New Concert Series

on Sanibel

   The Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ launches its new concert series, Music@SCUCC on April 27 with the Florida Early Music Baroque Orchestra performing ‘Johan Sebastian Bach in Song and Dance’. 

   “Distinguished organist Dr. Ronald Dorian will open the concert playing major compositions by J. S. Bach with guests Janet Ortenzo and Ariane Schoellner performing Bach’s most lyrical vocal pieces,” said Mackenzie Albert, SCCUC Music Director and Artistic Director of the new concert series. 

   Star dancers Katalina Bustamante, Violet Schwartz, and Anabelle Troyer from Southwest Florida Ballet will join the Orchestra for Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 3. 

   The Music@SCUCC series continues on May 18 with ‘An Afternoon of American Opera’, featuring music of Gian-Carlo Menotti, Carlisle Floyd, George Gershwin, and Leonard Bernstein, with excerpts from Bernstein’s West Side Story and Candide. The concert features vocal stars from Florida Gulf Coast University’s Bower School of Music.

   “The concert highlights both classics and new work,” explained Albert. “There will be arias and duets from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, scenes from Menotti’s The Medium and Carlisle Floyd’s Susannah, and an aria from the new opera The Hours, as well as Bernstein favorites.”

   Both concerts are free, with donations accepted at the door. Performances begin at 2pm, followed by a reception with the artists. 

   Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ is located at 2050 Periwinkle Way on Sanibel. For information, call 203-517-5427.  

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Lakeland's

Mother's Day

Weekend

Art Festival

   The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art Fine Art Festival, Mayfaire by-the-Lake, will be held May 10 & 11, Mother’s Day weekend, on the shores of Lake Morton in downtown Lakeland. 

   The free, 2-day event features more than 150 artists showcasing their work across a variety of different media, from jewelry and ceramics to paintings and photography. In addition to art displays, families can visit the Mayfaire Kids Zone on the corner of E. Walnut St. & Indiana Ave. for free art activities for children of all ages and abilities. 

   The weekend also features free live musical performances on the lawn in front of the Lakeland Library and food trucks along Lake Morton Drive. The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum will be open throughout the weekend. 

   One of the oldest arts festivals in Central Florida, Mayfaire by-the-Lake was launched in 1971 as a small crafts fair on the lawn of the Lakeland Public Library, and has grown into one of Florida’s largest and most celebrated annual outdoor art festivals. Presented on Mother’s Day weekend each year, it is consistently ranked among the best art shows in the nation.

   Mayfaire by-the-Lake will be held Sat & Sun, May 10 & 11, 9am-4pm. Lake Morton is located in downtown Lakeland, Florida. Parking is available at the corner of Lime St. & Massachusetts Ave. Lakeland Public Library is located at 100 Lake Morton Dr. Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum at Florida Southern College is located at 800 E. Palmetto St. Call 863-688-7743 for information.

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Rauschenberg

Gallery Hosts

Final Show

Before Move

   The exhibition, ‘David Bradshaw & William S. Burroughs: Propagation’, on view through April 12, will be the final exhibition at the Bob Rauschenberg Gallery at Florida Southwestern State College until major Humanities Hall/Building L renovations are completed in two years.. The gallery’s exhibition programming will relocate at the new Bob Rauschenberg Gallery Annex space in to the Library Lobby in Building J. 

   The exhibition features previously unseen original artworks by Burroughs, the legendary, influential, and late Beat Generation author, paired with his longtime friend and frequent collaborator, artist and sharpshooter, David Bradshaw.

   Works in the exhibition demonstrate how these artists utilized unconventional tools (including firearms, dynamite and a bowling-ball canon) and chance-based operations to generate new artistic forms.

   The Bob Rauschenberg Gallery is in Humanities Hall on the campus of Florida Southwestern State College, located at 8099 College Pkwy. SW in Fort Myers. The gallery is open Mon-Fri 10am-4pm & Sat 11am-3pm. Admission is free. Call 489-9313 for information.

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New Sculpture

Trail at The

Baker Museum

   The Baker Museum Sculpture Trail, an outdoor exhibition along Pelican Bay Boulevard showcases a selection of sculptures from The Baker Museum’s permanent collection and on loans. 

   Spanning the scenic walking path adjacent to the Kimberly Querrey & Louis Simpson Cultural Campus, the trail features significant works by renowned artists, including kinetic sculptures by George Rickey and a monumental Corten Steel sculpture by Albert Paley. Artworks are displayed in a natural setting, fostering a deeper connection between art and the Southwest Florida community. The installation is enhanced by beautiful landscaping and lighting design. 

   “The Baker Museum Sculpture Trail exemplifies the enduring partnership between Artis—Naples and the Pelican Bay Foundation, celebrating our shared commitment to making art visible, accessible and inspiring for all,” said Artis—Naples CEO & President Kathleen van Bergen. 

   “Pelican Bay Foundation is proud to partner with Artis—Naples—a world-class institution—and it is an absolute privilege to collaborate with them on The Baker Museum Sculpture Trail,” said Tony D’Errico, Pelican Bay Foundation president. 

   The Baker Museum Director & Chief Curator, Courtney McNeil highlighted the artistic impact of the trail: “By situating these remarkable sculptures along the walking path, we create a space where art and environment enhance one another, inviting reflection and discovery outside of the traditional gallery setting.”

   Visitors can access the trail for a self-guided tour at any time. The Baker Museum’s trained docents offer weekly outdoor sculpture tours on Thursdays at 10am from November through May. 

Artis—Naples and The Baker Museum are located at 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd. in Naples. The museum is open Tue-Sat 10am-4pm & Sun 12-4pm. For information, call 597-1900.

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