The Towles Court Arts District

It's no secret--Sarasota has a rich artistic and cultural character that is the envy of many other Florida cities. But what would be considered our area's artistic heart, its creative center? Is it the Ringling College of Art & Design? The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art? Perhaps St. Armands Circle?

These are all great choices, but if you head just south of Ringling Boulevard between 301 and Osprey Avenue, and you'll see the moss-draped trees of Towles Court, an artistic wonderland that too many don't yet know about. There's a reason that Coastal Living called this area a "Top Ten Artist Colony." From art studios and galleries to antique stores to jewelry shops to photography studios to interior, graphic, and fashion designers, Towles Court is an amazing arts community that should be recognized as a premiere hub of creative energy in Sarasota.

Kathleen Power Johnson, the owner of the new gallery/studio she's named Artists on the Court (1943 Morrill Street), says, "As soon as I came in, it was clear to me what the potential was." For her, that meant owning a gallery that represented a range of local artists in a wide variety of media, plus having studio space available for community classes. Her two most requested classes? Mixed media/collage and watercolor. "And after we get our kiln, we can offer workshops in glass, enameling, precious metals, clay, and even some ceramics." She hopes to offer as many classes as the public demands.

A mixed media and collage artist, Meg Pierce, works in the main Towles Court Art Center building. About having a studio there, she explains, "Artists need an atmosphere that values experimentation and supports creativity. Visual arts, music, architecture, theater and dance in Sarasota are pushing boundaries more and more. We take chances and the whole community gets involved in the discussion." Chatting with some of the other local artists there--who often sip coffee during breaks out on the decks and benches--reinforces that sense of community and creativity that Pierce shares.

While there's obvious energy and enthusiasm within the residents and workers of Towles Court, this wasn't always the case. The idea of artists living there is actually a relatively new thing. In the 1920s, William B. Towles changed the neighborhood into a residential area for seasonal residents that was popular for decades but eventually began to decline to the point that it was scheduled to be flattened in the 1980s. Developer N.J. Olivieri--a man whose friends pleaded with him to transform the area into an ideal artist colony where creative people both lived and worked--bought up the rundown houses to remake the neighborhood into something loosely based on Colonial Williamsburg. And since 1995 when the first artists set up shop, that's exactly what happened.

The erratic U.S. economy, however, altered the demographics of Towles Court over the past few years. Instead of Olivieri's idea of it being an all-artist community, prices have driven out some of the original residents and workers and those locations soon filled with unexpected guests. Lawyers. Dentists. Spas. Massage therapists. Even a psychotherapist. But the area is still predominantly an artist community even though more than a few terrific restaurants have begun to make a name for themselves. Alliance Francaise de Sarasota. Lavanda (try the Beef Napoleon!). The Garden Room Cafe at Shoogie Boogies.

For those who worry that all of the artists will be completely driven away, don't worry, says Bette Stevens who is president of the Towles Court Artists Association and owner of the Elizabeth Stevens Gallery. "The future looks good. Our gallery spaces are full and our artists are energetic. We have more members in our Association than ever."

With committed newcomers like Johnson starting up new galleries as old ones close, Stevens' claim of a bright future seems more and more likely. Johnson, who "retired for about five minutes" from a career as a designer in the fashion industry, wanted to be a part of the colorful district known as Towles Court from the moment she saw it. Like so many visitors to Towles Court, she was captivated by the sheer volume of artistic vibrancy and inspiring work. She had to become a part of it.

Her interest in jewelry-making and supporting local artists has come together beautifully in Artists on the Court, which is located in one of the larger buildings there. Part of her obligation, as she sees it, is to help the local artists she features in her gallery with their pricing. "At one end is New York City, and at the other end is Paducah, Kentucky. Right now, most of the pricing ends up in the middle." What that means is that while Johnson showcases some $1000 watercolor paintings on the walls, there's also affordable jewelry, glass holiday ornaments, and one-of-a-kind clothing suitable for gifts or impulse purchases. Not too bad for a store that hasn't been running for even a year yet.

While Johnson's Artists on the Court store is a must-see, here are a few others worth visiting:

June Ansorge Works in Clay (238 S. Links Avenue)--"One-of-a-kind, practical & impractical, whimsical ceramics"

Designs by Donna B (1945 Morrill Street)--stunning handcrafted jewelry

The Gallery (252 S. Links Avenue)--truly fascinating contemporary art, both local and foreign

"This is a wonderful destination area," raves Johnson about Towles Court. "But more people simply need to know about it." She's right--it's a hip, artsy place with something to offer anyone. So spend an afternoon there and see some of the most exciting new artwork Sarasota has to offer. You might even discover a treasure that you just have to take home with you.

For more information on Towles Court, please visit http://towlescourt.com.