A Culturally Rich Start to 2026: Arts Advocates Unveils Full Lineup of January Events in Sarasota

Arts Advocates, Sarasota’s long-standing nonprofit dedicated to promoting and supporting the arts, has released its exciting lineup of January 2026 programs. The month includes a behind-the-scenes tour of the iconic Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, an immersive arts and technology talkback with The Dalí Museum’s renowned curator Peter Tush, a cinema-themed luncheon featuring Sarasota filmmaker Gus Mollasis, and a new gallery exhibition highlighting the wildlife-inspired art of Jody Goldman. Unless otherwise noted, registration is available at ArtsAdvocates.org.

Behind the Curtain Tour at the Van Wezel – January 12

The popular Behind the Curtain: Exploring the Van Wezel from the Art to the Stage tour returns on January 12 from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Located at 777 N. Tamiami Trail, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is not only a cultural landmark but also home to impressive works by prominent Florida artists—many of which belong to the Arts Advocates collection.

A certified Arts Advocates docent will guide attendees through artwork by Robert Chase, William Hartman, Eugene White, Ben Stahl, Thornton Utz, Frank Colson, and others. The experience concludes on the Van Wezel’s stage, where a house guide shares insider stories, theater lore, and anecdotes from decades of performances that have defined Sarasota’s performing arts identity.

Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased at the Van Wezel box office or by calling (941) 263-6799. Proceeds benefit the education and outreach initiatives of both Arts Advocates and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

Talkback Tuesday With The Dalí Museum’s Peter Tush – January 13

Arts Advocates hosts Talkback Tuesday on January 13 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Arts Advocates Gallery. The featured speaker, Peter Tush, is a respected curator and senior interpreter at The Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg, home to one of the largest Salvador Dalí collections outside of Spain.

In his talk, “Beyond the Canvas: Augmented Reality and the Future of Visual Art,” Tush will discuss how The Dalí Museum uses cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) technology to enhance visitor engagement. The museum has been a national leader in AR innovation, offering immersive experiences such as “Dalí Alive,” “Dreams of Dalí,” and other digital platforms that transform the traditional museum visit into a multi-sensory journey.

Arts Advocates members attend for free, while non-members may participate for $5.

January Luncheon Featuring Filmmaker Gus Mollasis – January 15

The monthly luncheon program, held at the Sarasota Yacht Club (1100 John Ringling Blvd.), takes place January 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This month’s theme, Heroes of the Silver Screen, features a presentation by Gus Mollasis, a Sarasota-based filmmaker, writer, and creator of “Film Talk with Gus Mollasis.”

Mollasis will guide attendees through cinematic history using memorable film clips and stories that celebrate iconic performances from Hollywood’s most legendary actors. Known for interviewing major film personalities and producing documentaries tied to Sarasota’s cultural life, Mollasis brings deep expertise and a storyteller’s flair. Tickets are $45 for members and $50 for non-members, and include lunch.

January Gallery Exhibition: Artist Jody Goldman – January 3–24

Throughout January 3–24, the Arts Advocates Gallery in The Crossings at Siesta Key mall (3501 S. Tamiami Trail) will showcase the work of Jody Goldman, an Arts Advocates member artist.

Goldman spent decades traveling the world during her career in the airline industry, allowing her to observe wildlife in its natural habitat across over 50 countries. Today, she uses her art to bring attention to endangered species and fragile ecosystems. Her exhibition is open Saturdays only from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free, and no registration is required.

Explore the Arts Advocates Permanent Collection

The gallery is also home to an acclaimed permanent collection featuring:

• Sarasota Art Colony painters, including Hilton Leech, Syd Solomon, and Jerry Farnsworth
• Florida Highwaymen artworks, created by the pioneering group of 26 African American artists who captured Florida’s landscapes during the mid-20th century

Free docent-led tours are available every Saturday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., offering guests deeper insight into one of Sarasota’s most historically significant art collections.

Learn More or Get Involved

Arts Advocates welcomes new members who wish to support the visual, literary, and performing arts across the Suncoast. To join, register for events, or learn more, visit www.ArtsAdvocates.org.

Photos from Arts Advocates