Open Call for Artists: “Black Joy”

A juried exhibition at the historic Leonard Reid House 

Overview
The Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition (SAACC) invites artists to submit work for “Black Joy,” a group exhibition affirming joy as a full and complex practice — spiritual, defiant, tender, and alive. This show holds space for joy as an act of resistance, a return to self-love, a source of peace, and a wellspring of pride, bliss, excitement, and empowerment. It asks: what does it mean for Black people to feel good, fully and without apology, in a world that has often denied that right?

Black Joy will be on view in the historic Leonard Reid House, a 1926 frame vernacular home built by Sarasota pioneer Leonard Reid. It was relocated to Newtown in 2022 from the city’s first Black community called Overtown and gently, lovingly restored.  The house now serves as a living museum and cultural anchor for SAACC. Exhibiting inside these walls mean placing new work in direct conversation with the home’s own history of Black pride, self-determination, and community-building.

 

Exhibition Themes

We welcome work that explores Black Joy through any of the following lenses:

  • Spirituality — faith, ritual, ancestral connection, the sacred within the everyday
  • Resistance — joy as defiance, as refusal, as survival strategy
  • Self-love — tenderness toward the self, the body, the reflection in the mirror
  • Peace — rest, stillness, quiet, exhale
  • Pride — heritage, lineage, identity claimed fully and visibly
  • Bliss and excitement — celebration, movement, laughter, pleasure
  • Empowerment — agency, voice, standing in one’s own power

Artists need not address every theme — we’re looking for work with a clear, personal point of view on what joy means and how it moves through Black life.

 

Meet Curator Clifford McDonald

Clifford McDonald is a Sarasota-based visual artist and founder of Art 4 Change, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating positive social change through art, education, advocacy, and service. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Maine at Presque Isle, where he developed a practice centered on storytelling through portraiture and contemporary figurative art.

Inspired by culture, history, and community, Clifford’s work explores themes of identity, belonging, and social progress. His artwork has been featured in solo exhibitions at Art Ovation Hotel, Art Center Sarasota, and The Lexow Gallery, as well as numerous group exhibitions throughout Florida. Through both his artwork and community leadership, Clifford strives to create meaningful experiences that encourage dialogue, reflection, and connection.

 

Medium & Submission Requirements

  • All artwork must be original, not Ai-generated
  • Medium: 2-D ready-to-hang artwork (drawings, paintings, photography, printmaking, digital, etc.)
  • Number of works: 1–2 pieces per artist
  • 30×30 maximum size
  • Eligibility: Open to artists at any career stage; regional and national submissions welcome
  • Work must be ready to install (proper hanging hardware, framing, or freestanding stability as applicable) given the intimate scale of the historic house galleries
  • Artists are responsible for artwork delivery and pick up

 

Venue

The Leonard Reid House offers a modest, intimate 1,400 square foot gallery footprint.  The house is professionally secured with a monitored alarm system and video cameras, and all exhibited work is covered under the venue’s insurance policy for the duration of the show.

 

Dates

  • Exhibition: Nov. 4 – March 31
  • Submission deadline: Sept. 18
  • Notification of acceptance: Sept. 25
  • Deadline to sign agreement: Oct. 2
  • Delivery of accepted work: Oct. 29
  • Opening reception: Nov. 12

 

Programming

Accepted artists are invited (and encouraged, though not required) to participate in public programming built around the exhibition, including:

  • Panel discussions on Black Joy as artistic and cultural practice
  • Artist talks with participating exhibitors
  • Two classes for children enrolled in the local afterschool program, introducing young people to the exhibiting artists’ work and process

 

Awards and Prizes:

First, second and third place awards are $500, $300, and $200.

 

Sales:

All work is for sale. No POR (Price on Request) or NFS (Not for Sale) unless specifically stated in the exhibition prospectus.

 

Artist commission:       

  • 70% of selling price (30% to SAACC).
  • Artists are responsible for reporting and filing taxes in accordance with state and federal regulations.

 

Marketing & Promotion

This exhibition will receive dedicated marketing and PR support, including press outreach, social media promotion, and community programming designed to bring visibility to participating artists and their work throughout the run of the show.

 

How to Apply

Please submit the following to Mydahlia.Glover@TheSaacc.org:

  1. Artist name, contact information, and short bio (150 words max)
  2. Up to 2 images or files representing the 1–2 works proposed for the show
  3. Title, medium, dimensions, and year for each piece
  4. A brief artist statement (150–250 words) on how the work speaks to Black Joy

Questions may be directed to Clifford McDonald.

We look forward to celebrating the many dimensions of Black Joy with you.

Walk Forward: The Ruby Bridges Sarasota Initiative to Bring American Icon to Sarasota This November

CONTACT:
Victoria Kasdan
Co-Chair, Walk Forward: The Ruby Bridges Sarasota Initiative
Mobile: 612-220-4438
vpkasdan859@gmail.com


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Walk Forward: The Ruby Bridges Sarasota Initiative to Bring American Icon to Sarasota This November

The community is invited to support this opportunity to have Ruby Bridges, one of the first Black children to integrate an all-white elementary school, speak in Sarasota through sponsorship opportunities

SARASOTA, Fla. (July 23, 2026) – On Nov. 12, Sarasota will welcome one of the most influential trailblazers in American history through Walk Forward: The Ruby Bridges Sarasota Initiative by bringing Ruby Bridges, one of the first Black children to integrate an all-white elementary school in the South, to Sarasota. This community-wide educational experience is designed to inspire courage, character, and civic
engagement among youth and adults.

The initiative will feature a public town hall with Ruby Bridges at Booker High School’s Visual and Performing Arts Center, where attendees will hear firsthand from the woman whose courage at just 6 years old helped change the course of American history. The town hall will be open to the public, and tickets will be made available for purchase on Sept. 9. “This vision began several years ago when my granddaughter portrayed Ruby Bridges during a program honoring historic Black trailblazers,” said Walter Gilbert, Chair & Visionary of the Walk Forward: The Ruby Bridges Sarasota Initiative. “Seeing her learn about Ruby’s extraordinary courage inspired a dream to one day bring Ms. Bridges to Sarasota. That dream grew through our community’s Walk to School events and the support of local leaders who shared its importance.”

In 1960, Ruby Bridges became the first Black child to integrate William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans. Escorted by federal marshals, she walked into an all-white school despite intense opposition, becoming a symbol of courage and perseverance whose story continues to inspire generations. Today, through the Ruby Bridges Foundation, she continues that work by creating programs and experiences that help young people understand the past, find their voice and build a more just and connected future. The Foundation’s mission is to empower young people through education, dialogue and leadership while encouraging them to take action against racism and bullying.

Booker High School was intentionally selected as the Town Hall venue because of its important place in Sarasota’s history. Historically, as the county’s only all Black high school, Booker played a central role in school integration during the 1960s. Hosting Ruby Bridges at Booker creates a meaningful connection between her historic journey and Sarasota’s own story of courage, opportunity, and community.

“I am deeply grateful to Co-Chair Renee James Gilmore, Co-Chair Victoria Kasdan, and Aundria Castleberry, along with Sarah Wertheimer and Embracing Our Differences, whose partnership and commitment transformed this vision into reality. We hope this event will inspire meaningful conversations, strengthen our community, and encourage future generations to walk forward with courage, compassion, and hope,” said Walter Gilbert, Chair & Visionary of the Walk Forward: The Ruby Bridges Sarasota Initiative.

Community organizations, businesses and individuals are invited to become sponsors of this landmark initiative. Sponsorship support will help make this educational experience possible while creating a lasting impact across our region.

Net proceeds from Walk Forward: The Ruby Bridges Sarasota Initiative will benefit two Sarasota-based nonprofit organizations: Embracing Our Differences, which inspires kindness and respect through art and education, and the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition (SAACC), which preserves, celebrates and shares the cultural, artistic and historical heritage of African Americans in Sarasota and beyond.

To learn more about Walk Forward: The Ruby Bridges Sarasota Initiative or to become a sponsor, visit engage.embracingourdifferences.org/ruby bridges/.

###

About Walk Forward: The Ruby Bridges Sarasota Initiative
Walk Forward: The Ruby Bridges Sarasota Initiative is a community-wide educational and civic experience that will bring Ruby Bridges to Sarasota on Nov. 12, 2026. Through a public town hall and community engagement, the initiative seeks to inspire youth leadership, courage, inclusion and civic
engagement while encouraging conversations about belonging, compassion and the role each person can play in strengthening their community.

In Remembrance: Rev. Dr Brock Leach

“What you’re doing will cause the community to thrive in unexpected ways. Know that the work you are doing is blessed. It is.”                                             Rev. Dr.  Brock Leach

                                               (April 8, 2026)

The president, board of directors and stakeholders of the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition honor the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Brock Leach, a remarkable philanthropist whose generosity, leadership, and spirit will forever inspire us.

“Brock gave magnificently, lovingly, and selflessly of his time, expertise and money. The gatherings he hosted at the historic Leonard Reid House were spaces filled with friends, fellowship, joy, conversation, and connection. These moments brought people together in meaningful ways,” said SAACC President and CEO Vickie Oldham. 

As a board member and chair of the organization’s governance committee Brock’s commitment was unwavering. He was a person of action who moved with purpose leading in negotiating contracts, facilitating strategic planning sessions that focused on branding and marketing, and teaching  workshops about “design thinking,” a concept he taught teams at Frito Lay and Tropicana where he served as President and CEO. 

“His expertise in brand development and product launches strengthened our work tremendously,” said SAACC board chair Dr. Washington Hill.

Philanthropists, policymakers, and Unitarian Universalists church members and leaders were introduced to SAACC through Brock who used his influence to propel its mission. 

Rev. Dr. Brock Leach, a Boston University–educated Doctor of Ministry was an ordained church leader who shared brief affirmations before board meetings “that centered us and reminded us about purpose,” said SAACC board member LaTiara Love. “We are deeply grateful for the way he embraced us and uplifted Black arts, culture, and history with genuine care and conviction,” Love  added. His insight, wisdom, and passion were truly inspiring,” Love shared.

“Brock’s fingerprints are throughout our organization and his impact is profound. To say that I personally will miss his quiet demeanor and wisdom is an understatement,” said SAACC board member Ian Black. “He was truly a difference maker,” said another board member Walter Gilbert. 

Our hearts are heavy at the news of his passing. We extend our love and prayers of peace to Julie, his children, and all who loved him, including the family dog who was always by his side.

The SAACC family will carry Brock’s legacy forward with gratitude and love. 

NEWSLETTER: Celebrating Reid Matriarchs This May

The Leonard Reid House is bursting with joy, connection, and purpose this spring. Every corner  has a painting, an African artifact or piece of jewelry that evokes a smile. Every gathering created new memories and special moments are grounded in LOVE (such as when kids hit the stage at our first kids book festival). With high gas prices and groceries, let’s embrace every bit of beauty and happiness that can be found. I am thrilled about ongoing Reid House centennial celebrations and our incredible momentum during the 2026 Giving Challenge.  

162. That’s the number of donors who stepped forward for SAACC during a 24-hour fundraising frenzy. Their gifts up to $100 were matched. But this number represents much more than participation. It reflects increasing support, commitment, and a growing MOVEMENT. What a proud moment for all of us working to present relevant and compelling Black arts, culture and history programming…..

READ THE FULL NEWSLETTER HERE.

SAACC in the News: Reid House Celebrates Literacy and Legacy!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 26, 2026

Reid House Kids Book Fair Celebrates Literacy, Legacy, and Community

Sarasota, FL — The Reid House Kids Book Fair will bring together families, authors, and community members for a
celebration of literacy, culture, and creativity from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 4 at the historic Leonard Reid
House, located at 2529 N. Orange Avenue. The event is in conjunction with Newtown’s annual Spring Fling Easter parade
along Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way.


The book fair highlights the importance of reading while uplifting Black stories and storytellers. Featured activities are
live entertainment, spoken word performances, storytelling, face painting, bounce houses, vendors, an Easter egg hunt,
and opportunities to meet local authors. Free books and holiday treats will be distributed to children.


The enduring legacy of Leonard Reid and his beloved wife Eddye is honored. Their home, originally located at Boulevard
of the Arts and Coconut Avenue served as a hub for literacy and community care. Known as a neighborhood “library,” it
was a place where free books were shared, inspiring generations through access to reading and education.


The entertainment lineup will feature performances by Mr. Stevey, Whit The Poet, Frankie Brown, Syesha, A’rayia
Davis, Amillia, Mya Barber, Sammy Waite, Amel Hunter, Jahkori, the Trinity Teen and Youth Choir, the Potter School
Drumline, the Lockhart Twins, and Alpha and Omega Incorporated Sorority.


Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet and engage with a diverse group of authors, including Whit the Poet, Dr.
Sharon Jefferson, Betty Jean Johnson, Helen R. James, Rosa Thomas, Xtavia Bailey, Vickie Oldham, Enid Marshall,
Jahkori Dopwell-Hall, Jeannie Wooten, and Andrea “Chocolate Butterfly” Williams.


Confirmed vendors include Kona Ice, Bat City Comic Professionals, Nhouse Taste of Soul, Jahko Designs, Angels Food
with Soul, Suncoast Remake Learning, Filet of Soul, The Lady with Nuts, Betty Jean Johnson North Sarasota Library,
Stitching Bluez, and Aloe Thought Media.


The Reid House Kids Book Fair is produced by Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition and Greatness Beyond
Measure. Major sponsors include Alpha Phi Alpha Foundation of Manasota, the Xi Psi Lambda Chapter, the Johnson
Singer Arts Education Foundation, Barbershop Men of Prayer and First Watch.


This family-friendly event is free and open to the public. Book donations are welcome. For more information please
call Melanie Thomas (941) 744-7314 or email aaccsrq@gmail.com.


About Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition
Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition (SAACC) is a tax exempt, 501c 3 organization dedicated to
preserving, celebrating, and sharing the cultural, artistic, and historical heritage of African Americans in
Sarasota and beyond. To learn more about SAACC’s mission, please visit https://thesaacc.org/.

SAACC in the News: Centennial Year Celebrations!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 9, 2026


Local Organization Soars into Centennial Year Celebration of the Leonard Reid House
SARASOTA, Fla. — The historic Leonard Reid House celebrates 100 years in existence with an array of events
throughout the year. From a presentation about parrots, to a book fair celebrating access to literacy, the family
friendly events commemorate the core beliefs of the pioneering family who shaped Sarasota’s history.


In collaboration with Jungle Gardens’ avian keepers, Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition (SAACC)
presents, “Hello Pretty Bird.” It’s an hourlong program about the world of colorful parrots and the stories of
Overtown residents who remember the Reid family’s two large, talking birds. The event takes place at 2529 N.
Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL from 1 – 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 12.


Leonard Reid came to Sarasota in 1900. He was valedictorian of Savannah Normal School (now known as
Savannah State University). He valued education, and his home became a “library” where free books were
given to neighborhood children. A book fair on the grounds is coming Saturday, April 4. Please donate new and
gently used children’s books to the Reid House. Please call 941-667-0867.


“We continue the family’s legacy by providing free books to children who visit,” said president of the Sarasota
African American Cultural Coalition Vickie Oldham.


Upcoming Centennial Celebration Events:
● March 12, 1 p.m. – “Hello, Pretty Bird” explores the world of parrots. Two were pets of the Reid family.
● March 26, 6:30 p.m. – Sarasota historian John McCarthy joins architectural historian Dave Baber for a talk.
● April 4, 10 a.m. – A children’s book fair celebrating the Reid House’s “community library.”
● May 10, 11 a.m. – A Mother’s Day event will honor Ethel Reid and Viola Reid.


The family patriarch saved to purchase property. A session is coming up about managing money. A
horticulturist leads a workshop about African and Florida native plants surrounding the Reid House.
The home was meticulously relocated from Overtown to Newtown. Learn more about upcoming centennial
celebrations at www.thesaacc.org and social media platforms.


About Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition
Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition (SAACC) is a 501c 3 dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and
sharing the cultural, artistic, and historical heritage of African Americans in Sarasota and beyond. To learn more
about SAACC’s mission, please visit https://thesaacc.org/.

Published Stories:

SRQ: Local Organization Soars into Centennial Year Celebration of the Leonard Reid House

WSLR: Sarasota’s Leonard Reid House turns 100

FOX13 TAMPA BAY: Sarasota’s Leonard Reid House celebrates 100 years as community beacon for African American history

YAHOO: Sarasota’s Leonard Reid House celebrates 100 years as community beacon for African American history

BAY NEWS 9: 100 Years Later: The Legacy of Black History

OBSERVER: Historic Leonard Reid House hosts parrots in honor of family pets

SAACC Requests Proposals for Upcoming Architectural Project

Public Notice – Request for Architectural Services
Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition (SAACC)
Sarasota, Florida


Established in 2019 with a mission to preserve, celebrate, and share the cultural, artistic, and historical heritage of African Americans in Sarasota and beyond, the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition (SAACC) is soliciting qualifications and proposals from licensed, experienced architectural firms for the design of a new African American Culture, History, and Art Center in Sarasota, Florida. The planned facility will be approximately 10,000 square feet and is envisioned as a vibrant cultural destination celebrating African American contributions to Sarasota and beyond.

 

The project will include:
• Two primary exhibit galleries for permanent collections
• Changing exhibit gallery for traveling and rotating exhibitions
• Multipurpose event space accommodating up to 200 persons
• Two multipurpose classrooms for education and community programming
• Administrative offices
• Gift shop and visitor retail area
• Spacious lobby and welcoming public entry experience
• Entry courtyard
• Art garden for sculpture / interpretive installations and events
• Solar-shaded roof terrace suitable for gatherings and programs

SAACC seeks an architectural partner with demonstrated expertise in historic preservation museum design, cultural facilities, community-centered spaces, and sustainable design strategies, including solar integration and resilient construction appropriate for Southwest Florida.

Improvements/amenities still needed are: Fire alarm upgrades, Fire suppression system, Hurricane shutters, and a Pergola. All work at the Reid house must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s standards for historic preservation.

Interested firms should submit a letter of interest to Vickie Oldham at vickieoldham@gmail.com AND Lauren David at laurenashtondavid@gmail.com not later than Wednesday, March 4, 2026. The letter of interest should include a summary of relevant experience and key personnel qualifications.

Submission requirements may be obtained here: SAACC Center RFP for architectural services 02.25.2026

RFP Timeline
Release of RFP: 02.25.2026
Deadline for Letter of Interest: 03.04.2026
Deadline for Questions: 03.09.2026
Responses to Questions: 03.13.2026
Proposal Submission Deadline: 03.20.2026
Notification of Award: 03.27.2026

Should SAACC elect to interview one or more submitting firms prior to making a final selection, SAACC will make notification on or before 03.27.2026

Selection of Designer:
The Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition looks forward to partnering with a design team that honors the past, serves the present, and inspires the future of the Sarasota community.

Leonard Reid House begins work on butterfly and pollinator garden

The Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition recently began planting a new butterfly and pollinator garden at the historic Leonard Reid House, with help from students at Precious Jewels Academy. The garden will support local pollinators and honor influential Black leaders through a legacy walkway.

Another planting day is set for July 31 with Girls Inc. and Star Lab students. Community members can get involved by donating supplies or volunteering. Donations will be accepted on June 21 and July 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Read Original Story Here