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Rosemary Is Rising; THE VISION
By Ed Bertha
It’s not the popular street party, Rosemary Rising, but Scott Gerber’s vision is much more than the quarterly event. The Tube Dude Gallery [2] takes up just a fraction of the property at northwest corner of Central Avenue and 10th Street, in Sarasota’s Rosemary District [3]. Looking beyond the Tube Dude, Scott acquired the adjacent property, the beginning of our story.
Anchored by the Tube Dude Gallery, Scott’s vision is to turn the space into multiple art galleries, open seven days a week, where locals and tourists can meet artists and watch them work. The coupe de-gráce is a weekly art show each Saturday, after Sarasota’s Farmers Market closes.
You can see and feel Scott’s enthusiasm for the project. “Our story is pretty profound in what we want to accomplish here, how it will impact everyday day people, as well as the tourists. I have the vision. I know exactly what it smells like,” he shares. The interesting observation is Scott’s intent is creating something the town can benefit from, putting philanthropy ahead of an entrepreneurs desire to make money.
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Yes, there is work ahead to rehabilitate Jack Dowd’s former studio and a small home into art galleries. Buckled concrete must be removed and replaced with brick pavers. A stage for live entertain needs built under the majestic Oaks. The interesting part is Scott isn’t the only one wanting to make it happen.
“It’s amazing the acceptance of the county and city to allow us to do it. The support of the Arts and Cultural Alliance. It’s incredible how many hands it touches from an economic standpoint. There are over 300 artists wanting to display their goods here, already signed up. They will donate their time doing physical labor to make it happen,” he says passionately.
Once work is complete four artists will occupy the galleries, crafting and displaying finished wares. One may see a glass blower, bronze worker, painter, contemporary metal worker, and more. Outside, fifty world class artists, already inquiring from Naples to Cedar Key, will set up tents and display their work. People can speak to artists, getting to know person behind art. Live music will flow from a string quartet under the Oak trees. A special area for local artists is envisioned. Scott adds, “There are some incredible artists from the Newtown area, never given a break.” Departing tradition with typical art shows levying large entry fees and a percentage of sales, there is only a $50 charge, making it affordable for everyone.
He continues, “We live in an area where our back yard has thousands of condos. What do these people do for fun on a Saturday afternoon? We’re working on free transportation from the Farmers Market here with electric green vehicles. The same holds true for 41. We’ll travel the whole back side of Tamiami Trail, from the Ritz north. If you are a tourist go to the foyer, wait 8 minutes, and a shuttle bus will pick you up and bring you back. Come spend a couple hours, meet your friends, experience incredible art, nice music; make a day of it.”
Beyond the volunteers, Scott is seeking private investors interested in putting their name on the project. Wanting art to take center stage he doesn’t foresee much infrastructure, putting the budget under $100,000. “Where is there anything that for such a small investment touches so many people; not only the artists, but those attending as well.” He adds, “We have plans for this whole area.”
This project is an incredible opportunity to revitalize an area of our town and REAL Magazine enthusiastically supports this endeavor.
For information on how you can help make the vision come true call Scott Gerber at (941) 735.6009 or email him at dude@tube-dude.com [5].
REAL cares
Copyright © 2011 REAL Magazine
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