Arts Advocates Reveals November 2024 Events Including 55th Anniversary Celebration Luncheon

Arts Advocates has announced its schedule of November events, which includes Robert C. Manteiga's street photography exhibit, Sarasota Ballet and Van Wezel tours, Holly Freedman's “Listening to Women” art talk, and a luncheon celebration of Arts Advocates' milestone 55th anniversary with a chance to win an original painting by Martha Hartman. Unless otherwise indicated, registration is required at ArtsAdvocates.org.

Arts Advocates member artists exhibit monthly in the Arts Advocates Gallery, located in the Crossings at Siesta Key mall, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. Shows run from the first Saturday to the last Saturday of each month. Robert C. Manteiga's “From Street Photography to Street Art: A Photographic Journey” will be on exhibit from November 2-30, Saturdays only from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. In the 1970s and '80s, Manteiga worked as a freelance photographer in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Since coming to Sarasota in 2013, he has worked independently as a photographer and videographer. Admission is free; registration not required.

On November 11, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., the Sarasota Ballet Tour offers participants an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour including backstage areas, a peek at dancers in class, and a presentation by the Costume Designer in the costume shop. Learn about the history of the Sarasota Ballet, their community engagement and education programs, their current season, and get a chance to win a seat at the Friends of the Ballet luncheon. This tour takes place at the FSU Center for Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $10 for Arts Advocates members, $15 for non-members.

The Behind the Curtain: Exploring the Van Wezel from the Art to the Stage tour takes place November 18 from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. The art in the Van Wezel, 777 N. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota, was created by noted Florida artists and is part of the Arts Advocates collection. A docent leads a tour of the paintings and sculptures including those by Robert Chase, William Hartman, Eugene White, BEN STAHL, Thornton Utz, Frank Colson, and others. Participants then step onto the stage where a Van Wezel guide shares stories and anecdotes about the colorful world of show business. Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased at the Van Wezel box office or by calling (941) 263-6799. Presented in partnership with the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, proceeds benefit the education/outreach programs of Arts Advocates and the Van Wezel.

Holly Freedman presents the art talk “Listening to Women – The Origin, The Women, The Future” on November 19 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Arts Advocates Gallery. Freedman is the founder of OLLI at Ringling College's Listening to Women annual lecture series which highlights the life stories and achievements of women who are influential figures in their respective fields. Freedman is instrumental in selecting the speakers who are making a difference in today's communities. She will delve into her selection process and share her interactions with these remarkable women. Free for Arts Advocates members, $5 for non-members.

Arts Advocates celebrates their milestone 55th anniversary during their lunch on November 21, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. Actor and educator Kathryn Chesley will portray artist Martha Hartman. Martha and her husband William Hartman founded The Hartman School of Art in Sarasota in 1951, but Martha is best known for founding the famed Sarasota Petticoat Painters in 1953. Chesley – in her Life and Times portrayal of Martha – tells the story of the development of all the arts in Sarasota County with references to the men and women who helped create the cultural coast of Florida. Attendees of this luncheon will have an opportunity to win “Windows,” an original painting by Martha Hartman generously donated by her son Bill Hartman. $45 for Arts Advocates members, $50 for non-members.

The Arts Advocates' collection of Sarasota Art Colony and Florida Highwaymen works is on permanent display in the Arts Advocates Gallery, which is open every Saturday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free. Free docent-guided tours are available for gallery visitors who wish to learn more about the art and written information is available for self-guided tours.

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