Local nonprofit Streets of Paradise is inviting the public to a free, family-friendly grand opening of its art gallery, Love~Art~Repeat, this Saturday, Oct. 16, in the Rosemary District.

The indoor and outdoor event celebrates the 1,000 Sarasota and Manatee county homes Streets of Paradise has furnished since 2019, operating with one box truck and volunteers who handle up to 14 donation pickups to furnish just one home. The nonprofit also offers weekly mobile showers and hot meal distribution.

The event doubles as a fund raiser to help fuel the organization’s mission to end homelessness, fix its truck—and have creative fun while doing it.

The Love~Art~Repeat gallery is part of its footprint, and brings together people from all walks of life to make and enjoy art by locals and give some exposure to those who often “don’t get any shine,” says Greg Cruz, president of Streets of Paradise.

The space, located in the Rosemary District, hosts recurring art classes like paint and pour, art for adults with disabilities, kids' summer camps and more. Although there was a soft opening in March, the upcoming grand opening will have a ribbon cutting ceremony led by City of Sarasota vice-mayor Erik Arroyo at 3 p.m.

The event will include 15 vendors, live art and music, food catered by Leaf and Lentil, raffles and silent auctions to raise funds to fix the truck they depend on to pick up and deliver home furnishings to those in need.