New Program Brings Local Art to Public Buildings

From Brian David Braun's Myakka Series

SARASOTA – An exciting new public arts program got underway this month is Sarasota. The city has launched a Visual Artists Showcase to celebrate emerging visual artists in our area. The quarterly series will use different artists to populate various city-owned properties with local artwork.

The beautiful Sarasota Federal Building is currently hosting the first exhibit. An architectural masterpiece in its own right, the vast, skylight-lit lobby provides museum-quality ambiance.

Currently, visitors can see the work of Brian David Braun who spent years chronicling the natural beauty of nearby Myakka State Park (click here to read feature). Bradenton native Marcile Powers is also exhibiting a collection of her critically-acclaimed vector drawings, which earned her a spot at this year's Macworld convention.

The work of expressionist Julie Trigg is also on display, as are Pollock-style abstract paintings by former Sarasota resident and current Austin artist Timothy Raines. There will be an opening reception November 10th from 5:30 - 9:00 with a multimedia/video display by Ms. Powers. It is open to the public and refreshments will be provided.

The current work will show through the end of the year, when it is replaced by a totally new collection. As the series progresses, more city properties will begin to display local artwork, including the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, which is slated next.