Community Calendar

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 Louis Comfort Tiffany Flower Glass Class
Friday, March 6 and 13, 2026; 10am-1pm
Enjoy creating this elegant floral design in leaded glass, inspired by Art Nouveau icon, Louis Comfort Tiffany. Registration for this class includes two 3-hr glass sessions, 3/6 and 3/13. Closed-toed shoes are required to participate in class. Class fee: Non-members: $125, Members $110.

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.

Join Humane Society of Sarasota County for PAW Royale on March 13 at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. Inspired by the vibrance of Old Florida, this luncheon brings together community leaders, local businesses, and animal lovers to support lifesaving care for homeless pets.

The event features cocktails, curated local vendors, a seated luncheon, inspiring stories, and special appearances by adoptable puppies and kittens. Proceeds support lifesaving care throughout the year.

Tickets and sponsorships are available.
Get involved: paws2026.givesmart.com
Questions? Contact Jenny Hamner.
jhamner@hssc.org | 941.955.4131 x115

Mexican sculptor Jacobo Alonso brings a dynamic new body of textile work to Central Florida in this site-specific exhibition. Situated Body reimagines the classical human form through contemporary materials, especially felt, transforming traditional sculpture into colorful, expressive abstraction. Inspired by both pre-Columbian traditions and the Art Center’s Mayan Revival architecture, Alonso’s work, created during his 2025 residency at A&H, challenges assumptions about form, identity, and material.

Experience Florida Folk Music! A family-friendly event for all ages, the Will McLean Folk Music Festival features 80 musical groups across 4 covered stages. Enjoy original and traditional songs in Americana, Blues, Celtic, Bluegrass, Country, and Modern Folk, plus workshops, jam areas, a young musician’s program (signup required, see webpage), kids’ corner, and food/craft vendors in a safe, wooded setting. Camping is available first-come, first-served. Bring chairs. The event is held rain or shine. Contra Dance Saturday night! The Will McLean Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization.

Kick off your weekend under the stars at the Friday Night Moonlight Market at The Hub at Bexley! Enjoy live music, explore unique finds from local vendors, and discover special Friday night deals from nearby restaurants, including adult beverages to sip while you shop. Bring the whole family – including your furry friends – to this fun, family- and pet-friendly event! Join us for an evening filled with local charm, music, and Friday night vibes in Land O Lakes!

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.

Step into the spotlight with One Hit Wonders, a toe-tapping celebration of those unforgettable songs that lit up the charts and became part of our lives. From the epic storytelling of “American Pie” to the carefree whistle of “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” this show celebrates the artists who gave us a single great hit. Quirky, charming, and packed with guilty pleasures, One Hit Wonders proves that sometimes one hit is all you need.