Featured Artist of the Month
(click here to nominate our January artist of the month)
Judy Lyons Schneider
December Artist of the Month

Judy Lyons Schneider is a multi-media artist and self-described layerist or collagist. Raised in New York City, she studied at the Art Students League and NYU. Judy has received numerous awards and had her work exhibited throughout the country and in Russia. You can see her “Print, Paste & Paint” exhibit at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota through January 8, with a special public reception for the artist on Sunday December 4 from 11:30 – 1:00 pm. In addition to her life as a professional artist, Judy serves on the Board of Art Center Sarasota, is the Immediate Past-President of Women Contemporary Artists and is the Chair of Area 3 for the Florida Artist Group.

Tonight December 1
[ adventure and discovery ]

Now Playing
[ laughing stock ]

What happens when s a summer stock theatre company tries a rotating repertory of Hamlet, Charlie’s Aunt and Dracula? All you-know-what breaks loose in the Asolo’s production of Charles Morey’s  “Laughing Stock.” It is a disastrously funny play well worth seeing. Also playing at the Asolo; “Enchanted April” and, for a limited time, “A Christmas Carol.” Call the box office at 351-8000 or go on-line.

Has it really been a month already? Time flies, but don’t let another Palm Avenue Walk pass you by. Galleries are open late with special exhibits, music and some wine here and there.  Last month we had a great time seeing dozens of familiar faces on the street and enjoyed a great meal with friends. Take the time and enjoy it!

Also Out Youth presents a movie and pizza night, for fellowship and fun, screening “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” from 6:30 – 9:00 pm. Also Out Youth was created in 1992 in response to the high rate of suicide among gay and lesbian teens. Also Out Youth provides peer support services and social activities to participants. Suggested donation for the evening is $3 or one hour of community service for a food project. Email or call 951-2576.

December 2
[ celebration of life ] 

Metro Coffee & Wine invites the public to join The Wellness Community, The American Cancer Society, Senior Friendship Center and YPG for a Celebration of Life from 7:00 – 11:00 pm. The Wellness Community provides cancer awareness, information, support and friendship to those in need. The evening will include live music, poetry, artwork, wine and light fare. Suggested donation is $10.

While out shopping and spreading holiday cheer this weekend, be sure to stop by Saks Fifth Avenuee at 2:00 pm Saturday to hear the great talent of Sarasota Opera’s future stars.

Join the Key Chorale in celebration of its 20^th Anniversary with “The Living Legacy of Daniel Moe.” The performance will include works for chorus, brass, organ, piano and a retrospective of Dr. Moe’s 50 year career as Artistic Director and one of America’s most respected and honored chorale conductors and composers. There are two performances, 4:00 & 7:00 pm, at St. Boniface Episcopal Church on Siesta Key. Tickets are available via 941-921-4845 or on the web.

That’s right, it’s a book signing bonanza at the JABU Center from 2:00 – 5:00 pm. A & E Biography’s Jack Perkins will be on hand with noted wildlife artists John and Suzie Seerey-Lester, Leonard Kessler, illustrator of over 200 children’s books, and other notables. The event is part of the Tom Cross Chronic Survival Tour and proceeds from sales at the free event will benefit Lung Cancer research.

OKLAHOMA, that is! Can you believe that since 1943 OKLAHOMA has had over 30,000 productions? Time to trade in that surrey with the fringe on top, huh? The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is home to this production for two days and just three shows. Contact the box office for details.

La Musica celebrates its 20^th Anniversary with “An Armchair Tour of Europe: Travels with Viola and Piano”. Daniel Avshalomov and Derek Han perform music from Germany, the U. K., Austria and more. The evening includes wine, hors d’oeuvres and dinner at the Charles Ringling House at New College. Call 366-8450.

December 7
[ film screening ] 

The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe presents “Black Nativity” with separate performances at the Backlot and at the Glenridge Performing Arts Center. 363-9300 for info.

The Chorus of the Keys performs with the Ditchfield Family Singers Christmas Show at the Sarasota Opera House for two shows. The evening will be filled with old holiday favorites, a cappella Christmas carols and original songs to capture the Christmas spirit. Call 923-2013 for info.

The Sarasota Film Society hosts bi-monthly (that’s once every other month… that always confuses me) networking and exhibitions at Burn’s Court Cinema. The Filmmaker’s Forum provides an audience, free screen time for filmmakers and an avenue for others to get involved in the local film scene. This is your last chance this year so don’t miss it! Contact Magida Diouri at 364-8662.

Christmas with Gloria Musicae, at the Church of the Redeemer on Palm Avenue, rings in the Season with a, well, glorious evening of new and old Christmas music. This is a very popular performance with organ, harp and your favorite John Rutter carols. Tickets via the Asolo Box Office or 351-8000.

Did you go last month? I did and I saw quite a few anything arts readers at various galleries. Don’t let this one slip away, get thee to Towles Court and enjoy the friendly atmosphere, lively music, good wine and fantastic artwork from every medium. You’ll be glad you took the time… no excuses!

Who says there isn’t anything to do in Sarasota? Well, we hope that anything arts has shown you that there is a lot to do! Please vote for us! And vote on your favorite business news ezine S2 Report as well!

December 9 & 10
[ debut ]

Don’t miss the debut performance by FUZ (Future Urban Zoo) at The Rosemary Rising Friday night. And if you miss that performance, make sure to hit Atlantis Aquarium December 10. The band: Tbone of Second Thought Productions, Guitarist John Derek, drummer Frank Ronuro and bassist Lenny Bell. More info.

December 11
[ watercolor demo/workshop ] 
Don Andrews presents a demonstration in figurative watercolor painting, with a live model, at the Art Center Sarasota. Don is recognized as an expert in the field and is a sought after instructor and author of  “Interpreting Watercolor.”  Following the demonstration, Don offers a five-day workshop. Contact Jill Hoffman-Kowal at 365-2032 for information.

December 13
[ auditions ]
Venice Little Theater’s Troupe in a Trunk is holding auditions for 6-8 adults to play roles in “Fool of the World.” Told in fairy tale style, the story is about Dmetri’s quest for the hand of the Princess and approval of her father, the Czar. Troupe in a Trunk is an outreach performance program of VLT and tours each spring to elementary schools in Sarasota County to expose young students to theater, stimulate their imagination and create a bridge to performing arts. Contact Sandy Davisson at 488-1115.

[ calling all playwrights… ]
Sarasota Actors Workshop (SAW) is gearing up for its third season in 2006. SAW produces one-act plays with a focus on “different and/or experimental” plays. Playwrights are encouraged to submit one-act plays for consideration. Plays should be from 10-20 minutes in length and require minimal staging. Click here for additional information and to submit plays for consideration.

[ looking for artists ]
anything arts is looking for artists that are interested in showing their work at our booth at The Rosemary Rising event. Contact Christine for more info.

Saturdays
[ yoga meets dance ]
So you don't know how to dance... So you don't know yoga... IT'S OK! Yoga Meets Dance is the newest workout to Sarasota! Saturdays 11:30 - 12:45 pm in the Rosemary District - instructed by Amanda Schlachter, this is the most fun working out you will ever have! Contact Amanda for more info.

anything arts is a proud sponsor of Rosemary Rising