"Echoes of Sarasota" Free Public Docent Led Art Tours - City Hall

Next date: Tuesday, November 03, 2026 | 12:00 AM

About the Tour

Explore “Echoes of Sarasota,” a cultural heritage exhibition presented in partnership with Thomsen Fine Art with supporting works curated by Arts Advocates. The City Hall installation features many of the largest mural‑scale artworks by Regan Dunnick and Frank Hopper that illuminate Sarasota’s artistic, cultural, and civic development.

Dunnick’s pastel works trace Sarasota’s long history, blending illustrated storytelling with historical detail to highlight local landmarks, environmental features, and community milestones.

Hopper’s realist paintings focus on early settlers, Florida Cracker heritage, labor history, and circus culture, capturing the resilience and character of Sarasota’s early communities.

Arts Advocates’ curated selections enrich the exhibition with works by significant Florida artists whose contributions help define Sarasota’s artistic legacy.

These free public tours are supported by the Johnson Singer Arts and Education Fund, which uplifts teaching artists and arts and education programming for youth and seniors. 

What to Expect

• One hour guided tour of the artwork installation
• Artwork depicting Sarasota’s early communities, pioneering families, circus traditions, and cultural evolution
• Stories that connect the artwork to Sarasota’s historical development
• A friendly and informative experience open to all ages

City Hall Tour Dates

All tours take place on Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Please arrive 15 minutes early.)

• Tuesday, November 3
• Tuesday, December 1
• Tuesday, January 5
• Tuesday, February 2
• Tuesday, March 2
• Tuesday, April 6
• Tuesday, May 4

Consider signing up for the Van Wezel tour as well to experience additional artworks that complement the City Hall installation.

Location

Sarasota City Hall
1565 1st Street
Sarasota, Florida

Van Wezel Companion Tour

For information and tickets to the companion tour featuring additional “Echoes of Sarasota” artworks at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, please visit our Van Wezel tour page.

Tickets

Free admission. Advance registration recommended. Register online at: https://CityHallArtTour.eventbrite.com

About the Docent

Diane Farber
Diane Farber was born and raised in Miami Beach and spent more than fifty years in Michigan before returning to Florida and making Sarasota her home. She is an active member of the local arts and cultural community, serving as a docent at the Sarasota Art Museum and participating in several civic and educational organizations, including the University of Michigan Alumni Club of Sarasota and Manatee Counties and Temple Emanu‑El’s Endowment Fund. Diane brings her enthusiasm for art, history, and lifelong learning to every tour and looks forward to sharing Sarasota’s City Hall artwork and local heritage with visitors.

These docent led tours are offered as part of the City’s ongoing commitment to bringing accessible, high‑quality public art experiences to residents and visitors. The Public Art Program integrates art throughout Sarasota’s civic spaces, cultural facilities, and neighborhoods to celebrate community identity and support meaningful engagement with the arts.

For more information, visit www.SarasotaFL.gov/Public-Art.

When

Location

City Hall, 1565 1st St, 34236-8501, View Map