Come January, the holidays may be

Circus Sarasota performs before a downtown crowd. Photo courtesy of Sarasota County Arts Council

over but the pARTy has just begun.

Sarasota's arts and cultural community throws a grand celebration for everything art from January 11 through January 13, 2008. The annual Arts Day and Arts Night have now evolved into the Arts Weekend Sarasota 2008 - an entire weekend dedicated to all forms of art on the Gulf Coast.

Themed "Express Yourself!," this year's event combines all the successful aspects of Arts Day with new ideas inspired by top local and regional talent. Presented by the Sarasota County Arts Council, admission is free but a $5 donation is requested.

The weekend jump starts Friday, January 11, with Arts Night. Located at Sarasota's new nightclub Medium One Eleven on Bahia Vista Street, performances and art from some of Sarasota's most popular organizations will blend seamlessly into the sleek new setting. The evening will be catered by Sarasota Manatee Originals.

Saturday's Art in the City, a new part of

Arts Weekend's hands-on activities include drawing and painting. Photo courtesy of Sarasota County Arts Council

the art celebration, encourages visitors to stroll through galleries, shops and restaurants that comprise the heart and soul of downtown Sarasota. With historical, architectural and self-guided gallery district tours throughout the day, there are plenty of opportunities for locals and visitors alike to be inspired and discover new ways to express themselves.

Arts Weekend Sarasota 2008 ends on Sunday, January 13, with the 18th annual Arts Day. The day will highlight Sarasota County's extensive and diverse artistic offerings. Arts Day attracts more than 25,000 arts and culture enthusiasts from across the globe to downtown Sarasota. This year, more than 700 artists, dancers, poets, musicians, opera singers, actors and singers will shine on 14 stages.

The area's most talented artists will sell their work at the Willis A. Smith Construction, Inc. Juried Art Show and Sale. Cash prizes are offered to the first-, second- and third-place winners.

Stop by one of the hands-on studios, where area artists and craftspeople demonstrate their work and allow visitors to try different artistic crafts, such as painting, sculpting, weaving, pottery and glass blowing.

The Arts Education Booth, the Circus Sarasota Stage and the first-ever Teen Stage will keep children occupied for hours.

Learn about programs offered by Sarasota's arts and cultural organizations at the Arts and Avenue Showcase. They also provide information on show times and classes available throughout the year.

Thirst and hunger won't slow you down during all the excitement. Along with the Sarasota Manatee Originals, this year there will be a food court for all your dining needs.

Anyone who signs up to become a member of the Sarasota County Arts Council during the festivities will be eligible to participate in prize drawings held throughout the day at the Sarasota County Council Membership Booth.

From the bayfront to Lemon Avenue, and from Second Street to Ringling Boulevard in downtown Sarasota, the entire town will become alive with entertaining performances and inspiring exhibits.

If you go:

Handicapped parking is available behind The Sarasota Opera House, and there will be off-site parking with a free shuttle from Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and the Sarasota County Administration Building Lot between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. For more information about Arts Weekend Sarasota 2008, visit www.sarasota-arts.org/artsday.cfm or call The Sarasota Arts Council at 941-365-5118 ext. 300.