Florida art organisations face long recovery after hurricanes Helene and Milton

This article was first published by Art Newspaper.

In the wake of Hurricane Milton making landfall last week near Sarasota on Florida’s Gulf Coast, millions across the state—including many who had just started picking up the pieces after Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact less than two weeks prior—have begun the long recovery process. Many art organisations in and near Sarasota, Tampa Bay and St Petersburg especially experienced Hurricane Milton’s destructive force firsthand.

The Tampa Museum of Art made it through Hurricane Milton relatively unharmed after Tampa Bay was spared a direct hit by the storm. The museum reopened to the public on 12 October. In a message released on social media, the museum stated: “In light of the ongoing recovery efforts and challenges many face, we invite those experiencing hardships such as power outages or displacement, to find a moment of tranquillity in our galleries or to use our free wifi and recharge your devices and find a moment of peace.”

The Sarasota Museum of Art experienced some damage to its grounds and outdoor features. There was wind damage to its exterior signage and fencing, and some plants and trees were shredded or uprooted. One tree fell onto Complexus (2007), a large outdoor sculpture by John Henry that is installed on the museum’s grounds.