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at Sarasota’s Ringling College of Art. But when he lost
his wife in 2010, Roberts also lost his desire to paint.
For two years Roberts and his art went missing until
a local artist found Roberts had moved into a nursing
home. Recognizing his still-untapped potential, he
encouraged Roberts to pick up his brushes again.
What the master artist created in the last two years of
his life added to 136 original oil on wood paintings
and eight sculptures.
Roberts’ paintings of the palm fronds, bromeliads,
lilies and ponds of nearby Highlands Hammocks State
Park resonate with locals who see their environment
reflected in the paintings. In this museum, lectures,
classes, a gift shop, a short bio and books on his life
are paired with works by local artists, which enhance
the world’s largest collection of Roberts’ works.
310 W. Main St.
Open: Wed.–Fri., 10 am–6 pm, and by appointment
(863) 453-4531
A couple of miles south, in Avon Park, on the campus
of South Florida State College, is the Museum of
Florida Art and Culture. Step inside to discover the
story of Florida, told from its origins 25 million years
ago to the first people who arrived here in 12,000 BC
and the tribes that followed. Art created by and about
these people fill a section of the museum. Other pieces
celebrate Florida’s incredibly diverse culture and
history through archaeological treasures, paintings,
ceramics, etchings and quilts. Then there are the works
of Christopher Still.
Inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame in
2010, Still’s original pieces are paired with giclee
prints of a series that hangs in the Florida House of
Representatives. A chronicle of Florida history, each
painting includes a guide pointing out hidden images
and symbolism contained in the work.
Open: Wed.–Fri., 12:30–4:30 pm
Making the most of the campus, the Alan Jay Wildstein
Center for the Performing Arts is adjacent to the
museum. More than 30 performances are staged each
year in the swank 1,460-seat theatre. Check out the
calendar, which includes 30 acts each year—among
them, notable performers such as Jay Leno, Crystal
Gayle, Kenny Rogers, Vienna Boys Choir, Three Dog
Night and Broadway tours.
600 W. College Dr. / (863) 784-7240
ON THE WATERFRONT
“ The Highlands Little Theatre is a
testament to the dedication of actors
who donate the most priceless gift of all
—their time —to help make their
community a better place to live.”
Get lost in the heart of Sebring, a waterfront cultural
village that offers a triple play of artistic expression.
The opening act is the Highlands Little Theatre.