You never know what you’ll discover when you visit the Towles Court Artist Colony, for this is the place where art comes alive. In the shade of venerable moss-draped oak trees you’ll discover a colorful collection of quaint and quirky bungalows and cottages set in the midst of tropical gardens and sculptural installations.

Here you might find an artist painting en plein air, while another struggles behind closed doors to bring her vision to life. A sculptor may be in his studio or off installing his work on a waterfront estate. Maybe the muralist is sketching a plan in his notebook, or maybe he’s perched on scaffolding four-stories high over the city streets. There may be a musician. There may be someone performing the ancient dance-like art of Tai Chi in the sculpture garden. There will be art being conceived and created, and there will be art being framed, bought, and sold. You’ll find art for your home and garden, art for you to wear, and even the healing arts of yoga and massage therapy. In one studio you might find a writer, in another you might see a conservator painstakingly restoring a rare 17th Century Japanese painting on rice paper. Sometimes you’ll find artists laughing and enjoying a glass of wine on their porches, and at other times you might overhear a very heated discussion about art or politics. But it’s all a part of the energy and passion that brings art to life, and we invite you to witness that creation.
Geographically, we’re near the eastern edge of downtown Sarasota, bordered by Adams Lane to the North, Links Avenue to the West, Morrill Street to the South, and U.S. 301 to the East. But Towles Court is more than just a spot on the map; it is a vital colony of more than 40 artist’s studios, galleries, restaurants, and much more.

The best times to visit are on Tuesday through Saturday between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Or come to Towles Court on the third Friday evening of any month and experience the magic of our Art by the Light of the Moon.