This exciting exhibition, "Southern Gothic: Paintings by Clyde Burnett" May 1-July 30, is part of a new visual art program launched by the City of Sarasota. It will be held at the New Deal Gallery in the Federal Building, 111 S. Orange Avenue, Sarasota.

A reception, with an artist talk and refreshments, is May 4, 5:30-7:30 p.m. The exhibit is part of a new visual art program showcasing local artists launched by the City of Sarasota that invites local artists to display their work for the public within a city-owned building. The program is coordinated and managed by Virginia Hoffman, the city's volunteer public art coordinator. For more information about this exhibit, call Virginia Hoffman at 941-400-5217.

Described by some as "Southern gothic surrealism," Burnett’s works often form a narrative based on two mannequin figures that embark on life’s journey only to find difficulty at every turn because they are mannequins. The artist says that throughout his career he has used "explanatory techniques, including dripping, flowing, blotting and smearing paint as a means of discovering forms. The result has been an emergence of forms which relate to deep-seated emotions and ideas.

Program requirements and an application are available on the public art portion of the City of Sarasota website www.sarasotagov.com.