Sarasota Season of Sculpture

Sarasota visitors will probably do a double-take when driving along Sarasota’s Bayfront Drive and seeing a giant tooth, a car pile up and three Andy Warhols atop a block with Marilyn Monroe’s image. These aren’t figments of imagination but indication the Sarasota Season of Sculpture has returned to Florida’s Cultural Coast.

Sarasota Season of Sculpture Season Four

In its fourth season, the Sarasota Season of Sculpture showcases two dozen large-scale sculptures from artists throughout the world along the U.S. 41 (Bayfront Drive) portion of the Sarasota Bayfront. Sarasota Season of Sculpture Season Four debuted November 11, 2007 and sculptures will remain on exhibit through May 26, 2008.

Nearly a third of the artists from the Season Three exhibition in 2005/2006 are showcased this season, including a work by artist Seward Johnson called “Comprehension.” This piece of art consists of two bronze sculptures of a man and woman and one very large tooth (17 feet tall, to be exact).

Sarasota Season of Sculpture Sparks Controversy and Conversation

Johnson’s 26-foot-tall sculpture called “Unconditional Surrender” caused controversy during Sarasota Season of Sculpture Season Three. The sculpture is similar to the famous Life magazine photograph of a Navy sailor dipping and kissing a nurse at the end of World War II. “Unconditional Surrender” was a popular photographic opportunity for tourists but some residents questioned whether the sculpture qualified as art. The giant tooth of “Comprehension” is sparking dialogue and curiosity this season, which is exactly what art is intended to do, to get people talking and thinking.

Another piece in this year’s Sarasota Season of Sculpture exhibit igniting conversation is a 12-car pile up called “Dances” by Dustin Shuler. Cars are paired up into six groups forming a ring in the fairly new grassy area where North Gulfstream Avenue once met U.S. 41.

Sculptures range from pop-art such as a tribute to Andy Warhol called “Happy Birthday Andy” by Jack Dowd to abstract, like “Wedge” by Albert Paley, a sculpture of large strips of metal.

Sarasota Season of Sculpture is an Easy, Breezy Walk

The exhibition’s convenient location means travelers staying in the downtown hotels of The Cypress - A Bed & Breakfast Inn, Hotel Indigo, Hyatt Regency Sarasota and The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota can easily walk to it. Sarasota visitors can plan a sunset cruise aboard LeBarge Tropical Cruises or a deep sea fishing expedition aboard the Flying Fish Fleet and enjoy the beauty of the Sarasota Season of Sculpture.

Better yet is enjoying a classy waterfront meal at Marina Jack’s or casual bite at O'Leary's Tiki Bar & Grill followed by a stroll through the exhibition. The Season of Sculpture is lit up at night so visitors can enjoy romantic evening walks.

The adventurous Sarasota traveler will enjoy viewing the Season of Sculpture while riding a Segway with the tour company Florida Ever-Glides. A portion of the two-hour tour glides along the Sarasota Bayfront.

Sarasota Season of Sculpture, Literally a Can’t Miss Art Exhibit

Traveling to Sarasota and missing the Season of Sculpture is pretty hard to do because the art exhibit obviously sits on the waterfront. Find it by following U.S. 41 to the Sarasota Bayfront and look for the sculptures. Parking is available although it may be congested during the day. An electronic kiosk dispenses a map of the exhibit. Enjoying the exhibit can take anywhere between 20 minutes to hours. All sculptures are available for sale. Contact the Sarasota Season of Sculpture for prices.

Check out “Travel Guide to Odd Sarasota,” “Family Travel to Sarasota” and “Three Things to Do in Sarasota” to assist in travel planning to Sarasota.

Sarasota Season of Sculpture Season Four

Sarasota Season of Sculpture Season Three

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