The Fine Arts Society of Sarasota (FASS) was organized and chartered in 1969 to promote and stimulate appreciation of the arts in Sarasota County. The Society provides cultural and educational opportunities for our members and organizes projects, which benefit the entire community and its many visitors. The society is led by an all-volunteer Board of Directors. The Society meets once a month from October through May. Committees work throughout the year on activities, events, and programs under the leadership of the Board.

The Fine Arts Society has acquired a wonderful and historical collection of artwork by Florida artists, several of national importance. This collection is on permanent display at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and contains works dating from the 1930’s to present day. The Society continues to acquire new works by acknowledged artists with a Florida connection. Included is the sculpture “Chase of the Sea Urchin” by Frank Eliscu, which we presented to the Van Wezel. The Fine Arts Society, in conjunction with the Van Wezel, introduced Art and Backstage Tours. These tours give residents and visitors an opportunity to view and learn about our art collection. A behind the scenes look of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall provides a rare opportunity to go backstage to see the workings backstage.

Our scholarship, grants and awards program for Sarasota County resident students has grown into a major commitment. Since 1969, many scholarships been awarded to individuals whose studies include visual and performing arts including dance, writing, music, theater and architecture. Scholarships are based on artistic talent, financial need, character and academic achievement. A celebration of these awards is held at a luncheon each spring.

In addition, FASS’s philanthropic reach goes beyond scholarships and into our community to annually provide outreach grants to a variety of worthwhile non-profit arts related programs and organizations. 

Each year the Society hosts a major fundraiser to support our award, scholarship, educational, cultural and acquisition programs. In past years, the Creators & Collectors Tour has been our major fund-raiser while also serving our purpose of promoting and stimulating appreciation of the arts. The tour of artists' studios and art collectors' homes, affords the public an opportunity to visit studios, see works in progress, talk with the artists, and experience how artists and collectors live with art on a daily basis. This event is organized and staffed by members and more than 1500 visitors attend this tour annually.

The Fine Arts Society of Sarasota continues its tradition of supporting and enriching the cultural experiences of our community.

Alice Allen, President 2008 - 2010

 

2009 - 2010 OFFICERS

President Alice Allen

1st Vice President Susan Schober

2nd Vice President Kenney DeCamp

Corresponding Secretary Ann Karter

Recording Secretary Kristine Bundrant

Treasurer Helene Myers

 

2009 - 2010 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Acquisition & Collection Carol Kopeck

Art & Back Stage Tour Anne Hayes Jones

Education Eleanor Schweigaard-Olsen

Finance Jann Nohe

Hospitality Barbara Blackburn & Reva Miller

Membership Joan Endrizzi

Newsletter Mo Aubry

Parliamentarian Judy Fiala

Programs Jane Baisley

Publicity Deborah Martin

Scholarship Susan Bradford

Yearbook Mo Aubrey

Celebrating the Arts Luncheon Barbara Blackburn and Kristi Bundrant

Creators & Collectors Tour Susan Schober

Creators & Collectors Discovery Carolyn Byers 

Creators & Collectors Galleria Jean Owen

 

PAST PRESIDENTS OF THE FINE ARTS SOCIETY

1969-1972 Marion Storm 

1972-1974 Annamae Sandegren 

1974-1976 Virginia Dunn 

1976-1977 Alice Hammond 

1977-1979 Betty Larsen 

1979-1980 Jane J. Johnson 

1980-1982 Elsie Woodruff 

1982-1984 Fran Roach 

1986-1987 Ellen Nantz 

1987-1988 Ann Davidson 

1988-1989 Ellen Nantz

1989-1991 Carol Kopeck 

1991-1992 Helen Learned

1992-1994 Judy Fiala

1994-1996 Barbara Diehlman

1996-1997 Rhea Andrews

1997-1999 Mary Baetzel

1999-2000 Connie Moore

2000-2002 Martie Lieberman

2002-2004 Barbara Sanandres and Dorothy Thomas

2004-2006 Marcia Sandground and Nancy Zeman

2006-2008 Joan Endrizzi and Nancy Stukenberg

2008-2010 Alice Allen

 

FOUNDERS OF THE FINE ARTS SOCIETY

M. Winnifred Clarke

Emily Holmes

Adrienne Robbins

Annamae Sandegren

Marion Storm

 

CHARTER MEMBERS 

Althea Blake

M. Winnifred Clarke

Emily Holmes

Paula Schmidt

Marion Storm

Rusty Truog

 

HONORARY MEMBERS 

Mary Benzel

Dr. Curtis Haug, Director Emeritus, Van Wezel Foundation Founder