A NEW STUDIO ART GLASS PAVILION

John Ringling’s gift to the state of Florida transformed the cultural landscape and the city of Sarasota. His passion for collecting and vision to serve the widest possible audience by creating this awe-inspiring facility to display masterpieces for the public to enjoy has served as an example for many to follow. We are grateful to John and Mable Ringling for their vision—and for the donors who have followed in their footsteps to transform the Museum into a center for the study and appreciation of the visual and performing arts.

Philip and Nancy Kotler and Warren and Margot Coville have chosen to continue the tradition set by the Museum’s founder with a generous act of philanthropy. Together, through the power of giving, they have transformed The Ringling in its collections and in the experience artists and visitors will enjoy for decades to come.

The Kotlers and the Covilles have partnered to provide the lead financial support for a major 5,500 square foot expansion to the John M. McKay Visitor Pavilion, creating The Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion. With an anticipated opening in the fall of 2017, The Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion will provide a permanent presence for studio art glass at The Ringling in a prominent location that nearly all Museum guests will pass through during their visit. The pavilion will also serve as a new formal entrance to the Historic Asolo Theater and provide improvements to the artist facilities, greatly enhancing the Museum’s growing performance programming.

“HAVING THE GLASS PAVILION AS A PLACE TO DISPLAY OUR COLLECTION OF STUDIO ART GLASS IS A DREAM COME TRUE BECAUSE WE WANTED TO SHARE THIS MAGNIFICENT ART FORM WITH AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE.” – Philip and Nancy Kotler

In addition to their remarkable financial support, both the Kotlers and the Covilles have gifted their prestigious collections of studio art glass to The Ringling. Soon, when visitors enter the Museum, they will be greeted with floor-to-ceiling displays of studio art glass in a facility designed specifically to showcase this unique medium. Objects will rotate on a regular basis, encouraging visitors to come again and again to engage with European and American masters in the studio art glass movement.

“It is remarkable that two philanthropic families can join together to create something so exciting, all with the hopes of expanding arts opportunities for Sarasota and the state of Florida,” Executive Director Steven High said.

This noteworthy act of philanthropy was inspired by the donors’ mutual appreciation for studio art glass and the performing arts. The Ringling’s commitment to both theater and studio art glass aligned perfectly as each family determined the best home for their collection. The Kotlers and Covilles have a deep commitment to Sarasota and the arts community. They began speaking together with Museum staff about the impact a facility like this would have— not only on raising public awareness of studio art glass but also by enhancing the experience all visitors have when they come to The Ringling and the Historic Asolo Theater.

Visionary philanthropy created The Ringling in the 1930s, forever changing the face of Sarasota. The Kotlers and Covilles have generously continued this tradition enabling The Ringling to engage generations to come with the best in visual and performing arts. For that, we are grateful and look forward to 2017 and the opening of The Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion.

Kotler-Coville

Philip Kotler, Nancy Kotler, Margot Coville, Warren Coville.

Livio Seguso, Italian, born 1930, Scultura #2, 1991.

Gift of Philip and Nancy Kotler, 2012

Pavel Hlava, Czechoslovakian, Form #23 (Brown Vessel), 1981, Glass, 22 × 58 × 8 cm

On loan from Warren and Margot Coville, 2013

Nicolas Africano, American, born 1948, Untitled (Seated Figure), 2002.

Gift of Philip and Nancy Kotler, 2012

“WHEN I HEARD THAT THE KOTLERS WERE GOING TO INITIATE A PROCESS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A GLASS PAVILION, AND THAT IT WAS MARGOT’S INTENT TO GIFT HER COLLECTION TO THE RINGLING, IT WAS JUST A ‘NO BRAINER’ THAT WE WOULD JOIN WITH THEM.” – Warren Coville

WHAT DO OUR MEMBERS WANT TO KNOW?

How do “Member for a Day” passes work?

▪ Each Membership household receives a number of passes that can be used during a 12-month period. It is a great way to introduce your guests to The Ringling.

▪ Members may purchase additional “Member for a Day” passes at the discounted price of $15 each.

▪ Passes are valuable as they give your guests full member benefits on the day of their visit. Benefits include a 10% discount in the Museum stores, Treviso, Banyan Cafe, and the Coffee Shop. In addition, a complimentary docent-led tour of the first and second floors of Ca’ d’Zan is available.

▪ “Member for a Day” passes can be used by your guest without you being present.

Is the Private Places tour of the Ca’ d’Zan mansion free or half-price to Members?

▪ This exclusive 45-minute tour explores the private areas of the mansion including the third floor game room and Belvedere Tower, weather permitting. Tickets are regularly $20 but members pay only $10. At the Reciprocal level of membership and above, you get a specified number of complimentary tours in your membership year. Private Places tours can be booked at the time of your visit but it is recommended that you pre-book through Advance ticketing as only 7 people can be on a tour at a time.

What is the VIP Lounge at the Members Exhibition Preview Events?

▪ The VIP Lounge is a designated area for distinguished Members at the Supporting, Partner, and Circle Member levels. It is an area in which distinguished Members can mingle with the curators and visiting artists and enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and more generous seating. There are four Member Preview events during the calendar year. Information regarding these events is in your Members Magazine, our Member-only monthly e-newsletters, and flyers.

Where do my membership dues go?

▪ Your membership is extremely important for the Museum as it helps to support our exhibitions, programming, and the conservation and preservation of the Museum’s collections. Your membership donations allow the Museum to have the varied and vast number of programs and exhibitions presented on a year-round basis.

What can a family with young children do at the Museum?

▪ There is a myriad of fantastic ways to engage your children and grandchildren with the art and artifacts we have at The Ringling! Whether spending a Saturday afternoon making an art project, enjoying storytime in the Library, or walking the tightrope in the Tibbals Learning Center, The Ringling is a place for fun and learning for all ages. Our grounds, too, offer fun options for young visitors— try to spot a dolphin in the bay, take a picnic into the Dwarf Garden, or get the wiggles out at the Bolger Playspace. Learn more about our programs by visiting the “Family Friendly” section of our website—or call us in the Membership department, 941.360.7330. For more information, call Youth and Family Programs, 941.359.5700 x3707.

SAVE THE DATES!

MAY 2

FRIENDS OF ASIAN ART RECEPTION

MAY 7

COFFEE AND CONVERSATION WITH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, STEVEN HIGH

MAY 16

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY RECEPTION

JUN 4

FRIENDS OF THE RINGLING LEGACY

AUG 13

MEMBERS PREVIEW: FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY PAINTING FACULTY

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 941.360.7330