Sarasota Visual Art Center (Sarasota, Florida)

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Now the Sarasota Visual Art Center, the Sarasota Art Association began in 1926. Its organization was the result of efforts by Marcia Rader, art supervisor for Sarasota schools. The association held monthly meetings and sponsored sketch groups and exhibits. It was not until 1941, two years after a reorganization that the SAA incorporated. Its stated purpose was to promote "the educational and cultural advantages of Sarasota in the field of contemporary art."

For more than 20 years, the Art Association was without a home. The members found gallery space in a variety of places - store fronts, hotel lobbies and even barracks at the airport. In 1948, beginning with a modest bequest, the members raised the funds necessary for an initial $12,000 building. The City of Sarasota made available a parcel of land in the Civic Center, between the Municipal Auditorium and the Chidsey Library. Architect Frank Martin, designer of the next-door library, donated the plans and supervision of the construction for the association's first gallery. The Garden Clubs' Poinciana Circle planted flowers and shrubbery in front of the building.

For more information, please visit the floridahistoryalive website, and click on the Journals of Yesteryear section. While on the site, also check out the historic markers, historical designations, walking tours, and now a great video spotlight.