COLLEGE CONNECTIONS

Thursdays, February 2, March 1, April 5

7:00–10:00 pm

Museum of Art Courtyard

Included with Art after 5 admission

Ringling Underground is a new series of events aimed at the college and young professional crowd. Held in the Museum Courtyard on the first Thursdays of February, March and April, these events will combine live music, art and pop culture in a blockparty atmosphere.

Ringling Underground Ringling Partner Program

Drawing with a Master

Thursday, April 5, 6:00–8:00 pm

Museum of Art, Searing Wing

Included with Art after 5 admission

Peter Paul Rubens was a gifted draftsman, as well as a painter. Be inspired by the work of this amazing artist, and draw in the galleries surrounded by his prints and paintings. A helpful hand will be provided by students and faculty from Ringling College of Art and Design. Bring your own graphite, pencils and drawing pads (11x17 and under). Stools provided.

College Student Art Event

Friday, April 13, 9:00 pm–Midnight

Museum of Art Courtyard

Free for students from FSU, NCF, RCAD, SCF and USF

Join us for this live art event organized by local college students, featuring the talents of student artists and musicians.

Dr. David Berry Assistant Director, Academic Affairs

“I hope this museum... will promote education and art appreciation, especially among our young people.” —John

Ringling, 1931

Since governance of the Museum was assumed by Florida State University in 2000, the Ringling has developed into the largest college arts complex in the United States. To make the most of this remarkable facility, the University recently decided to create a new department of Academic Affairs at the Museum. The aim of this department is to provide greater opportunities for the students and faculty of FSU and of other universities here in Sarasota.

The Ringling held a College Night in September to reconnect area college students to the Museum. More than 170 students, representing some 40 different majors, attended from nine local colleges. This clearly illustrates the Museum’s potential to serve as common ground, where students from all the colleges in the area can meet socially, as well as academically.

In October, students from New College and Ringling College assisted Swiss artist Zimoun with the installation of the exhibition Sculpting Sound. Towards the end of the installation process, Zimoun gave a talk with curator Matthew McLendon that was attended by more than 80 students and faculty from both institutions. Everyone involved with this project has commented on how rewarding it was for them, and the staff has expressed interest in continuing to work with students on similar projects in the future.

Zimoun’s exhibition was the inspiration for a performance by students from the FSU School of Dance, held as part of the Ringling International Arts Festival. During their stay in Sarasota, the students were exposed to the work of other dancers and choreographers involved with the festival, which greatly enriched their experience.

In November, the Museum hosted a performance of Hamlet Redux, presented by students from the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training. This is part of the Asolo Rep’s New Stages Tour, which introduces theater to new audiences throughout the state.

Moving forward, the Museum is keen to create opportunities for students to develop and implement programs of their own design, which share their energy and enthusiasm with the wider public. It is also interested in providing more practical, hands-on experiences for students that will help them in their future careers. This will involve a strengthening of the Ringling’s summer internship program, which draws students from across the country, as well as an expansion of internship opportunities throughout the academic year.

Our effort to reach out to students is part of a process of re-engagement with the local community, intended to expand the value of the Museum to students, and make clearer the value of students to the Museum. After all, it is they who will determine the fate of the institution, as the members and patrons of the future.