Featured Artist of the Month
(click here to nominate our December Artist of the Month)

Betty Fairbank Griggs

Betty studied at the School of Fine Arts of Yale University. Prior to moving to Sarasota in 2002, Betty lived in Puerto Rico for many years. Now she divides her time between Sarasota and Verbier, Switzerland. The love of travel and exotic places is evident in Betty’s paintings, many of which are series based on specific locations throughout the world. Her work has won numerous awards and has been shown in collections throughout the world. Take a moment to check out Betty’s art.

November 4
[ it's first friday time ]

Locals and tourists alike enjoy the First Friday walks along picturesque Palm Avenue and Main Street. Stroll downtown with live music and street performances while art galleries and shops stay open late for your browsing pleasure. Sit outside at one of several restaurants offering al fresco dining and people watching. Make sure to stop by White Dog Design’s gallery to see “Small and Lovely.” Some of our anything arts readers have entered their small and lovely pieces!

November 4
[ hot shop heroes ]

Galleria Silecchia presents an exhibit of sculpted glass and metal by renowned artists from far and wide, including Hiroshi Yamano, Flo Perkins and bronzes by William Morris. Galleria Silecchia has two locations at 12 & 20 Palm Avenue.

November 4 - 5
[ village of the arts ]

Be sure to visit the Green Bull Gallery this weekend in Bradenton's Village of the Arts (it is Bradenton's Towles Court, check it out). The Green Bull promotes and exhibits the work of many artists and owner Peter Gedeon. Gedeon is an internationally renowned art photographer working with figure and environmental. The "First Weekend" event is Friday night from 6 - 9 pm and Saturday from
11 - 4 pm. Directions.

November 4 - 5
[ music time ] 

The Fogartyville Café continues its tradition of eclectic entertainment this weekend with two distinctive sounds. Friday, catch Rod MacDonald for a WSLR benefit show. MacDonald is a politically and socially aware lyricist and folk-icon combining satire and traditional folk music. On Saturday night, Kraig Kenning returns with his soulful Blues tracks.

November 4 - 13
[ cine-world festival ]

Join film buffs at the Burns Court Cinema for the 18th annual Cine-World Festival and enjoy over 50 films from around the world and every genre. Advance tickets by link or calling 955-3456.

November 5
[ sarasota reading festival ]

The Sarasota Reading Festival, one of Sarasota’s most popular events, returns to downtown Sarasota at Five Points Park with events for the entire family from 9:30 – 5:00 pm. Acclaimed authors, panel discussions, book signings, food and more. 906-1733

November 5
[ dakan can write ]

Rick Dakan that is. You are invited to the book release party of Dakan's new novel, "Geek Mafia" at Digital Three Studios in downtown Sarasota on Saturday from 7 - 10 pm. There will be free libations, food, music and more. No RSVP required, just show up and have fun! Geek Mafia is the story of a man's journey after being fired from the job he hated in a company he loved. It is filled with revenge, intrigue, corporate espionage and vivid "off the grid" lifestyles with a bit of romance thrown in for good measure. Meet the author and catch the buzz! 

November 5
[ and more music ]

Metro Coffee presents Edie Carey’s unique blend of music described as having "the gentility of Suzanne Vega and the soft punch of Rikie Lee Jones," with a little Bonnie Raitt thrown in for measure.

November 6
[ jazz time ]

Join the contemporary jazz powerhouse, Spyro Gyra, at the 4th annual Jazz at the Ranch at the Sarasota Polo Club. The event will also feature The Out of Door Academy Jazz Ensemble and Les Stabler & Citiheat. Gates open at noon and the concert starts at 2 pm. 366-1552

November 6 - 7 at 8 pm
[ concert in venice ]

Patti Highland in concert at the VLT Pinkerton Theatre. Patti is a country music singer and seasoned performer who has traveled extensively, bringing her popular show to audiences around the country and the Grand Ole Opry. 488-1115

November 7 - 9
[ masterfield method workshop ]

Maxine Masterfield, author of "Painting the Spirit of Nature" and "In Harmony with Nature" will conduct a three-day workshop about various aspects of experimental painting. Contact Elizabeth Van Riper for information about this Art Center Sarasota event at 365-2032.

November 10 - 13
[ direct from china ]

This world premier collaboration between the PAL Sailor Circus and The Players Theater is a spectacular of music, song, dance and acrobats. Enjoy a joint Chinese and American company of performers on stage beginning November 10th. Tickets available at the box office. Make sure to get your tickets early, there are only five shows!

November 11
[ wine and film ]

You love wine. You love indie flicks. Join Whole Foods Market and the Sarasota Film Festival to celebrate the fall harvest with a Positively Pinot Wine Celebration. Taste over 30 different Pinot Noirs from 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Then at 8:45, stay and watch the free screening of "Sideways" directly in front of Whole Foods. The wine tasting is $25 and the film is free. Get a baby sitter... the screening area is 18 and up only.

November 11
[ chronic survival tour ]

Tom Cross, acclaimed artist and cancer survivor, presents a "Month of Sundays," a lung cancer benefit series, called the Tom Cross Chronic Survivor Tour. The exhibit kicks off on Friday, November 11 with a meet-the-artist reception from 5 - 8 pm. Then each Sunday, through December 11, Tom will host different special events, demonstrations and presentations. All events at the JABU Center at 1919 Ivanhoe Street.

November 12
[ suncoast winefestival ]

Enjoy a day of wine, food and entertainment at the 2005 Suncoast Winefestival. More than 300 wines will be presented for your consideration along with delicious treats from a dozen local restaurants. Music by the Venturas, a favorite local jazz/rock/swing band, will get your feet moving. Proceeds benefit the charities of the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch. 870-0002

November 13
[ season of sculpture ]

The downtown bayfront will play host to the Sarasota Season of Sculpture beginning November 13 with a gala opening brunch from 11:00 - 1:30 pm and ribbon cutting. The exhibit will feature 26 monumental sculptures from artists around the world. The brunch is $125 while the exhibit is free and open to the public. Jill Kaplan 953-4515.

November 18
[ moondance ]

Make sure to reserve your spot early! The first YPG Nighttime Social of the season kicks off with Moondance. Spend your evening in the lush bayfront gardens of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens tantalized by the live music by the Florida West Coast Symphony. RSVP online or call 955-2508 x246.

November 18
[ a girly night ]

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 6
[ veggie day ]
Live music and veggie burgers! How can it get better? Enjoy a Vegetarian Day Cookout from 12:00 - 3:30 pm with local restaurants including the Daiquiri Deck at the Phillippi Estate Park Mansion. Other vendors showcase cruelty-free products with no animal ingredients. There is a $5 donation entry fee.

Every Friday
[ open mic night ]
Friday nights are open mic nights at It's a Grind. Enjoy a cup of java while you wait to go on stage or while you enjoy the show. Time: 7:30 - 10:00 pm. Location: 3482 Clark Road.

on-going
[ play that fusion music… ]
The Hecht School of Music is accepting students for classes and to perform with The Fusion Band at the Flanzer JCC. Musical ability is a pre-requisite for middle and high school students. Classes are Monday’s from 7 - 8 pm and they are currently interested in electric bass and guitar players as well as a saxophone and a drummer. Contact Jane Hoffman at 378-8528.