Upcoming Events
Artists on Art - A Peer Critique: Photography
Critiques are aimed at fostering artistic growth through constructive and insightful feedback while discussing the ins and outs of the photographic medium. Photographers share their work, up to 5 images per meeting, either with physical prints or digital images displayed on our MacBook monitors in the digital lab.
Mondays, 10:30 am-12:30 pm, $10 registration fee per meeting
Upcoming Critiques:
November 9, click here to register
December 7, click here to register
January 4, click here to register
February 8, click here to register
Creative Happy Hour: Art & Culture Trivia
Gather your team for an entertaining evening of art, history, pop culture, and local trivia. Enjoy a lively social atmosphere, beverages available for purchase, friendly competition, and prizes while connecting with fellow art enthusiasts.
$15 Member | $20 Nonmember
Fri. Nov 13, 2026 from 6-8 pm. click to register
Creative Practice - Foam + Ink Printmaking
Press, print, and make it yours! Join us for a relaxed, social evening of simple printmaking using craft foam and ink. Create your own designs, roll on some color, and make one-of-a-kind prints to turn into holiday cards, gift tags, or keepsakes.
No experience is necessary, and all materials are provided. Come solo or bring a friend! Beverages will be available for purchase.
$15 Member | $20 Nonmember
Wednesday, December 2, 2026 from 5:30–7:30 pm click to register
Opening Reception - Annual Juried Members Show
The Annual Juried Members Show celebrates the artists who make Art Center Sarasota such a vibrant creative community. Free from a prescribed theme, the exhibition offers a dynamic survey of contemporary art across a wide range of media, including painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, fiber, collage, mixed media, and more. Reflecting the diversity of our members, the exhibition highlights the creative voices and distinct perspectives that continue to shape the Art Center Sarasota community.
At its heart, the Annual Juried Members Show is about belonging.
Free Admission | Artwork is for sale
Thursday, December 3, 2026 from 5-7 pm
Holiday Sidewalk Sale
Discover one-of-a-kind treasures and celebrate local creativity at Art Center Sarasota’s 2026 Holiday Sidewalk Sale! Step into a festive, open-air market filled with original artwork, handcrafted jewelry, unique ceramics, cozy textiles, home décor, and thoughtful holiday gifts created by Sarasota’s finest artists, artisans, and emerging makers.
Stroll through the scenic Sam & Sally Shapiro Sculpture Garden, the Andrew & Lathrop Ford Bayfront Sculpture Garden, and along the Bayfront Promenade. It’s the ultimate holiday shopping experience where you can meet the creators behind the work, find truly unique gifts for everyone on your list, and enjoy a vibrant day supporting our local arts community.
Free Admission | 28+ Vendors | Art & Handmade Goods for Sale
Saturday, December 5, 2026 from 10 am - 4 pm.
Juror Critique with Alissa Silvers
Alissa “Liss” Silvers is a Swiss-born muralist and visual artist based in Sarasota, FL, and the founder of Liss Design LLC. She is known for creating vibrant, large-scale murals that transform public and commercial spaces into immersive visual environments.
Join us for a intimate conversation with Alissa to hear the “why” behind her decisions in the selection of the award winners from our Annual Juried Members Show.
Free Admission
Tue, December 9, 2026 at 4 pm.
Creative Happy Hour: Figure Drawing
Enjoy a calm yet social evening of figure drawing at Art Center Sarasota. Bring your own supplies. A model, table or easel, and seating are provided. There will be a variety of beverages for additional purchase.
This is a ticketed event. Seats are limited and have the potential to sell out. Register early to save your spot.
$15 Members | $20 Non-Members
Friday, December 18, 2026, 6-8 pm click to register
Retro Remix
Inspired by the vibrant creative culture of the 1970s—Studio 54, disco, downtown art scenes, DIY culture, bold color, experimentation, and community—Retro Remix celebrates the artists, members, volunteers, and supporters who make Art Center Sarasota thrive.
Join us for an unforgettable evening featuring live music, interactive art activities, food, drinks, and exciting raffles.
Held during the Annual Members Show, the event naturally reinforces the idea that everyone has a place in the creative ecosystem. Whether artist, collector, volunteer, donor, student, or first-time visitor, you belong in the mix.
More than a themed fundraiser, Retro Remix is a celebration of creativity, connection, and philanthropy. It honors the collaborative spirit that has sustained Art Center Sarasota for over a century while raising unrestricted support for exhibitions, education, and community engagement.
Saturday, January 9, 2027 from 6-9 pm click to register
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: Andrew & Lathrop Ford Bayfront Sculpture Garden
The ribbon-cutting ceremony marks the official opening of the Andrew and Lathrop Ford Bayfront Sculpture Garden, recognizing a transformative gift supporting the expansion and continued growth of this dynamic outdoor exhibition space.
Save the date for Saturday, January 16, 2027, and join us for the celebration. We’ll unveil two new additions to the grounds: a monumental sculpture by internationally acclaimed artist Jorge Blanco and a site-specific work by local artist Zach Gilliland.
Saturday, January 16, 2027 at 4 pm
Monochrome Dinner Experience
Set within the gallery of the Monochrome exhibition, this intimate chef’s table experience brings contemporary art and exceptional cuisine into conversation. Guests will enjoy a multi-course menu in which each course is composed around a single color, interpreting the exhibition through flavor, texture, and presentation.
Michelin-trained Chef Josh Keepfer, Founder of Kitchen Farmacy and Cheeky Duck Vineyard, draws on experience in acclaimed kitchens across Venice, London, Charleston, and Palma de Mallorca to create an evening where each course becomes an extension of the art on view.
Surrounded by exceptional contemporary artwork, guests will enjoy an evening of inspired cuisine, conversation, and creativity, demonstrating how art can be experienced not only on the walls, but at the table.
Saturday, January 30, 2027 from 6-8 pm Click Here to Reserve your seat today!
Art Royale
Enter the Ring!
Experience the excitement of live art competition as local artists race the clock to create original works inspired by surprise themes and creative twists. Guests enjoy music, refreshments, audience voting, and the opportunity to purchase artwork.
10 Artists - One Champion
$15 Member | $20 Nonmember
Saturday, February 13, 2026 from 5-8 pm
Interested in competing? Fill out this interest form
Save the Date
Stay tuned for upcoming events at Art Center Sarasota—Spring 2027 is packed with artful happenings!