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Art preview: new shows opening in Sarasota and Tampa

 
Published May 28, 2015

Lots of new shows are coming to museums and galleries in west central Florida so there's (at least) one near you. Better yet, drive outside your comfort zone to one you haven't visited. Here are two suggestions to get you started.

Art Center Sarasota is one of the oldest of its kind in our region and the oldest cultural institution in Sarasota. Founded in 1926, it grew to be an arts hub as the city became a nationally famous arts community populated by big names. Its building, constructed in the 1940s, is designed in the Sarasota School of Architecture, and subsequent additions have made it a true arts center with space for educational and social programs along with exhibitions.

Currently, the center is exhibiting "Confluence: France" with works by contemporary artists from Perpignan, France, one of Sarasota's cities. Interesting (though digressive) fact about Perpignan: it sits near the Spanish border and Salvador Dalí frequently traveled through it on his trips to France. In 1963 he declared it the true center of the universe.

"Confluence" continues through June 26. Arts Center Sarasota is located at 707 N Tamiami Trail. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Free. artsarasota.org or (941) 365-2032.

The University of South Florida Contemporary Art Museum reprises a popular exhibition with "Museum at Work," opening June 5, which brings everything behind those "staff only" doors into the galleries. Staff will be on hand daily to discuss and demonstrate the work of museum professionals. Of special interest will be free workshops held every Friday from Friday through July 10, each from noon to 1 p.m.

Friday: You Just Have to See It will demonstrate how an exhibition is designed and the art is installed plus you'll get a tour of the museum's workshop, collection and storage areas.

June 12: Caring for Your Collection and Valuables will suggest best ways to package, store and move treasured heirlooms and art.

June 19: Framing Your Collection will educate you on the best practices and materials for framing.

June 26: Photographing Artwork targets artists and professionals but welcomes everyone.

July 10: Installation of "Selected" is the culmination of a crowd-sourced exhibition in which all the works will have been chosen by visitors.

CAM also features sound art in "With Hidden Noise" that will ask us to close our eyes and hear with our ears in experiencing this genre, but then open them again to see visual art by some of the artists also in the show.

Both shows continue through July 25.

The Contemporary Art Museum is located on the USF campus. Its entrance is at 4202 E Fowler Ave., Tampa, but the best way to get to the museum is to enter the campus at Holly Drive from Bruce B. Downs Boulevard. Proceed along Holly until you get to the museum, which is across the street from the water tower. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Admission is free but parking requires a $5 permit or metered spots. ira.usf.edu or (813) 974-2849.

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Lennie Bennett, Times art critic