Friend, Raising Awareness for Autism

About The Gallery

Art Avenue is an international art gallery with three locations: Siesta Key Mall, Downtown Sarasota, and Beverly Hills.

We host a variety of live events from Artist Openings and Exhibitions to Art Auctions, Fundraisers, Workshops, Dance Classes, Meditations, and Paint Bar Classes.

At Art Avenue, we believe every sale is a miracle. Whether we are helping nurture local talent or raise funds for our favorite nonprofits, we're committed to making meaningful change in the Sarasota community and beyond—all while beautifying your wall spaces with investment-quality art.

A Special Birthday Celebration

Happy Birthday to Art Avenue owner, Paul Sykes!

Help celebrate his birthday this month by making a gift to Second Heart Homes, his favorite local charity, which helps provide housing, support, and love to homeless adults with mental illnesses.

Art Avenue is proud to donate all of the art for the houses for Second Heart Homes, helping transform them into homes.

Their latest newsletter contains a full list of upcoming events, including the premiere of their documentary, The Healing Mirror (of which Art Avenue is a producer), in addition to the opening of two new homes for 12 women coming off the streets.

Click here to donate.

Autism Awareness Month

For those who may not already know, Paul has an autistic son named Alex. The endearing father-son duo can be found sight-reading their classical favorites, from Beethoven to Schubert, at various Art Avenue events—with Paul on the violin and Alex on the piano.

Our upcoming offerings for April and May feature several neurodiversity-affirming events set to take place at Art Avenue, in partnership with Behavioral Teaching Solutions.

View our upcoming events and collaborations to learn more.

One for Art, Art for All: Meet Paul Sykes at Art Avenue | Sarasota SCENE Magazine

By Kaileia Suvannamaccha | Photo by Holly Elmore

Before he was a seasoned art dealer representing investment-level works by Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Peter Max, Paul Sykes was a classically trained violinist. "The violin saved my life as a child," he says.

Friday, April 17, 2026 - Sarasota Film Festival Premiere: The Healing Mirror

Art Avenue owner, Paul Sykes, is proud to have helped produce this original Second Heart Homes documentary, set to premiere at this year's Sarasota Film Festival.

The Healing Mirror follows formerly homeless residents of Second Heart Homes, a Sarasota nonprofit providing permanent housing, support, and love, as they explore their stories through poetry. Guided by renowned poet Cedric Hameed, participants engage in a series of workshops that become a powerful mirror for reflection, healing, and self-expression.

Tickets: $20

Ringling College of Art and Design

Morganroth Auditorium

2700 N Tamiami Trail

Sarasota, FL 34234

2:00 to 3:30 pm

For more information, visit SecondHeartHomes.org

Get tickets here.

Saturday, April 25, 2026 - Sensory Oasis: Building A Neurodiversity-Affirming Business in 90 Minutes

This highly interactive professional development workshop helps business owners and community leaders understand sensory overload in neurodivergent individuals (autism, ADHD, anxiety, etc.) and provides practical tools to transform part of their workspace, store, or office into a sensory-affirming environment.

Participants will leave with an actionable plan and simple, low-cost design strategies to create calmer, more inclusive spaces that improve customer experience, employee retention, and business reputation.

Art Avenue (Siesta Mall Location)

3501 S Tamiami Trail

Sarasota, FL 34239

11:30 - 1:00 pm

Visit TheSpectrumSpeaks.com to learn more.

RSVP here.

Tuesday, April 28, 2026 - Language of Love Workshop by Belle Stikeleather and Kaileia Suvannamaccha

Language of Love is a creative workshop series that brings together art, poetry, music, and behavioral science to explore healing, belonging, and emotional wellness in a neurodiversity-affirming community space.

Hosted by Belle Stikeleather (Behavior Scientist & Resilience Coach) and Kai Suvannamaccha (Author & Poet), these gatherings invite participants to connect through creative expression, reflective conversation, and shared experiences.

Tickets: $50

Art Avenue (Siesta Mall Location)

3501 S Tamiami Trail

Sarasota, FL 34239

4:00 to 5:30 pm

For more information, visit TheSpectrumSpeaks.com

RSVP here.

Friday, May 1, 2026 - Free Public Portrait Demo: Huihan Liu

Join acclaimed artist Huihan Liu, Master Signature Member of the Oil Painters Society of America, Member of the American Impressionist Society, and Distinguished Faculty Member of the Portrait Society of America National Conference, for an in-depth, multi-figure narrative painting workshop entitled "In The Rehearsal Room," designed for artists already comfortable with painting from life who wish to elevate their skills in multi-figure painting and composition.

May 1, 2026, Free Portrait Demo

12:00 to 4:00 pm

+ May 2-6, 2026: 5-Day Paid Workshop

Workshop Fee: $980 + Shared Model Fee

Art Avenue (Siesta Mall Location)

3501 S Tamiami Trail

Sarasota, FL 34239

For more information, visit LiVolkArt.com

RSVP here.

Sunday, May 3, 2026 - Cook & Connect

Celebrate with us on Sunday Cook & Connect, specially designed for all learners, including neurodivergent adults who want a relaxed space to meet new people. Join Chef Luigi in our life-skills kitchen as he guides you through making fresh, handmade meals, simple, hands-on, and sensory-friendly.

After cooking, we’ll sit down and enjoy the meal together, creating space for easy conversation, social interaction, and building new friendships while practicing independent life skills around food, sharing, and community.

As we cook and eat, enjoy live music from Alex and Paul Sykes, setting a warm atmosphere that’s perfect for gentle connection and the possibility of new friendships—or something a little more—at your own pace.

Tickets: $50

Don Luigi Sarasota

1272 North Palm Avenue

Sarasota, FL 34236

11:30 am to 1:30 pm

Visit TheSpectrumSpeaks.com to learn more.