I have had a ball this weekend! This is the first time I have taken the Annual Creators & Collectors Tour in Sarasota. I toured the homes of seven artists, peeking into their studios, experiencing their lifestyle and their art. The artists and their creations were quite diverse in all but one facet.........that facet is a happy, energetic and committed spirit to making art and the local art community.
Imagine, droves of lookers (many of them artists themselves, the nosiest) poking through your house and studio for two days. So much preparation, choices of pieces to be exhibited and, no doubt, a big "clean-up" beforehand. One home on a busy street even offered valet parking. Only in Sarasota!
Let's get started - we'll need almost two days for this. (You can click on any pictures to enlarge...some are really worth it)
The art just flows from the inside to the outside of Debbie Dannheisser's home and studio. Such fun displays - I could hardly quit looking.
She likes sunflowers as much as I do.
A little private patio showcases a painting and a floorcloth and the kitchen is so much fun (love the canvas runner).
The tour heads outside toward the studio.
Moving right along, the next stop is Miriam Cassell's . A lifetime of making art and collecting objects creates a more-than-full living space. You must just take a peek for yourself, because I cannot begin to describe it all. Her wonderful personality is "right out front" and her inquiring spirit results in outspoken paintings ( sized larger than life) and constructions. I am sorry my photos of her largest paintings didn't turn out. There was such a crowd around them it was difficult to photograph.
You can't miss Miriam with her trademark red hair, purple lipstick and nails and mismatched shoes.
As you enter the home of K.T. Tobin, it feels very "Zen." His large, mysterious, sometimes abstract, sometimes figure-based images are alive with color. Interesting finishes on the living room floor (colorfully glazed concrete) and walls (silver metallic) are just a hint of the distinctive elements of decor to be discovered.
The enclosure around the beautiful over sized swimming pool displays many pieces of his artwork.
His studio is so well-stocked with Golden paints and mediums that I am starting to drool. K. T. tells me that he is the Golden rep for our area. I have turned a bright shade of "envy" green by this time!
Lynda Finder's art, home and furnishings glitter like jewelry (I discover she has had a career in designing jewelry as well as design and fashion). There is a large body of artwork here - and all of it colorful, bright, happy and delirious with glass glitter, metallics and collaged objects.
Her bedroom sparkles like a piece of fine jewelry. The white carved screen behind the bed is unique.
Many of her works are displayed on her back veranda. When I asked her where her studio area was, she replied, "I work all over the house." She went on to say this patio area is one of her favorite work areas.
Designed to showcase his art, Frederic Murphy's home features tall two story walls. His realistic work may be viewed from the main floor or from the balcony around the loft above. 
The loft studio is fab for painting and teaching as he had designed the work spaces so a still life set-up can remain in place for each student.
My last stop is the home and studio of Tom Stephens. A former student at the Ringling School of Art and Design he takes a very original approach to his paintings. The texture of his buildups require numerous applications of paint. His work goes from totally abstract to landscapes. A charter-boat captain, he begins each day in an aquatic environment and it is clearly reflected in his work. I was especially attracted to Tom's "Red Tide" series and his mangrove paintings. 
Before I depart, let me give you a quick "peek" into my studio. I have just cleaned it out in preparation for painting and messing it up again. But for this day - here's a peek (I only have one shelf of Golden paints :-( 
Leave a comment! What did you like(or not) on the tour?
Hugs, Marcy
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