Arts Advocates Announces April 2026 Events

Arts Advocates is pleased to announce its schedule of April events, which include a Talkback Tuesday with the Van Wezel’s Justin Gomlak on April 7; a luncheon featuring guest speaker Joseph McKenna from the Sarasota Orchestra on April 16; tours of the Van Wezel and the Palmetto Historical Park and Village; an exhibit by Arts Advocates member artist Art Venti; and a photography workshop at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. 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 monthly exhibits by member artists. The Imagination of Art Venti will be on display from April 4 to May 30, Saturdays only from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Art Venti's “pencil paintings” are extremely detailed works created with layers and layers of delicate colored pencil strokes on very large paper. His compositions often address environmental and socio/political issues. Since moving to Sarasota, Venti has produced his largest and most complex works with sizes having increased up to 110 inches in width. Admission is free; registration is not required.

The April 7 Talkback Tuesday, From Broadway to the Classroom: Building Creative Futures features Justin Gomlak, the Van Wezel’s director of education and community engagement. Gomlak’s journey is a masterclass in artistic evolution. From center stage on Broadway to the heart of arts education, he has built a career defined by versatility, passion, and purpose. A trained opera singer, retired Broadway dancer and actor, and now a respected arts educator and DEI practitioner, Gomlak brings a wealth of experience to every role he inhabits—onstage and off. In the Arts Advocates Gallery from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., this program is free for Arts Advocates members and $5 for non-members.

The Behind the Curtain: Exploring the Van Wezel from the Art to the Stage tour takes place on April 13 from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. The art in the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 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 Sarasota Art Colony artists. Participants then step onto the stage where a Van Wezel guide shares stories and anecdotes about the colorful world of show business. Tickets are $15 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, proceeds benefit the education/outreach programs of Arts Advocates and the Van Wezel.

On April 14, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Arts Advocates offers a private tour of the Palmetto Historical Park and Village. Explore the 1880 Heritage Post Office, the 1936 School House, the 1900 Cottage Museum, the Heritage Chapel, and the Cyprus House Military Museum. $15 for Arts Advocates members and $20 for non-members.

Arts Advocates presents monthly luncheon programs, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Blvd. in Sarasota. The April 16 luncheon topic is the Sarasota Orchestra with guest speaker Joseph McKenna. McKenna is responsible for executing the orchestra’s strategic plan which includes building the state-of-the-art venue on Fruitville Road. $45 for Arts Advocates members; $50 for non-members. Lunch is included.

Suzanne Havens presents the Make Your Flower and Garden Photographs Special workshop on April 27, 9:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ downtown campus. Learn how to make more compelling flower and garden photos through demonstrations and hands-on practice in the learning center, gardens, and conservatory. This workshop will cover both beginner and intermediate concepts and is not specific to a particular camera model. Workshop fee is $60.

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.