New executive director named at Choral Artists of Sarasota
Artist from Budapest wins 2024 EOD ‘People’s Choice’
Ruth Schmidt, an artist from Budapest, Hungary, won the People’s Choice award for her work “Friendsheeps” at Embracing Our Differences’ 2024 outdoor exhibitions celebrating kindness, respect, and inclusion at Sarasota’s Bayfront Park and St. Petersburg’s Poynter Park.
“My wish is to achieve paintings that speak the unspeakable,” Schmidt said. “My goal is not only copying the visible world, but also capturing the intangible world, including affection, childlike faith, human cooperation, God-to-human relationship, grief, hope, love, loss, pain, and humor. They are based on my own experiences, situations, and concepts, and because each of them is a small piece of my soul, these are the closest to my heart.”
Schmidt received a $2,000 cash award for her work. The People’s Choice award is determined by a survey that was available to the nearly 425,00 visitors who attended this year’s exhibits that ran from Jan. 21 through April 14.
“’Friendsheeps’ serves as a compelling representation of respect for differences, beautifully showcasing the beauty of individuality within a harmonious collective,” said Sarah Wertheimer, executive director of Embracing Our Differences.
“By highlighting the unique characteristics of each sheep while emphasizing their shared bond, the artwork poignantly promotes acceptance. It reminds viewers that despite our differences, we can come together, support one another, and form meaningful connections based on mutual respect and understanding.”
Embracing Our Differences’ annual outdoor exhibits are the heart of a yearround program of activities designed to use art to create awareness and promote diversity.
For more information, call 941-4045710 or visit embracingourdifferences .org.
Danielle La Senna, who offers over two decades of experience in arts and education and a passion for cultivating community engagement, has been named executive director for Choral Artists of Sarasota. La Senna succeeds Susan Burke, who has served as executive director of Choral Artists for the past decade and is retiring.
“Danielle has the experience, personality, and range of capabilities needed to build on the momentum that Susan has developed,” said Bill Kimbell, president of the board at Choral Artists. “I know that we will not miss a beat and look forward to working closely with Danielle.”
A vocalist and arts administrator, Danielle La Senna graduated from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music with a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance. After earning a master’s degree in arts education from Harvard Graduate School of Education, La Senna held key positions at The Juilliard School and Lesley University College of Art and Design.
In 2019, La Senna relocated to Florida, overseeing operations for the Continuing Studies department at Ringling College of Art and Design. She was director of arts education at the Sarasota Art Museum in 2022, where she spearheaded visual art programs for students of all ages and collaborated on new classical music salon series.
“I am thrilled to embark on an expanded role with the Choral Artists, collaborating closely with Joseph Holt to bring his artistic vision to life and guide our exceptional ensemble towards even greater achievements,” La Senna said.
Plantation Golf & Country Club to host Haiti Project fundraiser
The Plantation Golf & Country Club will host The Haiti Project’s annual fundraising gala on June 1 at 5 p.m. The nonprofit works to alleviate hunger and poverty in Haiti by providing meals, community outreach programs, and strategic partnerships.
“We are excited to invite the Venice community to join us in our mission to make a difference,” said Reeser Williams, founder of The Haiti Project. “Our annual fundraising gala is a wonderful opportunity to come together, support a great cause, and have a memorable evening filled with information, delicious food, and philanthropy.”
The gala is supported by ProDoor of Southwest Florida. For information about The Haiti Project and to purchase tickets for the fundraiser, visit ocHaiti project.com/gala.
Around and about
The Sarasota Guitar and Amp Show is Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, featuring vintage guitar dealers, guitar clinics, amplifiers, and other guitar-related equipment. Plus food trucks and live performances. Tickets/info: sarasota guitarshow.com, 941-993-3098.
Creative Liberties with artist Shelley Kishpaugh will host a free circus-themed Family Art Day on Saturday from 9:30 a.m.-noon at 927 N. Lime Ave., Sarasota. The event will feature a stilt walker, face painter, and balloon artist. All supplies included. (creative liberties.net; 941-799-6634; info@ creativeliberties.net)
— Submissions by Embracing Our Differences, Su Byron, Benjamin Drumgool, Kevin Wood and Creative Liberties.