Allyn Gallup Contemporary Art Gallery presents "Places, People, Recollections," an exhibition featuring paintings, prints, and drawings by Leslie Lerner. The exhibit reflects a lifetime of creation. Lerner was a prolific artist with the restless spirit of a wanderer. In his later works, his images depict recurring characters on enigmatic pilgrimages: “The Man with the Wooden Arm” and “The Lost Boy” explore panoramic landscapes, reflecting the vistas of Lerner’s own global and spiritual travels. Lerner’s last body of work,"My Life in America," explores" oil, wealth, and foreign policy, which takes the form of a donkey."

Lerner was a painting instructor at Ringling College of Art and Design for 15 years and twice a recipient of a Pollock-Krasner Foundation Achievement Award. His work is in numerous museum collections, including the Corcoran Museum of Art, Arkansas Arts Center, Oakland Museum, the Progressive Corporation and the Norton Museum of Art.

According to Lerner's widow, Jill Lerner, the estate will continue to work with galleries and dealers in placing works in private and public collections.

A monograph, Leslie Lerner: 25 Years, was recently published and will be on sale at the gallery. Edited by Jill Lerner and Jennifer Mumford, it was published under the aegis of Ringling College of Art and Design and also "with the support of many of Leslie's friends and collectors of the work," says Jill Lerner. The book showcases more than 210 color images of Lerner's work with essays and contributions by Eleanor Heartney, Peter Frank, Dominique Nahas, Neil Watson, Christian Sampson and Chie Fueki. Funds from sales of the monograph will be directed to The Leslie Lerner and Roxie Thomas Scholarship Fund at the Ringling College of Art and Design.

The opening reception, January 13, 7 p.m., will include an introduction to the Lerner's work by critic and arts writer, Dominique Nahas. 1288 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. 941-366-2454

HELD OVER THROUGH JANUARY 20!
[ next to normal ]

Next to Normal at Florida Studio Theatre is set to a compelling contemporary rock score, an emotional powerhouse of a musical about a family trying to take care of themselves and each other. The 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Nominated for 11 Tony Awards. “A feel-everything musical” -The New York Times

Now Playing
[ florida studio theatre ]

Shake, Rattle & Roll - Developed by Richard Hopkins and Jim Prosser. Fifty years after “the day the music died,” the influence of the early boppers lives on. This show pays tribute to the talents of Buddy Holly, Carl Perkins, Ritchie Valens and many more, with hits like “Peggy Sue,” “La Bamba,” and “That’ll Be the Day.” These artists introduced the world to Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Through January 22
[ lobby hero ]

The FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training's second production of the season is "Lobby Hero" by Kenneth Lonergan. Lonergan, author of "This Is Our Youth," and and the Oscar-nominated film, "You Can Count on Me," has been called "the new golden boy of stage and screen" by "The New York Times."

"Lobby Hero" tells the story of Jeff, a young security guard for a Manhattan apartment building who is attempting to put his life back together after being thrown out of the military. He ends up becoming involved with a murder investigation involving his supervisor and a rookie policewoman who is in over her head with her corrupt cop partner.

"'Lobby Hero' is a wonderfully suspenseful comic drama, with complex characters who keep surprising themselves and the audience," says Brendon Fox, a guest professor at FSU/Asolo Conservatory, and director of this production. "It's a witty and honest look at ethical dilemmas anyone can relate to. What do we owe to ourselves and to those who care about us?" FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Tickets: $28 evenings; $27 matinees. Students receive 50 percent off with advance ticket purchase. 941-351-8000

Now Playing
[ the last romance ]

Now playing at Florida Studio Theatre - The Last Romance. When Ralph decides to take a different path on his daily walk, little does he know he has embarked on the trip of a lifetime, and regains a happiness that seemed all but lost. This play is a heart-warming comedy about the power of love, one that leads to second chances and new romances.

January 11 - 22
[ dear world ]

The Players Theatre presents the glorious Jerry Herman masterpiece based upon the “Madwoman of Chaillot.” This comedy spins the tale of three women who scheme to stop businessmen from drilling for oil under the streets of Paros. The forces of idealism and love trump greed and materialism in this must see musical.Tickets $25 Photo: Meg Newsome in “Dear World”

January 12, 2 p.m.
[ pat kaufman reading ]

Artist, author and playwright Pat Kaufman's recently published graphic novel, "Alura & Nestor Take A Trip," is a fanciful tale about a timid librarian and her enterprising pet parrot, and their life-changing trip to the Caribbean. Told in words and collages, the tale is, according to Kaufman, "about the trepidations of packing, traveling, and the fun of opening up to new experiences." She adds: "There's even a packing list included!" The reading will feature a slide show of selected collages from this book and her earlier books, "O Florida!" and "O Ludwig!" “Pat Kaufman is a fearless visionary expressing her visions through words, paintings, collages, videos, plays and screenplays,” says Liz Ortiz Mackes, a casting director in New York City who has worked with Kaufman on several projects. “She’s a force to be reckoned with, provoking thought and debate.” At Selby Public Library, 1331 First St. Sarasota. 941-861-1120

Jan 12-14
[ pops in venice ]

It’s an evening at the Pops with the Venice Symphony, well actually two matinees and two evenings January 12-14. Seems there will be both music and magic on stage with conductor Ken Bowermeister and this blossoming orchestra. If you’ve never heard a live orchestra or balk at the prices in the big halls, consider coming to Venice. They perform at Church of the Nazarene, and the best seats are only $28! Call to reserve your ticket at (941) 412-4725.

January 13, 6pm - 10pm
[ closing reception ]

Description: There is a fine art exhibition at the Ringling College Crossley Gallery featuring Grand Arena: The Secret Works of Darcy Little. This is the last chance to see her latest large-scale watercolor works featuring political themes, mischievous characters, and vibrant colors. 

Jan 12 - Feb 20
[ avant garden ]

The bright lights of S/ART/q are working their magic at Selby Gardens preparing for an exhibition of new works inspired by our favorite bayside botanical paradise. Thirteen artists studied the botanical collections at the Gardens gathering knowledge and inspiration for the original new works to be featured in the show Avant Garden in the Museum of Botany and the Arts at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens from January 12 through February 20, 2012. Entry to the exhibition is in the price of admission to the Gardens.

January 16
[ o solo mio ]

He’s travelled all over and finally is performing in his own hometown – Joseph Spinella aka The Tenor of Illusions. Consider "A Night in Naples" on Monday, January 16 at Cafe Baci. Dinner seatings are at 5 pm and 7:30 pm. Order dinner off the menu and the show is free! Call for reservations at 941-921-4848.

January 18, noon
[ trio voilà ]

Don’t miss the Sarasota Concert Association's next Munchtime Musicale concert with Trio Voilà. Comprised of Jane Hoffman on flute, Thomas Koch on guitar; and Laura Jensen-Jennings on viola, the group will perform a Beethoven selection and two modern pieces—one by local composer Rex Willis. "By nature, the tone creation of a wind, bowed and plucked instrument is very different, producing sound colors, which can not be created by traditional wind or string ensembles," says guitarist Thomas Koch. "Trio Voilà is, to our knowledge, the only one of its kind in Florida and one of a handful in the United States." At Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. The concert is free. For more information about Munchtime Musicales, call 941-351-7467.

January 20, 7:30 p.m.
[ violin virtuoso aaron weinstein ]

Named a "rising star violinist" by "Downbeat" magazine, Aaron Weinstein is quickly earning a reputation as one of the finest jazz violinists of his generation. He's performed and recorded with a long list of jazz icons, including Les Paul, Bucky Pizzarelli, John Pizzarelli, Scott Hamilton, Dick Hyman and Dave Frishberg. At this concert, presented by the Jazz Club of Sarasota, Weinstein, pianist Tedd Firth, and bassist Don Mopsick, will perform selections from the American Songbook. "I was 19 the first time I played for the Sarasota Jazz Club and have had the opportunity to perform there again on several occasions," says Weinstein, who currently lives in New York City. "It's such a pleasure to perform for an audience that's so musically hip! I look forward to coming back to Sarasota. Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 North Tamiami Trail, in Sarasota. $25 for Jazz Club members; $30 non-members. 941-366-1552.

January 20
[ student only show ]

Description: Madeby Gallery's first student only group exhibition featuring Ringling College artists: Erin Schweers, Darby Marks, Van Jazmin, Alex Beck, Sishir Bommakanti & Leah McMacken. Time TBA

Opening January 25
[ next fall ]

Florida Studio Theatre has a love story about belief, "Next Fall." After an accident, an unlikely couple is forced to rely on family and friends for support. This beautiful portrait of contemporary romance examines faith, family and what it means to love while defining and accepting who we are.

EXTENDED to Jan 31
TV ME! Pitch/Concept Contest for New Television Content

Deadline Jan 3
Call for Entries - Art of Trees

Deadline January 12
Embracing Our Differences will be returning to Sarasota's bayfront in April 2012. Their mission is to use art as a catalyst for creating awareness and promoting the value of diversity, the benefits of inclusion and the significance of the active rejection of hatred and prejudice. The Exhibit contains 39 bill-board size (16 feet by 12 1/2 feet high) artworks. Artists are asked to submit their interpretation of the theme "embracing our differences" in the required format detailed in their prospectus. CLICK HERE to download a copy.