ALSO Art Exhibit 2025 September in Sarasota can feel like the calm before the season begins. The summer crowds have thinned, but the heat still hangs in the air and locals begin to look for reasons to come together again. For the past few years, one event has quietly grown into a highlight of the late‑summer calendar. On Saturday 13 September 2025 the Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center will once again open its doors to showcase works made by lgbtq+Q+ youth and their allies at the annual ALSO Art Exhibit. The evening is more than an art show – it’s a fundraiser, a celebration, and a chance for young people to see their creativity recognised in a public space. ### A youth‑driven exhibition ALSO Youth is a non‑profit based in Sarasota and Manatee counties that provides counselling, support groups and drop‑in spaces for queer and questioning teens. The organisation has always encouraged artistic expression as a way for young people to process their experiences, and the art exhibit is a natural extension of that mission. Dozens of artists aged 10 to 24 contribute pieces ranging from photographs and paintings to sculpture and digital media. The curators don’t impose a theme; instead they invite participants to respond to whatever moves them. The result is a colourful, eclectic show where tender self‑portraits hang alongside bold protest pieces and abstract experiments. The artists come from a range of backgrounds – some are home‑schooled, others attend public or charter schools, and a few have already begun formal art training – but what they share is a desire to be seen. Visitors to the 2025 exhibit can expect to wander through Fogartyville’s intimate gallery space and onto its covered patio, where additional work will be hung. Volunteers from ALSO Youth will be on hand to introduce the artists and share stories about the pieces. In past years guests have been surprised at how quickly the young artists open up when asked about their work. For some this is the first time they have shown anything publicly, and that vulnerability is met with enthusiastic applause. If you find yourself particularly moved by a piece, there’s a good chance you can take it home – many works will be available for purchase, with proceeds split between the artist and ALSO Youth. ### More than just art on the walls The two‑hour programme runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., but those who spring for a sponsorship package are invited to arrive at 5:30 p.m. for an early preview and first dibs on auction items. General admission includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and an open bar, and guests can bid on donated items and experiences in the silent auction. Previous auctions have included everything from signed books and original paintings to weekend getaways and gourmet gift baskets. Throughout the evening a DJ keeps the energy up with a mix of current pop and classic tunes, and there are often short performances by local youth musicians. One of the most popular interactive elements is the community mural. A blank canvas and a table full of paint pens invite attendees to leave messages of support, sketches and doodles; by the end of the night the once empty board is a riot of colour and affirmation. At 7 p.m. the organisers take a few minutes to speak about the work ALSO Youth does. It’s a reminder that while the art on display is joyful and inspiring, the young people creating it often face serious challenges. In addition to drop‑in centres in Sarasota and Bradenton, ALSO Youth offers peer support groups, suicide‑prevention training, advocacy in local schools and scholarships for college. Funds raised through ticket sales, sponsorships and the silent auction help keep these programmes free for participants and allow the organisation to expand its reach into more rural parts of the region. Hearing directly from teens who have found a home at ALSO often prompts generous donations. ### A gathering for the whole community What sets the ALSO Art Exhibit apart from other fundraisers is its casual, welcoming atmosphere. The event attracts families with young children, retirees, college students and professionals; the mix of ages and backgrounds creates a friendly buzz. Because Fogartyville is smaller than a traditional gallery, there is a sense of intimacy – you’re never more than a few steps from an artist or an organiser eager to chat. Dress ranges from jeans and T‑shirts to bright cocktail attire. Many attendees bring small gifts for the artists, such as handwritten notes or art supplies. If you’ve never been to Fogartyville before, it’s tucked away just off North Orange Avenue behind a grove of palm trees. There’s a small parking lot on Kumquat Court and overflow parking nearby. The venue is wheelchair accessible and there will be seating both indoors and outside. Sarasota’s late‑summer humidity can be intense, so the organisers recommend wearing light clothing and bringing a hand fan. Inside, the air conditioning keeps things comfortable, but the doors and windows are kept open so guests can move freely between the gallery and patio. ### Planning your evening Tickets for the 2025 exhibit go on sale in early summer through ALSO Youth’s website and at Fogartyville’s box office. Prices are expected to remain similar to previous years – around $25 for general admission, with discounted rates for students and a variety of sponsorship tiers. Sponsors receive early entry, reserved seating and public recognition in the programme. If you’re interested in sponsoring, reach out to the organisation well in advance as packages sold out quickly last year. Even if you can’t attend, you can still participate by bidding in the online silent auction or making a direct donation. Because space is limited, purchasing tickets ahead of time is strongly encouraged. Walk‑ins will be admitted only if there is room, and the event has sold out in the past. Fogartyville is located at 525 Kumquat Court in downtown Sarasota, just a few blocks from the Rosemary District. Public transit stops nearby and there are bike racks out front for those who prefer not to drive. Doors open at 6 p.m. for general admission and the evening wraps up promptly at 8 p.m., although many guests linger to chat and finish their drinks as staff begin to pack up. ### Why this matters For the young people whose work is on display, having an audience is profoundly affirming. Parents and teachers often remark on how participating in the exhibit boosts confidence and encourages further creative exploration. Guests leave with a better understanding of the joys and struggles queer youth experience in our community. And, thanks to the funds raised, ALSO Youth can continue to provide safe spaces, counselling and advocacy year‑round. Whether you’re an art lover, a supporter of lgbtq+Q+ causes or simply looking for a warm way to spend a Saturday evening, the ALSO Art Exhibit 2025 promises connection, inspiration and a chance to make a tangible difference.

Last Updated: 09 December 2025

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