Once known as “Circus USA,” the gulf coast city of Sarasota, Florida is a treasured destination, for which art has been an interesting and fortunate by-product of its circus legacy and Ringling family connections. The world-class arts community sets the standard when it comes to public art, including incredible public sector art. With a phenomenal public art collection of almost 100 works, art lovers will feel right at home in Sarasota County.

Sarasota's public art program dates back nearly a century, with ties to the Ringlings who are best known for their namesake circus company. The Ringlings had a deep love of art which they generously shared with the community, donating works to enhance the beauty of the city. Fast-forward to the present time, the city commission in collaboration with the arts and cultural alliance carries on the vision for public art initiated by the famous family.

We're continuing our focus on art in the public sector, including murals at public parking garages, glasswork at city administration buildings, and sculptures in outdoor spaces.

Go for the Parking, Linger for the Art

With limited exceptions, parking lots serve a practical purpose and are rarely considered an arts destination. We’re counting Sarasota among the exceptions, and offer the following as evidence.

Murals Celebrating the Arts at Palm Avenue

Where can you find opera, music, dance and film all under the same roof? The answer is the Palm Avenue Parking Garage in Sarasota. While you may not hear any actual music (other than the tunes on your car radio) or witness dancers in motion, you can view some fabulous murals depicting the various art forms. Every floor of the parking garage features a mural representing each of several performing arts genres.

The Passengers" at School Avenue

In this our second parking garage recommendation, visitors to the School Avenue Parking Lot will encounter the eye-catching steel impression of "The Passengers" by artist DA Gordon Dart.

As though a shadowed reflection, the art depicts a family, bags in hand, en route to an unknown destination. The artwork is a likely nod to the garage’s location nearby the old Atlantic Coast Line Passenger Depot where tracks were constructed in the 1920s to support circus operations.

The Mother (Nature) of All Art at City Hall

In a coastal city with as much natural beauty as Sarasota, it stands to reason that the city and county administration celebrate nature as part of their public art installations.

Check out art that celebrates nature on UGallery's website.

"Earth Mother"

Representing the enduring natural beauty of the Sarasota area, just outside of City Hall is "Earth Mother," a large-scale ceramic clay sculpture by artist Jack Cartlidge. The artwork was donated to the city public art collection in 1983 and has been a pleasing reminder of our connection to nature ever since.

"Luma Cloud"

Art enthusiasts will find much to appreciate at City Hall, including the luminescent charm of artist Ray King's "Luma Cloud," located in the building's atrium. Materials utilized to create the rain-like display include dichroic glass squares attached to cables. A reflecting pool beneath enhances the visual aesthetic and viewer experience.

We're only scratching the surface with our public sector art recommendations. Sarasota has a truly impressive list of public artwork which you can experience for yourself. You can also check out original art online now with new works posted weekly on the UGallery website.