Closing Celebration: The Petticoat Painters: "Now You See Us" Exhibit

Next date: Friday, March 27, 2026 | 04:00 PM to 06:00 PM

Petticoat Painters: Now You See Us Closing Celebration

Date & Time: March 27, 4:00–6:00 PM
Location: Sarasota City Hall, 1565 First Street
Admission: Free and open to the public

Can you name five women artists off the top of your head? Don’t worry—we’ll help you out! Join us as we celebrate Women’s History Month with the Petticoat Painters’ Now You See Us Cultural Heritage exhibit at City Hall. As the exhibition comes to a close at the end of the month, we’re hosting a special celebration featuring artist demonstrations, live performances by students from Booker High School’s Visual & Performing Arts Program, and interactive discussions led by Public Art Committee Vice Chair Maria Schaedler-Luera.

This is a unique opportunity to meet the artists and experience the enduring vision and creative influence of one of America’s most historic women’s art groups.

A Legacy of Creative Women

The story of the Petticoat Painters begins in 1950, when Martha Hartman won first place in a Sarasota exhibition—only to receive a certificate of participation instead of prize money like her male counterparts. Determined to support women artists, she organized the first Petticoat Painters show in 1953, bringing together hand-picked women artists. From that moment on, the group’s members have paid their legacy forward, welcoming generations of creative women to continue the tradition.

The current exhibit features 24 local women artists. There’s no single “Petticoat Painter” style; each artist follows her own muse while drawing inspiration from the camaraderie and vibrant energy of the group.

Celebrating nearly 75 years of artistic achievement, the Petticoat Painters are one of the oldest continuously exhibiting women’s art groups in the United States.

Learn more about the group at petticoatpainters.com.

 

Click here to learn more about the exhibit. 

When

Location

City Hall, 1565 1st Street, 34236, View Map