Arts Advocates Unveils March 2026 Lineup with Van Wezel Tour, Talkback Tuesday, Luncheon & New Gallery Exhibit

Arts Advocates has announced a dynamic lineup of March 2026 programs celebrating Sarasota’s rich arts scene through conversation, visual art, history, and behind-the-scenes access. Highlights include a Talkback Tuesday with Emmy-nominated producer Ronnique Hawkins, a special luncheon featuring The Sarasota Players, a guided tour of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, and a new member artist exhibition by Suzanne Havens.

Member Artist Exhibit: Suzanne Havens

The Arts Advocates Gallery, located in the Crossings at Siesta Key mall (3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota), will feature Painting: Thesis, Antithesis, and Synthesis by member artist Suzanne Havens from March 7–28. The exhibit is open Saturdays only, 2:00–4:00 p.m.
Havens’ work explores a fluid progression from recognizable subjects to emotional abstraction, often drawing from nature and transforming it through personal interpretation. Admission is free and no registration is required.

Behind the Curtain at the Van Wezel

On March 9, from 1:30–3:00 p.m., Arts Advocates presents Behind the Curtain: Exploring the Van Wezel from the Art to the Stage at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
This docent-led tour showcases paintings and sculptures from the Arts Advocates collection created by notable Florida artists, including members of the Sarasota Art Colony. The experience continues onstage, where a Van Wezel guide shares behind-the-scenes stories from decades of performances. Tickets are $15 per person, available through the Van Wezel box office or by calling (941) 263-6799. Proceeds benefit education and outreach programs for both organizations.

Talkback Tuesday with Ronnique Hawkins

The March 10 Talkback Tuesday, titled Roots and Radiance: Learning Their History, takes place 4:00–6:00 p.m. in the Arts Advocates Gallery. Guest speaker Ronnique Hawkins—artist, activist, educator, and producer of the Emmy-nominated The Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till—will discuss her work, her mission, and the power of history and creativity to inspire change.
The program is free for Arts Advocates members and $5 for non-members.

March Luncheon: The Sarasota Players

Arts Advocates’ popular monthly luncheon series continues on March 19, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., at the Sarasota Yacht Club (1100 John Ringling Blvd.). The featured program spotlights The Sarasota Players with guest speaker Thayer Greenberg, Managing Artistic Director.
Greenberg will share insights into the company’s upcoming season, its planned move to the Payne Park Auditorium, and the organization’s storied past, which includes launching the careers of performers such as Montgomery Clift, Jayne Meadows, and Paul Reubens. Guests will also enjoy live performances from the cast of Les Misérables.
Tickets are $45 for members and $50 for non-members, with lunch included.

Gallery Hours & Ongoing Collection

The Arts Advocates Gallery also features a permanent display of Sarasota Art Colony and Florida Highwaymen works. The gallery is open every Saturday from 2:00–4:00 p.m., with free admission. Docent-guided tours are available, along with written materials for self-guided exploration.

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

Photos from Arts Advocates

Founded in 1969 as The Fine Arts Society of Sarasota, Inc., Arts Advocates is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving Sarasota’s cultural legacy, supporting arts education through scholarships, and making historic Florida art accessible to the public.