
Florida is a paradise for fun in the sun, but it's also rich in cultural opportunities. In February, our real estate agents plan to soak up some entertainment and education at these intriguing art exhibits and cultural events near Sarasota homes for sale and Bradenton homes for sale.
- Joe Fig: Contemplating Vermeer - Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, FL 34236
Beautiful Sarasota Art Museum, once the home of the city's main high school, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As part of Ringling College of Art + Design, the museum hosts compelling exhibits such as Joe Fig: Contemplating Vermeer. Fig, head of the college's Fine Arts & Visual Studies Department, has created a series of paintings depicting scenes from the 2023 Vermeer exhibit in Amsterdam. The current exhibit runs through 4/13, and hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $20.
- The Ringling - 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota, FL 34243
As the official state museum of Florida, the Ringling has a mission to honor the legacy of John and Mabel Ringling by serving as a place of "art, architecture, and circus." In addition to presenting a permanent collection in their 21 galleries, the museum regularly features exhibits intended to educate and inspire. Current exhibits include Radical Clay: Contemporary Women Artists from Japan (through 5/11), Jess T. Dugan: I want you to know my story (through 2/25), and Embodied: Highlights from the Ringling Collection of Modern and Contemporary Art (through 9/21). The Ringling is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and admission is $5-$45.
- The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature - 201 10th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34205
Is there a more accomplished artist than Mother Nature? The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature showcases the full range of her glorious works across the ages. February's exhibits include themes that are of interest to just about any visitor, young or old. The Guitar and a Changing Nation (through 5/18) examines the history of America's most popular instrument through a 40-piece display, while American Farmer (through 5/4) celebrates the people who are the "true stewards of our land." Museum hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon - 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $16-$25.
- Movies Under the Stars - University Town Center, 210 N. Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota, FL 34243
Spend some quality time with the family watching top Hollywood films at Movies Under the Stars. February's selection is Wish, a delightful Disney film about a teenage girl who teams up with a living celestial star to save her home from its devious ruler. Face painters are on hand, along with film characters for meet-and-greets, and concessions stands offer several refreshments for sale. Showtime is 7 p.m. on Friday, 2/28, and admission is free.
- Longboat Key Festival of the Arts - 600 Bay Isles Rd., Longboat Key, FL 34228
A full spectrum of media is on display at the Longboat Key Festival of the Arts. Beautiful Town Center Green provides a stunning setting for sculptures, paintings, ceramics, photographs, jewelry, and other incredible works. Many of the artists themselves will be onsite to talk about their creations and answer questions. Cap off a day of viewing Longboat Key homes for sale with a stop at the festival. Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday, 2/22, and Sunday, 2/23, and admission is free.
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