Now
[ exhibit ]

Paintings, photographs and other artwork are on exhibit at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota, on Fruitville Road, through February 25. The Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10-2.

Now playing
[ good movie at Burns Court ]

(I saw this movie because I was late to see Volver. It turned out to be a good thing I was late because it is an interesting, different, and very entertaining movie.) The following words were snitched directly from Film Society web site to save time: Kate Winslet, Patrick Wilson and Jennifer Connelly star in Little Children, the latest work from Oscar-nominated Writer/Director Todd Field. Based on the novel by Tom Perrotta, the film centers on a handful of individuals whose lives intersect on the playgrounds, town pools and streets of their small community in surprising and potentially dangerous ways. Watch the trailer.

Through January
[ selby gallery ]

The Ringling School of Art & Design’s Selby Gallery is exhibiting the work of nearly 60 artists that have appeared in one-person shows since 1986 at the Gallery; therefore it is being hailed as the 20th Anniversary Exhibition. It is free and open to the public. This is a great opportunity to not only see a great exhibit, but also to visit the grounds of the school. For more info call 359-7563.

The Art Center Sarasota presents a special exhibit called “Save Our Sarasota.” Participating artists were asked to submit work that shares their individual vision for the future of Sarasota. The exhibit will be juried by Ranger Smyth, an environmentally charged artist with studios in Montreal and Sarasota. An opening reception is on January 11 from 5-7 PM. (artwork by Ranger Smyth). For details contact the Art Center at 365-2032.

Cliff Roles has some exciting arts-related guests scheduled to appear on Talk of the Sun Coast in the next week or so. You can listen right here on your computer everyday at 2 PM.  Here is a partial schedule: January 11, Dirk Meyer and Linda Joffe of the Florida West Coast Symphony; January 16, David S. Howard of the Asolo Repertory Theatre’s “Nobody Don’t Like Yogi”; January 17 the ubiquitous (word used courtesy of Ms. Prozzo) playwright and director Carole Kleinberg; January 18, Larry Alexander, Eve Caballero and Kim Kollar from the Venice Little Theatre’s “Into the Woods”; January 25, Martine Meredith Collier, Executive Director of the Sarasota Arts Council. Heck, just listen everyday and you won’t miss all of this!

The Rosemary District’s Second Friday includes many treats like a tasting party from 6-8 by Herbal Gourmett at everything but the girl, where you can also find many unique pieces of art from dozens of local artisans.

The Blue Muse Trio will be at Rosemary Court at 7:30 PM performing jazz, world music, classical arrangements and more. Call  952-5280.

Arts Day is back and as big and entertaining as ever. Experience over 100 artists exhibiting their work, 20 different arts & crafts stations for kids to have hands-on fun, 13 live stages  with 80 performers from local dance, music and theater groups. It is all from 10:00 - 5:00 for free, but a $5 donation is suggested and is worth every penny!

January 15
[ 7:30 in the afternoon ]

Famed playwright Alan Aykbourn’s Bedroom Farce brings hilarity and parody to the stage of The Venice Little Theatre.

The Selby Library has it going on! Beginning on Tuesday January 16 is the Artist Film Series with a different film on the life of an artist each week from 2-4 PM. This time it’s about Amedeo Modigliani. Then, each Wednesday from 10-11:30 AM it is “Up-Close on Opera”, where each week, in the 8 week series, a specific opera is discussed. This time it’s Mozart’s Magic Flute. Call 861-5000 for specifics on what is happening and when.

Laugh it up at Yoakum’s Bar and Grill with comedy night every Wednesday at 9 PM. Open mic and some comics you may recognize. It is smoke free and fun. Call 921-6095 for details. Yoakum’s is located in the Buccaneer Plaza at 7119 S. Tamiami Trail.

January 19
[ urbanism exhibit ]

Now through February 3 you can experience the photography and artwork of Judy Kramer and Norine Zapata at the Katherine Butler Gallery. A reception for the artists is being held during the Towles Court Art Walk on January 19 from 6-10.

January 19
[ undercurrent ]

Join noted Sarasota author Wayne Barcomb at Sarasota News & Books at 6 pm. Wayne will discuss and read from Undercurrent, the second novel in the Sam Wallace mystery series. Then, on the January 23 at 3 pm, Sherry Boschert presents her book, Plug-in Hybrids: The Cars that will Re-charge America.

Time again for the art-stroll through Towles Court. If you haven’t been lately, or ever, don’t miss the excitement of working galleries and exhibits in downtown Sarasota’s Artist Colony.

The Manatee Community College Music Department presents an original musical, written and staged by students and staff. In Ybor City explores the lives of three Cuban, Spanish and Italian families whose lives intertwine in the “cigar capital of the world” in 1929, before the great Depression changes their lives forever. Call 752-5252 for tickets and information.

January 20 & 21
[ j. a. p. comedy ]

You want to plotz and kvell at the same time? Then catch three hot NYC comics at the Flanzer JCC/YMCA; Cory Kahaney, Karen Bergreen and Jessica Kirson. It is sure to be a funny show mixed with live stand-up and video tributes to other great J. A. P. comediennes. Check the website or call for times and cost.

The Sarasota Film Festival and the Ringling Museum have partnered to present the Janus Films series for ten consecutive Monday evenings. The opener is La Strada by Federico Fellini (who would have guessed this issue would mention two different Federico’s?). The movies begin at 8 PM in the Historic Asolo Theatre at the Museum and the cost is $7; five-movie passes available for $30 by calling 358-3180.

[ classes ]

Florida Studio Theater’s classes begin on January 16 with Improv, Acting, Dance and Playwriting. Call Pam at 366-1350 for info and to register.