In this issue… Don’t miss FallFest on October 16, browse the Art Club’s latest creations, cruise the St. Johns River, sail on the Eagle, hit the target with a local Olympian, commemorate the anniversary of 9/11, discover some great places to...
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!
OCTOBER 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!
Aquarium Releases Endangered Sea Turtles
The fruits of The Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Conservation Program labor were realized with the release of five rehabbed sea turtles including two Kemp's Ridley and three greens in North Ormond Beach. After months of specialized and compassionate care,...
Touring Ybor City’s Last Cigar Factory
Touring Ybor City’s Last Cigar FactoryBy Bob Sanchez In July, a small group from the Sun City Center Photo Club toured the J. C. Newman Cigar Company to see first-hand how cigars are still made in Ybor City. For the senior rate of $12 per...
Alafia Brewing Company and the Queen of Beer
Alafia Brewing Company and the Queen of BeerBy Andrea L.T. Peterson Thanks to a reader recommendation, we discovered the Alafia Brewing Company in Gibsonton. When the Editor asked if I wanted to check it out, I thought: “I’ve been alcohol-free...
Late Summer Reflections
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...
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....
