Arts Advocates Honors Hermitage Artist Retreat's Artistic Director and CEO Andy Sandberg With Luminaire Award

Arts Advocates recently presented Andy Sandberg, artistic director and CEO of the Hermitage Artist Retreat, with its Luminaire Award. This award is presented to individuals to celebrate their outstanding contributions to the arts in Sarasota.

Carol Darling, Arts Advocates vice president, stated, “Andy has demonstrated the power of collaborating with arts and educational organizations in our community, from Marie Selby Botanical Gardens to Booker High School. Under Andy's leadership, the Hermitage Artist Retreat has developed local partnerships that benefit all parties.”

Brian Hersh, chief executive officer of the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, introduced Sandberg, who spoke about the importance of arts organizations working together. William Rusling, president of Arts Advocates, presented Sandberg with a $1,000 donation to the Hermitage Artist Retreat. 

Past Luminaire Award recipients include Highwaymen artists Roy McLendon and Roy McLendon Jr., Mary Ann Carol, and Curtis Arnett; Howard Tibbals (miniature circus creator), Howard Millman (Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe); Iain Webb and Margaret Barbieri (Sarasota Ballet); Victor DeRenzi (Sarasota Opera); and Richard and Rebecca Hopkins (Florida Studio Theatre).