Community Calendar

Set sail on a journey of imagination in this cherished annual production featuring winning plays written by elementary students from around the world. From a pirate ship facing off with a sea monster to a forest full of unlikely heroes, these short plays are brought to life by professional actors, celebrating the boundless creativity of children for over 30 years.

Award-winning and internationally recognized artist Janet Echelman (American) is renowned for her soaring installations that merge ancient craft with cutting-edge technology. Using centuries-old fishing net knotting techniques, Echelman transforms humble materials into ethereal sculptures that visualize natural phenomena and the interconnectedness of humanity and the environment.
Radical Softness offers a rare, intimate look at Echelman’s artistic evolution, tracing her journey from early explorations in drawing, painting, and textiles to the monumental, netted sculptures that have redefined public spaces around the world. This exhibition contextualizes the artist’s practice, revealing the narratives, influences, and processes that drive her work. At its core, the exhibition highlights Echelman’s use of softness as a powerful tool—not only in material but as a philosophy. Showcasing a selection of works from across all four decades of the artist’s path-breaking career, along with a series of never-before-seen cyanotypes, Radical Softness reveals how an artist’s work can bring people together and carve out space for reflection in an ever-changing world.
Founded in New York City and based in Boston, Studio Echelman’s impact is global. A recipient of the Guggenheim Fellowship, Harvard Loeb Fellowship, Smithsonian American Ingenuity Award, Aspen Institute Henry Crown Fellowship, and Fulbright Lectureship, her monumental sculptures span five continents. Recent commissions include Remembering the Future at the MIT Museum (2025), Butterfly Rest Stop in Frisco, Texas (2024), Current in Columbus, Ohio (2023), Bending Arc at the St. Pete Pier in Florida (2020), Earthtime Korea (2020), Impatient Optimist at The Gates Foundation in Seattle (2015), and 1.8 Renwick at the Smithsonian American Art Museum (2015), among others.
Janet Echelman: Radical Softness is organized by Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design and curated by Lacie Barbour, associate curator of exhibitions at Sarasota Art Museum.

Image: Janet Echelman (American). Study (Butterfly Rest Stop 1/9 scale), Rome, Italy, 2022. Courtesy of the artist. Photo: Giovanni DeAngelis.

Imagine Museum proudly participates in Museums for All — simply present your SNAP Benefit card and photo ID to one of our associates upon arrival and enjoy $3.00 admission to the museum. Children ages 6 and under are free.

MAACM Charley Harper Cardinal Glass Class
Friday, April 24 and May 1, 2026; 10am -1pm
Dive right into this popular Level 1 leaded glass project that features a delightful geometric cardinal inspired by Charley Harper and his love for wildlife. Registration for this class includes two 3-hr glass sessions. Closed-toed shoes are required to participate in class. Class fee: Non-members: $125, Members $110.

Join us for a hands-on herbal tea experience where education meets creativity. In this interactive workshop, herbalist Tricia Little of Healthy Happy Hippie will guide you through the foundations of herbal tea blending, including the nutritional and healing properties of commonly used herbs.

You’ll learn how to build a balanced tea based on flavor, function, and personal wellness goals. After exploring and tasting individual herbs, you’ll create your own custom herbal tea blend to take home along with everything you need to confidently brew a delicious cup of tea.

Tickets and additional details are available at shop.kerbysnursery.com.

Join us for an artistic journey geared toward young artventurers every Saturday! Led by our friendly associates, children ages 4-11 will be guided through our world-class glass art galleries. They will then have the opportunity to unleash their imagination and express themselves with a fun and engaging craft activity.

Sports Coast LARGEST Food Truck Festival is coming!

Join us April 25th from 11am–8pm at SunWest Park in Hudson, FL for a full day of delicious food, fun, and family‑friendly vibes. Enjoy dozens of amazing food trucks serving BBQ, Seafood, Tropical dishes, Caribbean favorites, Mexican eats, Ice Cream, and so much more.

SunWest Park offers a beautiful beach, volleyball nets, kayaking, and plenty of space to relax and enjoy the day.

• Free Entry
• Family Friendly
• Parking: $5 inside the park / Free in the adjacent lot

Address: 17362 Old Dixie Hwy, Hudson, FL 34667

Don’t miss the biggest food truck celebration on the Sports Coast!

Set sail on a journey of imagination in this cherished annual production featuring winning plays written by elementary students from around the world. From a pirate ship facing off with a sea monster to a forest full of unlikely heroes, these short plays are brought to life by professional actors, celebrating the boundless creativity of children for over 30 years.

EXTENDED THROUGH APRIL 19

From Billy Joel to Alicia Keys, from Ray Charles to Freddie Mercury, Three Pianos celebrates the piano legends who refused to play by the rules. These aren’t your cookie-cutter rock stars: they’re the rebels, romantics, and risk-takers who turned 88 keys into pure magic. Enjoy timeless favorites like “Crocodile Rock,” “Just the Way You Are,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “I’m Still Standing,” and “Beautiful.” From the soulful sway of Fats Domino to the anthemic joy of Elton John, this high-energy musical revue proves that when you follow your own tune, the music never stops.

Exhibit | The Imagination of Art Venti
Saturdays, April 4-May 30, 2:00-4:00 p.m. | FREE
Arts Advocates Gallery, The Crossings at Siesta Key mall, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239 | ArtsAdvocates.org
The Imagination of Art Venti invites you to enjoy Art Venti's “pencil paintings” – magnificent, 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. The larger pieces take 3-5 months to complete. Since moving to Sarasota, he has produced his largest and most complex and meticulous works, the sizes having increased up to 110 inches in width. This exhibit is sponsored by Observer Media Group.