Florists' Review Media Group has served the global floral in study for over 124 years.
Issue link: http://floridahomesmag.uberflip.com/i/741933
18 | Michael Saunders & Company SHOPPING Art our home is a reflection of your style and personality—the perfect showcase for art that speaks to you, and speaks to guests about who you are. Surround yourself with pieces that make a statement and give you a smile at the same time. Southwest Florida is the perfect place to discover the treasures that will build up your collection. There are so many intriguing choices along the coast to visit and explore! In the heart of Sarasota you will find the Dabbert Gallery on Palm Avenue, featuring works from award-winning local and international artists. Dabbert is considered one of the finest art galleries in the city, with its offering of oils, acrylics, watercolor, mixed media, etchings, drawings, marble, wood, clay and bronze sculptures. Right around the corner in downtown Sarasota is the inviting State of the Arts Gallery, showing local artists' paintings, mixed media on paper, collages, metal, wood and stone sculpture. The gallery location includes an art lounge where visitors can relax, peruse art books for ideas, or simply sit back and absorb the amazing works that adorn the gallery's space. Tucked away near Ringling Boulevard in downtown Sarasota you'll find the Towles Court Arts District—a unique conglomeration of galleries and studios. The bungalows that make up this network of artisans are alive with art in all shapes and sizes, from ceramics and paintings to photography and glass. On the third Friday of every month, get a taste of "Old Florida" at the Towles Court Artwalk while seeking out your next inspired art purchase. Head over the bridge to St. Armands Circle for one of its renowned art festivals. The entire circle transforms into the ideal venue for works of all kinds. An added bonus is the opportunity for patrons to personally meet with the artists themselves, learn about their processes and inspiration, and even commission a work of art, if desired. It's an incredible way to acquire a one of a kind piece. Year after year, these art festivals top the lists of the premier art shows in the country. Venture south to lovely Boca Grande and the Hughes Gallery, with its mix of investment-quality realism, impressionism, portraiture and contemporary art. Owners Barbara and Jack Hughes are proud to represent "some of America's most loved and respected artists." While being wowed by the beauty of Gasparilla Island, you might also be wowed by a hidden gem that is the perfect addition to your home. Famed photographer Clyde Butcher has a gallery and studio in the unlikeliest of places—an industrial park in Venice (the location also houses the artist's 2000-square-foot darkroom). What a sweet surprise to cross the threshold into Butcher's world of stunning black and white nature images, typically in his trademark large-scale format. While in Venice, make a point to swing by the main drag… you may be lucky enough to catch one of the city's popular art festivals. Throughout the year, hundreds of the nation's most notable artists descend on the "City on the Gulf " to exhibit their arts in a wide variety of media all along West Venice Avenue. Down in quaint Punta Gorda, you'll find the Sea Grape Gallery, in operation for more than a quarter of a century. The styles of the 20 award-winning artists who make up the cooperative at Sea Grape range from realist to abstract, and from Oriental brushwork to impressionist. Heading back up north to Bradenton, take a leisurely stroll through the Village of the Arts for a more eclectic selection. The Village is a live-work community made up of quaint and colorful cottages that boast everything from award-winning restaurants and boutiques, to the Bradenton area's finest studios and art galleries. During the monthly Artwalks held on the first Friday night and Saturday afternoon of every month, live music will accompany your exploration of the Village, or you might stumble upon a reception for a new art show or special guest speaker. Recent trends in housing and architecture feature gorgeous elevated ceilings and wide expanses of wall. Make the most of that ideal blank canvas and display all the amazing finds you can uncover on a tour of the loveliest stretch of coast in the United States! Y State of the Arts Gallery