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Featured Artist
Eva Slane

Eva Slane is probably one of the busiest people in the Sarasota and Manatee arts communities – her passion knows no county lines. She serves on the boards of the Manatee Players, the Banyan Theater Company, the Asolo Repertory Theatre and the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. Eva is also very active with the local Chapter of UNIFEM and its annual Through Women’s Eyes Film Festival, the United Way of Sarasota, the Community Foundation of Sarasota and the newly, and very successfully, launched CUNY Alumni of Southwest Florida.

We are sure that hundreds of AnythingArts.com readers either know, or know of, Eva and her unwavering contribution to the arts. But how many know, as Paul Harvey would say, the rest of the story?

Eva was born in Germany to an opera singer father and an actress mother. The family later escaped Vienna, Austria in 1939, just in advance of World War II, to NYC where Eva learned English, grew up and attended Hunter College. Eva pursued a performing career before meeting, and later working for, Lucy Kroll as a theatrical agent. Her clients included Helen Hayes, Lillian Gish, Carl Sandburg and James Earl Jones. She continues her desire to help individual artists and her current protégé is DeMario McGrew, a graduate student at the FSU Asolo Conservatory. And, as if all the above wasn’t keeping her busy enough, Eva wrote a play, “Forgotten Memories,” that will be produced on March 16 as part of the Theatre Odyssey 10-Minute Play Festival. Lastly, in 2005 Eva was invited to join a Holocaust Survivors Writing Project at the Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg resulting in a book titled “We Were There ... Memories of the Holocaust.” Though Eva is quick to point out that she, herself, is not a camp survivor, the book is a collaboration of seven people who experienced the camps, the pre-war atmosphere of hatred and persecution and, for the more fortunate, escape to America and a new life. All of the memories, stories and photos give readers an idea of what different people endured before, during and after the war. A book signing is scheduled for April 6 at the East Village Cabaret in Lakewood Ranch (see "memories" story below).

Thank you, Eva, for your tireless dedication and effort. (And thanks, Rick, for giving me this Featured Artist!)  (click here to nominate our next artist)

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We have to brag on Christine for a minute. Hmm, maybe we should make her a Featured Artist sometime …not. Anyway, Christine has designed our brand new companion website and it is absolutely beautiful. Christine has spent hours and hours on this and we think she deserves the clap. Here is the link to check it out. The AnythingArts.com mission steadfastly remains to promote the arts and the artists – all kinds. The new site isn’t completely finished, while we tweak and input data, but we’d like you to take a look and let us know what you think. We want to thank Christine so much we thought we’d share this beautiful photo of her. Thanks again for reading, everybody … we now have over 11,000 readers every month between the newsletters and website! Please note that the newsletter is now hosted at AnythingArtsNewsletter.com and the new site is AnythingArts.com - of course, they both link to each other!

The first organizational meeting for the Documentary Film Society (DFS) is being held in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune’s Community Room at 6:00 pm (for roughly an hour). The idea is to assemble a group of documentary enthusiasts to publicly screen films, produce documentaries and further the appreciation of the genre. This meeting is for both filmmakers and non-filmmakers and is a brainstorming/planning session. Part of the proposed mission of the DFS is to produce short films, at no cost, for non-profits that cannot otherwise afford to do so, to use in their own awareness and fundraising campaigns. Additionally, the DFS will explore ideas for feature documentaries to put the local film community to work ... for actual pay ... what a concept! For more information email Rick here.

The Powel Crosley Theatre closes Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the Powel Crosley Estate on March 29. “The course of true love never did run smooth” and least of all when the romantic cross-purposes of two couples are complicated further still by their entrance into a woods ruled by fairy royalty and an imp who runs amuck! For times and tickets, call 941-722-3244.

Yeah, yeah, I know this is in Sarasota, but don’t you ever wonder what happens to artists after graduating from a prominent art school like Ringling College of Art & Design? Find out at the "Seven Year Itch" artist reception at the Crossley Gallery, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail (map) on the Ringling College campus from 6:00 – 9:00 pm featuring RCAD fine art alumni Linda Lee, Shane Pendley and Julie Miller. The exhibit, which closes March 29, juxtaposes the artists’ thesis work from their graduating year (2000) with exciting, current work.

The Studio@620 presents "Women of the Spanish Main," a discussion and portrayal of the Spanish expedition to La Florida beginning at 7:30 pm. Get a tantalizing peek into the lives of 16th century Spanish women. Living history interpreter Elizabeth Neily will share secrets about the role of women in the conquest of the Americas from financing expeditions to fighting as soldiers to maybe even a murder mystery. Sheila Benjamin will demonstrate the art of period firearms such as the crossbow and arquebus. Then she will turn her hand to whipping up a pot of the Aztec drink of the Gods … chocolate. Tickets cost $5 and can be purchased here. 620 First Avenue South, St. Petersburg (map).

“Environmental Influences on Florida Watercolorists” - Join in a lively presentation and panel discussion moderated by humanities scholar Mallory McCane O’Connor and hosted by ArtCenter Manatee in downtown Bradenton. Ms. O’Connor will open the discussion with a presentation of famous watercolor artists and how painting in Florida is influenced by the flora, fauna and light of our region. This presentation is at 2:00 pm and it’s free! Call 941-746-2862 to make your reservation. (Pictured: “Canna Backlit” by Jean Grastorf)

As part of The La Musica International Chamber Music Festival’s 22nd anniversary, the organization will present an informal rehearsal and discussion at 7:30 pm in the Fete Ballroom at Polo Grill on Main Street Lakewood Ranch. Music lovers will have the chance to listen to how music is made and ask questions of the musicians and artistic director. There is no charge; RSVPs should be made to 941-757-1546 or via email. For more information about the open rehearsal event, click here and click on La Musica.

The new rock ‘n’ roll musical “All Shook Up” makes its area premiere at the Manatee Players, 102 Old Main Street in downtown Bradenton (map). The rollicking musical, which combines more than 20 all-time favorite Elvis Presley songs with a romantic tale of a young girl and a roustabout, runs through April 20. Tickets: 941-748-5875.

Kaos Gallery, in the Village of the Arts for the past seven years, will close its doors for good on May 3 (Miki Bono has received an artist’s grant and will be moving to Tennessee). Meantime, the Farewell Exhibit opens April 4 and runs through May 3, featuring a tribute to some of Kaos Gallery's favorite artists including Sarasota's sculptor Jack Dowd, George Bieber, Sue Reinemeyer, Thomas Paulsin, and a retrospective of works by Miki. Artist's Opening Reception: April 4, 6:30 – 9:00 pm (during the Village’s ArtWalk). Regular gallery hours through May 3: Fridays and Saturdays 11:00 am – 4:00 pm, during first Friday ArtWalks, and anytime by appointment. 1122 12th Street West, Bradenton (map).

The work of Drew Strouble is featured in a one-man show at the Manatee Arts Council Gallery, 926 12th Street West (map) through April 28. The opening coincides with the Village’s ArtWalk, and it features Drew’s whimsical and realistic paintings of domestic cats, for which he’s best known.

Village Voices, 1010 10th Avenue West in the Village of the Arts (map), continues to bring you local authors for your reading pleasure. April 4 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm Karen Jaworski will sign "Love’s Last Betrayal." April 5 from noon – 2:00 pm Kim Cool will sign her “Ghost Stories” series (dare I say, these happen during the Village’s ArtWalk). April 12 from noon – 2:00 pm George Tuttle will sign "Murder in the Opera House." It’s the perfect place to pick up your spring reading!

ArtCenter Manatee’s ComCenter Gallery, 9040 Town Center Parkway in Lakewood Ranch, presents "Visions by Yohannan," an exhibit of paintings by Fred Yohannan. His fascinating images provoke an inexplicable excitement of the soul (so we’re told). The public is invited to attend a wine and cheese artist reception from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Directions to the ComCenter: I-75 to University Blvd. (turn east). Take first left at light at Market Street (Publix Plaza). Immediate left on Exchange Way, right at stop sign. ComCenter is first building on the left (pink 2 story), gallery is on first floor. (Pictured: “Between Worlds” by Fred Yohannan)

The Sarasota Film Festival returns and single film and special event tickets are on sale now. A couple of options to check out: The Reel Experience at the Lake Club, April 5 at 9:00 pm, is an Old Hollywood-style poolside cocktail party held at the Lake Club Grande in Lakewood Ranch. If you've got kids, consider taking them on weekday morning field trips April 7 - 11. See a feature or short film package, meet filmmakers and experience interactive exhibits. Field trips are free, and there are programs for all grade levels!

“We Were There: Memories of the Holocaust” is a special presentation, and the title of a new book, by Adam Broner, Helga Harris and Eva Slane. Join the authors as they share experiences during a brunch and book signing event at the East Village Cabaret 11:30 am – 1:30 pm. The publication is a product of the Holocaust Survivors Writing Project at the Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg. Reservations are required, call 941-373-3933; cost is $15. Copies of the book will be available for $17.

Classical pianist and composer Dr. Leonidas N. Sarakatsannis, who teaches at Manatee Community College (MCC), will perform works by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms and Liszt at 8:00 pm in the Neel Performing Arts Center, located off 26th Street at 60th Avenue West in Bradenton (map). For more information, call 941-752-5252. Click here for directions.

The Village of the Arts will honor Manatee School District’s high school art students at 6:00 pm. This is the 6th annual awards reception for the Emerging Artists Competition. Awards, scholarships and prizes will be awarded in three categories: 2-dimensional, 3-dimensional and photography/digital. All submitted student art will be on display at participating Village galleries through April 26. This free event is held outdoors at 1014 12th Street West (map). For more info, call Mark at 941-870-3204. (Pictured: Alexis Kanter, Manatee High School, last year’s winner in photography.)

The Renaissance Vinoy, that is. ArtCenter Manatee offers this bus trip, featuring a tour of the landmark’s historic building and gardens complete with name-dropping and tale-telling of the rich and famous who visited the Vinoy. Then, lunch at the historic Marchand’s Grill, followed by a jaunt to the Florida International Museum to explore the splendors of the Vatican, many of which have never been on public view before. Bus leaves ArtCenter Manatee, 209 Ninth Street West (map), at 9:30 am and returns at 4:00 pm. $72 per person; call 941-746-2862 for reservations.

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The annual Village of the Arts Luncheon and Fashion Show will be held in the garden at Bits & Pieces, 1303 13th Avenue West (map). Wearable art, jewelry and accessories will be featured from notable Village shops Hearts Desire, Africa NOW, Fluffs by Lulu and others. Art will be on exhibit, as well as numerous treasures for silent auction, door prizes galore, and more. $30 per person gets you a gourmet lunch provided by Charisma Cafe and Ortygia Restaurant. For tickets, call Vicki at 941-302-1069.



 

Don’t even pause before you click this link and go to the “G.C. Program” section. The Sarasota-Manatee Originals, a group of local independent restaurateurs devoted to keeping our area’s culinary arts alive in the face of encroaching chain restaurants, offer a gift certificate sale four times per year and the spring sale began this morning. Over 50 member restaurants offer $25 and $50 gift certificates for just $15 and $35 respectively. By the time you read this many will be sold out (they do go fast) but you can sign up for their monthly newsletter so you’ll know when the next sale is happening. Or just check out the website and mark your calendar to check back in June to see when the next sale will happen. Some Manatee county members are Euphemia Haye, Polo Grill, Broken Egg, Harry’s, The Waterfront Restaurant, Linger Lodge, Ooh La La! Bistro, Rotten Ralph’s, The Sun House and the Beachhouse. Yumminess for less!

Village Voices, 1010 10th Avenue West (map), hosts the Florida Writers Association Manatee Meetings for free critiques on April 1 and 15 at 6:30 pm and April 5 and 19 at 4:00 pm. If you go, be sure to take up to 10 pages, double-spaced, 12-point font of your original work to read. This could be the place to help launch your career! For more information, contact Dona Lee at 941-748-6865.

The Banyan Theater Company will hold auditions for its summer 2008 season on Monday, April 7 and Monday, April 14 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Those wishing to audition must schedule an appointment by calling 941-351-1277; prepare a five-minute maximum audition which includes two contrasting pieces; and bring headshots and a resume. Women appearing to be aged late 20s to 70 and men appearing to be in their 20s through 60s are invited to audition for the three-play season.

Be sure to check the audition pages of local theaters to make sure you don’t miss anything (click the theater name): Venice Little Theatre • Florida Studio Theatre •
The Players Theatre of Sarasota • Manatee Players • The Golden Apple

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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.

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