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.

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.

Are you a curious creative? Do you dare to play? Would making more time just for you bring you more joy? Join us for a whimsical journey to open your heart and mind. Explore with abandon as we engage the artist within through discover, practice and creativity.

With each class you’ll play with new mediums, work through a variety of projects, and connect with others on their wonderment journey. Imagine awe-filled days in an enchanted bungalow with other creative souls. A leisurely pace of inspiring experiences, sharing, making and lots of play.

Creativity helps us break free from modern living and provides a fresh perspective for renewed vitality. This weekend is an opportunity to make time to love yourself, radical acceptance through embracing joy. We shall summon our secret strengths, our creative genius, and live boldy from the heart.

Thursday April 23rd - Welcome Reception + Registration
Friday April 24th – Day 1 workshops and evening free play
Saturday April 25th - Day 2 workshops and evening free play

You’ll spend each day at The Paper Seahorse, with breaks for lunch and dinner.

This two-day retreat features three immersive workshops (all supplies included), swag bag, make-and-takes, catered lunches, snacks and light refreshments throughout the day, and extra time for free play! In addition to wonderful workshops, there will be plenty of time for meditating, knitting/crochet, sketching or to simply be.

Miracles, Signs & Wonders is a three-day gathering for our faith-based community focused on teaching, encouragement, and life-changing experiences. The conference is open to individuals, families, leaders, and teens who are seeking inspiration, personal growth, and meaningful connection.

Throughout the weekend, attendees can expect engaging speakers, impactful sessions, and dedicated teen programming. Vendor spaces will also be available, offering opportunities to connect with and support local and faith-based businesses.

Register today at www.miraclessignswondersconference.com
or text MSW26 to 813-808-8778

Southeastern Premiere. Ernestine Ashworth spends her 17th birthday agonizing over her insignificance in the universe. Soon enough, it’s her 18th birthday. Even sooner, her 41st. Her 70th. Her 101st. Five generations, an infinity of dreams, and one cake baked over a century.

Go nose to nose with Big John, the World’s Largest Triceratops, in an immersive and playful dinosaur exhibit at the Glazer Children’s Museum in Downtown Tampa. Whether you have a child at home or not, all are welcome to visit this colossal exhibit, 66 million years in the making.

MAACM Art Nouveau Glass Class NEW DESIGN
Tuesday, April 21 and 28, 2026; 10am to 1pm
Celebrate the natural forms and sinuous curves of Art Nouveau, a movement which flourished concurrently with the Arts and Crafts movement, by creating a stunning leaded glass panel. Level 1 classes are the perfect introduction to the craft of leaded glass. Registration for this class includes two 3-hr glass sessions, 4/21 and 4/28. Closed-toed shoes are required to participate in class. Class fee: Non-members: $125, Members $110.

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.