just some thoughts Louise Bruderle Editor and Publisher West Coast Woman Christine Kasten President/CEO, Venice Symphony There are so many women in leadership roles in the local arts community, which is something to celebrate and devote many future issues of WCW to. This being our Season Preview issue (part one) we have another skillful CEO in Christine Kasten who oversees the Venice Symphony (VS). She is joined by Troy Quinn, Music Director/Conductor, who was selected in 2018. Christine was named Executive Director in 2016 and thus she was part of the Christine Kasten Photo: Evelyn England search committee that selected Troy—something she calls one of the highlights of her career at VS. Christine’s leadership and business acumen as well as Troy’s creative talents make for a good team as VS launches another season. According to Christine, ticket sales are doing great so get your tickets right away. And congratulations are in order as Venice Symphony, which started in 1974, will be marking its 50th anniversary next year. To show how much the Symphony has grown, consider that in 1974 they had 56 volunteer musicians and played three concerts in the Venice High School auditorium. Now, performances take place in the Venice Performing Arts Center where they have 1090 seats. On January 5 they’ll celebrate their 50th anniversary with a “Venetian Nights” celebration. For tickets and information, visit www.thevenice symphony.org. Arts, Arts and More Arts I admit, I save old emails, but I won’t say how far back they go. I think of it as my own personal catalog of ideas. So, when assembling this year’s Season Preview, I wanted to see what was going on based on emails. I put “art” in the search window and an overwhelming stream of emails appeared from local, regional, state and national arts organizations who sent West Coast Woman their information. That illustrated to me just how much WCW covers the arts and is thought of as a media outlet for the arts. Indeed, this issue is part one of two Season Preview issues because we have so much to include that we can’t fit it all into one issue. We have also signed up more arts’ advertisers who have seen our coverage. Their ads - when measured online - all do quite well. According to the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, in 2022, the economic impact of nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in the county was nearly $342 million, according to the latest Arts and Economic Prosperity survey prepared by Americans for the Arts, a national arts advocacy organization, for the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County. That economic activity supported 5,262 jobs, provided $229.4 million in personal income to residents, and generated $68.1 million in tax revenue to local, state, and federal governments. Arts and culture drive commerce to local businesses. When people attend a cultural event, they often make an outing of it—dining at a restaurant, paying for parking or public transportation, enjoying dessert after the show, and returning home to pay for child or pet care. Overall, in Sarasota County, attendees spend $46.21 per person per event, beyond the cost of admission. Expect another great season, so get those tickets, get out, have fun and support this important local “industry” that is a vital part of our local economy. Honoring Veterans in November Arts Advocates will feature its member artists who share the distinction of having served in the U.S. Armed Forces in an exhibit and an art talk in November. Both take place in the Arts Advocates Gallery, The Crossings at Siesta Key Mall, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. The Veteran Artist Exhibit runs November 4-25 and features the works of Diana De Avila, Jessica Hartman, John Quigley, and Mark Wiseman. There will be an Art Talk: Honoring Our Veteran Artists – Pursuing Dreams After a Military Career, on November 10, 4-6 p.m. Hartman, Quigley, and Wiseman will discuss if and how their military careers influenced their art and their hopes for the future. Registration is required at ArtsAdvocates.org. To learn more about Arts Advocates, visit ArtsAdvocates.org. Have an Extra Coat to Donate? Have an extra winter coat you don’t wear or need and want to help another stay warm this winter? The Turning Points’ One Warm Coat Drive has started and lasts until November 22. They’re asking you to hold a coat drive at your business, school, church, or community to collect new or gently used coats, hoodies, jackets, gloves, and hats in all sizes (kids to adults). Drop them off at their location, 705 17th Avenue West in Bradenton, Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact TJ at tbeckert@tpmanatee.org if you have questions. From their website: “Turning Points provides a variety of free services designed to assist individuals and families on their path to financial stability and independence. Turning Points is the one stop shop for preventing and reducing homelessness in our community. Turning Points provides a remarkable variety of services designed to assist individuals and families on their path to financial stability and independence. “We provide day resource services (such as hot showers, laundry services, clothing, food), employment services, rental and utility assistance, veteran’s services (employment, housing and childcare), and free medical and dental care for the uninsured and underinsured. Over 7,000 people received help last year with critical services targeted to the essential needs of people in crisis.” Visit tpmanatee.org All Faiths Food Bank’s <strong>2023</strong> Bowls of Hope Fundraiser Dec. 3 All Faiths Food Bank has another edition of one of its most popular events: Bowls of Hope. This family-friendly event supports All Faiths Food Bank’s work, benefiting neighbors who may be experiencing hunger. Each year, Bowls of Hope attracts as many as 1500 guests, who select offerings from 40 restaurants and caterers as they serve soups, bread, desserts, and more. Guests select beautiful, handcrafted bowls – all donated by local potters, artists, and students – to keep, while enjoying a modest meal as a reminder of the empty bowls they help to fill. Bowls of Hope tis on December 3, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th St., Sarasota. Purchase tickets at allfaithsfoodbank.org. Coming Up in West Coast Woman Here’s what we’re working on now: ■ Salute to the Arts, Part 2 is in December. And in January, we have another lifelong learning issue. If you want to be a part of any of those issues, email us at westcoastwoman@ comcast.net. Louise Bruderle | Editor and Publisher | westcoastwoman@comcast.net Photo by Cliff Roles We welcome your thoughts and comments on this column and on other columns and features in this issue. You can reach us at westcoastwoman@comcast.net. We’re on the web at www.WestCoastWoman.com. 4 WEST COAST WOMAN <strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong>
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