Summer Arts Series On Display At New Deal Gallery

The summer series for the City of Sarasota visual art program is now on display at the New Deal Gallery in the lobby of the Federal Building, 111 S. Orange Avenue, through Friday, Sept. 28.   The exhibit features artwork by students with disabilities, woodwork as well as three-dimensional pieces.  An artists’ reception will be held Friday, July 27 5:30 to 7 p.m.  The reception and exhibit are free and open to the public. 

The artists featured this cycle are:

Suncoast Center for Independent Living (SCIL) and the Office of the Community Resource Specialist will present the artwork of fifteen students with disabilities through September 30.  The exhibition is an accumulation of original art which displays the spontaneity, creativity, and uncovered potential of people in transition to more active participation in community events.

Artwork in wood by Gordon Cook.   For 50 years, Mr. Cook worked as a mining engineer in the coal industry.  Woodturning, designing and making vessels have been his passion for the past three decades.  His work involves precise cutting of small sections of wood in an infinite variety of designs, shapes, texture and color.  Mr. Cook’s pieces demonstrate he has mastered this combination of skills and he thoroughly enjoys the challenge of producing new and exciting art. 

Mosaic Sculptures by Pearse Kelly. Modern mosaic can package function, form, composition and statement in a bold, durable media. The potential for producing original and stunning artwork is enormous. “My goal as an artist is to contribute to the movement that is pushing the boundaries of this medium and taking it to new levels of expression,” said Pearse Kelly.

This public art program is ongoing throughout the year.  Applications are accepted anytime, and revues and acceptance are issued to align with the four-cycle program. Program requirements and an application are available on the public art portion of the City of Sarasota website: www.Sarasotagov.com.

A nationally designated historical structure, the Federal Building is located in the heart of downtown Sarasota.  The Sarasota Office of Housing and Community Development is located there as well as the office for U.S. Representative Vern Buchanan.  The City of Sarasota Human Resources department also has offices in the building. 

For more information contact Virginia Hoffman, Volunteer Public Art Coordinator at:  Virginia.Hoffman@sarasotagov.com