Arts Advocates Announces January 2025 Lineup of Events and Programming

Arts Advocates has unveiled an exciting roster of events for January 2025, designed to highlight local arts and culture while providing opportunities for community engagement. The events include a luncheon with guest speaker Morris (Marty) Hylton III, president of Architecture Sarasota; an art talk by Kathryn Chesley titled “Becoming Ladies of History;” a group exhibit by Creative Liberties Studio Artists; and a tour of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. All events are open to the public, and registration is required for some.

Creative Liberties Studio Artists Exhibit
The Arts Advocates Gallery, located in the Crossings at Siesta Key Mall (3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota), will feature a group exhibit from the Creative Liberties Artist Studios & Galleries from January 4 to January 25. The exhibit will be open Saturdays only from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., showcasing works by 19 studio artists working in a variety of mediums, including painting, photography, printmaking, jewelry, fiber art, and resin. The exhibit is free and no registration is required.

Van Wezel Behind the Curtain Tour
A special tour of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall will return on January 13 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. This docent-led tour, which explores the artwork and performances that define the venue, will feature art from notable Florida artists, including Robert Chase, William Hartman, Eugene White, and others. Participants will also have a chance to visit the stage, where a Van Wezel guide will share stories from the world of show business. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased through the Van Wezel box office at (941) 263-6799. Proceeds benefit both Arts Advocates and the Van Wezel’s education programs.

Kathryn Chesley’s Art Talk: Becoming Ladies of History
On January 14 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Kathryn Chesley will present a captivating talk titled “Becoming Ladies of History” at the Arts Advocates Gallery. A theater educator, playwright, and trained actress, Chesley will portray 10 historic women, including Mable Ringling, Bertha Honore Palmer, and Marie Selby, offering engaging insights into their life stories. This event is free for Arts Advocates members and $5 for non-members.

Monthly Luncheon at Sarasota Yacht Club with Morris (Marty) Hylton III
On January 16, Arts Advocates will host its monthly luncheon at the Sarasota Yacht Club (1100 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota) featuring Morris (Marty) Hylton III. The president of Architecture Sarasota, Hylton will discuss the legacy of Sarasota’s renowned “Sarasota School of Architecture” and the organization’s efforts to preserve and promote the area’s architectural heritage. The luncheon runs from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Tickets are $45 for Arts Advocates members and $50 for non-members, and lunch is included.

Permanent Collection and Free Gallery Tours
The Arts Advocates Gallery continues to feature a permanent collection of works from the Sarasota Art Colony and Florida Highwaymen, available for viewing every Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free, and visitors can take part in docent-led tours or explore the collection at their own pace with available written materials.

For more information or to register for these events, visit HERE.

Photos from Arts Advocates