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Towles courts the artistic soul
[Photo: Brenda Fleming]
Pretty structures in pastel colors and strategically placed artworks are hallmarks of Towles Court art colony, where many media and a wide range of styles are represented. |
By BRANDY STARK
© St. Petersburg Times,
published June 14, 2001
At downtown Sarasota's Towles Court art colony, a cluster of studios, galleries and artists residences provides a haven for creativity and a one-stop spot in which art lovers may browse.
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SARASOTA -- Towles Court is a privately owned artists' colony that consists of 25 galleries and more than 50 artists. While many art districts offer studios for rent and have exhibit space, an art colony has artists living on the premises.
The Sarasota Art Center, which holds studios and a restaurant, is in Towles Court, and the remaining buildings house galleries, businesses, studios and residences belonging to artists.
"Towles Court is distinct from other areas because it is not totally commercial. It is more like a campus; we live here, we eat here, we work here. We rely on each other to help out with the galleries or to critique our latest artworks. It's a very interactive community in and amongst itself. We really feel and contribute to each other's energy," said watercolor artist Katharine Butler, president of the Towles Court Art Association and owner of the gallery that bears her name.
With so many artists participating in this district, Towles Court encompasses a wide variety of media and styles. Charles Kozlowski is a jewelry designer who shows his work at Stymar Jewelers. Betty Greenspan is a floral designer with the Blue House Gallery. Rosalie Silver offers her own watercolors in her self-named gallery. The ADS Design Group Inc. houses the Web site design and multimedia works of Shirley Julien. The list of media also includes sculptures, acrylic paintings, pastels, fine crafts, pottery and murals, among others.
Many studios offer art classes for adults and children, as well as a children's camp in July. Then there are businesses that advertise healing arts: Body and Soul Yoga offers yoga classes, while Garden Skin Care does massage therapy.
Every third Friday, Towles Court hosts an Art by the Light of the Moon gallery walk from 6 to 10 p.m. Artists open their studios and homes to the public to show both completed projects and works in progress.
As have many art districts, today's Towles Court rose from the ruins of a neglected community.
During the 1920s, William B. Towles created a flourishing residential neighborhood for professional people and seasonal residents. The area prospered for 30 years, but by the late 1970s it had fallen into disrepair. Many regarded it as a slum.
Revitalization efforts caught the attention of developer N.J. Olivieri, who began to buy and refurbish the derelict houses of Towles Court. He was encouraged to establish an art colony by friends and artists from around the nation. In 1995, artist Kathleen Carrillo rented the first gallery space from Olivieri. Eventually, other artists followed, and the art walk was established.
"It is a well-established event now," Butler said. "Several hundred people come to the art walks, some of whom are artists, others who are interested in taking classes, and there are always those who simply enjoy looking at what we produce."
PREVIEW
The Third Friday Gallery Art Walk in Towles Court, downtown Sarasota, is 6-10 p.m. Friday. From I-75 take exit 39 (Fruitville Road) west, approximately 6 miles to U.S. 301 (Washington Boulevard). Turn south on 301, then right onto Adams Lane. Free admission. Call (941) 955-0050 or visit www.towlescourt.com
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