ON EXHIBIT

Bounty for a Feast 

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, the Ringling Museum offers examples of the kinds of food others have feasted on during times of prosperity. Frans Snyders’ Still Life with Dead Game is an enormous picture (almost nine feet wide) by an artist that Peter Paul Rubens enlisted to paint many of the animals and fruits in his own large compositions. The scale of canvas impresses us, as does the veracity of its detail. The freshly killed trophies of the hunt—boar, deer, hares, peacocks, pheasants and swan—do not look arranged so much as casually deposited outside a kitchen to await preparation for a feast. 

Although his specimens look beautiful, Snyders reminds us what has occurred to bring these animals and birds together. The boar’s leg is mangled as if he had been caught in a trap or attacked by dogs. The long, elegant neck of the swan and the stunning display of peacock and pheasant feathers have been compressed by the weight of death. In contrast, the grapes, pears, apples and plums look fresh.

In addition to the “kill,” Snyders has included a cooked lobster, vegetables and fruit. To animate this still life painting, the artist has included a cat lurking under the table. While there is balance and order, it appears that the boar could slip off the deer at any moment, and the swan might slide off the pile of carcasses as well. Time is of the essence. Quick, to the kitchen before everything spoils.

Still Life with Game can be seen in Gallery 12 of the Ringling Museum, which is open Thanksgiving Day.—Mark Ormond

DAZZLING DESIGNS

The American Craft Council show returns for the holidays.

Florida show each year, drawn by a plethora of fine contemporary craft works including ceramics, glass, metal, wood, fiber, toys, furniture, collections of art jewelry and clothing. This year’s show takes place Dec. 1–3 at the SarasotaBradentonInternationalConvention Center, 8005 15^th St. W.

Everything is unique and one-of-a-kind at the ACC show, and each piece speaks of the individual passion and talent of its creator. Weavers, sculptors, carvers, glass blowers—all types of artisans are represented here (200 or more in all), and that diversity also means that something in the show should appeal to every browser and buyer. And, of course, it’s the perfect time for holiday gift buying, even if the gift is for yourself.

Hours for the show are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1 and Saturday, Dec. 2, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the closing day, Sunday, Dec. 3. Adult admission for one day is $10 ($16 for a two-day pass). ACC members and children 12 and under are admitted free. For directions to the convention center, log on to www.sbicc.net.

ART

Selby Gallery. Part II of the Annual Ringling School Faculty Exhibition closes Nov. 4; the complementary school staff exhibition closes Nov. 3. Opening with a reception at 5 p.m. Nov. 10, to run through Dec. 9: Printmaking, Past and Present, with works by members of the Society of American Graphic Artists in Gallery I and prints by modern and Old Masters, dating back to Dürer and Rembrandt, from the collection of Western Illinois University and local collections in Gallery II. 359-7563.

Longboat KeyCenter for the Arts. Continuing through Nov. 9 is A Celebration of Art, Music and Culture from the Gulf Coast Columbia Alliance. Opening Nov. 3 (reception 5–7 p.m.) in the Durante Gallery: the season’s opening art exhibit, running through Dec. 1. In the GlenGallery, works by Karen Case, Jeanne Chinnis, Cheryl Moody and Karrin Richardi are on view for the same dates. Coming up Nov. 14 are Give the Gift of Art and an All That Glitters jewelry show, running through Jan. 7. And there’ll also be an art season kickoff cocktail party from 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 18. 383-2345.

Art Center Sarasota. Continuing through Nov. 25 is the Day of the Dead exhibition, in the Main Gallery. In the Front Gallery, a digital art exhibition is on view. 365-2032.

Selby Gardens. Large silk floral paintings by Jamie Kirkell are on view through Nov. 29 in the gardens’ Museum of Botany and the Arts. 366-5731.

Museum of Fine Arts. Still on view through Dec. 31 at the St. Petersburg museum, From the Fire: Contemporary Korean Ceramics. (727) 896-2667.

Ringling Museum of Art. Encore! The Art of the Asolo Theater continues through Jan. 7, as does the exhibition Master Drawings from the Collection of the Yale University Art Gallery, showcasing European drawings from the early Renaissance to the middle of the 19^th century. 358-3180 or 359-5700.

Tampa Museum of Art. Theo Wujcik: Global Warming is on view here through Jan. 7, as is the exhibition Luis Montoya and Leslie Ortiz: Revisions of Nature. And through Dec. 17 you can also see Minimal to the Max: The Brownstone Collection, a show featuring a variety of media and works from the Minimalist movement; and Josef Albers: Color Genius, drawn from the collection of the RinglingMuseum. (813) 274-8130.

South FloridaMuseum. Seven, presenting works by seven Florida artists, continues through Jan. 14. Also on view, through Jan. 7, In All Her Glory: Women Contemporary Artists Paint Florida. 746-4131.

Salvador DaliMuseum. The exhibition Dali by the Decades continues through Jan. 21, while Illumined Pleasures: Dali and Cinema is on view through November, and Dali and the Zodiac, through December. (727) 823-3767.

Palm Avenue Gallery Walk. This month’s stroll is set from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 3 along the avenue. 955-1315.

Galleria Silecchia. Opening Nov. 3: Fabulous Grind, original mixed media, paintings and sculpture by Florida artist Paul Tamanian. Continuing through Nov. 30. 365-7414.

Dabbert Gallery. Contemporary Figures, an exhibition of figurative work from classical to expressionistic, opens with a reception at 6 p.m. Nov. 3 and continues through the month. 955-1315.

Venice ArtCenter. An exhibition presented by the Sarasota Chapter of the National Sumi-e Society opens with a reception Nov. 3 and continues through Nov. 20. Also on view at the center: works by Donna Bath and Heather McCullough. 485-7136.

COMEDY

McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre. McCurdy’s lineup this month includes Paul Mercurio, Nov. 8–12; Gilbert Gottfried, Nov. 17–19; and Julie Scoggins, Nov. 29 through Dec. 3. 925-FUNY (3869).

Paula Poundstone. Comedian Poundstone entertains at 8 p.m. Nov. 5 at the Van Wezel, with special guest Chris Bliss. 953-3368.

DANCE

Sarasota Ballet of Florida. The company’s annual gala performance welcomes ABT star Jose Manuel Carreno in selections from Giselle and Don Quixote, at 8 p.m. Nov. 29 at Van Wezel. 351-8000.

FILM

Cine-World Film Festival. The Sarasota Film Society’s annual fix for foreign film junkies runs Nov. 3–12 at BurnsCourtCinema; not many details at press time, but start pouring the coffee now to keep your eyes open for dozens of movies. 955-FILM or 364-8662.

MISCELLANEOUS

Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me! The panelists of the popular NPR show visit the Van Wezel in a show that will be taped for broadcast. At 8 p.m. Nov. 2. 953-3368.

Sarasota Reading Festival. The ninth annual free celebration of reading takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 4 at FivePointsPark, downtown. More than 100 author readings and seminars, children’s events and performances are planned; a few names to drop include John Jakes (see article in this issue) Michael Connelly and Michael Grunwald. Plus, free books for the kids! For more information call 906-1733 or go to www.sarasotareadingfestival.com.

Classic Antique Car Show. A chance to see original, pristine automobiles, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 4 at St. Armands Circle Park. 388-1554.

Ninth Annual Great Teddy Bear Run. This charity event, sponsored by the Sarasota Harley Owners Group (HOG) chapter, benefits Kids by the Sea, serving children with cancer in our area. A Nov. 12 parade full of bikes with stuffed animals ends at the Sarasota Fairgrounds, where a party ensues. For ticket info call 951-7005 or (800) 237-9400 ext. 7005.

Heritage Holidays at Historic Spanish Point. Traditional holiday decorations and living history dramas are part of the attraction here, from Nov. 24 through Dec. 10. 966-5214.

*UPDATED* Holidays at the Crosley Festival of Trees celebrates its 10th anniversary this year with a festival of Christmas trees at the Powel Crosley Estate from Nov. 29-Dec. 7. Admission is $7 for adults, $3 for children ages 5-12 and free for children under five. 722-3244.

MUSIC

Florida West Coast Symphony Great Escapes. Try being Under the Influence, as conductor Dirk Meyer and his musicians intoxicate with Rossini/Britten’s Matinee Musicales, Vaughn Williams’ Fantasia on Greensleeves and more, at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 2, 5:30 p.m. Nov. 3 and 8 p.m. Nov. 4, all at Holley Hall. Also this month, Great Escapes asks you to Begin the Beguine with works by Brahms, Grieg, Debussy and others, Nov. 29 through Dec. 2, again at Holley Hall. 953-3434.

Triple Threat. The triplets here are the bands Black Hawk, Little Texas and Restless Heart, all in concert starting at 8 p.m. Nov. 4 at the Van Wezel. 953-3368.

Jazz at the Ranch. Mick MacArthur, Jeff Lorber and Marion Meadows combine talents starting at 11 a.m. Nov. 5 at the Sarasota Polo Club, Lakewood Ranch, in a Jazz Club of Sarasota event. 366-1552.

Munchtime Musicales. Pianist Robert MacDonald performs in this month’s musicale, free and open to the public at noon Nov. 8 in David Cohen Hall at the SymphonyCenter. 925-7811.

Florida West Coast Symphony Masterworks. Leif Bjaland conducts, pianist Garrick Ohlsson guests as the symphony explores Romantic Destiny with Verdi’s Overture to La forze del destino, Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Minor and Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 in C Minor. At 8 p.m. Nov. 9 and 11 at Van Wezel, 8 p.m. Nov. 10 at Neel Performing Arts Center, and 2:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at Van Wezel. 953-3434.

Trisha Yearwood. Country star Yearwood performs at 8 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Van Wezel. 953-3368.

Jazz Club of Sarasota Fall Series. The Kevin Mahogany Trio performs in a tribute to Johnny Hartman, with audience requests in the second set, at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11 at TempleSinai. 366-1552.

Up Close, Informal, On Stage. Soprano Julie Makerov and baritone Michael Corvino, with pianist Kristin Conn, perform some of their favorite songs and arias in this Sarasota Opera concert, at 8 p.m. Nov. 11 in Felding Hall. 366-8450.

Venice Symphony. The symphony’s Sunday Series makes Music Outside the Box, at 4 p.m. Nov. 12 at Jacaranda Trace, with flutist Karen Romig and pianist Chris Romig. 488-1010.

Pops Extras! Joe Bruno’s Dixieland Hot Dots perform at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at the SouthFloridaMuseum in Bradenton. 746-4131.

Artist Series of Sarasota. The series’ performers this month include mezzo soprano Katherine Pracht, Nov. 12 and 14 at a private home TBA; and soprano Kristin Clayton with baritone Bojan Knezevic, Nov. 26 and 28 in the Historic Asolo Theater at the RinglingMuseum. 388-1188.

Florida West Coast Symphony Side by Side. Andrew Lane conducts FWCS musicians as they perform side by side with talented Youth Philharmonic students. At 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13 at Van Wezel. 953-3434.

Valerie Snead: The Streisand Songbook. Cabaret artist Snead brings out the best of Babs, Nov. 13 and 14 at Venice Little Theatre. 488-1115.

The Temps and Tops. That Motown magic returns with some of its best-known practitioners, at 8 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Van Wezel. 953-3368.

Cocktails at the Cà d’Zan. The band G-Force provides the music for this month’s Third Thursday, from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 16. Cash bar available. 359-5700.

Mozart Festival Opera: Don Giovanni. Amadeus’ masterpiece about the wicked Latin lover Don Juan takes to the stage once more at 8 p.m. Nov. 16 at the Van Wezel. 953-3368.

Florida West Coast Symphony Go For Baroque! Works by Bach and Handel are presented, at 8 p.m. Nov. 17 at Church of the Palms. 953-3434.

Guitar Sarasota. A members and friends fund-raising concert features a mix of classical, flamenco and jazz, at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 18 at St. PaulLutheranChurch. 362-2991.

The Eric Watters Show. A variety show starring Venice song-and-dance man Eric Watters and friends, to benefit Venice Symphony’s Music in the Schools program. At 8 p.m. Nov. 19 and 20 at Venice Little Theatre. 488-1115.

Pink Floyd Experience. Revisit the sounds of Dark Side of the Moon, The Wall and other Pink Floyd hits during this tribute concert performance, at 8 p.m. Nov. 20 at the Van Wezel. 953-3368.

Smooth Jazz on St. Armands: Fourth Friday with Style. Mike MacArthur is featured jazz artist this month, from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 24 at St. Armands Circle Park. 388-1554.

The Smothers Brothers/Judy Collins. Tom, Dick and Judy bring back memories of the ’60s, ’70s, etc., while making a few more, at 8 p.m. Nov. 24 at the Van Wezel. 953-3368.

SPORTS

Lincoln-Mercury Carlton Fisk Sports Legends Golf Classic. A whole clubhouse full of sports legends—Wade Boggs, Tom Seaver, LeRoy Selmon, George Brett, Lou Pinella and Yogi Berra among them—has been invited to participate in this event to benefit the Florida Center for Child and Family Development; if you want to see who actually swings a club, turn out Nov. 10 at the Chelsea Center for a reception and auction and Nov. 11 at the Founders Club for the tourney. For more details call 377-4588.

First Step of Sarasota Third Annual Golf Classic. This tourney is set for Nov. 13 at TPC Prestancia; registration at 11:30 a.m., shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. Call 552-2065 for more details.

TALKS

Forum Truth for a Change. November offers several speaker events. First up: A Washington Week Panel debates Election 2006—Is Red Turning Blue?, Nov. 1, with Jack Nelson, Al Hunt, Doyle McManus and Alexis Simendinger (at the ChelseaCenter). Next, New York Times columnist Frank Rich discusses The Greatest Story Ever Sold: The Decline and Fall of Truth from 9/11 to Katrina, Nov. 13 at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. And finally, former U.S. Sen. Gary Hart talks about The Courage of Our Convictions, Nov. 29 at the ChelseaCenter. For ticket info, call 349-8350.

Lecture/Book Signing. Author Jeffrey Goldberg (Prisoners) is guest author for the American Jewish Committee, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 20 at Temple Beth Sholom. 365-4955.

smARTalk. The Sarasota County Arts Council presents an evening discussion, Nov. 30 at a time and location TBA. 365-5118.

THEATER

Red, Hot and Cole. This musical revue saluting the late, great Cole Porter ends its run Nov. 5 at the Players of Sarasota. 365-2494.

The Full Monty. The show about men finding their self-esteem through full frontal nudity ends its run at the Golden Apple Dinner Theatre Nov. 12. 366-5454.

Fire on the Mountain. Randal Myler and Dan Wheetman’s musical about Appalachian coal miners continues through Dec. 1 at Florida Studio Theatre. 366-9000.

Over the Rainbow. Songwriter Harold Arlen is saluted, through Jan. 6 at Florida Studio Theatre’s Goldstein Cabaret. 366-9000.

The Parisian Woman. A 19^th-century French play by Henri Becque about a young woman, her husband and, of course, her lover, presented Nov. 1–19 in an FSU Asolo Conservatory production at the Historic Asolo Theater in the RinglingMuseum. 351-8000.

Romance. Despite the title, you shouldn’t expect any sort of traditionally romantic material in this David Mamet farce, which involves a courtroom and a defendant who holds the key to peace in the Middle East. Onstage Nov. 2–19 at Venice Little Theatre’s Stage II. 488-1115.

Soul Sisters. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe joins forces with Sarasota Jewish Theater to present this play about two women, one black and one Jewish, whose lives become intertwined in the struggle for rights and justice. Running on the Flanzer Jewish Community Center’s stage Nov. 7–19. 378-5568 ext. 231.

Gypsy. Mama Rose and her girls struggle in show business, in a story leading to the stripper stardom of Gypsy Rose Lee. The Jule Styne-Stephen Sondheim-Arthur Laurent musical is onstage Nov. 7–26 at Venice Little Theatre. 488-1115.

The Odd Couple. You get both versions of the Neil Simon classic about slob vs. neatnik (the male and the female ones) on alternating evenings Nov. 9–26 at the Manatee Players Riverfront Theatre. 748-5875.

Amadeus. The Asolo Repertory Theatre season opens with a production of the Peter Shaffer drama pitting the genius Mozart against self-proclaimed mediocrity Antonio Salieri, onstage Nov. 10 through March 7. 351-8000.

Bingo. The Golden Apple Dinner Theatre becomes a bingo hall for this new musical about three regulars who won’t let a bad storm deter them from filling out their cards. Onstage Nov. 14 through Dec. 2; returning in January. 366-5454.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. The musical version of the twice-told film tale about a pair of con men who squabble over territory, onstage Nov. 14–19 at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. (800) 955-1045.

Hairspray. It’s back to Baltimore in the early 1960s with this John Waters-inspired musical hit about big-haired Tracy Turnblad and her plans for dancing, desegregation and romance. Onstage Nov. 17–19 at the Van Wezel. 953-3368.

Men of Tortuga. The world premiere of a play by Jason Wells, concerning a conspiracy among three businessman and a weapons specialist, playing Nov. 17 through March 8 at the Asolo Repertory Theatre. 351-8000.

Jesus Christ Superstar. The Andrew Lloyd Webber-Tim Rice rock musical that originated the genre returns, with Ted Neeley once more playing the role of Jesus and Living Colour’s Corey Glover his Judas, Nov. 25 and 26 at the Van Wezel. 953-3368.

The Plexiglass Slipper. Asolo goers who remember the musical Das Barbecu from a decade or so ago may scramble to see this new show by the same composer (Scott Warrender) and lyricist (Jim Luigs), which offers a new comedic take on the classic Cinderella story. Onstage Nov. 25 through Jan. 4 at the Asolo Repertory Theatre. 351-8000.

The Sound of Music. The Von Trapps once more triumph over the Nazis with the help of nuns in this Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, onstage Nov. 30 through Dec. 10 at the Players of Sarasota. 365-2494.

Breaking Legs. Tom Dulack’s comedy about a playwright so desperate for an “angel” he ends up in bed with the Mafia, onstage Nov. 30 through Dec. 10 at the Island Players. 778-5755.