Vince, Yvonne and Erica Carmen of Houdini’s Showplace present The Magic of Sarasota tonight through Saturday night at the Sarasota Hotel and Marina, 7150 N. Tamiami Trail. Enjoy comedy, Las Vegas-style magic and illusions, and dinner! Fun for magic buffs of all ages. Call 941-925-8021 for more information.

Every night of the week, from 7:30 – 11:15 pm, you’ll find fantastic local musicians and special guests performing in the Haye Loft at Euphemia Haye on Longboat Key. Carol Ettman, Mike Markaverich, Dean Miller, Rob Pronk and Eddie Tobin perform on a rotating basis. When the musicians take a break, check out all the cool art posters and original works on the walls as you head over to select a tasty treat from the dessert room. Euphemia Haye and the Haye Loft are feasts for the senses. (photography by Booth Studio)

Support local authors at Village Voices, located in Bradenton’s charming Village of the Arts. Jim Patda will sign “RingGoRound” from 6:00 – 8:00 pm on February 1. On February 2, Russ Heitz will sign “Crosshairs” and Susan Haily will sign “Rainy Day People” and “Fibers in the Web” from noon – 3:00 pm.

Enjoy live music at the new Polo Grill and Bar, 10670 Boardwalk Loop in Lakewood Ranch. Fridays offer Ryan Stroh on the patio beginning at 5:00 pm, followed by jazz group Jerome Dean & Co. in the Polo Bar from 7:00 – 10:00 pm. Sundays, enjoy a New Orleans-style gospel brunch from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm with gospel/jazz singer Katt Hefner. Oh yeah, the food’s great, too!

Somewhere, sometimes we are all shy, even us bold ones. We feel our limitations loom large, we become all eyes and ears, we become alert and take everything in, but wish for eclipse, escape, invisibility. “The Shy Show: Negotiating the Boundaries Between our Public and Private Selves” features a variety of media from 44 local and national artists. Curated by the Oiseaux Sisters, the opening reception on February 1 will be held at Still Life in G Gallery, 1014 12th St. West in Bradenton’s Village of the Arts, from 6:00 – 9:00 pm. The exhibit runs through March 29. For more information, call 941-932-1336. (“Shy about my dreams” by Deb McKeever)

Mystical and whimsical come to The Dancing Crane Gallery, in the Village of the Arts, with an exceptional exhibition of “Goddesses and Nudes." Show opens to the public on February 1 with a reception to meet the artists from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Art, poetry, readings and more. Some of the artists include: Joanna Coke, Martin F. Hennigan, Barbara Schicitano, Wil Dawson, Anita Wexler, Michael Panarella, Nancy Heart, Carol Doenecke, Lea Gitow, Alice Benjamin, Lolly Owens, and Colleen White. (“Faith” by Martin F. Hennigan) 

Kaos Gallery presents a premiere exhibition by Sarasota artist Pat Kaufman. “Snakes and Darlings” is a collection of her colorful medium and small works. Artist opening reception is February 1 from 6:30 – 9:00 pm during the Village’s First Friday ArtWalk. Exhibit will be in place through March 1.

ArtCenter Manatee is having a “big art blowout sale.” This is the perfect opportunity to buy original paintings, drawings, sculptures, pottery, jewelry and more, handcrafted by local artists. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm both days.

“Daring Color,” a new exhibition at ArtCenter Manatee, features the watercolors of local artist Anne Abgott. The opening reception for this outstanding collection is February 8 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Anne will be signing her new book, “Daring Color,” at the reception. Exhibit runs through March 1.

Still Life in G Gallery, 1014 12 Street West in Bradenton’s Village of the Arts, presents a weekend with the Oiseaux Sisters. Explore simple book forms, pop-ups and imaging techniques using paint and other color media on paper, card and found objects. Create a pocket portfolio of cards just in time for Valentine's Day. To register contact Carolyn or Susan via email or call 727-323-1260.

Bradenton Fine Arts Community Music Series is in its 15th consecutive year of Studio Artists of the Sarasota Opera, one of their most popular concerts. These gifted singers, the opera stars of tomorrow, are also Sarasota Opera’s ambassadors of opera, bringing their wonderful music to communities outside the Opera House. The concert, held at 603 11th Street West in Bradenton, begins at 4:00 pm and admission is a free-will offering. Get there early, seats can go fast.

ArtCenter Manatee’s ComCenter Gallery, 9040 Town Center Parkway in Lakewood Ranch (directions), installs this new exhibit featuring the photography of Bill Vilensky on February 4. The opening reception for “The World Through My Lens” is February 15 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. It’s free, open to the public, and you can refresh yourself with wine and hors d’oeuvres. Exhibit runs through March 28.

Manatee Players presents “Best Seller!” February 28 - March 16. The world premiere of this winner in the Andrew Lloyd-Webber Worldwide Competition for new musicals, it’s a sparkling comedy with joyous music and an affectionate celebration of New York City. Call the box office at 941-748-5875.

Backlot Arts at The East Village Cabaret presents “The Last Five Years” with two brilliant casts performing in rep. Berry Ayers, Dianne Dawson, Steve Dawson and Katherine Tanner star in this one-act musical that explores a five-year relationship, with the woman telling her story in reverse and the man sharing his side from the beginning. Phone 941-373-3933 for tickets.

The Manatee Community College Fine Art Gallery (5840 26th Street in Bradenton) proudly exhibits the work of Eleanor Merritt in a show called “Color Matters” through February 21. Call 941-752-5225 for more information. (Seated Woman, Mixed Media on Paper, 40"x30")

Myakka Series Continued, an exhibit showcasing original oil paintings and photography by Sarasota artist and naturalist Jean Blackburn, continues at Former Florida First Lady Rhea Chiles gallery The Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive on Anna Maria Island. The exhibition is to raise awareness of the beauty of the Myakka River and bring attention to preservation issues. Call 941-778-1906 for more details. ("Submerged Frond" Oil on Panel, 48" x 48")

An indie film is soon going to begin shooting in our area. They are seeking two actors - a woman age 70 – 90 with grey hair (“maybe lots of it”); and a man age 30 – 40, about six feet tall, “handsome, although we will only see his back, maybe his face” to play the lover of the lead actress. Sound like you? Call Rhonda at 941-565-3048 for more information.

Embracing Our Differences is returning to Sarasota’s bayfront in April, displaying beautiful and thought provoking billboard-size art that speaks to diversity and tolerance. Each piece of art is accompanied by quotes submitted by the public. For example: “People don't judge footprints. They show no color, no religion, no race. They simply show that someone has walked before you.” Alex Dodson, 7th Grade, Booker Middle School.

Submit your thoughts on diversity by clicking here.  (pdf)

February 3 & 4
[ william presley ]

Manatee Players is auditioning for “All Shook Up,” a contemporary fun-filled musical based on Shakespeare's “Twelfth Night” featuring Elvis Presley's greatest hits. Actors ages 18 to 60 are needed. Schedule your audition at the theatre by calling 941-748-0111. Aha hoo!

Kids can let their artistic talents flourish through Birds of a Feather at the South Florida Museum. Award-winning artist Kristen Tuttle will work with children on an interactive mural of Florida birds, teaching techniques specific to painting feathers and birds. Children are also invited to decorate bird houses to submit to a bird house contest. Mural workshop, which runs from 10:00 am – noon, is included with general Museum admission. Call 941-746-4131 ext. 11 to register or for more information.

Manatee Players is offering a spring after-school theatre program for kids ages eight to 16. The program runs through March 28 and will culminate in a rousing production of the school version of “Grease” (it’s the word, you know) April 4 - 6. For more information, e-mail education@manateeplayers.com or call Leona at 941-748-0111.

ArtCenter Manatee is currently accepting proposals for exhibitions in its galleries at the Center and at Comcenter when space is available. Exhibitions may feature any medium and photographers, 3D artists, kinetic sculptors, and glass, paper and textile artists are especially encouraged to apply.

Information about show times, places and dates is assumed accurate but not guaranteed. Please contact the presenting organization directly, by the link or phone number provided, to confirm information.

You are receiving this email because 1. Christine Alexander and Rick Hughes know you are an artist or an arts patron and/or 2. You signed up for it, or 3. One of your friends has forwarded it to you because they knew you’d love it. To ensure that you continue to receive emails from us every two weeks, please add info@anythingarts.com to your address book today. Also, please send us your news!