Art Center Sarasota Announces Members Show, Holiday Sidewalk Sale, and 1970s-Inspired Fundraiser 

Three exciting events bring local art, holiday shopping, free family activities, and celebration to Sarasota from December 3, 2026, through January 9, 2027. 

An exhibition featuring more than 250 artists, an outdoor holiday market with free family activities, and a fundraiser inspired by the 1970s are bringing local creativity to Art Center Sarasota this holiday season and into the new year. The lineup begins December 3 with the Annual Juried Members Show, continues December 5 with the Holiday Sidewalk Sale, and culminates January 9 with Retro Remix. Together, the events invite residents and visitors to meet artists, shop directly from makers, and celebrate Sarasota’s arts community. 

Annual Juried Members Show 

On view December 3, 2026–January 9, 2027 Opening reception: Thursday, December 3, 5–7 p.m. | Free admission 

More than 250 artists take over all four ACS galleries for the Annual Juried Members Show, an expansive exhibition of painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, fiber, collage, mixed media, and more. With no prescribed theme, the show brings together the subjects, materials, and ideas that excite ACS artists and invites visitors to discover what catches their own eye. 

This year’s juror is Alissa “Liss” Silvers, a Swiss-born muralist and visual artist based in Sarasota and founder of Liss Design LLC. Known for large-scale murals that transform public and commercial spaces, Silvers combines bold color, flowing compositions, and abstract botanical forms inspired by Florida’s coastal landscape. 

Emerging talents and established artists exhibit side by side, offering opportunities to discover a new favorite artist, explore an unfamiliar medium, and purchase an original piece to add to a collection. The free opening reception on December 3 invites visitors to meet participating artists and get a first look at the exhibition. 

Holiday Sidewalk Sale and Family Art Activities 

Saturday, December 5, 2026 Sidewalk Sale: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Free youth and family programming: noon–3 p.m. 

Find a gift, meet its maker, and make something of your own. Art Center Sarasota’s Holiday Sidewalk Sale pairs an outdoor market of local artists and artisans with an afternoon of free activities for children and families. 

Original artwork, handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, textiles, home décor, and holiday gifts will fill the sculpture gardens and extend along the Bayfront Promenade. Visitors can meet the makers, hear the stories behind their work, and find distinctive gifts while supporting independent artists and artisans. 

From noon to 3 p.m., families can enjoy hands-on art activities and explore the STEAM Machine, presented by the Sarasota Children’s Museum. The Goodboy food truck will also be on-site, making it easy to stay for a bite between shopping, exploring the galleries, and creating. 

Retro Remix

Saturday, January 9, 2027, 6–9 p.m. Tickets: $100 for ACS members; $125 general admission 

Art Center Sarasota welcomes the new year with Retro Remix, a fundraiser drawing inspiration from Studio 54, disco, downtown art scenes, and the DIY culture of the 1970s. The evening features live music, interactive art activities, food, drinks, and raffles. 

Building on the imaginative spirit of the Beaux Arts Ball, Retro Remix invites guests to bring their own creative flair to the celebration. Costumes and inspired ’70s attire are encouraged. 

Held amid the Annual Juried Members Show, the evening celebrates the artists, members, volunteers, and supporters who make ACS thrive. Its invitation, “You Belong in the Mix,” welcomes longtime supporters and first-time visitors alike. 

Proceeds from Retro Remix provide unrestricted support for exhibitions, education, and community engagement, helping sustain the organization’s work into its next century. 

All three events take place at Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236. For event details and Retro Remix tickets, please visit artsarasota.org. 

About Art Center Sarasota 

Founded in 1926, Art Center Sarasota serves as the first and oldest visual arts organization in Sarasota. Art Center Sarasota is admission-free and open to the public; our mission is to bring together creatives and the broader public to increase understanding of our human condition, support wellbeing, and build community connection through the universal language of art. 

Exhibitions are supported in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenues and generous donors. 

Art Center Sarasota 

707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236 

Phone: 941.365.2032 

www.artsarasota.org 

Monday-Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.