Photographer Alina Olofinsky and multidisciplinary artist Leah Brown will spend the summer working and exhibiting at ARCOS, 340 Central Ave., as the latest artists-in-residence hosted by Creative Liberties, the Sarasota arts collective founded in 2021 by Barbara Gerdeman and Elizabeth Goodwill.

The residency runs through Sunday, August 31. A free opening reception is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 22.

Olofinsky, a Pratt Institute graduate who works in photography and acrylic mixed media, will present a collection titled "Love Dream Inspire," described as reflecting her approach to visual storytelling, according to Creative Liberties' announcement. Brown's practice spans photography, watercolor and mixed media.

Creative Liberties rotates artists-in-residence at the downtown ARCOS location every two months, according to the Sarasota Arts Council. The program offers artists dedicated studio time and public engagement through open studios and receptions.

The ARCOS gallery is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free.

The organization also operates studios at 901B Apricot Ave. and 927 N. Lime Ave. in the Limelight District, open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Co-founder Gerdeman told the Sarasota Observer earlier this year that the spaces provide "exhibition, education and the opportunity to meet other artists" along with access to collectors and supporters.

Beyond the residency, Creative Liberties runs a Feature Artist Program highlighting 13 Southwest Florida artists through October 2026 across its Limelight District locations. The organization also hosts live art demonstrations by local artists at Chaz 51 Steakhouse, 549 U.S. 41 Bypass, Venice, through its "A Taste of Art" program.

For more information: CreativeLiberties.net or 941-799-6634.

Upcoming Creative Liberties events

  • Wednesday, July 22 — Opening reception for artists-in-residence Olofinsky and Brown, 5–7 p.m., ARCOS, 340 Central Ave. Free.
  • Saturday, July 25 — Family Art Day, 9:30 a.m. to noon, led by artist Traci Kegerreis. Free, all ages. Supported by the Johnson Singer Arts and Education Fund.
  • Every Tuesday — Create & Connect open-studio gathering, 5–7 p.m., 927 N. Lime Ave. Free.