Between Labor Day weekend and the Jewish new year beginning at sundown on Friday, it’s a relatively quiet week in the local arts scene, but there are still a variety of programs for you to experience. Here are some suggestions.

September 9

This week is the kickoff of the Burns Court Cinemas art film series, four movies focusing on art, money and obsession, presented in partnership with the Sarasota Estate Auction. First up is “Taking Venice,” a 20th century Cold War documentary directed by Amei Wallach released in 2023 that details the audacious 1964 effort to make artist Robert Rauschenberg the first American winner of the Grand Prize for painting at the Venice Biennale and raised questions about art and nationalism. It will be followed by a discussion and exhibition featuring the artist’s life and paintings at Gallery 506.

Other films in the series, which runs once a month through December, include “The Thomas Crown Affair” (October 14); “The Monuments Men” (November 11); and “The Lost Leonardo” (December 9). Each film begins with an introduction and is followed by a Q and A.

“Taking Venice,” part of the art film series at Burns Court Cinemas. 506 Burns Lane, Sarasota. Doors open at 6 p.m.; introduction 6:55 p.m.; screening at 7 pm. $15 general admission. Gallery 506 is located at 506 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. filmsociety.org/movies/showing.cfm?shoID=141747

— Carrie Seidman

September 10

The Sarasota Orchestra, in collaboration with the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, is marking the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks with a special concert “Summon the Heroes.” Conductor Evan Roider will lead the program that will feature Nate Jacobs, founder and artistic director of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, narrating “Liberty for All.” Soprano Amy Owens will be singing “Amazing Grace” and “America the Beautiful.” The orchestra also will be playing John Williams’ “Summon the Heroes,” Samuel Barber’s “Adagio for Strings” and Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man.” Proceeds from the performance will benefit Resilient Retreat, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office CVharitable Foundation, Sarasota Firefighters Benevolent Fund and the Sarasota Police Foundation.

“Summon the Heroes” will be performed at 7 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail. Tickets are $40-$50. 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org

— Jay Handelman

September 10

American photographer Lynn Goldsmith will help bring a close to a special exhibit of her work at Selby Gardens with a keynote lecture. “Shared Light: Lynn Goldsmith,” an indoor and outdoor exhibit, is on display at Selby’s downtown campus through Sept. 13 featuring images of flowers and portraits of Patti Smith, the singer/songwriter who is Selby’s artist in residence. As part of Selby’s Botanical Briefings series, Goldsmith will talk about her work and the exhibition, providing visitors with an extra level of perspective.

Lynn Goldsmith will present the keynote lecture at 11 a.m. Sept. 10 at Selby Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. The lecture series is free for members and is included with admission. Registration is required to attend. selby.org

— Jay Handelman

September 11-20

A few generations of readers grew up reading about the adventures depicted in Louise Fitzhugh’s 1964 novel “Harriet the Spy.” Before the story was turned into a popular 1996, it was adapted by Leslie Brody into a stage play, which opens at the Venicve Theastre. Emery Ledbetter, who had the title role in last season’s “Annie,” returns as 11-year-ild Harrit M. Welsch, who is a self-described spy. She’s trying to udnerstand people and the world around by writing down everything she knows, including her best friends. But that knowledge can get her in trouble. Jonathan Hunter, who is directing the production, describes Harriest as “sharp-eyed, unapologetically curious and determined. Her story is about the power of words: how they can illumninate the truth, but also how they can wound when they travel beyond the private page.” Ledbetter shares the stage with a cast of 22, including her own mother, Miranda, who is playing Harriet’s mom. And Venice City Manager James Clinch plays her father.

“Harriet the Spy” runs Sept. 11-20 in Venice Theatre’s Pinkerton Theastre, 140 W. Tampa Ave., Tickets are $30, $26 for college students and educators and $19 for youth. venicetheatre.org; 941-488-1115.

— Jay Handelman

September 12

If you’ve spent any time in local dance and theater circles over the past three decades, you probably already know of Kelly Burnette, or one of the “friends” she’s featuring in this “musical memoire,” a part of Sarasota Contemporary Dance’s In-Studio series. “Kelly & Friends: Stepping Through Time,” features the award-winning educator, performer, director and choreographer and many of her talented acquaintances, taking a trip down memory lane. When she’s not directing and choreographing professionally, Kelly continues to teach at Manatee School for the Arts and State College of Florida, while directing and choreographing professionally on the side. She’s as much a part of the fabric of the Suncoast arts scene as anyone around and this show is sure to reignite some past moments of both tears and laughter.

“Kelly & Friends: Stepping Through Time,” at Sarasota Contemporary Dance, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 300. 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets $15-$26.50. sarasotacontemporarydance.org

— Carrie Seidman

September 13

The Thalhe Festival Foundation, a nonprofit organization, was created to expand access to dance and artistic opportunities while building an inclusive community where adult dancers – whether those who trained as children or who never got the opportunity at all – could continue to learn, grow and perform. Once a year it brings together adult dancers from around the world for three days to work with guest artists, build connections and, if they choose perform on a professional stage in a welcoming and non-competitive environment. There is no age limit, prerequisites or body limitations; all that’s required is a love for dance.

The festival culminates this year with a gala show on the Sarasota Opera House stage, featuring ballet, contemporary and diverse styles in a performance that values expression, community and inclusion over competition. Your ticket supports the nonprofit’s initiative to continuing making dance accessible throughout every stage of life.

“The 2026 Thalhe Festival Gala: A Celebration of Dance Without Limits,” 4 p.m. at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. Tickets $10 (children under 10) to $30. Limited 2-for-1 tickets available. An optional post-show cocktail reception (6:30-8 p.m.) following the performance is available for separate purchase. thalhefestival.com/spectator-tickets

— Carrie Seidman