Florida’s Cultural Coast began in the 1920s. Sarasota was incorporated as a town in 1902, and since the 1920s, the arts and culture of the city have set it apart from its neighbors. As Florida’s Cultural Coast, it has galleries and culture to satisfy any connoisseur from the beginner to the experienced art collector. The five highlighted galleries below are only the tip of all that Sarasota and the surrounding areas have to offer.
St. Armands Gallery
If one name embodies the local art of Sarasota, it’s Clyde Butcher. Located in St. Armands Circle, the St. Armands Gallery displays a variety of Butcher’s wildlife art.
On your way from your hotel on the cultural retreat of Longboat Key to Sarasota, a 23-minute drive, a stop by St. Armands Circle is a great way to start discovering Sarasota’s art. St. Armands Gallery is one of many located on the circle. While the St. Armands Gallery is the newest place to exhibit Butcher’s work, another collection can be found in Venice, south of Sarasota.
Art Uptown
When you reach Sarasota, stop by the “friendliest fine arts gallery.” Art Uptown features a variety of work from acrylic to ceramic and digital. The establishment has a virtual gallery to get started and First Fridays where you can meet artists. Located on Lower Main Street, Art Uptown is an eclectic gallery.
530 Burns Gallery
As the studio and gallery of plein air artist Linda Richichi, 530 Burns Gallery offers a diverse array of artists to peruse and enjoy. Located beneath the banyan tree in historic Burns Court, 530 Burns Gallery offers mixed media including abstract art, glass and wood sculptures, and art jewelry. The gallery offers bimonthly exhibits and meet-the-artist trunk shows featuring regional and national talent.
Palm Avenue Fine Art
Palm Avenue Fine Art is on the corner of Main Street and historic Palm Avenue. This business represents emerging as well as national and world-renowned artists. The gallery displays a range of art including figurative, plein air, wildlife, and more. On the First Friday of each month, Palm Avenue Fine Art hosts a Gallery Walk on Palm Avenue.
The Ringling
No list of Sarasota galleries or conversation of art from Sarasota would be complete without The Ringling, the State Art Museum of Florida. Founded by John Ringling, it opened its doors in 1930. The Ringling hosts several permanent collections in 21 original galleries along with rotating exhibitions. Located at 5401 Bay Shore Road in Sarasota, The Ringling may take a day for you to peruse the Rubens Galleries, Turrell Skyspace, and featured exhibitions. If your interest is piqued during your visit, the historic home of John and Mabel Ringling, Ca’ d’Zan, is also open for tours and houses its own collection of art.
Whether you’re beginning your art adventure or you’re an established art collector, Florida’s Cultural Coast offers an array of art. Sarasota, Longboat Key, and many surrounding areas have eclectic galleries featuring talented local, national, and international artists sure to satisfy your interests.