UP CLOSE RINGLING MEMBER

Phyllis Werber

City of Residence: Sarasota

Membership Level: Contributor

Joined: 2005

Producer

Bon Eau Foundation, Juno & Jove, Inc.,

Probo Productions LLC

Frank E. Duckwall Foundation

Huisking Foundation, Inc.

Q1. Tell us about how your unique background and why the Ringling is a passion of yours? My background is quite different—being born and raised in Taipei. I didn’t come to the U.S. until I was a young adult. I was very fortunate to have grown up in a family that was both supportive of and involved in the arts and culture. Thus, it was just natural to transfer that enjoyment and interest to organizations here. The Gardens of the Ringling are so beautiful, the wonderful art collections at the Museum and, the fabulous food at Treviso are just too good to miss. Spending time at and enjoying the Ringling just seemed to be a natural fit.

Associate

Blalock, Walters, Held & Johnson, P.A.

Florida Lottery

Gulf Coast Community Foundation

Herald-Tribune Media Group

Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg, P.A.

Macy’s

MGA Insurance

SunTrust Bank

Amy C. Walker

Willis A. Smith Construction, Inc.

Generous support from sponsors ensures the Museum continues to provide exceptional exhibitions, programming and performances throughout the year. Contact Stacey Corley at 941.359.5700, ext.15806 to learn how you or your company can become a sponsor for any one of the amazing events, exhibitions, education programs or performances happening at the Ringling Museum!

Q2. Why do you feel it is important to support the Ringling Museum and arts in our community? There are many places where people can reside to enjoy sun, fun and a temperate climate. However, not that many offer theater, arts, and culture like Sarasota; and Ringling Museum is the representative of Sarasota. I feel that is a tremendous asset to our community. It made for a great lifestyle choice. Supporting Ringling Museum is supporting Sarasota!

Q3. You attended the inaugural Ringling in Bloom. Please share your experiences and most memorable memories. I was so fascinated by the creativity of all the floral designers at the Ringling in Bloom. Every floral design was so carefully thought out to capture the meaning and the lives of the paintings. The patrons were all dressed in creative high fashion, strolling in and out of the galleries and sharing their thoughts of the event at the elegantly decorated balcony with the delicious Hors d’oeuvres and cocktails in hands. The Ringling in Bloom experience opened, inspired and delighted all my senses. It enriched my life tremendously! I am so looking forward to the upcoming Ringling in Bloom!!!

Q4. What are some of your other favorite Ringling experiences in the two years? I really enjoyed the Thursday evening music and dancing at the Ca’ d’Zan. What a fabulous setting. A waterfront sunset view, great local bands and many friends. Great fun! Ringling is one of the places I always introduce to out of town guests. Most are surprised at its size and the quality of content. We are so lucky!

Q5. What are you most looking forward to experiencing in 2012 at the Ringling Museum? A new year always brings a fresh outlook. I am looking forward to seeing this year’s special exhibitions!