CIRCLE LEVEL MEMBERSHIP

What do you remember about one of your first visits to the Estates?

My first visit was with my husband in 1978 when we came to Sarasota on vacation as well as to check out Sarasota as a place to retire. We traveled often and visited museums and other cultural institutions everywhere we went. A big part of our decision to retire in Sarasota was the Ringling Museum. As soon as we moved here in 1982 we became members and watched as the museum expanded into the gem that it is now. We were spellbound with the Rubens Gallery, as well as the Rose Garden, Art Museum, and the Ca’ d’Zan. My husband passed away in 1994 but the museum was such a part of our lives that I continue to support it each year. So I have been a member for 31 years!

What does The Ringling mean to you? The Museum brings me great joy and peace. I believe that people always have problems and the art, music, and opportunities here can help them find solace. As a retired psychiatrist, I believe it is important for everyone to be exposed to great art to find relief from their troubles. Art is a necessity to keep a good “mental license” for life and provides informal continuing education. The Ringling is a remarkable place to find this! Sometimes people need to be guided to understand the art and the Ringling does a fantastic job with the docent tours. It has enhanced my life in so many ways. There are so many offerings here, a wide spectrum of events, art, musical and theatrical programs. It is a place where “people help people” and find friendships. I certainly have. Plus my children and grandchildren love visiting when they are in town; I don’t let them leave without seeing the latest exhibition! When I leave the Museum, I always feel that I have gained something for having visited.

Do you have a memorable experience of an event you would like to share? Yes, many, but one comes to mind. I was visiting the museum with my daughter, Sandra, who lives in the northwest US. We had a wonderful docent tour. Sandra is a professional sculpture artist and she and the docent were chatting about Sandra’s art work. The docent was so interested and she found Sandra’s website after the visit. The docent called Sandra to say how much she enjoyed her art work and thanked Sandra for “sharing.” It was very special for both of us. It showed that Ringling is about “people” who care and plus are very involved in the art community.

What experience do you share with others that may help them become part of The Ringling family?

Recently I wanted to attend the Member preview for Herb Ritts: L.A. Style. I was very concerned and a bit anxious about getting to the exhibition without a hitch, as I have scoliosis and it makes it very hard to walk far. I contacted the membership department and they suggested that I may want to get here early so I would have plenty of time to park and that I may want to use a portable wheelchair rather than rely just on my crutches. Museum staff brought me a wheelchair, and my friend helped me park and get to the Searing Wing for the preview with plenty of time. The staff bent over backwards to make my visit comfortable and enjoyable. Everyone — staff — volunteers, and other members were so kind to me. I was able to thoroughly enjoy myself and the Preview thanks to everyone’s help!

Support from members of The Ringling allow us to fulfill our mission. Members at the Circle Levels are offered special opportunities to join other likeminded art enthusiasts, curators, Board members, and staff as we explore the collection on a more intimate level. As a Circle Level Member, you will receive invitations that include exclusive exhibition preview dinners, which combine fine dining with rare opportunities to interact with featured artists-private tours with the curators, the State of The Ringling address by the Director and Board chair, and so much more. For more information contact Sharon Freddes at 941-359-5821 sharon.freddes@ringling.fsu.edu

“We believe that The Ringling and all of its venues are gems of the community. We moved to this area seven years ago because of the culture; we want to do our part to see that it continues to thrive.”

Member Recognition

Stephen Leonard Johnston Adam Trust

Martha J. Allen

Miranda & Robert Anderson

Mr. & Mrs. Martin Arch

Mrs. Ruth D. Bernat

Mrs. Mary T. Bessemer*

Mr. & Mrs. Robert G. Blalock

Dr. Susan M. Brainerd & Mr. Alan R. Quinby

Mrs. Eleene L. Cohen*

Mr. Thomas E. Coundit

Mrs. Herta K. Cuneo

Mr. John F. Cuneo Jr.

Linnie E. Dalbeck Memorial Foundation

Mr. W. H. Chris Darlington & Ms. Eleanor L. Merritt-Darlington

Joanne Dowell Trust

Mr. & Mrs. David M. Essenfeld

Arnold* & Priscilla Greenfield

Nancy A. Gross

Terry & Andrea Honroth

Huisking Family

Ms. Christine L. Jennings

Mr. Gunther L. Less*

Mrs. Virginia F. Linscott*

Mrs. Winona H. Lowe*

Mr. Thomas B. MacCabe, Jr.

Mr. John W. Markham, III

Estate of Joseph A. McGarrity

Ms. Joan McKniff, in honor of Mr. Ridha Bouaziz

Scott Merrifield Nutter & Charles George Hattendorf

Wilmer I. Pearson

Virginia W. Powell Trust

Nancy & Peter Reinheimer

John & Mable Ringling*

James & Sharon Roth

Mr. T. Marshall Rousseau

Tana & John* Sandefur

Ulla R. Searing & Arthur F. Searing*

Dr. David E. Seil

Mrs. Louise B. Sulzberger*

Ms. Margery B. Tate

Howard & Janice Tibbals

Mike & Karen Urette

Dr. Helga M. Wall-Apelt

Cliff & Susie Walters

Robert* & Kate Wickham

*deceased