WELCOME ...

Many thanks to all FASS members & Tour Goers

for another successful Creators & Collectors Tour

The Society’s tradition of supporting and enriching the cultural experiences of our community are maintained by the efforts and dedication of all our members.

We have just completed our 38^th Annual Creators & Collectors Tour.  It was a fantastic Tour and we hope all of you had a chance to see the artwork and meet the 15 talented and gifted artists. 

Thank you to the 7 Tour Artists who graciously opened their homes to the public:  Miriam Cassell, Debbie Dannheisser, Lynda Finder, Frederic Murphy, Tom Stephens, K. D. Tobin and John-Norman Tuck.

Thank you to our Galleria Artists at the Crossley Gallery for the wonderful exhibit:  Jewelry Designers Kati Bognard and Diana Kahlenberg, Surface Designer Pamela Marwede, Fiber Artist Rebecca Stevens, Portrait Artist Diane Ogden, Ceramic Artist Amy Webber, Painter Joseph Palmerio, and Printmaker Elisabeth Stevens

The Society gratefully acknowledges the following for providing their facilities and staff for the sale of Tour tickets: 

In Sarasota - Van Wezel Box Office, Art Center Sarasota, Blue Line, Davidson Drugs, DG Hardware Stores, John Carl Spa and Salon, John-Norman Tuck @ Diane K Salon Main Street, Pritchard Piano & Organ, Senior Friendship Center. 

In Longboat Key - Longboat Key Art Center.

In Siesta Key - Davidson Drugs.

In Bradenton - Keeton’s Office & Art Supply, Lakewood Ranch Booksellers, Vanessa Fine Jewelry.

In Venice - Paper Pad, Venice Art Center.

In Englewood - Englewood Art Center.

Finally, thank you to Northern Trust for their years of support. 

Art & Van Wezel Backstage Tours

Dates:             Tuesday February 3, March 10, April 7 and May 5 at 10am.

Location:         Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Price:               $5.00

Tours of the Society art collection at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall are offered to the public on the first Tuesday of each month, October through May. Tour guides will walk you through the “gallery” of paintings and sculptures of Florida’s most renowned artists. The exhibit covers a wide range of media and styles of art dating from the 1930s to present. The Tour also allows you the rare opportunity to go behind the scenes of the Van Wezel for a look at the workings backstage.  Tours begin at 10 am in the Main Lobby of the Van Wezel, tickets are $5 per person, and benefit both the Van Wezel and the Fine Arts Society of Sarasota. Tickets can be purchased at the Van Wezel Box Office or by calling the Charge Line at 941.953.3368. www.fineartssarasota.com

Oscar Lakeman's "Containers #410 on exhibit at Van Wezel

The Fine Arts Society of Sarasota, Inc., a not-for-profit organization founded in 1969, remains one of the oldest art organizations in the community.  The Society provides cultural and educational opportunities for its members and organizes projects which benefit the entire community and its many visitors.  The Society’s art collection is on public display at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.  Each year the Society plans and promotes events to support their award, scholarship, education and acquisition programs.  The Society’s tradition of supporting and enriching the cultural experiences of our community is maintained by the efforts and dedication of all our members. 

Our Mission

To promote and stimulate appreciation of the Arts of Sarasota County area: Painting, Sculpture, Literature, Theater, Music Dance, and Architecture.  To establish a permanent collection of qualified works by local and nationally recognized artists of the state of Florida, which will be placed on public exhibition for the enjoyment of Sarasota residents and visitors.  To provide grants, awards, scholarships, and prizes for talented and qualified residents of Sarasota County for study in the field of Fine Arts.