At Atomica Arts, community is not just a word — it is the heart of everything we do. This page is your home for free and low-cost offerings, workshops open to the public, and opportunities for schools and educators. Come back often — new offerings are added regularly.
UPCOMING FREE WORKSHOPS
Joyful Journeys: Turn Your Life and Memories into Stories The Gussin Creative Writing Center — Senior Friendship Centers
Join Maria for a 10-session creative writing workshop at the Carter Library at Senior Friendship Centers in Sarasota. Through bi-weekly inspirational prompts and user-friendly writing tips, participants will learn to craft their memories and life experiences into compelling short-form memoir. The class culminates with the publication of the next volume of the Gussin Creative Writing Center’s book series.
Because there’s no such thing as an ordinary life. Including yours.
Format: In person | 2 hours per session | Ages 21+ Location: 1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota, FL 34236 | Free parking | Doors at 3:30 PM Session Dates: Wednesdays, 4:00–6:00 PM August 19 · September 30 · October 14 & 28 · November 11 & 18 · December 9 & 16 · January 6 & 20
FREE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SCHOOLS
Drama & Theatre Virtual Artist Residencies America’s Field Trip — in partnership with Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and Focus 5
Maria Schaedler-Luera from Atomica Arts is honored to lead two Drama & Theatre Virtual Artist Residencies as part of America’s Field Trip — completely free to schools nationwide. These residencies invite students to engage deeply with American art through dialogue, embodiment, imagination, and reflection — transforming artworks into living moments of inquiry and expression.
American Stories in Action: Dialogue and Drama Through Art
Grades 3–5, 6–8, or 9–12 | ELA & Social Studies / History Students bring portraits, social scenes, and contemporary works from Crystal Bridges to life through Image Theatre and short spoken lines — culminating in a “gallery of voices” whole-class performance honoring multiple perspectives and collective storytelling.
Seeing with Stillness: Theatre Encounters with American Art
Grades 3–5, 6–8, or 9–12 | ELA & Wellness Students explore how stillness, gesture, and imagination transform the way we experience art — using theater-based and mindfulness practices to create a collaborative Gesture Score that emphasizes inner calm, creative focus, and personal connection.
Learn More & Register Your School
Mindful Recovery — In-Classroom Arts Experience A collaboration between the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation & the Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County
Big feelings can become big strengths — and the arts show us how.
Mindful Recovery is a FREE arts-based program bringing teaching artists directly into licensed childcare classrooms in Sarasota County. Using the Wolf Trap Method, teaching artists collaborate with early childhood educators to create custom arts-integrated lessons anchored in Social and Emotional Learning — helping children ages birth–5 grow stronger, calmer, and more resilient through the power of the arts.
What’s included:
- Personalized planning sessions to identify your classroom goals
- Three 1-hour in-classroom visits with a teaching artist
- Free materials and resources for you to keep
- Follow-up reflection and support
- Just a 5-hour commitment — you pick the days, you choose the pace
Launching August 2026 | Running through 2028 Pilot spots available now for Summer 2026
This program is FREE for all licensed child care sites in Sarasota County.
For more information and to sign up: Programs@PerformingArtsFoundation.org
COMING SOON
Fall ArtSELF Workshops
ArtSELF connects arts and wellness through free, 90-minute workshops designed to support self-reflection, stress management, memory care, and community connection. Maria will be offering ArtSELF sessions this fall — check back here for dates, locations, and registration details.
Come back often — Fall ArtSELF opportunities will be posted here as they become available.
STAY CONNECTED
The best way to never miss a free offering, upcoming workshop, or community event is to follow Atomica Arts on social media. New opportunities are announced there first!