Sarasota, Florida Culture
Port of Tampa Cruise Excursions
By Lena Hunt
Florida is known for its sun, sand, and sea but did you know that Florida is also known as the cultural center of the southeast United States. Picture yourself on the white sands of Florida beaches or see yourself kayaking its rivers on the hunt for a peek at alligators and manatee. Yet also imagine yourself attending performances
Sarasota, Florida Culture
Port of Tampa Cruise Excursions
By Lena Hunt
Southern Florida Cruise Port Specialist
Tampa - Miami - Port Canaveral - Ft. Lauderdale
June 20, 2010
ranging from classical music to experimental to contemporary dance by artists from the USA, Canada, Australia, England, Israel, Scotland, and Spain.
Take I-75 from the Tampa Cruise Port and drive 63 miles and you'll arrive at Sarasota and her islands, a coconut-laden resort haven which play hostess to guests and residents who come here for the arts and music experience of a lifetime. This string of jeweled islands is known as Florida's Cultural Coast for good reason.
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, affiliated with Florida State University, is one of the U.S.'s leading museums and collaborates with NYC's Baryshnikov Arts Center to bring together more than 100 artists from around the world joined creative forces to form a very rare annual U.S. event.
The Ringling International Arts Festival is the name of this extraordinary happening where history meets the future. This museum also has an art collection that is beyond belief. Personally owned by John Ringling, owner of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, collected works of art from around the world and brought them to his home in Sarasota. (Ringling's 30-room mansion was also built in this manner and was inspired by the Venetian gothic palaces.) Music and plays may entertain vibrantly but inside the museum all is hush in order to give the exhibits full attention. 'Venice in the Age of Canaletto' is an artistic documentary of Venice in a realistic manner.
The city that seems to float on water is captured in oils on canvas. Each painting takes you on a walk through the era and the city that was on the brink of change at a most critical moment in the history of art.
The new 'Gothic Art in the Gilded Age: Medieval and Renaissance Treasures in the Gavet-Vanderbilt-Ringling Collection' exhibit is the center of Ringling's collection of medieval and Renaissance art. Words cannot describe this new exhibit. You must simply go see for yourself.
Experience opera which has its beginnings in Europe and NYC in a way that has never been experienced before. The historical Sarasota Opera House is a fine art exhibit in itself and now the Sarasota Opera is on its 52nd season in the Sarasota Opera will present some of the greatest American operas. Bringing its audience to different styles of operas as American operas are not performed as often as European operas.
Also, they have managed to bring a new understanding and true appreciation to the art itself as captions are placed above the stage in English so that all can truly enjoy opera. Even adults and children who never thought they would ever understand or enjoy opera, after experiencing the unique way the Sarasota Opera delivers such magnificent performances come back time and time again.
The Sarasota Film Festival, The Sarasota Blues Festival, the Asolo Theater Company, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, and so much more! Pack a gown and a linen suit in your cruise trip luggage and have the cultural experience of your life.
