Hermitage Uses Community Foundation Grant for Special Project

The Hermitage Artist Retreat recently utilized a $2,500 grant from the George J. & Alice Pugh Donor Advised Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to help fund the renovations of two bathrooms in the Palm House to meet all Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. Bayfront Builders did the work at cost.

The Palm House became part of the Hermitage campus in 2016 and was initially used for staff offices. Since then, major renovations have transformed the beachfront house on Manasota Key into additional space for Hermitage artists to share their work through free public programs.

Bruce Rodgers, executive director of the Hermitage, explains that these free cultural gatherings give both residents and visitors the rare opportunity to interact with celebrated authors, poets, artists, composers and performers from around the world.

“We appreciate the Community Foundation of Sarasota County for providing the grant for this project, and our board for additional funding, so that our programs can be enjoyed by everyone,” says Rodgers.