WELCOME

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. 

FASS @ 40!  Celebrate The Arts Luncheon! 

Dates:              Monday, December 1, 2008, 11 am

Location:          Michael’s On East

Price:               $50

Join the Fine Arts Society for their annual Celebrate The Arts luncheon commemorating FASS @ 40!  This luncheon will highlight the Society’s Ruby Anniversary – 40 years of promoting the arts in Sarasota County.  You and your guests will be able to browse and shop at a variety of Boutiques in the Michael's On East Atrium during the social hour from 11 am until NOON.  Seating begins for the luncheon at 11:45 am and you will be delighted with the delicious menu and inventive program of Sights and Sounds from 1969 -- the year FASS was born!  Buy a chance to win a gift basket.  All proceeds support the Society's mission of promoting the arts and their philanthropic work in our community.  For more information and tickets, please contact us via this web site or leave us a voice message at 941.330.0680.  Tables of 10 are available.

Joan McGee, her models and fashions, and Emcee Kenney DeCamp

2009 Creators & Collectors Tour

Dates:              Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14, 2009, 10am to 4pm.

Location:          Various artist studios & The Crossley Gallery at Ringling College

The Fine Arts Society of Sarasota will host its 38^th Annual Creators & Collectors Tour.  Tour the home studios of several artists and have the opportunity to view and purchase artwork. The Tour affords the public a rare 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.

One of the stops on the Tour is the Crossley Gallery at Ringling College where you will see an art exhibit of several Sarasota artists.  This self-guided Tour will run for two days, March 13 and 14, from 10 am to 4 pm, each day.  Tickets can be purchased at the Van Wezel, some local businesses, from any Society member, or at the homes of the artists on Tour days. 

Florence Putterman in her Lido Key studio

Art & Van Wezel Backstage Tours

Dates:             The first Tuesday of each month, October 2008 through May 2009, 10am.

Location:          Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Price:               $5

The Society has a permanent art collection of works by acknowledged artists with a Florida connection which is on public display at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. The exhibit covers a wide range of media and styles of art dating from the 1930s to present. Tours at the Van Wezel are conducted on the first Tuesday of each month, October through May. The tour presents the details and history of the art displayed in the public spaces and a rare opportunity to go backstage to see behind-the-scenes workings at the Van Wezel.

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

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.