Arts Advocates Announces December 2026 Events

Arts Advocates is pleased to announce its schedule of December events, which includes an afternoon of creating 4 x 4-inch artworks free of charge, an exhibit by Helena Poto showing many paintings for the first time, and the Behind the Curtain: Exploring the Van Wezel from the Art to the Stage tour. Unless otherwise indicated, registration is required at ArtsAdvocates.org.

The Arts Advocates Gallery, located in the Crossings at Siesta Key mall, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota, hosts exhibits by member artists. Helena Poto’s “Fruitscapes - A Different View" runs from December 5 through January 30, Saturdays only from 2 to 4 p.m. This exhibition of paintings by award-winning local Sarasota artist Helena Poto features 40 of her selected modern minimalist still life paintings being shown together for the first time. Spanning 30 years, these paintings come from Poto’s archives and a number are on loan from private collections. Poto is a past Petticoat Painter and was represented by Foster Harmon Galleries of American Art, one of Sarasota's former premier galleries. Her work is also included in the permanent collection of Arts Advocates. Admission to the gallery is free.

The Behind the Curtain: Exploring the Van Wezel from the Art to the Stage tour takes place December 8 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The art in the Van Wezel, 777 N. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota, was created by noted Florida artists and is part of the Arts Advocates collection. A docent leads a tour of the paintings and sculptures including those by Robert Chase, William Hartman, Eugene White, Ben Stahl, Thornton Utz, Frank Colson, and others. Participants then step onto the stage where a Van Wezel guide shares stories and anecdotes about the colorful world of show business. Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased at the Van Wezel box office or by calling (941) 263-6799. Presented in partnership with the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, proceeds benefit the education/outreach programs of Arts Advocates and the Van Wezel.

In the Arts Advocates Gallery on December 12, noon to 4 p.m., little ones to adults are invited to create an original 4 x 4-inch artwork. The canvas, paints, and workspace are free for all ages. The paintings will be displayed in the gallery for one week and can be picked up December 19. To add to the fun, working artists will judge the works. An Amazon gift card will be given to the winning work in each age group: children 5 years and under, children 6-11, teens 12-18, and adults over 18. This event is free, but registration is required.

The Arts Advocates’ collection of Sarasota Art Colony and Florida Highwaymen works is on permanent display in the Arts Advocates Gallery, which is open every Saturday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free. Free docent-guided tours are available for gallery visitors who wish to learn more about the art and written information is available for self-guided tours.

To learn more about or become a member of Arts Advocates, or to register for events, visit ArtsAdvocates.org.