Sunday, January 20, 2013, 6-10 p.m
Sarasota Museum of Art
Sarasota Museum of Art/SMOA is celebrating its 2013 ARTmuse program with the “SMOA Inaugural Bash,” Sunday, January 20, 2013, 6-10 p.m., on the grounds of its future home, the historic Sarasota High School, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Guests will have an opportunity to meet the renowned artist, Patrick Dougherty, who will be completing one of his large-scale environmental sculptures as part of SMOA’s 2013 ARTmuse program. The Sarasota-Manatee Originals will provide festive fare and guests can dance to the sounds of Tampa Bay’s premier dance band, Ace Factor. Known for being able to “rock any audience,” this high-energy band has enjoyed an 18-year history that includes performances at Disney World, Busch Gardens and opening for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tickets start at $125. For tickets and more information, call 941-309-0118. For information about sponsorship and benefactor opportunities, contact Mary Lee Richey at 941-309-4732.
Event co-chairs Brooke Callanen and Dottie Baer Garner are excited about celebrating the ARTmuse program with this inaugural event. “This will be a wonderful way to celebrate Patrick Dougherty and his creation, as well acknowledging the ongoing repurposing of this historic building into a dynamic, cutting-edge arts destination,” says Callanen.
SMOA’s ARTmuse program brings renowned artists and museum professionals to our region. According to SMOA president, Wendy Surkis, “The artists share their creative journey and impart a deep understanding of who they are, what they do and how they do it.” Surkis adds that Dougherty’s site-specific piece on the grounds of the high school, “”will be an inspired addition to this site and further identify the site as an art and learning destination. It will also give the community a glimpse of the fascinating art that they can look forward to as SMOA comes alive on Tamiami Trail.”
Patrick Dougherty has been creating his monumental sculptures made of twigs, trees and other natural materials at sites worldwide for over 30 years. During his three-week Sarasota project (January 7-26, 2013), the artist will build a site-specific installation on the grounds of the historic Sarasota High School, which is the future home of the Sarasota Museum of Art/SMOA. Surkis says the public will have many opportunities to view the artist at work—and watch his creation unfold and evolve.
“The SMOA Inaugural Bash will be a wonderful evening of inspired art, fine cuisine and vibrant music,” says Dottie Baer Garner, co-host of SMOA Inaugural Bash. “Even better, it’s in support of the Sarasota Museum of Art, soon to become a vital and exciting component of the economic, cultural and social fabric of Sarasota County.”
For more information about Sarasota Museum of Art/SMOA visit www.sarasotamuseumofart.org or call Wendy G. Surkis at 941-309-7662.
About Sarasota Museum of Art
Sarasota’s first museum of modern and contemporary art will be a dynamic destination for exhibiting innovative and compelling visual art of the 20th and 21st centuries. A vital part of Sarasota’s rich cultural legacy, the museum will interweave exhibitions, educational programs and community outreach initiatives to engage a diverse audience and serve as a stimulating hub for creative discovery and discourse. For more information, visit www.sarasotamuseumofart.org.
About Ringling College
Ringling College of Art and Design is a private, not-for-profit, fully accredited college offering the Bachelors of Fine Arts degree in 13 disciplines: Advertising Design, Computer Animation, Digital Film-making, Fine Arts, Game Art & Design, Graphic & Interactive Communication, Illustration, Interior Design, Motion Design, Painting, Photography & Digital Imaging, Printmaking, and Sculpture, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in the Business of Art & Design. Located in Sarasota on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the picturesque 48-acre campus now includes more than 110 buildings, and enrolls nearly 1,400 76 students from 42 states and 53 countries. It is recognized as being among the best and most innovative visual arts colleges in the United States as well as a leader in the use of technology in the arts.