Late Summer Reflections By E. Adam Porter Editor, News of SCC & South County A famous pirate troubadour from Mississippi croons through the sound system down the hall, There’s something in the wind tonight, some kind of change in the weather… I sit...
Artwork Even Your Toddlers Will Understand
Artwork Even Your Toddlers Will Understand
By Andrea L.T. Peterson
Back in 2008, “people thought it was a horrible neighborhood, but I thought it was a diamond in the rough,” says Mary Lee, founder and owner of the acreage in Sarasota where the Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy now stands. It could now be said that the museum itself is the crown jewel of the neighborhood! A fascinating indoor museum and outdoor sculpture garden, the museum is one of a kind.
Lee wanted to bring “artwork that the general public could understand. They could just go in and enjoy it.” If the sculpture gardens are any indication, I’d say she’s achieved her goal. We first went to visit the museum the very day it closed for what is now the duration of the COVID season. I’ve yet to tour the museum itself. We never suspected it, and much of our world would shut down for more than a year! But we were able to enjoy the sculptures. I returned again, a month or so ago—still closed—but I was able to photograph more of the sculptures in the garden behind the museum itself.
The good news is that the museum had a “soft opening” from 1 to 2 p.m. on November 27. What that means is the gardens will be open and mask wearing visitors will be able to enjoy all of the sculptures, the enhanced landscaping, and the general whimsical ambience for an afternoon. The following week, they will resume “regular hours—” Thursday-Saturday from 1-4. On that Saturday, December 4, they will host a cookie exchange: bring two dozen, take home two dozen. For the safety of the all-volunteer staff and other visitors, guests will be required to wear masks until further notice as well as vinyl gloves during the cookie exchange.
The gardens are a delightful adventure for the entire family. This is flaming-o-holic heaven with many great flamingo sculptures waiting to be photographed with you! See the photos for a more broad view of what you’ll find.
There is plenty of parking and the grounds are ADA accessible. There is no café or on-site retail store. Pictures may be taken—with cell phones only out of respect for the artists whose livelihood depends on their artwork. The Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy is located at 2121 N Tamiami Trail in Sarasota.
“Just go in and enjoy it!” No explanation necessary!
Late Summer Reflections
May the Bluebirds of Happiness Nest in Your Yard
May the Bluebirds of Happiness Nest in Your YardBy Andrea L.T. Peterson It’s been about five years that the Audubon Club of Sun City Center has been aggressively monitoring the area's bluebird population, which had been steadily declining....
Field Trip to a Tea House
Field Trip to a Tea House By Diane M. Loeffler On August 10, four local friends visited the Lavender and Lace Tea Room in Lake Alfred. Andrea Olson and I live in Sun City Center’s Community Association, Annette Rawlinson lives in Kings Point,...
Pottery Club Wins Again at State Fair
Pottery Club Wins Again at State FairBy Kai Rambow “I saw a program on PBS about ugly face jugs and I became inspired,” reflected Terrie McNamara. “I had also just broken a pot on the kiln and said ‘Oh, my gosh, perfect teeth.’ I wanted to do...
SEPTEMBER 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!
In this issue… Tour Ybor City’s last cigar factory, sing with the bluebirds of happiness, save the date for FallFest, commemorate 60 years of SCC with the History Society, tip a glass at Alafia Brewing Company, hit the beach with some rescued...
Men’s Club Extends an Important Lifeline
Men’s Club Extends an Important LifelineBy Bob Sanchez When Joan Gross crashed her golf cart into trash barrels at 10 p.m., that was the last straw for her daughter Ellen, who moved in with her mom, who is 86 now and has dementia, heart...
