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A&E BRIEFS The 42nd Annual Florida Watercolor Society Exhibition opens on Sept. 20 at Art Center Sarasota. Image from www.artsarasota.org ART CENTER SARASOTA UNDERGOES RENOVATION Art Center Sarasota has a cool new ambience Berger adds in the release that the Isermanns — and a bright new look — thanks to several "have consistently supported facility renovagenerous donors, the gallery has announced. tions in the past, including helping with gallery lighting, classroom windows and other "We've always had challenges keeping the atriprojects." um gallery comfortable when hosting large crowds," says Lisa Berger, Art Center Sara- An additional gift from longtime board memsota's director, in a news release. "The old air ber and former board president Sam Shapiro conditioning system couldn't keep our space was used to purchase and install new lightcool during our receptions, which often draw ing in the entrance area, Berger also notes in hundreds of people. Guests would grumble the release. A third gift — from Art Center about the stuffiness, but most considered Sarasota member, volunteer and artist Elaine higher temperatures the price they paid to see Charney — went toward renovating an entire inspired art. Now, with the new system, every- gallery. one can spend more time at the events enjoy"Elaine always felt that the walls of Gallery ing the art — without the sweltering heat." 3 were dark and unwelcoming," says BergBerger stresses this was not a repair or up- er. "Thanks to her help, we were able to take grade to the system, which was installed many down the former walls, which were covered years ago. "This is a brand new, state-of-the- with black carpet, install fresh drywall and art system that was custom-designed for our paint the new walls." needs. We're grateful to Howard and Betty Isermann for their gift in making Art Center Berger points out that the renovations were completed just in time for the Florida WaterSarasota a cool place to visit."