The art of glass blowing requires a high level of comfort with infernal forces. It requires that one tiptoe around all degrees of burn as molten glass is shaped into exquisite objects in an abbreviated facsimile of volcanic processes. The medium is physical, dangerous and expensive, but in spite of these attributes, glass artist Duncan McClellan is not brutish or grave, nor does he find his inspiration in the dark and macabre. No, McClellan “is a happy artist, not an angsty one,” he says, a lover of nature and its growing things. And despite the dichotomy in energies between a hot shop and a green space, McClellan has found a home for his work at Selby Gardens.

“In Dialogue with Nature: Glass in the Gardens” represents the third installment of McClellan’s collaboration with the Gardens, and the relationship has proven to be symbiotic. “It’s just such a beautiful space,” says McClellan, “and I derive so much inspiration from it.” For the Gardens, it’s an opportunity to show off the abilities of its design team and continue to develop its image as a work of living art in its own right. “Their design staff really goes out of their way to complement the pieces,” says McClellan.

Like years past, this year’s edition features work from McClellan as well as some of the 120 artists that work out of his studio in St. Pete. Scattered throughout the grounds and within the galleries are some of his vases, recognizable for their egg shape and bright colors. Etched with exquisite line work and delicate color gradations, the vases feature images of nature at home in the lush foliage of the garden’s spaces. The collection speaks to some of the subtleties of McClellan’s craft, especially as it pertains to what is typically a team effort in the hot shop. “It usually takes 3-4 people to help me blow these pieces out,” he says, “but the detail work I do alone, so I get to experience the teamwork and enjoy some solitude too.”

McClellan’s Hibiscus Bowls series finds a surreal home in the Gardens’ koi pond, with pedestals hidden just beneath the pond’s surface that help create the illusion that the bowls are floating. The overall impression of the exhibition is a sense of timelessness, as though the glasswork was placed in the gardens long ago by a lost civilization. Perhaps the piece that most exemplifies that impression comes from artist Thomas Scoon, a series of three figures made of glass and stone that evoke the statues of Easter Island (pictured above).

The exhibition runs through September 20th, with the outdoor portions available for viewing during normal operating hours. Hours for indoor galleries vary. 

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“Quinceañera” is a celebration of Sarasota Contemporary Dance’s 15th birthday. SCD is marking its passage from girlhood to womanhood and demonstrating once again that the company is here for the long run. The term “Quinceañera” has been chosen not only to honor company Co-Founder and Artistic Director Leymis Bolaños Wilmott’s Caribbean roots (Cuban American), but also to recognize and celebrate the momentous accomplishment 15 years marks in la vida de Sarasota Contemporary Dance. Four- theater performances and one outdoor event at limited capacity. Shows will include: Evolving/Revolving, October 1–4, 2020, SCD + Piazzolla collaboration with Ann Pilot, November 19–22, 2020, Fiesta de Colores, December 18, 2020, Dance Makers – January 18-24, 2021 and Tribute to Muriel G. Mayers – April 29—May 2, 2021. 

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A conversation with Francisco (Panchi) Serrano, a graduate of the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School (SCBS) and now a member of the corps de ballet of The Royal Ballet in London.

Q: You are now a dancer with The Royal Ballet in London, one of most prestigious ballet companies in the world. What was the path that led you there? How did that happen?
I didn’t start studying ballet until I was 14, which is late. I played baseball for seven years. One day I visited my parents at their school. I saw my sister dancing and the teacher said she needed another boy for the class and asked me to join. So, I tried it and enjoyed it and my mom thought I had the potential. My mom was the one who got me into classes and then my dad drilled me in the physical training and in male ballet technique.

Q: You returned to Sarasota when the Royal Ballet suspended performing because of the pandemic . What’s the status of the company? Are they resuming classes? 
Classes started on July 12th. If dancers in the company had a home studio where they could take classes and practice their technique they were allowed to stay there so I was in Sarasota for most of the summer. I’m in London now and I’m excited to be back but it’s different with social distancing and wearing a mask in class. 

Sarasota Cuban Ballet School, 501 N. Beneva Rd., 941-365-8400

Click here to donate to the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School.

Choral Artists of Sarasota’s 42nd season, entitled “Rise Up!” features eight concerts in October, November, December, February, March, April, and July. Two of the concerts are planned for in-person events; three will be presented outdoors and all performances will include a virtual presentation. Choral Artists will also stage the long-awaited “Listen to the Earth” project, an ecological initiative commemorating Earth Day’s 50th anniversary last year, but postponed due to the pandemic. Artistic Director Joseph Holt will also illuminate the creative process during a series of virtual “Concert Insights,” throughout the season. Each will focus on the upcoming concert with a special guest joining the conversation. 

941-387-4900

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The FST School will be offering two online master classes led by top artists in the industry this month.FST Cabaret favorite and Blue Eyed Bettys co-founder Ben Mackel will lead “Anyone Can Write a Song,” on Wednesday, September 16 at 2pm and Playwright Rachel Lynett will help students rethink how to tell compelling stories in “Playwriting: Searching For Joy Not Trauma” on Thursday, September 24 at 2pm. Each class is $25. 

Click here for more information.

Learn to help low-income residents save energy, water and money at home while building sustainable communities for generations to come, by becoming a Sarasota County "Energy Coach" volunteer. Registration is now open at ufsarasotaext.eventbrite.com for this program, which launches September 16 and includes 20 hours of training on energy and solar basics, building impacts on human health, conducting home energy audits and much more. The "Energy Upgrade Volunteer Training" workshop, held 9am to 3pm on four consecutive Wednesdays, starting September 16, aims to create a core of trained "Energy Coach" volunteers to support low-income residents through educational programs, in-home energy and water evaluations, and efficiency upgrades. 

SustainableSarasota@scgov.net

Click here to register.

The Child Protection Center (CPC) has named Danielle Hughes from the Child Protection Team (CPT) the ‘Child Advocate of the Year.’ “Quite simply, CPC and the families we serve are better off because of Danielle’s effort,” said Doug Staley, Executive Director of CPC. “She has the ability to look through the lens of what is in the best interest of children and then voices that through the child welfare system. There is nobody more deserving of this honor than Danielle Hughes.” 

Click here for more information.

Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight is pleased to announce two lieutenants graduated this week from the 21st Command Officer Management Cohort sponsored by Saint Leo University and hosted by the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. Law Enforcement Lieutenants Brian James and Shawn Johnson participated in the 18-credit hour certificate program consisting of six courses over a six-month period. 

Citizens who would like to provide input during City Commission meetings can participate remotely via video technology, beginning with next week’s regular meeting. Those interested must pre-register by emailing their request to the City Auditor and Clerk’s office (clerk@SarasotaFL.gov) by 5pm on the Thursday prior to each meeting. Citizens will then receive a link to complete an online registration form, and once they are registered, they will receive further instructions and links from City staff on when and how to access the meeting online and participate. Anyone who wishes to participate remotely in the next City Commission meeting, scheduled for 1:30pm and 6pm Tuesday, September 8, must register via email by 5pm Thursday, September 3. 

For more information, contact the City Auditor and Clerk's office at 941-263-6222 or clerk@SarasotaFL.gov.

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Michael Saunders & Company is pleased to welcome Georgina Clamage to the Main Street office. A past recipient of the association’s “Humanitarian of the Year Award,” Georgina has continued her real estate education by earning the GRI, e-PRO and ABR designations. Georgina can be reached by calling 941-586-3789 or visiting the office located 1605 Main Street. 

Michael Saunders & Company is pleased to welcome Johann Bertram to the Anna Maria Island office.Johann believes that a successful real estate agent is an advocate and leaves their customers with a feeling of confidence. His ultimate goal is to exceed expectations, help his customers build the lifestyle of their dreams, and offer a full-service experience worth more than any commission. Johann can be reached by calling 941-779-3856 or visiting the office located 6000 Marina Drive. 

Baker Tom Gumpel introduces the science of the best thing since sliced bread. 

Click here to read the full article from SRQ's September 2020 edition.

This Saturday, September 5 go see Debbie Keeton at Mattison's Forty-One at 7m. Also playing, The Island Swing Band  from 5:30-7:30pm at Scarpino's Italian Restaurant. The Ron Kraemer Trio at 7pm at Blase' Cafe.  

The Gulf Coast Safe Streets Summit is accepting traditional and COVID-19 related presentation proposals are due by September 18, 2020, 11:59pm. Although GCSSS has identified the 6 E's of Transportation as the main topics as a means to structure the agenda for the 2020 Summit, we are accepting traditional and COVID-19 related proposals. 

Click here to submit your proposal.

The State supported mobile Coronavirus testing scheduled at the Englewood United Methodist Church for September 8-10 has been canceled. The Coronavirus testing scheduled at the Charlotte County Tax Collectors office will take place as scheduled. 

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Now available to view and download, Local Strong! highlights what makes locally owned and operated businesses in our region special. Between chic boutiques, opportunities to have fun outdoors and good bites that cannot be missed -- Local Strong! is your go-to guide for shopping local and supporting our regional economy. 

Click here to view the feature