OUR FRIENDS ARE ON THE GO A GLIMPSE BEHIND-THE-SCENES

THE RINGLING HAS FOUR DISTINCT FRIENDS GROUPS THAT ALLOW YOU TO CUSTOMIZE YOUR MEMBER EXPERIENCE! THESE GROUPS HOST EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR AND OFFER OPPORTUNITIES TO ENGAGE WITH ARTISTS, PERFORMERS, CURATORS —ALL IN A BEHIND-THE-SCENES SETTING.

Friends Of Art Of Our Time

Last October, Friends of Art of Our Time had an amazing opportunity to engage with the Ringling International Arts Festival performance that everyone has been talking about! Friends of Art of Our Time were invited to an exclusive behindthe-scenes preview of Bolero Sarasota, the choreographic event which kicked off this year’s Festival during opening night. Members were able to meet with choreographer Larry Keigwin and Curator of Performance, Dwight Currie as they enjoyed a reception and preview of the performance in the final hours of rehearsal before the big night!

Friends Of The Ringling Legacy

Our Friends of the Ringling Legacy enjoyed a discussion and reception with Deborah Walk, Assistant Director of Legacy and Circus, and Barbara Ramsay, Chief Conservator, for an inside look at the history and process of restoration of the fabulous De Vos banners. Part of the Tibbals Circus collection, these restored banners were created by prolific scene designer living in Belgium, Frans De Vos (1880-1936). After the presentation, Friends of the Ringling Legacy enjoyed a reception on the stunning Museum of Art Loggia. The De Vos banners are now on display through March 29th.

Friends Of The Art Library

On November 15, 2014, Friends of the Library enjoyed incredible behind-the-scenes access to the personal library of John Ringling following the Inside the Vault lecture, An Education: The Personal Library of John Ringling. The group discussed how the Ringlings’ book collection influenced their tastes, fueling the creation of the great museum complex we enjoy today, then enjoyed exclusive access to the book collection itself.

Friends Of Asian Art

Last fall, Friends of Asian Art enjoyed the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to engage with one of China’s most intriguing and sensational artists, Li Wei. Known for his performances that often place him in physical danger, Li Wei’s work challenges our perception of reality while providing commentary on contemporary issues in Chinese society. Li Wei’s work is featured in the current exhibition Seeing the Unseen, and his live performance thrilled audiences on November 17. Friends of Asian Art were invited to a reception with the artist Li Wei; the Associate Curator of Asian Art, Fan Zhang; and Coordinator of Cross-Cultural Perspectives Curriculum at Ringling College of Art and Design, Carolyn Bloomer.

DON’T MISS OUT, JOIN NOW!

Members of our Friends Groups enjoy unique opportunities to learn about specific areas in The Ringling’s collections. Annual Dues are $125 per person and you must be a current member of The Ringling to participate. See upcoming programming below or call 941.360.7330 for more information.

Upcoming Programs

FRIENDS OF ART OF OUR TIME

FEB 11 Dr. Matthew McLendon will further explore the exhibition Re:Purposed along with a exhibition guest artist.

APR 14 Dwight Currie and Dr. Matthew McLendon will raise a toast to Art of Our Time as they continue the conversation with a sneak preview of what’s coming up.

Friends Of The Ringling Legacy

JAN 15 Learn first-hand about the reinstallation of the Museum of Art’s original 21 galleries with Dr. Virginia Brilliant.

APR 13 Join Maureen Zaremba and Kevin Greene for tea in Mable Ringling’s Rose Garden. Learn the story of the rose garden and grounds.

JUN 5 Join Ron McCarty as we explore Dwight James Baum, architect of Ca ‘d’Zan, and Baum’s influence on Sarasota’s unique architectural blueprint.

Friends Of The Art Library

FEB 14 Inside the Vault: Fabulous French Fashion. Following the lecture the Friends will have an opportunity to peruse the rare titles and indulge their passion for French fashion (and food!)

MAY 16 Inside the Vault: A Modern Reading. Join Ringling Librarians as we discuss how current publications are the primary medium for perceiving ephemeral contemporary art. Friends will get an opportunity to visit our rare contemporary books.

Friends Of Asian Art

MAR 3 Dr. Benita Stambler and Jennifer Lemmer

Posey explore the connection between The Ringling’s collections of circus posters and Asian colonial photographs and how they reflect the perception of Asia in America.

MAY 2

Friends will have the opportunity to view our Asian art pieces during a tour of the conservation lab followed by a reception in the Director’s suite.

Note: Dates and times are subject to change.