Newly Opened Sarasota Hotel Focuses On The Arts

SARASOTA, FL – Why should art be reserved for museums or concealed behind doors by private collectors?

The newly opened Art Ovation Hotel in Sarasota wants to bring art into the mainstream, beginning with its partnership with the Ringling College of Art and Design.

On display at the hotel through June 27, “Legacy: An Exhibition by Ringling College of Art and Design Faculty and Alumni” features works by noted Ringling artists Jeff Schwartz, Jill Taffet, Sally Pettibon, Cynthia Mason, Tom Carabasi, Joe Fig, Jason Aponte and more.

A percentage of sales will benefit the college’s scholarship fund.

Hotel management calls it the beginning of “an ongoing and extensive partnership” with the renowned art school.

Hotel guests will be able to attend exhibit openings, lectures and other events on the college campus.

Students in the school’s new creative writing program will host poetry and short story readings at the hotel.

And, in a program called Project Notebook, each of the hotel’s 162 rooms has a leather-bound sketchbook containing an original drawing by a Ringling student to inspire guests to explore their own creativity.

This is just the first art collaboration planned at the new 162-room boutique hotel built by the Prime Hospitality Group and operated by Shaner Hotels.

The hotel, located at 1255 N. Palm Ave. in downtown Sarasota between the Sarasota Opera and the Florida Studio Theatre, was designed to reflect Sarasota’s rich visual and performing arts heritage as well as accommodate art exhibits and performing arts events.

“Sarasota is a mecca for all things arts, and it was clear from the very beginning of the project that we wanted Art Ovation Hotel to reflect the true character of the city,” said Larry Abbo, CEO of Prime Hospitality Group. “We’re eager to capitalize on this unique opportunity to draw guests into the arts and cultural scene both on and off property.”

From its architecture and décor to its arts-focused programming, the hotel was designed the celebrate the arts in Sarasota, said Abbo.

The features approximately 10,000 square feet of event space with the ability to accommodate up to 450 people, a full-service restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center and a rooftop pool and bar.

Guest amenities will include an Artist-in-Residence program, rotating art collections, art curators, VIP packages with exclusive access to area art events and performances and the opportunity for guests to contribute their own artwork during their stay.

“With such a wide variety and refined collection of arts and cultural offerings, Art Ovation caters to everyone from art-novices to cultural enthusiasts,” said Brian Hockenbury, senior vice president of operations at Shaner Hotels. “Guests can experience the arts full circle on property and within the surrounding area.”

In addition to the partnership with the Ringling College of Art & Design, the hotel is working on collaborations with with Florida Studio Theatre, the Sarasota Opera, Asolo Repertory Theatre and other venues.

For information, visit the Art Ovation Hotel website. www.artovationhotel.com.

Images via Art Ovation Hotel