ANNIE SOLOMON

Dr. Matthew McLendon, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art

In 1946, Annie Solomon settled in Sarasota with her husband, artist Syd Solomon. At the suggestion of Alfred Barr, Solomon’s work was the first by a contemporary artist to be exhibited and collected by the Ringling Museum. Other artists followed, and the Sarasota Artist Colony was born. As the first member of the new Friends of Art of Our Time group, Annie sat down with curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, Dr. Matthew McLendon, to discuss why she is a member and why contemporary art is vital to the Museum and the community.

Matthew McLendon: Why are you a member of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art?

Annie Solomon: My life here is because of The Ringling Museum of Art, my husband had two one-man shows there; it’s part of my heart to be at The Ringling Museum.

MM: What is your favorite benefit of membership?

AS: Well, looking at paintings, of course. Members get in free to the Museum and can go whenever they like. The grounds have changed a lot since we first came here, too. I remember Syd taking pictures of Fletcher Martin [an American painter] riding that bull. Of course, you really shouldn’t do that.

MM: No, you really shouldn’t, but in those days I bet Syd could get away with it.

AS: I love spending time on the grounds now and seeing families enjoying the estate.

MM: Have you seen the new David F. Bolger Playspace? There are so many children enjoying it; it was an instant success.

AS: No, I haven’t seen that yet, but I will get down there are soon as I can. It sounds great! Oh, and I love the Turrell Skyspace! I’ve seen it six times and always bring outof-town guests to see it. I’ve seen it in every atmospheric condition, once with the moon, once with the rain, once in the cold, I just love it. It’s different every time.

MM: One of my greatest joys at The Ringling has been seeing Joseph’s Coat embraced by our community. I love that it has its own fan base of repeat visitors. Now, Annie, I bet you enjoy the members’ openings, too.

AS: Oh yes I do (said with a twinkle in the eye)! I love seeing my friends and so many new faces now. There really are a lot of new people becoming members and supporting the Museum. It’s so important.

MM: If you were encouraging someone to be a member of The Ringling, what would you say to them?

AS: Well, it’s necessary for the Museum to have people looking at paintings of course, and they’ll learn so much there. They can learn about the history of art, our important circus history, they can enjoy the Historic Asolo Theater, there is so much to enjoy and be gained by being a member. In fact, I’m encouraging some people right now to join!

MM: Annie, you are not only a long-time member of The Ringling, you are the first member of the new Friends of Art of Our Time group. Why is contemporary art important to you and to the Museum?

AS: I think it’s very important because it is what we are living. We have all this technology in our lives now, we need something beautiful to look at. We need to be reminded about the best in humanity, you’re certainly not going to get that in the news.

MM: I couldn’t agree more, Annie. Now, in the 68 years you’ve been in Sarasota and have been visiting The Ringling, what was your favorite exhibition?

AS: Well, I suppose I should say my husband’s [laughs]. Those were great, but I also remember walking around The Art of Food with the first Director, Chick Austin. That was really special.

MM: Thank you, Annie!

AS: My pleasure, this was fun.