Add these 5 sizzling arts events to your spring calendar

Human folly in all its glory

Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale” is a tragicomic story of human folly and mistaken identity. Director Jonathan Epstein offers a fresh take in this FSU Asolo Conservatory production. The play begins with jealousy, misunderstanding and false imprisonment: King Leontes falsely accuses Queen Hermione of infidelity, imprisons her, and abandons their newborn daughter, Perdita, in the wilderness. Shepherds find and raise the child. Sixteen years later, Leontes is wracked with remorse, believing Hermione to be dead — and it’s all his fault. But in a magical twist, a statue of Hermione comes to life. No magic; she’s no statue! Hermione’s been in hiding, and Perdita’s alive, too. The play ends with a joyful family reunion, a laugh at human folly, and the hope of healing. April 1-27. Visit AsoloRep.org/Conservatory.

Revolutionizing clay 

“Radical Clay” highlights 40 game-changing ceramic pieces by 36 visionary female artists in Japan. Since World War II, these creators have redefined the field, often working outside male-dominated traditions. This exhibition showcases their bold innovations since 1970 — pushing form, technique and concept in new directions. Spanning pioneers like Tsuji Kyō and Mishima Kimiyo to emerging talents like Mori Aya, their work isn’t just evolution — it’s a revolution in clay. “Radical Clay” celebrates their creativity, technical mastery and lasting impact. It brings long-overdue recognition to the women who’ve transformed contemporary ceramics in Japan. Through May 11. Visit Ringling.org.

Sizzling divas

Florida Studio Theatre’s “Divas” celebrates iconic hits by legendary talents from Aretha Franklin to Whitney Houston to Cher. Expect a dynamic blend of soul, pop and rock anthems performed by the stellar trio of Dakota Mackey-McGee, Jannie Jones and Aja Goes. With high-voltage choreography and captivating storytelling, “Divas” honors the artistry and resilience of the trailblazing women who redefined music. This electrifying cabaret is the brainchild of Rebecca Hopkins, Richard Hopkins and Ben Liebert, with sizzling musical arrangements by Jim Prosser. Through June 22. Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Reimagining the sacred

Courtesy image

For more than 50 years, Gale Fulton Ross has made an indelible impact on the art world, using her expansive talents to reflect the cultural movements, emotions and experiences that have shaped her life. A powerful voice in American art, her work speaks to the depth and complexity of the Black experience. Her portrait commissions include Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., with pieces held in esteemed collections such as Harvard University and The Charles H. Wright Museum. In “Divine Love” at Art Center Sarasota, Fulton Ross reimagines traditional depictions of the Virgin Mary through an African American lens, challenging viewers to reconsider themes of race, family and spirituality. “Embracing art is more than a choice,” she says. “It’s a responsibility toward a more inclusive, enlightened and harmonious world.” Through April 19. Visit ArtSarasota.org.

All things must grow

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ “George Harrison: A Gardener’s Life” explores the legendary musician and composer’s deep connection to gardening. The Beatles’ lead guitarist described himself as “just a gardener” in a 1979 Rolling Stone interview. In 1970, Harrison purchased Friar Park, a once-grand estate in England, and revitalized its neglected gardens with his wife, Olivia. His creative, whimsical approach to gardening inspired this exhibition, which blends Harrison’s music and lyrics, and excerpts from Olivia’s poetry, with vibrant horticultural displays throughout the gardens. This immersive experience celebrates Harrison’s timeless legacy through the power of plants. Through June 29. Visit Selby.org.