November 17 - 19
[ slice of art ]

The opening reception for “Slice of Art,” a student exhibition, is Thursday November 17th from 5-7 pm at Art Center Sarasota. Sixty selected pieces of original work by area students will be on display in the Front Gallery throughout the 19th.

The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT), presents this new dramatic play by Samm-Art Williams at the new Backlot for three performances only. Tickets at 363-9300.

Join the Manatee Players for this classic story of a man and his imaginary friend, a six-and-a-half foot rabbit. Box office: 748-5875

The Velveteen Rabbit reminds us that the simple things in life are the most important. When a child can love something so much its “whiskers fall off,” we get a reality check. Bring a child to see this warm and deeply poignant play at Florida Studio Theatre, Monday-Friday through December 3.  There are multiple run times and a different schedule during Thanksgiving week, so check with the box office at 366-9000.

The Hermitage artist retreat on Manasota Key hosts a live event on December 8 to benefit its programs. Prior to that, an on-line auction will offer up interesting items like a limited edition Picasso tile, original works of art, vacation packages and sports memorabilia. The Hermitage is a not-for-profit retreat for mid-career painters, writers, sculptors and other artists from around the globe. Phone 475-2098 for info or click the link above.

Charity Hope Valentine has a knack for giving her heart and dreams to the wrong man. Follow her misadventures at The Golden Apple Dinner Theatre as they celebrate its 35th anniversary season.

Evening events at everything but the girl are always a fun way to end the work day...or start your night. From 5:30-7:30 pm meet "Simply the Girls" artist Mark Joseph. He will be sketching and taking custom orders. Plus, take part in a jewelry making workshop with Good Kitty Handcrafted Jewelry designer Lori Tomlinson.

November 18
[ towles court walk ]

The third Friday of the month is a favorite of locals and tourists alike as Towles Court artist’s colony welcomes the public from 6 to 10 pm. Enjoy special exhibitions, music, wine and merriment… and its free!

November 18
[ phoenix rising ]

A group of Sarasota artists will be showing their works at the Home Resource furniture gallery in the Historic Rosemary Arts District. Joining together as the Sarasota Visual Arts Alliance, the artists will present works in a variety of styles and media, including steel welded sculptures, mechanized sculptures, kinetic art, paintings and archival giclee prints. An artist reception for the opening of “Phoenix Rising” and the new show space will be held at 6:00 - 9:30 pm on Friday, November 18. Directions.

The Latin Fusion Concert Series, presented by Nuevo Advertising and the Sarasota Bradenton Convention Center, presents its first two-night concert with reggaeton sensations Nina Sky, Pitbull and Wisin y Yandel. Reggaeton (or Regaeton) blends Jamaican musical influences of reggae and dancehall with those of Latin America, such as bomba and plena, as well as some hip-hop. For tickets and information contact 355-9161.

The Katherine Butler Gallery proudly features glass artwork and photography by Judy Kramer and Christopher Light. There is a special reception to meet the artists Friday during the Towles Court Walk.

John and Suzie Seerey-Lester open their “Treetops” studio for an exhibition and sale each day from 10-5. On display; recent studies, plein air paintings, completed works and prints will be on show and available for sale. Wine, sodas, and hors d' oeuvres for you and your friends. Directions here.

This one-woman show, conceived and performed by Broadway actress Annie Morrison, is a journey through past, present and future mythology inspired by the Celtic bards of old. Annie weaves words of myth-telling with music and dance to create a truly inspirational evening. For tickets call 363-9300, via the Backlot. This exceptional show will be performed at The JABU Center.  Directions

Local author, H. B. Milligan, will sign copies of her novel, Teeth in a Pickle Jar at 1 pm at Circle Books. Set in Bradenton, it is the quirky and humorous story of a May-December relationship about new beginnings, second chances and life changing epiphanies.

They’re b-a-a-ack! A new season of Florida Studio Theatre's wildly popular Improv Troupe returns to the FST Goldstein Cabaret. If you haven’t been, you are missing something great. Audience suggestions and participation pave the way for sidesplitting fun. The $12 tickets go fast, so reserve early at 366-9000.

November 30
[ smoke-free comedy ]

The Sarasota Business Council is raising money for hurricane relief with a benefit performance at McCurdy's Comedy Theater. The special non-smoking show starts at 7:30 and the $20 ticket and all proceeds, including talent fess, will go to John Grisham's "Rebuild the Coast Fund." Headliners Dale Jones and Valerie Storm (ironically) will be joined by Ken and Les for this fun event.

Sarasota Jewish Theater returns to the Flanzer JCC’s Beatrice Friedman Theater. Meshuggah-Nuns is another chapter in the story of four “sisters” from Hoboken on a cruise, in horrible weather, asked to put on an impromptu show. The result is Nunsense-fare with zany songs, silly magic and wacky sketches. Special preview show on November 30 at 7:30. Call 378-5568 for details.

The Island Players present their 57th season in style with Social Security, a comedy about family, family and too much family. Social Security opened on Broadway starring Marlo Thomas and directed by Mike Nichols. Critic Joel Siegel says. “…about two hours of non-stop laughter.” Tickets and info at 778-5755.

Join Admiral Travel Gallery at the opening reception for their inaugural collection on December 1st. View original art, taste wines of Il Borro, hear stories from around the world. Enjoy hors d' oeuvres by Fete while you mingle with the artists among who are Joseph Palmerio, Daniel Gregory and Wendy Surkis. The reception opens for the general public at 6:30 pm. Email for more info.

S’Platters is a hands-on, do-it-yourself pottery painting experience place. How do you like that sentence? But, its true. S’Platters lets you select a piece of pottery, plan your design, select your colors and paint to your hearts content. All materials are included. For the kids, S’Platters has two winter camp sessions to teach and stimulate the young budding artist. Other programs include a DIVA, girl’s night out. Go for it, stroke your creative spirit (pun intended). 926-3070

“Bring a child food and you nurture their body, but teach a child art and you nurture their soul.” So says the statement of purpose for Orphan Art, Inc. Brice Keller travels the world to bring art and smiles to the faces of thousands of children who just simply exist in the orphanages of far off places like Thailand, Cuba and Brazil. Brice provides the supplies and education and returns to the Sarasota Farmer’s Market, among other places, to sell the artwork and return the proceeds to the very orphanages he helps. Visit the website and contact Brice to see how you can help and maybe even go along on the next trip.

Janis Frawley-Holler, a frequent contributor to Sarasota Magazine, Travel and Leisure and Island Magazine, explores twenty-five of the world’s most beguiling islands in Island Wise. Janice introduces readers to the natural wonders, music and everyday practices of life on the island. The island lifestyle is a slower pace where inhabitants concentrate on what really matters.

Featuring the art of Sean Fox and Kevin Liccardi, Madison Park is an eclectic boutique on Palm Avenue. Madison Park combines elements of art, design and style offering home furnishing, design services and just about everything from designer greeting cards to dinnerware. Visit owners Lance and Tim soon and especially on First Fridays, when you can enjoy a glass of wine as you meander through the store.

Visit OrphanArt.org to help this young girl and more like her