fantasy world, participants can find plenty of inspiration all around them, but Light insists they put their own imagination to work when creating their own. And in her class, there’s no right or wrong.

What’s important is not that this first attempt is perfect, she says, but that participants understand that they have the artistic ability and creativity within themselves, and they don’t need her looking over their shoulder when they go home and try it on their own. But they can still take an extra bit of Light’s inspiration with them, as much of her work is available for sale at Art Ovation as well, including cards for all occasions and all four volumes of her illustrated storybooks, The Magical World of Twigshire, featuring original artwork accompanied by stories that range from “pure nonsense” to heartwarming stories inspired by the simple profundity of authors like A.A. Milne.

Light will be at Art Ovation teaching the curious and creative today and Saturday from 4pm to 8pm and on Sunday from 11am to 3pm. Classes are free to attend and students can pop in for as long or as little as they desire. 

Pictured:

[GoodBite]  Quali-tea Boba
Olivia Liang

Bubble tea has seeped its way into mainstream hangouts and now 21-year-old Charisma Davis has opened Teas Days in Gulf Gate, selling the Taiwanese “textured drink” experience to parched persons around town. These hot or cold drinks have a tea base enhanced with textures and toppings, and customizable choices every step of the way. Choose classic teas like jasmine, oolong or green tea, or sweeter milk teas like thai, honeydew, matcha or lavender flavors. Then add regular Boba, tapioca-based pearls that sink to the bottom, or Bursting Boba—miniature juice balls that pop when bitten—with flavors like strawberry, mango, honey or lychee. And then there are the toppings: syrups, nutella, fruit, candy, ice cream or even more Boba. 

Teas Days also offers specialty drinks like lychee sangria, Bursting Boba-filled White Claws or mimosas, and side snacks to munch: acai bowls, macaroons, avocado toast and puffles, flavored waffle tacos filled with ice cream. And in case that variety isn’t enough, anything can be infused with CBD. With Open Mic Nights on Tuesdays, Karaoke on Thursdays and monthly events with DJs, comedians and even movie premiers, Charisma welcomes suggestions on how to expand and evolve the space, “making [Teas Days] more than just tea.” Stop by Teas Days to create your own custom bubble teas, and customers who mention this SRQ article will receive 10% off their purchase.  

Photo courtesy of Charisma Davis.

Teas Days, 6517 Superior Ave., Sarasota, 941-312-5192, @teas_days.

[Theater]  Arnold Simonsen Players Studio Holds Open House on Saturday

The Arnold Simonsen Players Studio will be holding its annual Open House this Saturday, August 24, from 10am to 1pm at 1400 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota. There will be live presentations from The Players Kids, The Players Teens, and the competition team, The Players Dance Company, with class presentations in Tap, Jazz, Singing and Musical Theatre. Students who enroll on the day of the open house will receive $10 off their registration fee.

The open house is a great way to get a preview of who The Players are as a studio and meet the staff, including the new studio director, Jennifer Ortiz. The studio offers classes in all styles of dance, singing and acting, with multiple workshops from perfecting your monologue to playwriting. This season, the curriculum has expanded by adding more classes for the homeschool student along with Mommy & Me classes. The following performance groups have auditions approaching: The Players Kids, The Players Teens, The Players Dance Company, The Flash Tappers and The Players Follies. 

The Players Centre for Performing Arts

[Architecture]  Tickets On Sale for 2019 SarasotaMOD Weekend

Event tickets are now on sale for the 2019 SarasotaMOD Weekend, a mid-century modern architecture festival celebrating the legacy of the “Sarasota School," presented by the Sarasota Architectural Foundation. The theme of the sixth annual festival this year is “Sarasota in the Sixties,” and will focus on the next generation of Sarasota School architects—Carl Abbott, Joe Farrell, Frank Folsom Smith, Tim Seibert and Jack West—and their designs after the first wave in the 1950s. The event will take place November 8-10.

The SarasotaMOD Weekend opening party will take place from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at the recently opened Sarasota Modern Hotel. On Saturday, November 9, architect Frank Folsom Smith will present the event’s keynote lecture, “Work of the 1960s,” during a breakfast session at Holley Hall, located in the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center. A panel discussion, “Sarasota Architecture in the Sixties,” will be moderated by Christopher Domin and feature panelists Carl Abbott, Joe Farrell, Lorrie Muldowney and Harold Bubil. Attendees will also hear a presentation by John McCarthy, local historian and Executive Director of Historic Spanish Point, and view the 1965 promotional film David of Sarasota. On Saturday and Sunday, there will be self-guided tours of the Lido Shores neighborhood, as well as Siesta Key trolley tours, Downtown trolley tours, and a trolley tour of Southgate, which in the 1960s was developed from citrus groves into the suburban-like single-family housing neighborhood it is today. Throughout the weekend, an exhibition opening “Frank Folsom Smith: Work of the 1960s” will be displayed at Sarasota Art Center. 

2019 SarasotaMOD Weekend

[Arts and Culture]  Hermitage Artist Retreat Names Krusenstjerna Development Director

Bruce Rodgers, the executive director of the Hermitage Artist Retreat, recently announced that the organization has welcomed Sara Krusenstjerna as its new development director. In her new role, Krusenstjerna will oversee all aspects of the Hermitage’s development operation, including fundraising initiatives, corporate and foundation relations, community outreach, major gifts, and planned giving. “Sara is the perfect person to fulfill this role,” says Rodgers. “She brings a multi-disciplinary background, with extensive experience in administration and development for nonprofit and higher education institutions.”

In prior roles, Krusenstjerna worked closely with organizational and community leaders to fulfill the full spectrum of philanthropic responsibilities, including planning and building comprehensive fundraising programs, developing strategic partnerships and fostering strong relationships with donors. Most recently, she served as director of philanthropic planning for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, where she was responsible for developing the legacy giving program and fostering partnerships with regional estate planning professionals. Before the BSO, Krusenstjerna worked for 10 years in academic fundraising, including as vice president of philanthropy at New College Foundation in Sarasota. 

Hermitage Artist Retreat

[Opera]  Sarasota Opera Gears Up for Taste of Downtown Food & Wine Festival

On Saturday, September 21, 2019, the historic Sarasota Opera House will open its doors for the 6th annual Taste of Downtown Food & Wine Festival, featuring culinary creations, fine wines and craft beers from some of Sarasota’s favorite eateries and lounges. This popular event benefits Sarasota Youth Opera, the most comprehensive youth opera program in the United States. The Youth Opera chorus will be performing selections from their upcoming production of Brundibár. Tickets to Taste of Downtown are $75 per person and are available at the website below or at the Box Office located at 61 North Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota. 

Sarasota Opera Taste of Downtown Food & Wine Festival



[TODAY]  THEATER: The Cottage , July 31 – August 24

Set in the English countryside in 1923, this sexy comedy of love and betrayal unfolds when Sylvia Van Kipness decides to expose her secret love affair to her husband. The true meanings of love and marriage are called into question as a surprising, hilarious web of secrets unravels in this ridiculous—potentially murderous—romantic comedy.

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave., Sarasota

[TODAY]  THEATER: Scorch , July 26 – August 25

For Kes, falling in love for the first time happened online. But the exhilarating fantasy quickly turns into a terrifying reality when the young teen is accused of criminal conduct. Inspired by real cases of ‘gender fraud,’ Scorch is a touching and provocative story of love though the eyes of a gender-curious teen.

Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St., Sarasota.

[TODAY]  THEATER: The Swingaroos: Hollywood Serenade , July 23 – August 30

Back by popular demand, The Swingaroos return to FST with a brand new show. Inspired by the Golden Age of Hollywood, this jazzy music revue pays tribute to such icons as Frank Sinatra, Cab Calloway, and Fred Astaire. Travel back in time this summer to the ‘30s and ‘40s when big bands and swing dancing were all the rage. 

Florida Studio Threatre, 1241 N Palm Ave., Sarasota

[TODAY]  FILM: Sun Xun: Time Spy , August 11 – February 16

A mesmerizing 3D animated film by Chinese painter and draughtsman, Sun Xun incorporates traditional techniques including ink painting, charcoal drawing and woodblock printing. He uses analog and digital technologies to explore pressing concerns of the time.

The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road

[SOON]  MUSEUM: The Fabric of India , July 7 – October 13

This exhibition showcases over 140 examples drawn from the internationally-renowned holdings of London’s Victoria and Albert Museum and private collections. This exposition illustrates the variety, technical sophistication and adaptability of Indian textiles from the fifteenth to the twenty-first centuries. Through a range of historical dress, carefully preserved fabrics, and cutting-edge fashion, discover how Indian textiles have been interwoven with religion, politics and global trade for centuries. Or join the Curator of Asian Art Dr. Rhiannon Paget for a tour at the Gallery Walk and Talk, 10:30am–6pm on July 25. 

The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Hungry Ghost Festival and Psychic Fair , August 24, 11am–4pm

The Hungry Ghost Festival marks the time of year when tables are turned and the deceased are believed to visit the living. The gates of the afterlife are thrown open and ghosts are free to roam the earth in search of food, entertainment and mischief.

Though the Hungry Ghost Festival gets some acclaim as the “Chinese Halloween,” the holiday actually offers a great opportunity to teach kids about caring for the destitute and less fortunate.

The Spirit University, 373 Braden Ave.

[SOON]  GALA: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Kick Off Celebration , August 29, 530pm

Join us to Kick Off the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer season and for the reveal of the 2019 Real Men Wear Pink candidates.  Hear about the American Cancer Society’s lifechanging research and patient programs that are funded by Making Strides and Real Men Wear Pink events. Light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served. RSVP is required. Please RSVP by Monday, August 26th to Lucy.Fox@cancer.org or 941-328-3755. MakingStridesWalk.org/SarasotaManatee

The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, 1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  FOOD: Caregivers Comfort Socializing Lunch , September 2, 1215pm

Julie Cook Downing, President of Caregivers' Comfort Creations, LLC and Doctors Hospital Caregiver Support Group Facilitator, hosts a monthly lunch at The Rosemary restaurant. This event provides caregivers some time to relax, enjoy themselves and eat super delicious food with others sharing similar situations. The lunch takes place from 12:15pm-1:45pm. For lunch details, contact Julie at caregivercomfort@aol.com.

The Rosemary, 411 North Orange Avenue

[SOON]  THEATER: Who Love You, Musical Tribute to Frankie Valli and Beyond , September 3 – October 13

Experience the signature songs and dance moves of one of the most successful acts in music history: Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. A musical tribute to the group that has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, Who Loves You will have you clapping and singing along to hits like “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Rag Doll,” “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night),” and many more you know and love.

Florida Studio Threatre, 1241 N Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Stars, Stripes and Style 26th Annual Fashion Show , September 4, 11am

Join us in celebration of the Women's Council of Realtors Sarasota Network 26th Annual Fashion show on Wednesday, September 4 at 11:00 am. WCR will honor America's veterans at the Stars, Stripes and Style fashion show featuring fashions by Goodwill Manasota. Enjoy lunch by The Hyatt Sarasota and a fun filled fashion show by local realtors and business partners. There will be a live auction, lotto tree raffle, silent auction and shopping at tabletop boutiques.

Hyatt Sarasota, 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  FILM: Gazebo Starlight Cinema Series , September 6

Join the Gazebo Starlight Cinema series with this month’s movie: X-Men. With a screen stretched around the Gazebo pillars and family flicks back-projected from within, what better place than the facing grassy knoll to relax in a beach chair or curl up on a blanket? Bring the whole family to kick off your weekend while enjoying the park! Support local Venice Avenue businesses by bringing snacks, dinner, ice cream (or gelato!) to enjoy during the movie.

Downtown Venice Centennial Park, 200 West Venice Ave.

[SOON]  MUSIC: The Goldtones , September 7, 8pm

The Goldtones have been called the “hottest doo-wop group in Florida” and entertain their audiences with the sweet sounds of street-corner harmony and all the favorites from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. The group is back by popular demand after performing at Venice Theatre for five years in a row. Proceeds benefit the Venice Theatre Guild’s Scholarship Fund!

Venice Theatre MainStage, 140 W Tampa Ave.

[SOON]  BUSINESS: 14th Annual Intertape Polymer Group Leadership Breakfast , September 13, 730am

Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County will honor Jaime DiDomenico, Cool Today/Plumbing Today/Energy Today President, and Dr. Rachel Shelley, Booker High School Principal, at the 14th Annual Intertape Polymer Group (IPG) Leadership Breakfast for their commitment to empowering our community’s future leaders to reach their full potential. The event will take place on Friday, September 13, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club, located at 3100 Fruitville Road in Sarasota.  Individual tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased at bgcsarasota.com. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Please contact Tanya Orr, Community Engagement Manager, for more information by calling (941) 366-3911 or emailing torr@bgcsarasota.com.

Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club, 3100 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34237

SRQ Media Group

SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email

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