Sculpture Gardens
Jack Dowd, Fighting Crime in Florida
In 1996, Art Center Sarasota added beauty to its entrance and grounds and highlight talented local sculptors through the Sam and Sally Shapiro Sculpture Garden. Thanks to the generous support of Sam Shapiro, a past president of Art Center Sarasota, and his wife Sally, the garden wraps around the front and north side of the Art Center.
This season, we are excited to introduce the Andrew and Lathrop Ford Bayfront Sculpture Garden, a significant addition that extends the existing garden along the west side of our campus, creating a welcoming artistic gateway connecting Art Center Sarasota with Sarasota’s evolving bayfront.
Together, the Sam & Sally Shapiro Sculpture Garden and the Andrew and Lathrop Ford Bayfront Sculpture Garden create a vibrant cultural corridor where art, nature, and community come together year round, seamlessly connecting Art Center Sarasota with The Bay Park’s Town Square.
Sam and Sally Shapiro Sculpture Garden
Sally & Sam Shapiro
In June 2011, Sam Shapiro generously offered to fund the improvements to the Sculpture Garden, adding new features to make the garden a more user friendly contemplative space for the community to enjoy. The garden improvement plans included the addition of a shade structure, more outdoor seating, a Japanese sand and stone garden, extension of the bricked areas and paths, new plantings and general sprucing up of the existing gardens.
Bob Garner, an avid gardener and art lover, member of the Art Center, and friend of Sam's was instrumental in the 1996 garden initiative. He generously volunteered to consult on the new garden features.
Currently in the garden are works by:
Carl Abbott, Roy Bellas, A.S. Briseno, Woody & Jessie Candish, Dwight Conley, John Dehn, Jack Dowd, David Gonya, Saul Howard, Greg Johnson, Dennis Kowal, David Peirick, Vicky Randall, Dale Rieke, Volf Roitman, Lea Vivot
Andrew and Lathrop Ford Bayfront Sculpture Garden
Jorge Blanco, Hi, Bunny
We’re thrilled to launch the Andrew and Lathrop Ford Bayfront Sculpture Garden this season. Expanding our current garden down the west side of campus, this beautiful new addition serves as an inviting artistic entryway that bridges Art Center Sarasota directly to our city’s growing bayfront.
We are especially thrilled to welcome Hi, Bunny by internationally acclaimed sculptor Jorge Blanco as a featured work in the expanded garden.
Its playful spirit and bold design will provide a joyful landmark, inviting visitors of all ages to discover art beyond our gallery walls.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Join us on Saturday, November 7, 2026, as Art Center Sarasota celebrates the dedication of a new monumental sculpture by internationally acclaimed artist Jorge Blanco.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony also marks the official unveiling of the Andrew and Lathrop Ford Bayfront Sculpture Garden, recognizing a transformative gift that supports the expansion and continued growth of this dynamic outdoor exhibition space.
