Arts Advocates has announced a vibrant lineup of May 2025 events filled with art exhibitions, creative workshops, scholarship awards, and exclusive tours. Highlights include the annual scholarship luncheon, a showcase by the Petticoat Painters, a silk painting workshop, an art talk with renowned photographer David X. Tejada, a creative portraits playshop, and the season’s final Van Wezel tour. Most events require registration at ArtsAdvocates.org.
From May 3-31, visit the Arts Advocates Gallery at The Crossings at Siesta Key mall (3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota) for the exhibit Petticoats Are Showing, featuring Sarasota’s historic Petticoat Painters collective. Established in 1953, this group is one of the oldest continuously exhibiting women’s art collectives in the nation. Today, members work across various media, including sculpture, fiber, and photography. The exhibit is open Saturdays from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., free of charge with no registration required.
On May 10, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., enjoy a silk painting class and private tour at Island Gallery in Bradenton. Participants will create a custom silk eyeglass case and explore a collection of local art, photography, and silk works. $30 for Arts Advocates members, $35 for non-members. Space is limited to 10 participants.
Join Arts Advocates for its annual scholarship awards luncheon on May 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Sarasota Yacht Club (1100 John Ringling Blvd.). This year, eight talented Sarasota and Manatee County students will each receive $5,000 scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year. The guest speaker is Courtney Smith, Booker High School’s Visual and Performing Arts Director, 2023 Teacher of the Year, and a former Arts Advocates scholarship recipient. Tickets range from $45 to $150 and include lunch.
Photographer Suzanne Havens will lead a Creative Portraits Playshop on May 17 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Arts Advocates Gallery. Learn to craft artistic portraits using your digital camera while experimenting with lighting, modeling, and set design. $100 per person.
Don’t miss the last Behind the Curtain tour of the season on May 19 from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Explore the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall’s remarkable art collection, featuring works by Robert Chase, Eugene White, Thornton Utz, and other celebrated Florida artists. A Van Wezel guide will then take participants on-stage for behind-the-scenes stories about Sarasota’s performing arts scene. $15 per person. Tickets are available at the Van Wezel box office or by calling (941) 263-6799. Proceeds benefit Arts Advocates and Van Wezel outreach programs.
On May 27 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., professional photographer David X. Tejada will present The Art of Seeing and Developing a Creative Eye at the Arts Advocates Gallery. Tejada will share insights from his extensive career working with Fortune 500 companies and leading global photography workshops. Free for members, $5 for non-members.
The Arts Advocates Gallery is open every Saturday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. for visitors to view the permanent collection featuring the Sarasota Art Colony and Florida Highwaymen artists. Free docent-led tours are available, or guests may take self-guided tours using written materials. Works on display include Skimmers by Judy Axe, a founding Petticoat Painter.
For more information, to register for events, or to become a member, visit www.ArtsAdvocates.org.
Founded in 1969 as The Fine Arts Society of Sarasota, Inc., Arts Advocates is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving Sarasota’s cultural legacy, supporting arts education, and promoting the region’s historic collection of Florida artists.
Photos from Arts Advocates
Florida’s Gulf Coast source for local area business news, restaurant highlights and events.
941-347-4500
© 2025 Suncoast Post | Web Design by Sande Caplin & Associates | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Accessibility
Accessibility Tools
