Arts Advocates Unveils February 2026 Lineup Featuring Vintage Florida Art, Van Wezel Tour, and Jazz Club Luncheon

Arts Advocates has announced a diverse and engaging slate of February 2026 programs, celebrating Sarasota’s rich artistic legacy while spotlighting contemporary voices across visual art, music, and cultural history. Highlights include a free presentation honoring Sarasota Art Colony painter Eugene White, a behind-the-scenes tour of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, a Talkback Tuesday with trailblazing artist Dasha Reich, and a jazz-themed luncheon at the Sarasota Yacht Club.

Unless otherwise noted, advance registration is required at www.ArtsAdvocates.org.

Eugene White: Painter of Vintage Florida — February 6

February programming opens with Eugene White, Painter of Vintage Florida, a special free presentation co-sponsored by Art Center Sarasota. The event takes place Friday, February 6, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Arts Advocates Gallery.

White’s daughter, Annie Bixler, will be joined by Alecia Harper, centennial archivist and guest curator for Art Center Sarasota, for an intimate look at White’s life and artistic legacy. White (1913–1966) is celebrated for capturing Florida’s working waterfronts, rural landscapes, and the everyday rhythms of mid-century life. His work reflects the spirit of Sarasota during a formative period in its cultural history. Admission is free, but registration is required.

Member Exhibition: The Art of Lynn Coppinger — February 7–28

The Arts Advocates Gallery, located at Crossings at Siesta Key Mall (3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota), will feature Living Creatively: The Art of Lynn Coppinger from February 7 through February 28. The exhibit is open Saturdays only, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Coppinger’s work spans a wide range of media, including colored pencil, oils, acrylics, pastels, ink, and mixed media. Admission is free and no registration is required.

In addition, the gallery’s permanent collection of Sarasota Art Colony and Florida Highwaymen works is on view every Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m., with free docent-guided tours available.

Behind the Curtain at the Van Wezel — February 9

Arts Advocates presents Behind the Curtain: Exploring the Van Wezel from the Art to the Stage on Monday, February 9, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. A docent-led tour explores paintings and sculptures by notable Florida artists from the Arts Advocates collection, followed by exclusive time on the Van Wezel stage, where participants will hear behind-the-scenes stories from the world of live performance.

Tickets are $15 per person and are available through the Van Wezel box office or by calling (941) 263-6799. Proceeds support education and outreach programs for both organizations.

Talkback Tuesday with Dasha Reich — February 10

On Tuesday, February 10, from 4 to 6 p.m., Arts Advocates hosts a Talkback Tuesday titled The Flag: Nine Artists, Nine Flags. Sarasota-based artist Dasha Reich leads a discussion inspired by her latest exhibition, which revisits a concept she first explored in 1976.

The exhibit brings together nine Sarasota artists interpreting the American flag through personal, cultural, and symbolic perspectives. The program takes place at the Arts Advocates Gallery and is free for members; $5 for non-members.

Jazz Club of Sarasota Luncheon — February 19

Arts Advocates’ monthly luncheon series continues February 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Sarasota Yacht Club. Guest speaker Ed Linehan, president of the Jazz Club of Sarasota, will discuss the club’s mission to preserve and promote jazz, including insights into the 46th Annual Sarasota Jazz Festival.

The program includes live accompaniment by jazz pianist Chris Neville. Tickets are $45 for members and $50 for non-members, with lunch included.

For full details, event registration, or membership information, visit www.ArtsAdvocates.org.

Arts Advocates Photo