Sarasota is a land of natural beauty. The city is painted in bright colors and decorated in its unique architectural style, bordered by white sand beaches, and world-class artwork. The city’s history in the arts makes itself into a perfect home for creators of all kinds. As a result, the city houses hundreds of artists, some of them established and many of them are rising stars. Three, in particular, have made their mark on Sarasota’s art scene–maybe you recognize them?

Francesco Agrest

One of the most accomplished in the Sarasota art scene is Francesco Agresti. His abstract style shows inspirations from Monet and Vargas. Agresti’s study under Hunter/Lehman CUNY has led him to recognize what makes the masters’ works valuable and to replicate it in his own pieces while maintaining his originality. The best example of this would be Black Horses. The painting itself consists of a dark shape against a yellow background. When you step closer to the canvas, you can see that the dark shape itself is made of smaller dark shades instead of one large one. Further observation reveals that the yellow background’s brush strokes and other colors suggest the gentle lean of grass in the wind, or possibly a telephone pole in the distance. Like Vargas, Agresti gives us pieces to help compose the image in our minds, but like Monet’s later works, he asks us to compose it ourselves out of the parts that he gave us.

Eric Griffith

Eric Griffith is an artist of many talents. Born in Barbados and having lived across Europe after he graduated from college, Griffith has an eye for finding the art within a daily routine in his still life photos, or enhancing the elements in a photo to reveal the beauty in it in his abstract artwork. His works have been recognized by the United Press International, Working Title magazine, and in collaboration with textile producer Fabrique. In his abstract works, he chooses to utilize a combination of extreme close-ups and color saturation to emphasize the form and feature of his subject. One could also argue that his use of staging forces us to consider if we change the context of the subject due to its drastic change in appearance. On the polar opposite side of his abstract work is his street photography, which catches ordinary people in their daily routine, while highlighting the beauty. With the playfulness of Sergio Duarte and the honesty of Fred Herzog, Griffith continues to take the art world by storm.

Vicki Chelf

One of Sarasota’s own, Vicki Chelf has utilized her Fine Arts degree from the Ringling School of Arts and Design to create works that play with the images that we produce for ourselves. Her fascination with dream language has led her to incorporate a stream of consciousness/subconscious type imagery in her artwork. Whether you’re viewing her older, experimental art or her modern-day portraiture, try and take a second look. You’ll find that the way that a figure is positioned, painted, or looking changes the meaning and mood of the artwork, as it does in dreams. Take Three Ducks Walked Into A Bar, for example. The cheery colors and familiar shapes of the duck figurines suggest familiarity and imply the feeling of finding a toy from childhood. But when you observe the background of the painting, you find small red balls contrasting against a grey backdrop. You may even recognize that the ducks aren’t from any recognizable toy brand. Much like the subconscious brain combines information from throughout the day to create an image or story, Chelf’s paintings take familiar ideas and stretch them to their limits.

Sarasota fosters an environment where artists excel. After all, what creative could turn down a city where one of the most famous circuses would spend their winters, where jazz music was played, and which continues to support and foster its rich culture today? It’s why both artists and auteurs work to live as close to Sarasota and its arts as it possibly can.

Residents of Downtown Sarasota are lucky to be surrounded a community of artisans and neighbors who patronize the arts. BLVD Sarasota is a new luxury condominium being developed in the heart of the Rosemary District, within minutes of Sarasota’s famed art scene.

The 49-residence luxury condominium is currently under construction in the New Downtown Sarasota and is located on the southeast corner of Boulevard of the Arts and Tamiami Trail. BLVD is just one of the many new and exciting additions to the vibrant downtown arts district. Prospective homebuyers will also be thrilled with the new waterfront revitalization project — The Bay—as well as the new dining, shopping and entertainment options coming to The Quay directly across the street from BLVD.

BLVD Sarasota exhibits stunning architecture with panoramic views that start at 3,550 sq. feet and have up to 5,500 sq. feet and start at $1.9 million. Residents are accommodated with a select set of amenities, ranging from a zero-horizon pool that overlooks the city and the bay to a large temperature-controlled wine vault with private lockable showcases on the fifth floor. Located within walking distance of the diverse Rosemary District, and the new bayside projects – The Bay and The Quay. Right around the corner, residents can enjoy Sarasota’s world-class entertainment, museums, art galleries and restaurants it is no wonder why residences nearly halfway sold out.

Our new sales studio is now open, featuring your in-person virtual reality experience at 1266 1st Street, Suite 5, Sarasota FL 34236. Call our client liaisons at 941-316-1499 to schedule your tour today. If you are unable to make it into the studio, download our Digital Brochure or visit our website, BLVDsarasota.com.

If you ask anyone where the best spot in Sarasota is, they’ll each have a different answer. The city is split into many diverse neighborhoods, making it easy to explore a new part of town, experience a change of pace, or find something really rare and unique. Whether you like the hometown atmosphere of Gillespie Park or the upscale living at Laurel Park, you can find your favorite lifestyle in Sarasota.

Gillespie Park

The one word that best describes Gillespie Park is ‘community’. Made from the combined efforts of individuals and civic groups, this neighborhood features a popular butterfly garden and a great children’s playground. Make sure to take furry friends by The Canine Club for some fresh air, or visit the Historic Downtown Village Shops for quaint architecture and unique art finds.

Siesta Key

If you’re looking for the perfect Florida beaches to share with family and friends, look no further than the white sand beaches of Siesta Key. Highly regarded for its award-winning beaches, TripAdvisor once again announced Siesta Key Beach as Number 2 on its ‘Top 10 Beaches in the U.S.’ list, and Dr. Beach has announced Siesta Key Beach as their number one beach of 2017. It’s a great place to watch porpoises frolicking in the Gulf of Mexico or get in a morning workout on the beach. Once you’re done soaking up the sun, head to Siesta Village for Bonjour, a French café that makes a great espresso, or check out Created Gems for a locally made piece of jewelry.

Laurel Park

Laurel Park represents a way of life that was thought to be long gone. In this neighborhood, you’re surrounded by oak trees dripping with Spanish moss and buildings dating to the beginning of the 20^th century. The residents of this neighborhood are so committed to the preservation of their historic buildings, that many of them are listed in the Laurel Park National Register Historic District. The shopping here is unparalleled, with eagle-eyed shoppers having found everything from high-end designer brands to vintage items from the 1900s and onwards in stores such as The Exchange and Asparagus.

Rosemary District

This neighborhood is the heart of Sarasota’s arts and culture scene. Its vibrant history, dating back to the first residents of the area, has drawn in artists and art purveyors of all kinds. You’ll often find them at the Florida Studio Theatre or at the Art Center Sarasota. Although, no matter where you turn, you’re sure to find something creative!

There are big things ahead for the Rosemary District. The area’s bayfront has been recently approved for redevelopment and will serve as the home for a future entertainment complex – ‘The Bay’. The recently approved plans intend to create a new social centerpiece to serve as the heart of Sarasota’s waterfront arts and entertainment district. Another future development, the Quay Sarasota, will offer dining and shopping immediately across the street from BLVD in the Rosemary District.

Also located in the Rosemary District BLVD Sarasota has become one of the areas’ most desirable new address. Construction is now well underway and homes will range from 3,550 to 5,500 sq. feet. Start at $1.9 million, each home will enjoy panoramic city and/or bay views. Residents are accommodated with an unprecedented array of amenities, ranging from a zero-horizon rooftop pool that overlooks the city and the bay to a large temperature-controlled wine vault with private lockable showcases. On the fifth floor, this dog-friendly home has a BLVD pet lawn as well as a grooming station for your four-legged friend.

Right around the corner, residents can enjoy Sarasota’s world-class entertainment, museums, art galleries, and restaurants. Not only that, world-renowned chef Sean Murphy recently announced his new restaurant that will be located on the first floor of BLVD Sarasota. It is no wonder why residences are nearly halfway sold out.

Due to construction progress, our new sales studio is now open, featuring your in-person virtual reality experience at 1266 1^st Street, Suite 5, Sarasota. Call our client liaisons at 941-316-1499 to schedule your tour today. Download our Digital Brochure at our website, BLVDsarasota.com.

There’s something about the holidays in Florida that makes them feel even more special. Maybe it’s the cute quirkiness of seeing a palm tree in holiday lights. Maybe it’s hearing holiday music everywhere that you go, with a little steel drum mixed in. Maybe it’s that an average day is 75 degrees, with not a cloud or a snowdrift- in sight. Those are plenty of reasons to take advantage of all of the events happening this time of year. You’re sure to find something that you can enjoy.

Holiday Splendor at the Ringling

The holidays are a special time of year, and the Ringling has its own aesthetically eclectic way of celebrating. This year, it’s inviting everyone for a special holiday celebration. Come December 6^th, you can enjoy extended hours at The Circus Museum, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, and Ca’ d’Zan for their Holiday Splendor event. Enjoy live music and entertainment from the local elementary, middle, and high schools, food and beverages, and craft your own museum experience as you partake in a self-guided tour through the collections and galleries. To support the U.S. Marines Corps Reserve Toys for Tots collection, admission is free with one unwrapped toy.

Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas Parade

The Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas Parade was established in 1984 when a holiday event was unable to happen. Thanks to the ingenuity of a few members of local youth support nonprofit, the Anna Maria Island Privateers. They whipped up their own holiday parade to the delight of hundreds of kids. They managed to not only save the day, but also established a tradition that would be followed 48 years later. The event starts at 10 A.M. on December 8^th in Bayfront Park, and follows a trail all the way to Coquina Beach. Along the way, spectators will get to see boats and floats decorated for the season and supported by local businesses and organizations. Once the privateers land at Coquina Beach, it’s time to hand out toys to all the kids there, as well as free sodas and hot dogs!

New Year’s Eve Pineapple Drop

Sarasota is well known for doing things differently, from building design to food and drink-the city even celebrates the holidays with their own kind of flair. Join in on the fun in the Downtown area on December 31^st for amusement rides, food from the area’s best local vendors, and your New Year’s Resolutions in mind as you enjoy the waterfront and the live music. To top it off, a countdown to the New Year starts shortly before midnight, as the city lowers not a time ball, but a pineapple! Historically a symbol of warmth and welcome, there’s no better-or funkier-way to welcome in your new year.

Whether you’re looking for Santa at a boat parade or ringing in the New Year with a pineapple, expect something amazing to happen here in Sarasota. It’s easy to see why people want to stay close for the winter season, too! There’s an easier way to stay in the midst of it all.

BLVD Sarasota, a 49-unit luxury condominium project is currently under construction in the heart of the New Downtown Sarasota, located on the southeast corner of Boulevard of the Arts and Tamiami Trail. It has brought an exciting energy to the city’s vibrant downtown arts district that Sarasota has never seen before, with the new Bay and Quay projects right around the corner.