SRQ DAILY Oct 23, 2020
Friday Weekend Edition
"It was just a way of grappling with and processing the craziness of the early days of Covid."
In late March, Lisa Di Franza sensed bad news was coming. As Cultural Curator for Art Ovation Hotel, one of many area hotels hit hard by Covid-19 closures, she heard the murmurs about canceled reservations. “I was on my way home when I got the call,” she says, “but I knew the hotel was taking a hit and I wasn’t a direct guest services employee.” The hotel laid her off as it went into survival mode. “That was my main source of income,” says DiFranza.
But Di Franza, the consummate optimist, wasted no time and started sketching the next day to cope. Then the day after that. By late August, she had amassed 150 sketches in 150 days. “It was just a way of grappling with and processing the craziness of the early days of Covid,” she says. Somewhere along the way, her personal need to get her anxieties on paper became something more, and to commemorate the 150 sketches, she launched a website and codified her daily practice: Sketch-a-Day.
Featuring scenes from around the Manatee River-front where she lives, her series of gouache paintings mark the passage of her time in a bubble that included only her partner. Landscapes of riverfront idyll like in “View from Palmetto Riverside” (pictured above) make frequent appearances with a sort of childlike, crude impressionism capturing the mood of the moment. Other times, she felt compelled to make a statement specific to the pandemic, with masked people seemingly aloof from each other in space and time. “I would just have this sort of abstract response to things going on around me,” she says.
When seen all together, her Sketch-a-Day collection speaks to the natural flow of emotions likely felt by many during the pandemic—the ups and downs, the good days and bad. But the cheer is ever-present in the bright colors and in her commitment to daily practice.
By the time she got to 200 pieces, DiFranza got another call, this time from the senior curator of the hotel. “He said, ‘I’ve got an idea.’ I said, ‘great, let’s hear it.’” The senior curator wanted her to return to the hotel, but not as a curator. This time, DiFranza returns as an artist. A selection of her Sketch-a-Day pieces will comprise an exhibition in the hotel titled “Time Lapse 2020,” in honor of the elasticity of time in its alternating rush and drag during the pandemic.
“I’ve never had the time to do something like this,” she says, “so it’s been an interesting twist to emerge from this crisis—and I fully intend to keep painting and sketching.”
The exhibition opens next Thursday, October 29, and runs through January 18. 
Art Ovation Hotel, 1255 North Palm Avenue, Sarasota, 941-316-0808. Picture courtesy of Lisa DiFranza.
Candy and Stephanie not only share a favorite color, but they share a mentality. Be green and support local. Their mini pop-up market series, The Green Bazaar, creates an outlet for locals to show off their eco-conscious goods, mindful gifts and artisan craftmanship. Always hosted at one of the two Green Zebra Cafe locations -- either St Armands Circle or Main Street -- the mini-markets also include added bennies aside from the cozy greenscape of the cafe. Healthful food and smoothie options, sangria and live music always. Vendors at previous markets have included You Had Me At Aloe Co. succulents, The Resting B Face candles and hair spray, Lunar Earth loose leaf teas, Drift Theory nature-inspired jewelry, Boltzon Board recycled skateboard products, Ziemia Earth Essentials natural skincare, Color Street nail art and Suncoast Tie Dye garments. Don't want to miss the next one?
After work, stick around downtown Monday, October 26. Candy and Stephanie will be at it again -- hosting a Halloween Monday Masquerade at the Green Zebra on Main Street, from 5 pm - 9 pm. Come enjoy a fall evening of live music, karaoke, local treats, beer and wine, local vendors, spooky surprises and costume contest. Though Halloween isn't until the following Saturday, costumes are encouraged if you're eager to dress up and get festive before the weekend rolls around. Note, your costume does not have to be green.
Photo of founders Stephanie and Candy, courtesy of The Green Bazaar SRQ.
This week marks the lead up to World Lemur Day which falls on October 30 this year. As part of the Festival, the LCF put out a call for artist entries encouraging artists to submit works depicting lemurs, as a way to build awareness about, and inspire action to protect these endangered primates. Shelby Baillie, a senior at Ringling College of Art and Design was the first-place winner, while high school student Mika Fowler took second place. Baillie’s digital illustration titled, Lost Home secured her a $1,000 prize and the title of Lemur Artist of the Year, and both winning artworks will be added to LCF’s permanent art collection. Baillie talks about the important message she is conveying through her work, “I want to take this opportunity to talk about a very important issue through my art, about how we are destroying these beautiful creatures’ habitats and the homes that they live in, and I think that it’s very important to show the viewer and not sugarcoat it."
This season, you can enjoy Sarasota Orchestra concerts in Holley Hall through your computer, mobile devices, or even your television with the proper set-up. All programs in the reimagined season will be available for you to stream for only $10 per concert. Acquire a Streaming Access Pass for $100 and stream our ten Classics and three Pops concerts. You’ll save $30, experience a season of beautiful music filmed in Holley Hall, and help Sarasota Orchestra during these challenging times.
The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County (Alliance) is pleased to announce the addition of five new members to its Board of Directors. In a conscientious effort to better represent the community which it serves, the Alliance has expanded the board to increase the organization’s reach. Jim Shirley, Executive Director of the Arts and Cultural Alliance states, “It is imperative that our Board of Directors reflects the diversity of people and organizations that make Sarasota County a vibrant arts and cultural community.” The Alliance welcomes the new members to the Board of Directors: Luz Corcuera, Sheila D. McKoy, Vickie Oldham, Andy Sandberg and Dr. James Stewart.
The Hermitage Artist Retreat announced today that Ralph Farris, a Hermitage Fellow and founding violist and artistic director of the genre-bending string quartet ETHEL, will headline the organization’s signature fall fundraising event, The Artful Lobster: An Outdoor Celebration. The event, which takes place outdoors beneath a large tent on the Hermitage’s beachfront campus, is Saturday, November 14, 11:30am-2pm.
Join Friends of Osprey Junction Trailhead (FOJT) for a FOJT Plein Air Painter Art Exhibit/Critique on October 28, 2020. A grant from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation is underwriting this webinar. This online art exhibition will highlight local Plein Air artists’ work created and inspired by the landscape at Osprey Junction Trailhead Park. Plein Air is the practice of rendering nature at the moment and capturing the luminous effects of light and atmosphere. A critique of each piece will address the many styles and techniques that are essential to this distinct method of painting. Admission is free, but you must register to receive an invitation for the webinar.
Intercoastal Medical Group is pleased to announce the addition of two physicians. Podiatric Surgeon Mark A. Dreyer, DPM, joined Intercoastal’s Podiatry Group and Family Medicine physician, Brittney Benjamin, MD, was welcomed by Intercoastal’s Beneva Family Practice Group
Sarasota Memorial this week honored its hospital epidemiologist and a team of physicians leading the fight against COVID-19 in the Suncoast region. At the SMH annual medical staff meeting on Tuesday, Chief of Staff Alissa Shulman, MD, presented the health system’s 2020 Physician of the Year Award to physicians leaders representing the extraordinary work of the medical staff to safeguard patients, hospital staff and the community this year. Those included Medical Director of SMH Infection Prevention & Control Manuel Gordillo, MD; SMH Chief Medical Officer James Fiorica, MD; past chief of staff and critical care pulmonologist Joseph Seaman, MD; and Medical Director of Clinical Research Kirk Voelker, MD. “These physician leaders did not do this alone. It took leadership, collaboration and support from teams of physicians they represent who together managed every challenge and complexity the pandemic threw our way,” Dr. Shulman said. “I could stand here all day naming physicians who stepped up to the plate for our hospital, our patients and our community… and I would still have more names I wanted to get to.”
The School District of Manatee County announces a new Director of Federal Programs and Grants. Latrina Singleton, the former Principal of Blackburn Elementary School in Palmetto, has accepted the position to replace Elena Garcia, who left the District to pursue another opportunity. Mrs. Singleton has been with the school district for the last nine years. Danielle Delk will be Principal at Blackburn Elementary School in Palmetto for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year, upon approval from the School Board.
arasota Memorial is pleased to announce the installation of its 2021 team of physician leaders this week. At SMH’s annual medical staff meeting on Tuesday, the following physicians were selected to serve on the hospital’s Medical Executive Committee in an annual term that starts in November: Jack Wazen, MD, was named Chief of Staff, Richard Lichtenstein, MD, was named Chief of Staff Elect, and Chippy Ajithan, MD, and Heitor Okanobo, MD, were named members-at-large. In additon Joseph Seaman, MD, was named secretary-treasurer.
Mike Solomon captures the faces of turbulent times with his latest exhibition.
Click here to read the full November 2020 edition of SRQ Magazine.
Throughout the region, homeowners are launching renovation and remodeling projects—from new open floorplan kitchen and living spaces and bathroom sanctuaries to exterior retreats replete with water features, pergolas and outdoor cooking.
Experts in the industry weigh in on what's trending for 2020 in the SRQ Fall House & Home Portfolio.
Welcome to Out of the Blue 2020 – a unique Live Online Event and Costume Contest supporting the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Throughout the month of October, you will have the opportunity to enter a picture of your best “BLUE” costume. On October 29th from 6:30-8:00 pm, NAMI will host a Live Online Zoom event emceed by entertainer Jonathan Cortez and featuring local artists and talent all in support of NAMI. Our evening will wrap up by announcing the Costume Contest winners with a “Best in Blue” winner in each category. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to have fun creating a “Bluetiful” costume along with an enjoyable – and safe – evening of entertainment.
Come trick or treat at The Bazaar. Enjoy interactive experiences from 21 Century Shakespeare Theatre company. Every hour they will be performing Halloween inspired skits outside in the courtyard, also Let's Create Art is hosting a coloring contest with prizes.
Orphaned children from Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) collaborate to craft a collective fairytale drawn from their darkest memories and brightest dreams. Their fictional character, Liyana is brought to life through animated artwork as she embarks on a perilous quest to rescue her young twin brothers. As the children’s real and imagined worlds converge, they must choose the kind of story they will tell, both in fiction and in their own lives. This genre-defying film weaves their animated hero’s journey with poetic documentary scenes to create an inspiring tale of perseverance that reveals the strength of the human spirit and the healing power of storytelling. Liyana has won more than 35 jury and audience awards and has been screened at more than 100 film festivals around the world. Moderator: Julie Cotton.
Online
Sarasota Opera's first live-streamed performance will take place on Friday, November 13 at 7:30 PM at the Sarasota Opera House, featuring favorite opera selections by Verdi, Rossini, Puccini, Wagner, and Mozart, accompanied by piano. A limited number of tickets will be available for an in-person, distanced audience at $25-45. Tickets for the live stream are $10. The live stream will be available for viewing for two weeks.
Back by popular demand, SCD continues to bring their collaborations to a nuevo level with renowned harpist, Ann Hobson Pilot. This performance is originally choreographed by Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, inspired by la música of Astor Pantaleon Piazzolla. Pilot’s arrangement for the harp, violin, and bandoneon, inspired by Piazzola’s compositions, infuses the composer’s melodías into a contemporary mix of música de tango with jazz and classical influences. Through an invigorating visual and emotional experience, SCD brings a passionate and poignant performance to the Historic Asolo Theater with Piazzolla from November 19, 2020 until November 22, 2020. Performances at 7:30pm, except Sunday at 2pm.
Two outdoor concerts featuring songs celebrating nature and accompanied by piano will take place on Tuesday, November 17 at 5:30pm at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota and on Thursday, November 19 at 5:30pm at Historic Spanish Point. The musical program will be identical at both garden locations. Attendance at each concert will be limited to 100 people, with tickets at $35.
Illest of Illustration is an annual juried exhibition that showcases the outstanding works created by current Illustration students of Ringling College of Art and Design. Over 100 works were chosen from more than 200 submissions. The talented guest jurors, Justin and Annie Stegg Gerard, made their selections based on the quality of technique, concept, and skill of medium used. Exhibition open by appointment only. Email galleries@ringling.edu to request an appointment. This exhibit began on October 23, 2020 and will end on December 4, 2020, during museum hours.
Ringling College Galleries
Featuring performances and excerpts of Sir Frederick Ashton's: Meditation from Thaïs, Monotones II, Façade, Romeo & Juliet, La chatte métamorphosée en femme, The Sleeping Beauty and Les Patineurs. Additional content includes rehearsal footage, along with coaching and an interview with retired British ballet dancer and former Artistic Director of The Royal Ballet Sir Anthony Dowell.
Join Motorworks Brewing every Tuesday night at 7:45pm in the spacious outdoor Beer Garden for a one hour, all-levels yoga flow led by RYT Rachael Croll from Salty Buddha Co. Spread out your yoga mats in the fresh, open air of Florida’s Largest Beer Garden then, once safely distanced, stretch out your body, mind & soul… one delicous, cold beer at a time. Classes are just $10 and include a complimentary core four pint (V Twin Vienna Lager, Intellectual Property Ale IPA, Pulp Friction Grapefruit IPA, Midnight Espresso Coffee Porter or Rollcage Red Ale). No sign-up required; you can just show up before the class begins & sign-in/pay at the brewery. Please bring your own mat to practice on, invite all your friends, and come vibe out in our spacious Beer Garden with like-minded souls and recharge during a relaxing hour under the stars.
Motorworks Brewing, 1014 9th Street West Bradenton, Florida 34205
Music Compound is officially launching a new program, The Academy, for grades 3-8, that offers core curriculum through Florida Virtual School and then afternoon electives in the arts. The registration deadline is July 31. Education Session (Education Coordinator position) is offered daily from 8:30am to Noon Monday through Thursday. Students have the option to attend two, three or four days a week. This portion is being offered with Florida Virtual School. Deadline to register is July 31st. Lunch and relaxation time offered daily from Noon to 1:00pm and available to FULL day students only. Students will have time to enjoy lunch and outdoor play. The last 20 minutes will be reserved for quiet time. Our team will offer yoga or meditation sessions. Students can opt to read a book, nap, or check out in another capacity. Enrichment Session is arts related. (Elective and credit based) and offered daily from 1:00 to 4:00pm Monday through Thursday. The afternoon session will include a daily afternoon snack break for students. The afternoon sessions are based on interest. Afternoon classes sizes will range from 6-12 students per class. Classes that have more than 6 students will be hosted in our large 3,000 sq. ft. event venue. Electives are One hour and 20 minutes per session. Electives are offered quarterly, by semester, or yearly. Courses offered: Art, Dance, Drama, Music / Group Instruction / Music Theory / Music Appreciation, Musical theatre / Show Choir, Band program (Kidz Rock, Rising Stars, Youth Bands) and Career Exploration.
This digital exhibition features recent work by accomplished faculty currently teaching at Ringling College of Art and Design. Featuring a dizzying array of media and artistic styles that reflect the breadth of art practices, this exhibition provides an important opportunity for art faculty members to share their work with students, colleagues, and the community.
Ringling College Galleries, Online—this exhibition is being hosted online.
The year the land for Selby Gardens' Downtown Sarasota campus was purchased is also a momentous one in women's history. The dynamic display in the Tropical Conservatory celebrates the Suffrage Movement and the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting women the right to vote. The Museum of Botany & the Arts will showcase our preserved plant collections. Our Historic Spanish Point campus Gazebo will also receive the Orchid Show treatment and pay tribute to Sarasota pioneer Bertha Palmer. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the official opening of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens' Downtown Sarasota campus. To celebrate, the Orchid Show will honor founder, Marie Selby, and highlight the accomplishments of the many notable women who have built on her legacy and helped to make Selby Gardens home to the best scientifically-documented collection of orchids in the world. The year the land for Selby Gardens' Downtown Sarasota campus was purchased is also a momentous one in women's history. The dynamic display in the Tropical Conservatory celebrates the Suffrage Movement and the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting women the right to vote. The Museum of Botany & the Arts will showcase our preserved plant collections. Our Historic Spanish Point campus Gazebo will also receive the Orchid Show treatment and pay tribute to Sarasota pioneer Bertha Palmer.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound Street Sarasota, 34236
October 17th & 18th and October 24th & 25th. Tickets for this popular event go on sale to the general public on August 12th at 10am, tickets will be available on the museum's website at www.frrm.org Early access for members are on sale now by calling the ticket office. The Ticket office is open Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Special Note for Covid 19; For 2020 the event will operate at 50% capacity. Due to the complicity of ticketing in reserved seat cars, window seats will only be sold. However, you may consolidate your group using unsold aisle seats within your seating area. Mask requirements will be based on Manatee County mask ordinance at the time of the event.
Carving a pumpkin is old news - join Fab Lab and laser etch your pumpkin just in time for Halloween! Use CorelDraw to make any design imaginable and then the high-tech laser cutter will etch the design in your pumpkin. A $35 registration fee includes two children and one parent/guardian. Pumpkin included. Hour long slots available from 2-7pm. Only 6 slots per hour due to COVID-19 social distancing.
Madama Butterfly is one of most performed and best loved operas of all time. The tragic story of the geisha Cio Cio San and the U.S. naval officer Pinkerton touches all audiences. Director Mario Gas sets his new interpretation in a 1930's film studio, where they are working on a movie adaptation of Puccini's soaring opera of romance and innocence lost.
For over three decades, AIA Florida Gulf Coast Chapter has hosted the Sarasota Design Conference, a unique event in a unique city. The Conference aims to be motivational for both attendees and speakers and has created a history of featuring design-innovative speakers both established and up-and-coming who are able to interact with their attendees in a casual setting that encourages dialog and learning. This biennial event is well attended by industry professionals, primarily architects in the Florida Caribbean region. Registration for virtual attendance is open now through October 25, 2020
Mote’s Learning Labs are a series of virtual, interactive college and career preparatory labs that will provide students the opportunity to develop and hone professional skills for future STEM careers. Participants will gain basic knowledge in marine science concepts and experience in lab/field work. Additionally, marine science professionals will introduce participants to a variety of career opportunities and conduct career explorations. The intention of this program is to offer participants a head start toward their future goals in STEM and advance the next generation of STEM professionals. Learning Labs take place monthly on Wednesdays from 5pm to 8pm, via secure Zoom webinar. Registration for each Learning Lab is $10 and covers all necessary materials for your session.
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