Paint by Numbers: 5 Sarasota Galleries You should Visit

Sarasota County is home to large museums with centuries-old art, and small museums that frequently host modern artists in its galleries. Whether you’re on vacation or living here locally, Sarasota has a galleries you, your friends, and your family can enjoy.

Chasen Galleries

Bright colored mixed media creations, incredible masterpieces, and sculptures are visible at Chasen Galleries – and that’s just in the windows. This fine art gallery established in 1983 is home to interactive art shows and professional service for anyone looking to spruce their home up with a new masterpiece. Chasen Galleries shares the art of local, national, and international artists with the Sarasota audience. Make an appointment or just mosey on into their Hillview location at your leisure.

530 Burns Gallery

This intimate contemporary art gallery is pure Florida before you even walk through the door. Located in downtown Sarasota’s historic Burns Court neighborhood, you’ll pass eclectic murals and adorable restaurants as you approach the gallery beneath the shade of a banyan tree. Inside you’ll find a diverse group of talents from 2D to 3D mediums from regional and national artists. You can meet the people behind some of these masterpieces – like local Plein Air painter and teacher Linda Richichi – at bi-monthly exhibitions and trunk shows.

The Ringling Museum

The Ringling Museum, is home to the decadent, historic art collection of Ringling Circus founder John Ringling. John and his wife built their vacation home in the 1920s and the mansion, furniture, and their art collection were left behind and transformed into the state art museum of Florida. As homage to Ringling’s will, the museum offers free admission every Monday of the year!

21 art galleries and temporary exhibits are scattered throughout the property, some inspired from unexpected mediums like light or sound. The main art museum surrounds a breathtaking courtyard on the outside with massive, centuries-old pieces like Peter Paul Rubens’ “The Triumph of the Eucharist” series on the inside. Don’t forget to pass through the circus museum – and massive mural of past clown performers – for a more light-hearted romp suitable for all ages.

Art Uptown Gallery

The Art Uptown Gallery is the longest-running fine art gallery in the heart of downtown according to its website, and won a readers’ choice award from the local paper for being the favorite art gallery for 2019. The gallery is a mix of regional artists across multiple mediums showcasing their work for appreciation and sale. One of its best features, though, is its location in the heart of downtown Sarasota – making it a great place to visit after a weekday lunch or dinner and drinks on the weekend.

Stakenborg Greenberg Fine Art Gallery

Whether you’re dipping your toe into art appreciation, or an experienced collector, you’ll soak up the vibe at Stakenborg Greenberg Fine Art Gallery. This small gallery features Chris Stakenborg and Cary Greenerg, both rich in knowledge, history and stories of famous artists that fill their walls. With museum appeal on main street, a neighbor to Sarasota’s favorite downtown restaurants. The gallery will often host artists whose work is showcased for meet-and-greets.

To Be Continued…

Looking for more? Downtown Sarasota is known for its extensive and evolving public art collection for those interested in a more adventurous approach to the “gallery” experience. Or, spend a day exploring one of the area’s many art districts, each unique in its own special way. Real enthusiasts will want to book a room at Art Ovation Hotel, a luxurious property near downtown’s “gallery row” on Palm Ave. and an active museum in its own right with rotating art pieces on display around the property, hallways and rooms!