Meet the Artists: Sarasota’s Creative Vanguards

Behind Sarasota's cultural vibrancy are the inspiring artists, curators, musicians and performers who make it all happen. Whether they were born here or drawn here, this community is filled with virtuosos working in every medium imaginable. From impressionist painters and theater actors to orchestra directors and lyrical dancers, peek into the immense talent shaping Sarasota's art scene and cultural identity.

Suzanne Grodner

Actress & Performer, Asolo Repertory Theatre

Suzanne Grodner & Zachary Prince in Asolo Rep's production of Grand Horizons. Photo by Cliff Roles

With an impressive résumé spanning Broadway (Beautiful, Bye Bye Birdie, The Rose Tattoo) and over 80 regional productions across 45+ theaters, Suzanne Grodner brings both grace and gravitas to the stage. A beloved regular at Asolo Repertory Theatre, where her credits include Silent Sky, Grand Horizons, and Nunsense, she’s known for bringing heart and humor to every performance. Her on-screen work includes appearances on Ray Donovan, Law & Order and more.

“Actors are a unique breed. We spend our lives pursuing the dream of telling meaningful stories, of creating characters that move, thrill and transform an audience, and finding artistic homes throughout the country that nurture, encourage and support the creative spirit.

Asolo Rep has always been one of the most essential creative homes for actors and directors around the country – and a personal favorite of mine for many years. I have performed 18 shows in 10 seasons with the Rep company and Conservatory company. My 19th show will be this season's 'The Mirror Crack'd', directed by the one and only Michael Edwards, with whom I've worked many times, and remains a valued friend, mentor and Director Supreme.

Sarasota audiences are so fortunate to have this Theatre in their community. Peter Rothstein, Asolo's newest Artistic Director, has chosen an exciting and diverse season of Musicals, Dramas, Comedies and Thrillers, guaranteed to delight all Theatre goers. I look forward to tread the boards of the beautiful Mertz Theatre again, and share our Agatha Christie thriller with you all. See you soon!" – Grodner

Website: asolorep.org 
Instagram: @asolorep

Tihda Vongkoth

Percussionist & Founder, Modern Marimba

A lyrical visionary, Tihda Vongkoth’s mission with Modern Marimba is to create performances that feel like quiet awakenings—elegant, exploratory and deeply immersive. Its musical programs have quickly become a beacon for those seeking transcendent artistry in intimate settings, where audiences are welcomed into a world of sonic beauty and thoughtful storytelling.

“At Modern Marimba, we offer a curated journey for the muse within — an elegant dialogue between the auras of past and present. Through performances where stories and music converge, this dialogue unfolds without end, awakening quiet revelation. 

Set within the tapestry of Sarasota’s distinguished arts landscape, our work beckons the refined traveler to a sanctuary where creativity unfolds with poise, grace, and timeless allure.” – Vongkoth

Website: modernmarimba.org
Instagram: @modernmarimba

Marianne Chapel

Founder & Artist, SPAACES Gallery

Artist, educator and community catalyst, Marianne Chapel returned to Sarasota with a renewed sense of purpose—and founded SPAACES gallery in the artsy Limelight District to create a collaborative hub where artists grow their careers and make meaningful impact.

“My artistic practice has always centered around transformation, power and storytelling—my paintings explore these themes through figuration and symbolic storytelling, using bold color and layered imagery. I earned my MFA in Painting from Indiana University and have taught at the college level since graduate school, including positions at Ringling College of Art and Design, Santa Fe University of Art and Design, and the University of Tampa. I’ve maintained dedicated studio hours for years, treating my practice as a full-time job and remaining deeply committed to the career of a professional artist. 

After years of teaching and exhibiting, my family and I moved away from Sarasota, thinking the grass might be greener elsewhere. But we missed our home—returning to Sarasota brought a deep sense of clarity and purpose. It became undeniably clear that this was where we truly belonged. With that renewed perspective, I became a lifelong champion of this community—stepping more fully into my role as a leader and becoming a force for supporting and nurturing artists in Sarasota. 

I founded SPAACES to create the kind of professional, collaborative environment I needed as an artist—one where creatives work side by side, grow their careers and use art as a force for change. Sarasota is a uniquely special place for creatives—collaborative, supportive and full of people who truly value art and artists. Every day, I’m grateful to contribute to its vibrant and growing art scene.” – Chapel

Websites: mariannechapel.com and spaaces.art
Instagram: @mariannechapel and @spaaces.art
 

Giancarlo Guerrero

Music Director, Sarasota Orchestra

Giancarlo brings extraordinary talent and soul to Sarasota Orchestra as he effortlessly conducts the orchestra's performances and guides its overall sound—ensuring artistic excellence during concerts , cueing musicians on tempo, dynamics, phrasing and expression. The orchestra currently performs across six different area venues, including the historic Sarasota Opera House, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and Ed Smith Stadium.

“Sarasota embraces the arts with extraordinary enthusiasm. I have had the great fortune to conduct orchestras all over the United States and around the world—and when I first walked onstage with Sarasota Orchestra, I can tell you, I immediately knew I was in a truly special place for making music. I felt this great sense of welcome, and I could see the audience took great pride in their orchestra. And I could feel the energy in the orchestra responding to that—the musicians were ready to give their all and do their best for their audience. I remember thinking, 'Wow, this place really celebrates what we do as musicians and all that we put into our art.' I feel incredibly excited to be here." – Guerrero

Website: sarasotaorchestra.org and giancarlo-guerrero.com 
Instagram: @sarasotaorchestra
 

Melissa Rummel

Company Member, Choreographer & Studio Coordinator, Sarasota Contemporary Dance

Photo by Sorcha Augustine

As she enters her 10th season with Sarasota Contemporary Dance (SCD), Sarasota's first professional contemporary dance company, Melissa Rummel continues to evolve as a mentor, performer and choreographer for young dancers—thanks to the nurturing and bold spirit of this celebrated local company. The company's seasonal productions are primarily performed at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts, located at The Ringling Museum of Art.

"This community has truly become a family to me. Every year has brought new growth—not just in my dancing and performing, but also in my choreography and creative voice. I feel so blessed by Leymis (Founder & Artistic Director) and the SCD dancers for continuing to challenge and stretch me in ways I never imagined. I can’t wait to take the stage for another powerful season.” – Rummel

Website: sarasotacontemporarydance.org
Instagram: @sarasotacontemporarydance

Tim and Cassia Jaeger 

Director & Chief Curator of Galleries and Exhibitions, Ringling College of Art and Design; Artists and Owners, 502 Gallery

A dynamic duo at the heart of Sarasota’s visual arts scene, Tim and Cassia Jaeger have a hand in everything from contemporary curation to mentorship. Tim's leadership at the Ringling College of Art and Design, and he and his wife's own 502 Gallery in downtown Sarasota's Historic Burns Court, champion local and Southwest Florida artists at every level of their journey. The vibrant gallery space features curated exhibitions showcasing a rotating collection with deep historical and cultural significance, as well as artist showcases and high-energy pop-up exhibitions that keep the space fresh and engaging.

Website: 502.gallery
Instagram: @502.gallery
 

Yoleidy Rosario-Hernandez, MA

Founder & Artistic Director, Mosaic Movements

Tangled Roots, presented at the Historic Asolo Theater. Photo by Rod Millington

An interdisciplinary artist, activist and visionary, Yoleidy leads Mosaic Movements, a Sarasota-based arts organization advocating for justice through transformative art, championing BIPOC and LGBTQ+ artists through storytelling and cultural resistance.

“My work sits at the crossroads of memory, identity and ritual—driven by a radical commitment to cultural work that confronts erasure and moves through spiritual liminality. 

Through Mosaic Movements, we support BIPOC and LGBTQ+ artists through work rooted in interdisciplinary arts and community practice—creating, disrupting and building spaces for collective transformation. The connections I’ve built with artists in Sarasota nourish this vision—a creative ecosystem that keeps liberatory futures within reach." – Yoleidy

Website: mosaicmovements.org 
Instagram: @mosaicmovements
 

Thank you to the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County for their collaboration on this piece. Find upcoming exhibitions, events, performances and concerts on their calendar at: sarasotaarts.org/event