Earlier this year, the Hermitage acquired the Englewood Art Center from Ringling College of Art and Design. These new programs mark the start of a fresh chapter at the HEAC, with more plans ahead.

Hermitage Saturday Sessions will bring the community together for weekend workshops led by accomplished Hermitage Fellows. Once a month, a small group will dive hands-first into visual art, music, dance, theater, literature, whatever the artist brings to the table. It’s a real chance for anyone to step into the creative process alongside world-class talent.

The Hermitage Book Club

The Hermitage Book Club opens up the celebrated work of Hermitage Fellows to curious readers. Led by Programs Director Tiffany Colli-Moon, the group will meet on the first Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m., digging into a book written by a Hermitage literary alum, sometimes penned right here. Expect lively discussions, fresh perspectives, and on special occasions, maybe even a visit from the author. Readers should finish the book before joining the conversation.

Since taking ownership in December 2025, the Hermitage has been turning the Englewood Art Center into a multidisciplinary hub just ten minutes from Manasota Key. Spanning two acres and 11,000 square feet, the center now hosts new public events like the Saturday Sessions and Book Club while also offering gallery and studio space for resident artists. Plans for the facility are still developing, and the Hermitage recently hosted a public session to hear from the Englewood community. Ongoing conversations with locals remain a key part of the development process.

Hermitage Saturday Session

The first Hermitage Saturday Session takes place Saturday, October 10 at 11 a.m. with Tony Award-nominated Fellow Julian Crouch. Known for operas and musicals from Broadway to London, think Shockheaded Peter, The Addams Family, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Crouch will run “Something from Nothing: A Puppetry Workshop.” Participants will explore live animation and puppetry using everyday materials, learning how to bring the inanimate to life. No experience needed. You will receive all materials, but you have to register beforehand at HermitageArtistRetreat.org.  Spaces are extremely limited.

The Hermitage will hold the Book Club’s first meeting on Monday, November 2 at 5:30 p.m. The spotlight is on Hermitage Fellow, past Curatorial Council member, and acclaimed author Emily Nemens and her second novel, Clutch. Praised as a New York Times Editors’ Choice and described by the LA Times as “White Lotus with more sincerity and heart,” Clutch tells the story of five long-time friends facing life’s biggest challenges. Nemens will join the kickoff meeting in person.

“We’re thrilled to launch these fresh programs at the Hermitage Englewood Art Center,” says Artistic Director and CEO Andy Sandberg. “This space has so much potential, and these two series are just the beginning of deeper community engagement.”

Hermitage programs are free and open to all, though there’s a $5 registration fee. If demand is high, the organizers may switch workshops to a lottery system and notify selected participants two weeks in advance. Most events last 60-70 minutes, with interactive workshops running longer.

Other upcoming programs include Hermitage Sunsets @ Selby Gardens: “New Music Under the Old Oak” on Friday, October 16 at 5:30 p.m. and “We Got the Beat: Poetry & Percussion” on Thursday, October 29 at 5:30 p.m. on the beach. On Saturday, November 7, the Hermitage will hold the Artful Lobster fundraiser on its historic campus, with most tickets already sold. 

For sponsorship details, reach out to the Development Director at Development@HermitageArtistRetreat.org.

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