120 SARASOTA SCENE | DECEMBER 2017
on the town
Real TALK
SHERYL VIEIRA SHARES THOUGHTS ON
THE COMMUNITY, GOOD DEEDS AND
IMPORTANT THINGS, BIG AND SMALL.
Sarasota is greatly blessed with significant
arts programs, performances and talent.
As well, it offers an undeniable depth and
wealth of research and science. With
the sheer number of operas, symphonies,
circus acts, theater productions, ballet
performances and the like, it’s no wonder
world-renowned scientists and researchers
are coming to our area in droves to study,
learn, work and expand upon Mote’s growing
research enterprise. They are having
a momentous impact on conservation and
sustainable use of our oceans due to the
diverse backgrounds of all involved. Let’s
celebrate the arts and sciences, shall we?
CELEBRATING THE ARTS
The annual celebration of the arts hosted by
the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County
brought over 400 guests a glimpse into the
coming season with performances by the Choral
Artists of Sarasota, singer Michael Mendez, the
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formance by the extremely talented and thrilling
Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus. The
crowd loved them all as each group entertained
in between the sponsor recognition and award
presentations. The awards program is a way to announce
the annual grants for Tourist and Devel-
support the arts. This year, close to $2 million in
TDC grants were distributed to three dozen area
organizations.
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memorate and celebrate those who have made contributions to the arts and
are actively engaged in the cultural life of Sarasota County.
Sharon and Steve Dickman were honored for the numerous volunteer
hours they give so freely to the Sarasota Opera, The Sarasota Ballet, Sarasota
Orchestra, Asolo Rep, Historic Asolo Theater, Mote Marine Aquarium (where
Steve wears a shark costume as Gilly, Mote’s mascot!), The Players Centre for
Performing Arts, Florida Studio Theatre, Circus Arts Conservatory, Sarasota Film
Festival, The Haven, Easterseals and Tatum Ridge Elementary.