Pictured: Visual artist Iva Gueorguieva painting, courtesy of The Hermitage

The Hermitage Artist Retreat and The Bay Park are joining forces to bring the Hermitage’s unique and innovative artist programming to one of Sarasota’s most exciting and ambitious public park projects through a new community program, “Hermitage at The Bay.” The first program — “Hermitage at The Bay: Sound and Color” on Thursday, November 18 at 5pm — features two Hermitage Fellows, composer Jared Miller and visual artist Iva Gueorguieva, who will share their latest work and speak about their creative process. On Sunday, December 12 at 2pm, “Hermitage at The Bay: Muse(ic) and Poetry” will feature two Hermitage Fellows, poets Francine J. Harris and Mae Yway. Harris is an Audre Lorde Award and Lambda Award winner, who will share selections from her latest work inspired by classic compositions. Renowned international poet Mae Yway from Burma (Myanmar) is an International Writing Program participant who presents work both in her native tongue and in translation.

“We are truly looking forward to this new collaboration with our friends at The Bay Park,” says Hermitage Artistic Director and CEO Andy Sandberg. “As we continue to expand our Hermitage programming throughout the region and build new partnerships with leading arts and cultural institutions up and down the Gulf Coast, we look forward to welcoming audiences to engage with leading Hermitage artists from across the globe at The Bay’s vibrant downtown location.”

As with the Hermitage’s other programs this fall at the Hermitage Beach on Manasota Key, at Selby Gardens Downtown, and other venues throughout Sarasota County, all programs will be outdoors and socially distanced. These events are presented in partnership with The Bay Park. Free with a $5 per person registration fee. Registration is required at HermitageArtistRetreat.org. The Bay’s Civic Green (on the north side of the Municipal Auditorium), 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 34236. For more information or general inquiries about this initiative, please visit thebaysarasota.org or call 941-203-5316.

Pictured: Visual artist Iva Gueorguieva painting, courtesy of The Hermitage