Behind the Masterpiece on Florida’s Cultural Coast
Welcome to Behind the Masterpiece on Florida’s Cultural Coast, a podcast by Visit Sarasota County!
Listen on:
Episodes
Tuesday Jun 03, 2025
Tuesday Jun 03, 2025
Discover the magic behind the laughter in this episode of Behind the Masterpiece as Jeffery Kin chats with Sarah Durham, Associate Director of Improv at Florida Studio Theatre. From her roots in sketch comedy and Second City training to writing beloved children’s shows and sold-out cabarets, Sarah shares how she blends spontaneity with storytelling to create unforgettable theatre. Hear what inspires her writing and improv, and why Sarasota’s thriving arts scene is the perfect place for comedy to flourish. If you love improv, sketch, or simply great conversation, this episode is a must-listen.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Sarah Durham Associate Director of Improv at Florida Studio Theatre
(01:40) What is improv?
(03:05) About the 15th Annual Sarasota Improv Festival
(06:50) Improv workshops
(10:20) Expanding Florida Studio Theatre
(11:05) Current shows
(13:10) Sarah’s background
(16:50) Finding balance as an artist
(18:50) Ralph Waldo Emerson quote
(21:50) The vastness of art offered in Sarasota
(23:50) Developing a sketch show
For more information and to listen to all the episodes, go to sarasotapodcast.com
Tuesday May 27, 2025
Tuesday May 27, 2025
Discover the dynamic world of Sarasota’s arts scene in this inspiring episode featuring Muffy Lavens, Public Relations Director at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. From insider details on upcoming Broadway hits like MJ and The Book of Mormon, to stories of how live theater impacts local students, Muffy shares what makes the Van Wezel a cultural cornerstone. Plus, hear about her unexpected journey from competitive ice skating to roller derby and arts marketing. Whether you're a theater lover, arts supporter, or just curious about Sarasota’s creative pulse, this episode offers a fun, behind-the-scenes look you won’t want to miss.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Muffy Lavens, Public Relations Director of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
(01:20) Van Wezel history and mission
(04:00) Van Wezel’s unique seating
(06:50) Overcoming the hurricane in 2024
(09:30) Future of the Van Wezel
(11:20) Muffy’s work history and living in Sarasota
(13:45) Satchel’s Last Resort
(15:05) Van Wezel’s new website
(17:20) What Muffy does for fun on our Cultural Coast
(19:30) Van Wezel 2025-2026 Season
(22:30) Student education at Van Wezel
(24:30) Technical Theatre Camp
For more information and to listen to all the episodes, go to sarasotapodcast.com
Tuesday May 20, 2025
Tuesday May 20, 2025
In this episode of This is Sarasota’s Behind the Masterpiece, host Jeffery Kin talks with pianist, conductor, and musical director Dr. Joseph Holt about his life in music, the influence of mentors, and how creativity shapes a career. From growing up in a musical family to serving in the Army and performing around the world, Dr. Holt shares personal stories—including a hand injury that forced him to step away from the piano for a year, and his goal to keep growing and contributing without staying past his time. It’s an honest, thoughtful conversation about music, purpose, and what it means to keep doing the work you love.
To learn more, visit: https://choralartistssarasota.org/
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Dr. Joseph Holt, Artistic Director of the Choral Artists of Sarasota
(03:20) Getting into piano as a child
(06:45) Where does your inspiration come from?
(08:25) Choral Artists of Sarasota Team
(10:40) Engaging with the artistic community
(12:55) Memorial Day Concert
(15:10) Mentors
(18:20) Obstacles overcome
(20:10) Any other callings for your career?
(22:00) The future for Dr. Joseph Holt
For more information and to listen to all the episodes, go to sarasotapodcast.com
Tuesday May 13, 2025
Tuesday May 13, 2025
Discover how Artist Series Concerts has become a vital force in Sarasota’s cultural scene, presenting innovative chamber music experiences that blend world-class talent with deep community connection. In this episode, Director of Artistic Planning Daniel Jordan shares how the organization curates intimate, unforgettable performances—from Juilliard student quartets to internationally acclaimed ensembles—and why their 30th anniversary season is a celebration of both tradition and transformation. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at how Artist Series Concerts continues to shape Sarasota’s reputation as Florida’s Cultural Coast.
Go to https://www.artistseriesconcerts.org/ to learn more
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Daniel Jordan, Director of Artistic Planning for Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota
(01:50) What brought you to Sarasota?
(04:15) Growing up as a musician
(07:30) Mentors and community
(12:16) 30th Anniversary and history
(15:50) Planning for 30th Anniversary
(22:30) Taking a career detour
For more information and to listen to all the episodes, go to sarasotapodcast.com
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Discover the passion and purpose behind Sarasota Jewish Theatre in this inspiring episode featuring Artistic Director Carole Kleinberg. Carole shares how she built a career in theater that spans decades, the emotional impact of directing Diary of Anne Frank, and why Lost in Yonkers was a dream come true. With behind-the-scenes insights, reflections on creating meaningful art, and the challenges of staging powerful stories, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves live theatre, Jewish culture, or the arts scene in Sarasota.
Visit https://sarasotajewishtheatre.com/ for more
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Carole Kleinberg, Artistic Director of Sarasota Jewish Theatre
(01:40) Carole’s journey to Sarasota
(04:00) Why Sarasota Jewish Theatre?
(07:00) When did you become involved in the arts?
(13:00) What’s coming up next season?
(18:55) Plays on your wish list
For more information and to listen to all the episodes, go to sarasotapodcast.com
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
Get a behind-the-scenes look at ensembleNEWSRQ’s thrilling season finale with Co-Artistic Director Samantha Bennett in this episode of Behind the Masterpiece. Discover how world-class musicians prepare a wildly challenging, virtuosic work with just weeks of practice before taking the stage at Sarasota Opera House on May 12. Samantha shares insider details on the rehearsal process, what makes this piece so electrifying, and how EnsembleNewSRQ is gearing up to celebrate its 10th anniversary season. If you love contemporary classical music, live performance, or the creative process behind musical masterpieces, you won’t want to miss this episode!
Visit ensrq.org to learn more
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing ensembleNEWSRQ Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director, Samantha Bennett
(03:00) What is contemporary concert music?
(07:50) How do you find artists and composers?
(13:45) Final concert of 9th season on May 12th
(17:25) How do you rehearse?
(22:30) Year 10 coming up
For more information and to listen to all the episodes, go to sarasotapodcast.com
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
Discover why Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is making global headlines in this inspiring episode of Behind the Masterpiece with Jennifer Rominiecki, President and CEO of Selby Gardens. Named one of TIME Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places, Selby Gardens is a living museum blending rare botanical research, innovative sustainability, and world-class art exhibitions.
Learn how Selby became the world’s first net-positive energy botanical garden, why it houses the best orchid and bromeliad collections on Earth, and how it’s celebrating icons like George Harrison and Patti Smith through immersive nature-inspired exhibits. Whether you're a visitor, a local, or a nature and culture enthusiast, this episode will show you why Selby Gardens is a must-see Sarasota treasure.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Jennifer Rominiecki, President & CEO of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
(01:00) What is Marie Selby Botanical Gardens?
(02:30) The plant programs
(04:00) Living Museum Operating Model - George Harrison Exhibition
(07:50) Patti Smith Exhibition
(09:45) Talk to us about the Master Plan and commitment to sustainability
(13:20) Volunteers and how can people get involved?
(15:00) Special events and Mother’s Day
For more information and to listen to all the episodes, go to sarasotapodcast.com
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
In this episode of Behind the Masterpiece, host Jeffrey Kin sits down with Marianne Chapel, founder and director of SPAACES, a nonprofit arts organization in Sarasota. Marianne shares how the idea for SPAACES came to life, the rotating exhibitions that keep the gallery vibrant, and her vision for the future—including hopes of owning a permanent building.
With stories about supporting emerging artists, curating meaningful shows, and building community through creativity, this conversation offers an inspiring look at how SPAACES is helping Sarasota’s arts scene grow from the inside out.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Marianne Chapel Junker, Founder of SPAACES
(01:10) Why did Marianne stay in Sarasota?
(03:15) Where did SPAACES come from?
(04:45) What does SPAACES do?
(06:30) The artist’s experience
(07:45) How did you get into visual arts?
(09:00) Mentors
(10:50) Moving from the midwest to Sarasota
(13:30) Mentoring the next generation
(17:45) What is coming up?
(18:45) SPAACES Mantra
(20:20) The SPAACES team
For more information and to listen to all the episodes, go to sarasotapodcast.com
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
In this episode of Behind the Masterpiece, we sit down with Steven High, the Executive Director of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, to explore the museum's fascinating history, collections, and breathtaking grounds. From the recent addition of the Cypriot art collection to the ongoing restoration efforts in the museum's arboretum, Stephen shares his insights on how the museum continues to thrive and innovate.
Discover hidden gems on the Ringling campus, including Mabel’s private garden and the tree walk along Sarasota Bay, while learning about the museum’s impact on the arts community.
Tune in to hear about the museum’s exciting future and what makes it one of Sarasota’s most treasured cultural landmarks. Visit ringling.org and visitsarasota.com for more information.
The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art Website:
https://www.ringling.org/
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Steven High, Executive Director of The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art
(00:50) What was John Ringling’s vision for the Ringling Museum?
(03:00) How John acquired the collection
(06:30) Bequeath the property to the citizens of Florida
(08:10) Chick Austin created the first circus museum on the property
(10:50) Acquiring the Rolls Royce
(12:00) Additions beyond the circus museum and original collection
(14:45) Acquiring the Asolo Theatre
(20:35) Repairing the Ca’ d’Zan and building additions
(27:46) Steven’s highlights
For more information and to listen to all the episodes, go to sarasotapodcast.com
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Discover how Arts Advocates is preserving Sarasota’s artistic legacy and shaping its future in this inspiring episode of Behind the Masterpiece. Host Jeffery Kin sits down with Carol Darling to explore the organization’s impact on emerging artists, the rich history of Sarasota’s cultural scene, and the importance of fostering new generations of creatives. From supporting young talent to uncovering the stories of influential artists, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the arts. Tune in to learn how you can get involved and help keep Sarasota’s artistic spirit alive!
Arts Advocates Website:https://www.artsadvocates.org/
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Carol Darling, Vice President of the Board of Arts Advocates
(02:00) What is Arts Advocates?
(04:05) History of Arts Advocates and art in Sarasota
(06:20) Arts Advocates Collection - Including Florida Highwaymen pieces
(11:30) Arts Advocates Programs
(15:30) Scholarship program
(16:40) Success stories from scholarships
(18:40) How Carol fell in love with art
(24:00) How to become active with Arts Advocates
For more information and to listen to all the episodes, go to sarasotapodcast.com