Discover the art and people behind Sarasota’s rise as an artists’ colony at the company’s Main Street office in downtown Sarasota
Art surrounds us in Sarasota. It’s in the light, the architecture, nature, colors, neighborhoods, and the open invitation to explore. This season, Michael Saunders & Company welcomes you to view a fascinating window display and experience the creative roots that continue to define Sarasota as Florida’s arts city.
Now on view at the company’s downtown headquarters, A Legacy in the Making: Sarasota’s Visual Arts History, 1945–1965 transforms more than 200 feet of windows along Orange Avenue into a unique visual journey—one that celebrates the artists, ideas, and cultural momentum that helped shape Sarasota’s distinctive lifestyle.
Discover How Sarasota Became an Arts Destination
Stroll by and enjoy archival photographs, historical timelines, and carefully curated images of artwork that guide you through a pivotal post-World War II era, when Sarasota emerged as a vibrant artist colony and a magnet for creative talent.
You’ll discover the stories of returning veterans who studied the arts supported by the GI Bill, the rise of influential art schools and studios, and the lasting impact of visionaries such as John Ringling. Beloved institutions—the Ringling Circus, the Ringling School of Art (now Ringling College of Art and Design), the Petticoat Painters, and the Sarasota Art Association—come into focus, revealing how art and pride in community grew hand in hand.
This is Sarasota as it began to define itself: vivid, imaginative, and deeply connected to place.
A Personal Invitation Rooted in a Love of the Arts
For Michael Saunders, founder and CEO, the installation is both a celebration and an invitation. Her lifelong love and support of the arts—sparked by her artist mother and nurtured at her family’s historic “Lands End” home on Anna Maria Island—has shaped her belief that imagination and beauty are essential to a life well lived.
“Created to inspire curiosity and community pride, the installation brings to life the stories, artists, and creativity that gave birth to Sarasota’s artistic identity,” Saunders said. “It’s a visual showcase to remember why this city has long been known for extraordinary visual art—and why that legacy still matters today.”
As the company marks its 50th anniversary, that philosophy continues to guide how Michael Saunders & Company connects people not just to homes, but to the opportunity to live a richly aesthetic lifestyle.
Drayton Saunders, Susan McLeod, Michael Saunders, Tim Jaeger, and project supporter Andrew Ford. Photo by Ian Swaby, Observer
A Community Story Told with Pride
Developed over more than two years, the installation reflects the collaborative spirit that has always defined Sarasota’s arts scene. It was brought to life by a group of passionate creatives and cultural leaders, including curator Tim Jaeger of Ringling College of Art and Design; historian Bill Hartman of William Hartman Gallery; local artist Susan McLeod as creative muse; visual designer and director Aiham Karahawa; and filmmaker Caleb Bish of StoryVox Video Production Company.
A recent unveiling reception also featured a companion presentation of paintings shared by Andrew Ford of Andrew Ford Fine Art, offering guests another opportunity to experience the artistic lineage that continues to influence Sarasota today.
Why Artists—and Homeowners—Fall in Love with Sarasota
Sarasota’s physical beauty and eclectic arts community have long attracted artists seeking inspiration and connection. Figures such as Hilton Leech, Ben Stahl, Syd Solomon, Craig Rubadoux, and John Chamberlain found more than an inspiring place to work in Sarasota—they found a place to belong.
That same generous energy continues to lure those searching for a lifestyle shaped by culture, sophisticated design and authenticity. From historic neighborhoods and walkable downtown streets to scenic waterfront homes, Sarasota offers a way of living that feels both elevated and deeply personal.
“We hope this installation encourages people to explore Sarasota’s artistic roots and imagine how they might become part of its ongoing story,” Michael Saunders shares. “Art and real estate have always been intertwined here, and that connection continues to enrich the experience of making a life in Sarasota.
Nowhere But Here
A Legacy in the Making: Sarasota’s Visual Arts History, 1945–1965 can be experienced in person at the Michael Saunders & Company headquarters in downtown Sarasota or online at www.sarasotalegacy.art, where a guided video tour brings history to life.
