In this issue… SAVE the DATE for “Hi, Neighbor!” on November 7 and Veterans Day on November 11, sail with Cygnet Yacht Club, check out some phenomenal photography, review the 2025 budget, meet the candidates for SCCCA Board, enjoy some Music on...
Artwork Even Your Toddlers Will Understand
Artwork Even Your Toddlers Will Understand
By Andrea L.T. Peterson
Back in 2008, “people thought it was a horrible neighborhood, but I thought it was a diamond in the rough,” says Mary Lee, founder and owner of the acreage in Sarasota where the Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy now stands. It could now be said that the museum itself is the crown jewel of the neighborhood! A fascinating indoor museum and outdoor sculpture garden, the museum is one of a kind.
Lee wanted to bring “artwork that the general public could understand. They could just go in and enjoy it.” If the sculpture gardens are any indication, I’d say she’s achieved her goal. We first went to visit the museum the very day it closed for what is now the duration of the COVID season. I’ve yet to tour the museum itself. We never suspected it, and much of our world would shut down for more than a year! But we were able to enjoy the sculptures. I returned again, a month or so ago—still closed—but I was able to photograph more of the sculptures in the garden behind the museum itself.
The good news is that the museum had a “soft opening” from 1 to 2 p.m. on November 27. What that means is the gardens will be open and mask wearing visitors will be able to enjoy all of the sculptures, the enhanced landscaping, and the general whimsical ambience for an afternoon. The following week, they will resume “regular hours—” Thursday-Saturday from 1-4. On that Saturday, December 4, they will host a cookie exchange: bring two dozen, take home two dozen. For the safety of the all-volunteer staff and other visitors, guests will be required to wear masks until further notice as well as vinyl gloves during the cookie exchange.
The gardens are a delightful adventure for the entire family. This is flaming-o-holic heaven with many great flamingo sculptures waiting to be photographed with you! See the photos for a more broad view of what you’ll find.
There is plenty of parking and the grounds are ADA accessible. There is no café or on-site retail store. Pictures may be taken—with cell phones only out of respect for the artists whose livelihood depends on their artwork. The Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy is located at 2121 N Tamiami Trail in Sarasota.
“Just go in and enjoy it!” No explanation necessary!
NOVEMBER 2024 NEWS is HOT off the Press!
Receding and Reaching Out
Receding and Reaching Out By E. Adam Porter When you hear phrases like “worst in a century” or “first time in generations,” those descriptors can feel like an abstraction. Sure, they mean something, but is it something we can really fathom? Something we...
October 2024 NEWS is HOT off the Press
In this issue… Take a Brief Trip to Albuquerque, then stroll down memory lane to the beginning of SCC on Cherry Hills, get the latest LRPC Update, save the date for “Hi, Neighbor!”, learn about Little Free Libraries, hear All About the Bees,...
Back to School Back to Nature
Back to School Back to NatureJust the way it should be in Camp Bayou By Gezil Andrews I’ve been in the area three-plus years so Camp Bayou was a new venue for me – After my first visit, this weekend, I rated it “well worth the wait!” I visited the camp...
SEPTEMBER 2024 NEWS is HOT off the Press!
In this issue… Get back to nature, cruise around on three wheels, uncover a secret from the past, meet the SCC Maintenance Team, cheer on some lawn bowlers, cruise on an airboat, read about a hero, and take two different paths to the past. Then...
Firefighters Complete Training, Take Posts
Thirty-four new firefighters started their careers this week with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue (HCFR) after a graduation ceremony in mid-July. In a ceremony at Riverhills Church of God on Friday, the County’s newest firefighters received shields for...