EXHIBITIONS
ON VIEW
GALLERY TWO
Hartman + Berg Parallel Paths
ON VIEW April 19TH - May 31st, 2025
public opening reception
APRIL 19TH, 5PM - 8PM
502 Gallery is proud to present Hartman + Berg: Parallel Paths, a vibrant exhibition celebrating the enduring friendship and artistic legacy of Sarasota’s William Hartman and Wilfrid Berg. Featuring a compelling selection of Sarasota scenes from the 1940’s-1950’s, this exhibition brings together works painted side-by-side by the two lifelong friends, who spent decades creating alongside one another in both Sarasota and Michigan. United by a shared love of light, color, and landscape, Hartman and Berg captured the essence of their surroundings with striking harmony and individuality.
Throughout art history, from Picasso and Braque to impressionist visions of Monet and Renoir, the studio and the field have been spaces where friendships fuel creativity and vision. Parallel Paths honors this tradition, offering an intimate look at two artists whose camaraderie shaped their artistic journeys. Their works, created in tandem and often depicting the same locales from differing perspectives, reveal a quiet dialogue between brushes—each stroke a testament to a lifelong bond.
502 Gallery, located in the heart of Sarasota in the Burns Court Historic District, is dedicated to showcasing dynamic exhibitions that explore the intersections of regional history, contemporary practice, and artistic collaboration.
past exhibitions
502 Gallery is pleased to present ‘TOM STEPHENS: Textures of Experience’, a solo exhibition showcasing a compelling new body of work by Florida-based artist Tom Stephens. Known for his ability to capture the essence of Florida’s natural and built environments, Stephens' paintings masterfully balance realism and abstraction, inviting viewers to engage with his dynamic use of light, texture, and form.
"Tom Stephens’ work evokes a deep connection to place and memory, translating the shifting moods of the landscape into expressive, atmospheric compositions," said Tim Jaeger, Director & Curator of 502 Gallery.
ON VIEW THROUGH APRIL 15th, 2025
ON VIEW through March 1st, 2025
Opposites Abstract / Finding Common Ground: THE ART OF Mary GrandPré AND TOM CASMER
Free and open to the public
502 Gallery is excited to announce "Opposites Abstract: Finding Common Ground," a compelling exhibition that unites the distinct styles of husband-and-wife artists, Mary GrandPré and Tom Casmer.
Mary GrandPré’s abstract works are rich in style, color, and light, drawing viewers into a world of fluid movement and layered meaning. In contrast, Tom Casmer’s precise compositions reflect a meticulous attention to form and detail, offering a grounded counterpoint to GrandPré’s expressive style. Together, their works reveal a creative dialogue that celebrates individuality while finding common ground.
"Opposites Abstract" explores the power of unity within difference. It encourages viewers to reflect on the ways diversity can foster connection and strength, resonating with themes of harmony and shared purpose. This message is made even more impactful through the artists’ shared commitment to giving back: all proceeds from the artists’ portion of artwork sales will be donated to support firefighters in California, honoring their bravery and resilience in the face of disaster.
502 Gallery, nestled in Sarasota's Historic Burns Court District, is proud to present Color + Clay, a captivating exhibition featuring works by Omar Chacon and the late Polly Johnson. This showcase exemplifies the gallery's mission to celebrate both local and regional talent alongside distinguished artists with ties to Sarasota's vibrant art community.
Omar Chacon, a Ringling College alumnus, is renowned for his dynamic, mosaic-like abstract paintings that explore geometric and organic forms. His innovative technique of assembling dried paint tiles on canvas creates intricate compositions that invite deeper reflection. Chacon's works are celebrated globally and featured in prominent collections.
The late Polly Johnson, a beloved Ringling College faculty member for over three decades, left an indelible mark on the art world through her porcelain sculptures. Her meticulous scratched patterns, whimsical text, and folkloric influences imbue each piece with narrative depth, embodying a profound dialogue between artist and medium. Her legacy lives on in her work and the countless lives she touched.
(January 7TH - JANUARY 17TH, 2025)
(January 7TH - JANUARY 17TH, 2025)
Collective Narratives is a pop-up exhibition that explores the dynamic interplay between personal identity, lived experience and the reflection on how cultural, historical, and transformative factors shape six local women’s sense of self and their work. The exhibition highlights both their personal narratives and the stories of those who have influenced their creative lives. The collection includes self-portraits, autobiographical works, and abstract pieces that capture pivotal moments in their individual and collective journeys.
With a broad range of artistic mediums—drawing, painting, photography, mixed media, sculpture, and performance—the exhibition offers diverse expressions of identity, self-realization, and discovery. This variety underscores the multifaceted nature of women’s experiences, encouraging viewers to engage with both the unique and universal aspects of each artist’s perspective.
pop-up exhibition
A collaborative effort by State of the Arts Gallery and 502 Gallery, spotlighting works by local legacy artists such as Joseph Arnegger, Tim Jaeger, Nathan Skiles, Stephen Strenk, and Tom Stephens.
(DECEMBER 13TH - december 22nd)
(NOVEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 22ND, 2024)
pt.2: Small artworks can have a significant impact
Following the resounding success of its predecessor, 502 Gallery proudly presents Shopliftable pt. 2, a captivating continuation of our exploration into the power of scale in art.
This exhibition features an exquisite collection of miniature artworks, each small enough to fit in your hand, yet brimming with immense creativity and significance.
(AUGUST 5TH - NOVEMBER 9TH, 2025)
Small artworks can have a significant impact
In art, scale is as fundamental as material, color, line, shape, and context. From ancient times to the present, scale—a ratio or relative dimension—has been a key way for artists to convey meaning. Continuing this tradition, 502 Gallery, is pleased to present its inaugural exhibition, "Shopliftable," featuring miniature artworks (small enough to steal) by 45 of Sarasota's favorite artists.
