Leadership
Board of Directors
Staff
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Margaret Ann Behrends joined ACS in June 2022 and is our Director of Membership and Special Projects. Prior to ACS, Margaret Ann worked in development for several non-profits, including Perlman Music Program Suncoast, Laurel Civic Association, Suncoast Center for Independent Living and Suncoast Humane Society.
Before her career in non-profits, she worked as a television writer and producer for cable and broadcast services in New York, New Jersey and Michigan. Margaret Ann moved to Sarasota in 2010, but her family has had a home here for more than 40 years.
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Christina joined the ACS team in January 2022 and serves as our Curator & Director of Exhibitions. With a strong background in volunteer services, Christina is the point person and coordinator for our ACS volunteers. Prior to joining ACS, she has held positions at State College of Florida, New Bedford Art Museum (MA), National September 11 Memorial & Museum (NYC), and Newseum (Washington D.C.). Christina’s professional experience and knowledge of the inner workings of museums and art centers in the Northeast is something she brings to our exhibitions department. As a ceramic artist, she enjoys the process of art making and working with artist studios in a multitude of ways. Christina received her MFA in Ceramics from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and her BBA in Marketing & Art History from the College of William and Mary.
An artist in her own right, Christina is represented by Gerald Bland Gallery in NYC.
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Katherine recently joined ACS as the Education Manager. She began her teaching career in Washington, D.C. with Teach for America and is highly trained in effective literacy initiatives and differentiating instruction to support all learners. Prior to ACS, Katherine worked as a primary level Exceptional Student Education teacher with Sarasota County Schools as well as an adjunct instructor with USF Sarasota-Manatee's School of Education. She's passionate about children's literature and helping teachers integrate creative experiences into classroom practice. As a textile artist, Katherine works with a variety of materials and maintains a strong commitment to sustainability in her pieces. She received her EdM in International Education Policy from Harvard University Graduate School of Education, her MAT in Elementary Education from American University and her BA in International Studies from University of South Florida.
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Holly Flaig is excited to spread the joy of art-making to kids of all ages as the Youth Education Coordinator at Art Center Sarasota. She has a B.A. in Psychology and Art Therapy from Miami University, where she explored the positive impact that the arts have on mental well-being. She dedicates much of her free time to creativity through various mediums such as ceramics, photography, and crochet, and incorporates her love of nature into her work.
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Linda’s extensive administrative skills means she is involved with various aspects of our educational programs and workshops, as well as exhibits in four galleries. A valuable member of the team at Art Center Sarasota since 2013, she has been deeply involved in the day-to-day activities that help keep the Art Center organized and she is a source of abundant information for staff and visitors alike.
History
As the first visual arts organization in area, we started a movement that has made Sarasota the cultural destination it is today.
1926
The Sarasota Art Association was established in 1926 as the first arts organization in Sarasota. Founder Marcia Rader, Art Supervisor of the Sarasota School System, was the driving force behind the initial meetings of local art supporters who formed the association. In the early years, the group met monthly and sponsored exhibits in rented facilities.
1941
In 1941, the Association incorporated as a not-for-profit organization. At that time, the stated mission was “to promote the educational and cultural advantages of Sarasota in the field of contemporary art." Many renowned local artists like Jerry Farnsworth, Elden Rowland, Syd Solomon and Hilton Leech were instrumental in establishing the center as the focal point for Sarasota's visual arts.
1949
The City of Sarasota provided the Art Association, with a lease of land near the downtown area and in 1948, after the war, the association broke ground for its present building which was designed in the then-popular style of the Sarasota School of Architecture. The building opened in 1949 with only one gallery which is now known as Gallery 3.
1961
The Atrium (Gallery 4) or “Patio Gallery” as it was called was later erected with donations from members and was enclosed in 1961. Several more additions were made to the building adding on the front two galleries, the classroom and the back kitchen and class area.
The association's philosophy during the 1960’s, stated that “while the gallery is important to display the works of local artists, one-man shows and traveling exhibitions, there is a social aspect of the association that bears heavy fruit. It is a meeting place for all who are interested in the many phases of art; it is a place to make friends and see what is going on in Sarasota…” This philosophy is still the inherent mission of Art Center Sarasota today.
2009
The 1950's and 60's were a time of great social involvement of the community in the visual arts. The Art Association would hold their famous Beaux Arts Ball each year. A thousand guests would participate in a grand themed costume party at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. Today, the Art Center has brought back some of the excitement of the balls by creating the iconcept event in 2009. Local artists create "fashion" from unconventional materials for a grand runway show.
2021
Always adaptable, Art Center Sarasota continued to fulfill its mission during the COVID pandemic of 2020 with online galleries, tours, discussion groups and happy hour. In 2021, the building was opened again to the public (with masks of course!). We look forward to welcoming you back in.