History
From Baby Boomers to Grandparents to EveryoneHow It All Started in 2006
Before Re-opening Day, Electricians installing the art, 2014
Marietta F. Lee Opening Day 2010 in Sarasota, Florida
Electricians making it possible with lots of electricity
History of the Museum
Marietta Lee, Founder, Curator and President of Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy, Inc. began her education in Kentucky with an Associate of Science in Nursing and Emergency Medical Care, followed many years later, by a Master of Science in nursing from the University of South Florida. She loved helping people and the excitement of Emergency Room nursing as well as being an RN/EMT/Paramedic. One dark night, while volunteering for the Jessamine County Rescue Squad in Kentucky, she and her partner were called to the scene of a small airplane crash. All 5 people were dead. There was no one living to assist or transport to the hospital. It changed her life forever. The next day, as they scratched out shadows and images of the plane crash, she soon felt her spirits lift. At age 32, she found a whole new direction in life through the process of making art. She earned an Associate of Science in Emergency Medical Care in 1980 and a Bachelor of Art from Eastern Kentucky University in 1981. She moved to Florida in 1984, and earned a Bachelor of Fine Art from Ringling College of Art & Design in 1991. As a student, she visited many renown art museums and soon realized that women's artwork and humorous art were under-represented. It just didn't seem fair. "If I could change one thing in my lifetime, this would be it!" The seeds of change were planted. She loved going to outdoor art shows and discovered an enormous variety of American artists with fresh, colorful, creative and upbeat ideas. There was a sense of freedom and pride in their work. They were true small business entrepreneurs. An artist herself, Ms. Lee, thought it would be fun someday to bring all these people together to display their art for everyone to see. Family tragedy struck in 1994 when her father had a stroke. She spent the next 10 years involved with her parent's medical care. During this emotionally difficult time, she realized as a caregiver, how important it was to get a short respite of 1 or 2 hours, painting, looking at plants, talking with friends, and visiting museums to continue this care. It was also apparent that many of her Baby Boomer friends were tackling these same issues. We all have parents. By 2004, both Mom and Dad passed. In 2006, Marietta Lee followed the advice of her lawyer, Sue Bocchini. "If you know what you want to do, do it now!" Marietta, also known as Mary, founded the Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy, Inc. and named it in honor of her Mother (Marietta also known as Etta), Grandmother (Marietta also known as Grams), and Niece (Marietta). It has always been a non profit, private, operating foundation. It was started in Connecticut. Museum Checkbook in hand, she immediately began collecting museum artwork and soon realized she wanted to develop the elusive whimsy niche. However, it was still difficult to find a location for the museum in her old hometown of Guilford, Connecticut. After 3 failed land contracts in Connecticut, she turned her attention back to Sarasota, Florida where she still maintained a residence and knew so well of its diverse cultural appeal and reputation as an art friendly community. Within a short time, in 2008, she purchased the present Museum site in Sarasota, Florida. In 2009, she returned to Florida as a full time resident and founded the Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy, Inc. in Florida, transferred all museum assets from the Connecticut organization to the Florida organization, and terminated the Connecticut organization. She then began work on a huge remodel of the 2121 North Tamiami Trail site and buildings for the Sarasota Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy site including the wonderful gardens. It was time to create a space of happiness, joy and peace! The dream finally came true when the museum officially opened its doors October, 2010 at 2121 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida. Ms. Lee passionately shares, "It became clear when we started hanging the first exhibit, that this eclectic collection of paintings, sculpture, and mixed media demonstrated that Art can be a positive force in our lives, inclusive rather than exclusive. I think that's why it is so appealing to people of all ages. What is truly unique about this museum is that about half of the artists are women, half are men and most of the artists are alive!" When she began this museum, she thought her target audience was Baby Boomers. But within days of opening it quickly became apparent that this was a great place for parents and grandparents to teach their children about museums. Then, all ages came to enjoy the art. It became a place to enrich our lives with all the colors and the multitudes of the sensations of art. "Initially, I wanted to create a friendly environment where people, especially adults, could relax and forget their problems even if only for a brief moment, to slow down, smell the roses, and enjoy the present." It has become a Smiley Place.
Mission
Our Mission is to Operate an Extraordinary Art and Whimsical Museum for the public by collecting, preserving and exhibiting works of Artistic and Whimsical importance to Educate our visitors about our culture and history. We have created an environment to Inspire, Restore and Lift our Spirits and Hearts.
