Spring is a rebirth, even in temperate Florida. Though Sarasota's March isn't likely to come in like a lion, signs of growth and regeneration do abound. If the Fine Arts Society of Sarasota's 35th Creators & Collectors Tour is any indication, our sunny coast can look forward to a season of renaissance.

A high holiday on Sarasota's Arts calendar, this perennial event falls across two weekends, March 8-9 and April 26-27. This year, 10 distinguished artists participate, opening their homes and studios to aficionados and admirers alike. The creative process is on dazzling display in work that is as broad in appeal as it is in medium, including photography, painting, sculpture and jewelry. But the real joy here is in viewing the pieces where they were planted and discussing their unfolding with the artist. The creators too are discoveries unto themselves, giving insight as to process and inspiration and with a crop of additional creative pursuits among them.

Since the tour is self-guided, the visits are relaxed and intimate. And it's a fruitful cycle: Last year, the society awarded 25 percent of their sales to scholarships for student artists. A unique varietal, the tour is anything but garden variety, connecting creators, collectors and the larger community.

But it isn't just the artists rolling out their welcome mats. In honor of the tour, four area hotels extend their own invitations to those hoping for a complete artistic journey, offering accommodation packages that build on the theme.

It's "Arts and Aristocrats" at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, where there's more than just a nod to John Ringling and Sarasota's fabled, stylish past. The Ritz's luxe tour package is itself a kind of inspiration. Besides offering a deluxe guest room accommodation and two tickets to the tour, the Ritz arranges for admission to the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art and the Cà d'Zan, hailing Ringling and his legacy - an important feature on any local artistic circuit. Two Creative Cocktails are gratis, so you can sample Pablo Picasso Punch or Salvador Dali Sangria at the hotel's Members Beach Club. Those in the mood for an artistic tour de force will find it here, where the strains of Vivaldi's Spring are almost audible.

AmericInn Hotel & Suites' "Island Art Getaway" pays tribute to downtown Sarasota's artistic vitality. Located close to the gallery districts, AmericInn's package offers a one-night stay and two tour tickets. The hotel's proximity to Main Street and its vibrant environs makes this package an attractive choice for those wanting to explore urban culture on their own terms. The "Island Art Getaway" also provides guests with a free sunset cruise in the gentle waters of Sarasota Bay, an aesthetic experience not to be missed.

"The Creators and Collectors Package," courtesy of The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort, is a bounty of pleasures. Along with two tour tickets, guests enjoy a Tastebuds Gourmet Market gift upon arrival, a roomy suite and a substantial dining credit in The Colony Dining Room. The resort has long-held ties to the artistic community, featuring local pieces throughout the property.

Many suites are accented with artwork from around the globe, and the tour's own Bill Kelley has work on show in The Colony Dining Room. The Colony's accommodation offering gives tour-goers another opportunity to view artwork, as the site itself is rich in heritage and boasts its own collection, a bit of a gallery itself.

Those for whom a traditional beach excursion is warranted will find Lido Beach Resort's "Fine Arts Island Getaway" the perfect ode to spring. Included with two tickets to the tour and deluxe accommodations is a welcome cocktail at the resort's Tiki Bar, where guests can relax and talk about all things art. Here too, tour-goers get admission to the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art and the Cà d'Zan, as well as a daily breakfast at the Café Lido. But it's the Lido Beach Resort's location that inspires a stay here. Set right on the water, and with miles of unfettered beaches to explore, guests will be tempted to take up photography, painting or sketching themselves.

The Creators & Collectors Tour is a spring revival all around. Homes, studios and hotels open their doors to lovers of art, culture-seeking travelers and those hoping for creative rejuvenation.


The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota's "Arts and Aristocrats" Package:

• Luxurious guest room accommodations.


• Two tickets to the Creators and Collectors Tour.


• Admission to the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art and Cà d'Zan.


• Two Creative Cocktails (Pablo Picasso Punch or Salvador Dali Sangria) at The Ritz-Carlton Members Beach Club.


• $459 per night, plus tax. Based on double occupancy and subject to availability.


• Date availability is March 11-12 and April 29-30.


• For reservations call 800-241-3333 and ask for the Escape Culture Event/Arts and Aristocrats Package (ECEO).

AmericInn Hotel & Suites' "Island Art Getaway" Package

• One night in a spacious guest room.


• Two tickets to the Creators & Collectors Tour.


• Sunset cruise.


• $179.99 March 11-12, $149.99 April 29-30. Plus tax, based on availability, double occupancy.


• For reservations call 941-552-1936 and ask for the "Island Art Getaway" package.

The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort's "Creators & Collectors" Package

• Luxurious accommodations in a one- or two-bedroom suite.


• Two tickets for the Creators & Collectors Tour.


• Welcome gift from Tastebuds Gourmet Market.


• Daily breakfast buffet.


• $100 dining credit to be used in The Colony Dining Room.


• $529 March 11-12, for two people for two nights, in a one-bedroom suite, plus tax and gratuity.


• $629 April 29 -30, for two people, for two nights, in a two-bedroom suite, plus tax and gratuity.


• For reservations call 941-383-6464, ext. 2187.

The Lido Beach Resort's "Fine Arts Island Getaway" Package

• Deluxe guest room accommodations for two in the main building.


• Two tickets to the Creators and Collectors Tour.


• Welcome cocktail at the Tiki Bar.


• Breakfast each day for two in Café Lido.


• Admission for two to the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art and Cà d'Zan.


• $287 March 10, 11, 12, 13, plus tax and gratuity.


• $212 April 28, 29, 30 & May 1, plus tax and gratuity.


• Package rates are per night, plus tax, based on availability and double occupancy. Three-night minimum applies.


• For reservations call 800-441-2113 and ask for the "H-CCTOUR" Rate.

"Culture and the Key" Package at Tropical Breeze Resort & Spa

• Two nights in a large one-bedroom suite.


• Two tickets to the Creators & Collectors Tour.


• Two 60-minute massages at the Key Spa and Salon.


• $325, plus tax and gratuity, for two nights; April 29 to May 1 only.


• For reservations, call 941-349-1125 and ask for the Culture and the Key Package.

"Paint the Town" at the Resort at Longboat Key Club

• Two nights in a Beachview guest room.


• Breakfast for two daily.


• Tickes to Creators & Collectors tour.


• Golf for two.


• $786, plus tax and gratuity, April 29 - May 1 only; two night minimum stay required.


• For reservations, mention the Paint the Town package; 800-237-8821.

For ticket information, call 941-330-0680.

To purchase tickets and for information about accommodations packages, stop by the Sarasota Visitors Center at 655 N. Tamiami Trl., 941-957-1877.

Originally posted 3/10/05