Local artist collective S/ART/Q announces its second “Print Party,” an annual event that gives the public a chance to interact with both art and artists. Formed in late 2008, S/ART/Q is a group of ten professional contemporary artists, their name underscoring their connection to the region (a take-off on the area’s three letter airport code “SRQ”) and the central role that art plays in all our lives, especially here on the cultural coast.

From 5 to 10 p.m. on Sat., Sept. 11, S/ART/Q will hold its free screen-printing party at Rosemary District “business incubator” the HuB (1421 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota) in collaboration with Clothesline gallery and boutique. Their first print party in August of 2009 drew nearly 1,000 people who brought shirts, skirts, placemats and everything in between to be screened live by the artists.

“Last year’s print party helped launch our organization,” explains S/ART/Q president and co-founder Tim Jaeger. “It is with the generous support of the community that S/ART/Q has been able to continue to provide unique and engaging arts experiences. The upcoming event is another great opportunity for Sarasota to come out, meet the artists and enjoy a really fun evening for all ages.”

Once again, each of the artists has created an original design for the event. Attendees may bring their own clothing items like t-shirts, though any item that can lie flat under the screen and will accept ink can be printed on. Choose your favorite design — or pick several! — each print is just $5. The public is encouraged to be creative, with some particularly cute dog clothes, baby tees and handbags resulting from last year’s event. There will also be blank t-shirts on hand for purchase. This is a free, family friendly event.

The Glenridge PAC is presenting a family-friendly "Summertime Songfest" on Saturday, July 24, with several of Sarasota's favorite barbershop quartets. The Truetones, So Much More and the Bowery Boys, three quartets from the award-winning Sarasota Chorus of the Keys, will be singing their classic harmonies on this summer afternoon, followed by a meet-and-greet with the performers while GPAC theatre manager Ben Turoff personally scoops free Italian Ice for all attendees.

"Barbershop is always a great choice for light, summer fun. Afterwards I'll be dishing up Italian Ice for everyone. It's one of my favorite treats and it's so hard to find these days," says Turoff. GPAC has found it for you, from Florida's Working Cow Ice Cream company. Bring the kids to cool off with Barbershop music and Italian Ice on a hot summer afternoon at the Glenridge Performing Arts Center.