COLLECTIONS

A total of 761 items were accessioned into the permanent collection of The Ringling during the fiscal year. Of these, 35 objects were purchased and 726 objects were donated. Noteworthy new purchases included the Zhan Wang sculpture on display in the Center for Asian Art, Artificial Rock No. 124, 2007 and a selection of photographs from Hank Willis Thomas’ Unbranded portfolio, both made possible by a generous gift by William and Jane Knapp; Beth Lipmann’s Sideboard with Blue China through a gift by Daniel J. Denton; a purchase of Trenton Doyle Hancock’s Knowledge from Samantha; and the purchase at auction of Guercino’s Portrait of Fra Bonaventura Bisi. Gifts of art included photography donated by Bea Nettles, William Zewadski, Steve and Harley Osman, and Ari and Helene Bousbib; Japanese prints from Charles and Robyn Citrin; a painting by the Circle of Pietro da Cortona from Frances Daly Fergusson; and a Circus poster donated by Paul Binder, founder of the Big Apple Circus.

The Ringling also agreed to lend 233 objects to museums, both local and international. Loans went to the Smithsonian, Washington D.C., and Musée du Louvre, Paris, France. In Florida, loans were made to the Governor’s Mansion and the FSU President’s House in Tallahassee, Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, Jacksonville, and the Norton Museum of Art, Palm Beach.

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Membership

Our events continued to engage the community—whether it was Wine Walk supporting the preservation of Ca’ d’Zan, Member previews supporting our exhibitions, community celebrations that we hosted for the opening of the new Center for Asian Art, or family programs. As you know, a new membership program was launched to great success this past season. Thank you for supporting the new Family/ Grandparent level—our fastest growing membership level. In addition, our Circle membership continued to enjoy exclusive access to our staff and visiting experts. This dynamic group of more than 140 couples who share their enthusiasm and passion for the arts continues to grow and engage with the museum in unique ways. Membership is incredibly important to our institution and supports our programming. We have experienced continued growth of 20%—now proudly connecting with more than 9,000 households of members each year at our various events.

What began with leadership gifts provided by Philip and Nancy Kotler and Warren J. and Margot E. Coville to build the Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion has inspired new commitments to strengthen our contemporary glass and performance programming. Charlotte and Charles Perret provided a leadership gift naming the new Charlotte and Charles Perret Family Performance Studio Space in the Glass Pavilion and Willis Smith Construction has provided a gift naming the new Willis A. Smith Construction Ticket Desk.

By the fall of 2017, The Ringling will have more than 9,000 square feet of exhibition space dedicated to the Art of Our Time. In less than 18 months, more than $4.5 million has been provided by generous donors supporting this important programmatic initiative.

Development

Thanks to you, our dedicated supporters, more than $6.8 million was generously gifted to The Ringling in support of top priorities in fiscal year 2016. The Art of Our Time was a key success story for The Ringling this past year. This significant program, sponsored by Gulf Coast Community Foundation, was launched five years ago with curators Dwight Currie and Dr. Matthew McLendon. Under their leadership we have inspired donors to support contemporary fine and performing arts. This culminated in three distinct ways: supporting the acquisition of contemporary art, supporting the new Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion, and supporting the creation of galleries that will now be permanently devoted to modern and contemporary art.

Particularly inspiring was the generous gift provided by Keith D. and Linda L. Monda for a new contemporary art gallery which opens in the fall of 2016. The Keith D. and Linda L. Monda Gallery for Contemporary Art will serve as a dynamic venue featuring the very best in contemporary fine arts, supporting the Museum’s ongoing artist in residency program, and connecting students with the energy of contemporary art. Our Legacy Society and planned giving continue to grow with significant gifts in 2016. In March over 130 members and guests of The John and Mable Ringling Legacy Society were honored at a special annual luncheon held at Ca’ d’Zan. Members who have included The Ringling in their estate plans as well as those who have been supporters for over 15 years were recognized. New inductees included Suzanne Barbee, Barbara Zdziarski, Debra and Steven Short, Barrie Blue, and Susan K. Johnson.

The Ringling’s Corporate Partners continued to support the Museum’s key exhibitions and programs. Without support from Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Northern Trust, PNC Bank, Bank of America, Community Foundation of Sarasota County, US Trust, SunTrust, Saks Fifth Avenue, Publix, Macy’s, and many more listed in this report, we would not be able to bring the best in fine and performing arts to the community.

Guercino

A special thank you to William and Jane Knapp and Daniel J. Denton for their support in providing The Ringling funds to acquire signature works in key areas of The Ringling collection, enabling us to purchase amazing examples of contemporary glass, contemporary photography, and contemporary Asian art.

In addition to these wonderful gifts, we received a major bequest from Debra J. and Steven Short for the preservation of the Ringling Museum of Art. A special thank you to the Feld Family Foundation, Barrie Blue, the estate of Heidi T. Jacobson, Bruce D. Fisher, Leon R. and Margaret M. Ellin and Suzanne Barbee and Vic A. Hotho who each provided leadership support in all areas of The Ringling.

It is simple—without you our donors—The Ringling would not exist. Thank you for your continued commitment and support!