Previous Artwork:
Lyra
Sarasota County High Schools
The painting offers a rich, historical panorama of Sarasota County’s educational evolution, placing a spotlight on its high schools while subtly paying homage to Emma Booker, a pivotal figure in the establishment and nurturing of schools in the region. Dominating the frame is a non-descript student clad in traditional graduation attire, positioned against a backdrop that embodies the vibrancy and promise of education. Surrounding the student are murals representing Sarasota Grammar School (1925) and Sarasota High School (1927) and text indicating other significant educational institutions like Booker, North Port, Oak Park, Pine View, Sarasota Military Academy, Suncoast Polytechnical, Triad Alternative, and Venice. This juxtaposition underscores the county’s growth and commitment to providing diverse educational opportunities for generations of students, laying a foundation of knowledge and values that have defined the community’s progress over the years.
This student's portrayal is significant as it symbolizes the thousands of young individuals who have benefited from the pioneering educational structures established by visionaries like Emma Booker. Although Booker herself is not featured, her legacy permeates the artwork, acknowledging her relentless efforts in advocating for quality education, particularly for African American students during segregation. The serene yet determined expression of the student embodies hope, resilience, and the continuity of educational excellence. The blue and earthy tones of the painting evoke a sense of stability and nurturance, inviting viewers to appreciate the historical context and the ongoing impact of Sarasota County's educational legacy. Through this evocative depiction, the painting captures the essence of a community bound by its dedication to learning and growth, forever indebted to the trailblazers who championed its cause.
Artist
Beck Lane
Beck Lane
Beck Lane has been an artist & painter, in various forms, off & on for over 4 decades but in 2010 the artist decided to dedicate themselves fully to developing intent-filled artwork, getting it in galleries & building a base of serious collectors. As a result, Beck’s paintings can be found in collections from across the US to South America to Israel to Qatar & multiple places in between. And although, for the last 12 years, their focus has been placed on producing figure & portrait work of marginalized, historically significant & forgotten people, Beck did spend decades doing decorative painting, creating commercial work & illustrations as well as paintingmurals for private homes & businesses around theirnative Cape Cod.
Lane also spent some time as the art department for Trader Joe’s on Cape Cod where they not only created multiple small (5ft x 3ft) & larger (7ft plus) murals for the 11,000 sq ft store but was also in charge of all signage, they consulted with or mentored Trader Joe’s artists across the country & was ranked one of the top 5 artists within the company, nationwide. The job challenged Beck to develop the ability to create up to 2 dozen large & small illustrations a day & organizational skills they continue to use.
Since moving to Sarasota in 2017, Beck has become known as a studio painter with work in galleries & shows. However lately, people & organizations have been tapping into the artists other areas of expertise such as lettering, illustration & mural design. Included in their more recent projects are several 8ft x 10ft chalkboard murals for social activist Zander Moricz & his Sarasota based social justice org SEE Alliance as well as 11 sidewalk illustrations for Avenue of Art/Chalk Festival.
Other projects Beck has underway include a children's book series; murals for the city of Sarasota;the development of 55 portraits of Frida Kahlo, several local solo & group shows, two artist residencies as well as artist talks. In essence, Lane isan artist who is uniquely experienced in several areas. Their abilities are agile while they are driven, & have the organizational skills to be able to tackle opportunities both large & small.
In spring 2024, Beck Lane became the recipient of the Halo Art Projects Fellowship award, an award given to select artists by a board made up of philanthropists & professional artist peers. Beck also became the first individual artist to receive the Johnson/Singer Award, a privately run group of cultural enthusiasts. Both groups are dedicated to choosing artists or art organizations based on not only need & ability but the artist(s) or art organization whose work has cultural & social justice influence.
Professional & personal references are available on request
Sponsored By
SEE! Alliance
SEE! Alliance