Our mission is to put art, in the form of broadsides that combine images and words, in public places—such as laundromats, public housing, car washes, medical offices—so people can enjoy it in their everyday lives. 

Our volunteers regularly change out the broadsides at each location. Free postcards are also provided so people can take the art home with them or share it with others.

Our Process

We are always searching for local and national professional artists and poets who believe in gifting work to the community. To highlight the diversity and depth of the artistic community in Sarasota, at least one participant in the collaboration lives and/or works here. 

Leslie interviews all potential visual artists and Teresa interviews all potential poets. The actual matchmaking process can take months because we want the collaboration to be a good experience for both participants who are typically complete strangers before we introduce them.

After we match an artist with a poet, they spend 6 weeks collaborating on new works based on a theme that they choose together. Finally, the artwork and the poem are combined on an 18” by 12” broadside with the help of photographer Nick Ferris and graphic designer Jeff Haste.

Our Accomplishments

In our first year, 2020, we accomplished quite a bit:

• Produced 10 unique broadsides with related postcards

• Obtained placement in fifty locations

• Launched an informational website

• Developed a team of volunteers and supporters

In 2021 we built out the program and clarified our mission:

• Produced 10 broadsides with postcards

• Added numerous locations that showcase our broadsides and postcards

• Participated in the Sarasota County Centennial with three projects and events at Selby Library

• Received a competitive Fellowship Award from Halo Arts Project

• Became a not-for profit organization

In 2022 and 2023 we continue delivering on our goals:

• Producing up to 14 broadsides working mostly with poets and artists from around the state of Florida

• Successfully participated in the 2022 Giving Challenge raising funds to support production of materials and other needs

• Gifted framed copies of the broadside “Newtown: A Beautiful Place” to Booker Elementary and Booker Middle School

• Working with our many volunteers to update materials at more than 70 locations in Sarasota County