For The Sake of Art -
Centennial Season Events
Inaugural Authors + Illustrators Book Fair
Join us for Art Center Sarasota’s first-ever Book Fair and Author & Illustrator Showcase, celebrating the creative voices of our own community.
Saturday, Dec 6, 12-4 pm, Free
Meet local writers, illustrators, book artists, and zinesters—all members of our vibrant creative network. Browse a selection of handmade books, prints, and publications, and enjoy readings, signings, live demos, and family-friendly activities throughout the day. Whether you’re a reader, writer, artist, or simply curious, this event honors the power of storytelling and visual expression—right here at our ACS home.
Art, Actually
Our new speaker series, Art, Actually, explores how art intersects with identity, community, and change through conversations with artists, curators, and cultural leaders.
Free for Members
$15 for Non-Members
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In this engaging talk, Mike Solomon will examine what drives us to make art and to create institutions like art centers, museums, galleries and art fairs.
Inspired by his parents Syd and Annie Solomon and their milieu, Solomon has been versed in art and writing from his earliest years. His activities having included exhibiting for over 35 five years in galleries and museums and his work is in many collections including the Ringling Museum, The Parrish Art Museum, Water Mill, NY, Guild Hall, East Hampton, NY and the Greenville County Museum of Art in South Carolina.
Upcoming Art, Actually Dates:
2026: Jan 21 | Feb 11 | March 4 | April 1 | May 6 | June 3 | Sep 16
Second Fridays: Creative Happy Hour
Every 2nd Friday | 6–8 pm | November 2025 – September 2026 (except August)
Art Center Sarasota invites you to unwind, create, and connect during our Second Fridays Creative Happy Hour series with hands-on printmaking nights, casual musical performances, art trivia nights, and more. Snacks and beverages available for purchase.
Free for Members
$15 for Nonmembers
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Express yourself in this lively drop-in evening: make one-of-a-kind greeting cards using block printing, stamping, and collage (materials and instruction provided), then jump on the mic and sing any song—solo or with friends. Cozy or ugly holiday sweaters encouraged!
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Local filmmaker and film historian Danny Canton presents Alfred Hitchcock’s suspenseful masterpiece Vertigo. Enjoy popcorn, adult beverages, and a thrilling deep dive into the film’s twists, symbolism, and cinematic legacy—guided by Danny’s expert (and entertaining!) perspective.
Upcoming Second Fridays:
2026: Feb 13 | March 13 | April 10 | May 8 | June 12 | July 10 | Sep 11
Saturday Night Sketch Club
Next Event | Saturday, January 24, 2026, 5:30–7 pm
Free for Members | $15 for Nonmembers
Join us for a relaxed evening of drawing and creativity featuring art-making with still lifes and refreshments.
Open to all skill levels—bring your own sketchbook & supplies.
Beer and wine are available for purchase.
Enjoy a welcoming atmosphere where you can sketch, explore, and connect with fellow creatives.
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.
10:30 am-12:30 pm, $5 registration fee per meeting
We invite photographers to show and discuss their work, share resources and ideas, and meet other artists in their discipline.
Upcoming Critiques:
Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, click to register
Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, click to register
Beaux Arts Ball
YES, the legendary Beaux Arts Ball is back! This Centennial revival will be a spectacular evening of creativity, performance, and celebration—an event worthy of 100 years. Details coming soon!
Saturday, March 21, 2026, 5 pm
To become an event sponsor, please contact Katherine at katherine@artsarasota.org
