REMEMBERING Martin A. Arch

1932 – 2015

Marty Arch was known for displaying his wonderful smile wherever he went.

After a successful career creating his own promotional products company in his hometown of Harrisburg, PA, Marty had a lot to be happy about. And his smile accompanied him to his second career—as a volunteer at Temple Emanu-El, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, Banyan Theater Company, Asolo Repertory Theatre, and The Ringling.

Family might have lured Marty and his wife Barbara to Sarasota in 1994, but it was their experiences volunteering that made it home.

Marty loved driving the tram—it was one of his joys. He was one of the original tram driver volunteers for the Museum at a time when it hardly resembled The Ringling of today. Marty started volunteering just as The Ringling was about to experience a great renaissance supported by his leadership and vision.

“Marty Arch made The Ringling a better place,” Steven High, Executive Director, The Ringling said. “He left behind a legacy of service that will continue to enrich the experience of visitors in the years to come. He will be remembered and missed.”

Over the next 20 years, Marty took on several roles at The Ringling, including work in the Circus Museum and the Art Library. But he never stopped loving his work as a tram driver and getting to know people as he drove them around The Ringling. What started out as a way to fill time after retirement quickly became something far more important. Marty became fascinated with the history of John and Mable Ringling, which led to him becoming somewhat of an expert on their lives and legacy. The relationships that Marty and Barbara formed at The Ringling became an important part of their social life in Sarasota. Their good friend Tana Sandefur encouraged Marty to join the Board of Directors. Marty was very proud and honored to be elected to the Board of Directors in 2012.

Upon joining the Board, he led the effort to recognize past Board members by providing them with a rose when they returned to events at The Ringling. The roses were a way to remember their service and recognize that they, like Marty, would always be a part of The Ringling family.

“Marty provided the Board his unique business acumen, as well as keen insight gained from his significant volunteer positions. He was a very involved contributor, and serving with him was always enjoyable and rewarding” said Mike Urette, Chair, Board of Directors, The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art Foundation. “We will miss working with him, and will never forget his passion for The Ringling.”

Marty and Barbara loved many things about The Ringling, but one interest they shared was preserving the history of the circus, both having been fans of the circus since childhood. So it was fitting that while on the Board, Marty vigorously supported plans to upgrade the original Circus Museum building.

Barbara’s commitment to The Ringling continues as a volunteer in the McKay Visitors Pavilion, and when Marty’s friends and family visit, she can direct them to the Rose Garden to remember him—and to smile.

A Season For Our Members

Make your plans to experience these Member-exclusive events that highlight The Ringling’s special exhibitions, dynamic performances, and stimulating programs.

Circle Events

OCTOBER 7

CIRCLE EXHIBITION PREVIEW AND DINNER

Royal Taste: The Art of Princely Courts in Fifteenth-century China

Dr. Fan Zhang, The Ringling’s Dr. Helga Wall-Apelt Associate Curator of Asian Art, joins Circle members for a reception and exhibition preview of these exceptional works of pictorial, sculptural, and decorative art on view for the first time in the US. Dinner on the Gatehouse Patio will immediately follow the tour.

NOVEMBER 4

CIRCLE EXHIBITION PREVIEW AND DINNER

Paul Rudolph: The Guest Houses and Walker Guest House Replica

Join Sarasota Architectural Foundation leaders in viewing the replica of the 1952 Walker Guest House, designed by Paul Rudolph, that presents one of the hallmarks of the “Sarasota School” of modernism. In addition, Dr. Matthew McLendon, The Ringling’s Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, will conduct a tour of Paul Rudolph: The Guest Houses, a small focus exhibition on the guest houses that Rudolph designed and built in Sarasota. Dinner will follow the tour.

Member Events

OCTOBER 8

MEMBER PREVIEW

Royal Taste: The Art of Princely Courts in Fifteenth-century China

Meet The Ringling’s Dr. Helga Wall-Apelt Associate Curator of Asian Art, Dr. Fan Zhang, who will provide an overview of this exceptional exhibition of works of pictorial, sculptural, and decorative art on view for the first time in the US.

November 20

Coffee And Conversation With Executive Director Steven High

Join us for an update on the latest happenings at The Ringling, with a special preview of the programs surrounding the Center for Asian Art in the Dr. Helga Wall-Apelt Gallery of Asian Art, opening in February 2016.

Friends Events

OCTOBER 24

FRIENDS OF ASIAN ART

Enjoy a ViewPoint lecture in conjunction with the exhibition

Royal Taste: The Art of Princely Courts in Fifteenth-century China by David M. Robinson, The Robert H.N. Ho Professor of Asian Studies and History, Colgate University. Following the lecture and lunch, a tour of the exhibition will be conducted by Dr. Fan Zhang, the Dr. Helga Wall-Apelt Associate Curator of Asian Art.

OCTOBER 29

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY

Join Elisa Hansen, Head of Library Services, in viewing rarelyseen garden books from the Art Library’s special collection during an exclusive Friends reception.

NOVEMBER 3

FRIENDS OF ART OF OUR TIME

“Meet the Artist” Alex Ketley, Artistic Director, The Foundry, will share tales of his travels as he conducted research for his premier performance Deep South, an exploration of dance in the rural southeastern US.

NOVEMBER 12

FRIENDS OF THE RINGLING LEGACY

Travel back in time with Ron McCarty, Keeper of Ca’ d’Zan, who will share the stories behind the art of Willy Pogany and the work of Robert Webb, principal decorative painter of Ca’ d’Zan.

For more information, visit ringling.org