THE INCOMPARABLE BOB JOHNSON 1934 –

2015

Tireless advocate for the state of Florida. Champion of the arts, education, and the environment. Great family man and friend. Skilled mentor and connector. Generous with his time, expertise, and resources. These are just some of the ways Bob Johnson has been warmly remembered since his passing in late August 2015. As an attorney and distinguished member of the Florida State House of Representatives and Senate, Johnson toiled every day on behalf of causes that he felt would make a difference, including The Ringling.

“Bob Johnson was an irreplaceable friend to, and ambassador for, The Ringling over the years,” said Steven High, Executive Director. “He was instrumental in brokering the partnership with Florida State University in 2000 and introducing new board members who have also had a tremendous impact on the future of The Ringling. His leadership and vision will be greatly missed, but I know his guiding presence will be with us for generations.”

“With its rich history and architectural significance, Bob knew instinctively that The Ringling was a vital treasure that must be supported, celebrated, and leveraged as a driver for the continued growth of this county and region,” said Sam Skogstad, Bob’s friend for over 50 years and a long-term supporter of The Ringling. Paul Hudson, Vice Chair, Board of Directors, The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art Foundation, added “As a key member of the Board of Directors for many years, Bob put his blood, sweat, and tears into The Ringling, spearheading fundraising and efforts to attract supporters to deliver needed funding for strategic Ringling programs and facilities.”

It was only natural that when the time came, The Ringling would recognize Johnson’s outstanding contributions by honoring him through the naming of the Johnson-Blalock Education Center, a premier state-of-the-art facility that houses The Ringling’s collections storage, research library, conservation lab, and administration.

“While his achievements were many, I know the members of the Sarasota/Bradenton and FSU communities will perhaps miss most of all Bob Johnson’s friendship and wisdom” said FSU President John Thrasher. “I think those of us fortunate to have known him would agree that he represented the very best kind of public servant—caring, selfless, and devoted to efforts he knew would make life richer, fuller, and better for the rest of us.”

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.

PREVIEW OF THE CENTER FOR ASIAN ART IN THE DR. HELGA WALL-APELT GALLERY OF ASIAN ART

FEB 17, 5:00 – 10:00 PM

BOARD OF DIRECTORS & CIRCLE PREVIEW RECEPTION AND DINNER

Guests will be the first to tour the exhibitions featured in the new Center and will experience an evening of entertainment and fine dining in the new Center and surrounding galleries.

FEB 18, 3:00 – 7:00 PM

MEMBERS PREVIEW AND RECEPTION

Members will be treated to an exclusive preview of the new Center and a special viewing of Samurai: The Way of the Warrior and Ink, Silk and Gold: Islamic Art from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

STATE OF THE RINGLING WITH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR STEVEN HIGH

MAR 1, 9:00 – 10:30 AM

Join fellow Ringling supporters for breakfast and a presentation on The Ringling. Gain an insider’s perspective on key initiatives taking place this year and our plans for the future.

MEMBER EVENTS

JAN 28, 4:00 – 6:00 PM

CIRCLE EVENT / BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE RINGLING ART LIBRARY

Have you ever wondered what role The Ringling Art Library plays at the Museum? Join us for a behind-the-scenes presentation and reception with Library and Education staff as we explore the Museum and public programs that are created through the cooperation of these two vital departments within The Ringling.

MAR 11, 5:00 – 7:00 PM

CIRCLE EVENT / CIRCLE RECOGNITION

Join Executive Director Steven High and Ringling staff as we thank you for your philanthropic support over the past year. Following the cocktail reception, we would like to invite you to attend a New Stages performance of I Understand Everything Better by choreographer/performer David Neumann, 7:30 PM.

MAR 14, 4:00 – 5:00 PM

MABLE RINGLING'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Supporting and Partner members are invited to join us for tea in the Rose Garden to celebrate Mable Ringling's 140th birthday.

APR 13, 4:00 – 6:00 PM

CIRCLE EVENT / BEHIND THE SCENES WITH THE CIRCUS

Join Deborah Walk, Tibbals Curator of the Circus Museum, and Jennifer Lemmer Posey, Assistant Curator of the Circus Museum, for a special look at the circus collection with highlights for the upcoming year. Presentation and reception in the Tibbals Learning Center.

Friends Events

JAN 7, 5:00 – 7:00 PM

FRIENDS OF ART OF OUR TIME

Enjoy conversation with the architects of the Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion, for which The Ringling will break ground in the spring of 2016. A reception will follow.

JAN 14, 4:00 – 6:00 PM

FRIENDS OF ASIAN ART

Exclusive exhibition preview of Samurai: The Way of the Warrior and reception presented by Christopher Jones, The Ringling’s Assistant Curator of Exhibitions.

JAN 22, 3:00 – 4:30 PM

FRIENDS OF THE RINGLING ART LIBRARY

Special guest speaker, James Tapley, Book Conservator, will give an informal talk on the care and restoration of rare books. Private reception will follow.

FEB 10, 2:00 – 3:30 PM

FRIENDS OF THE RINGLING LEGACY

Working with the Sarasota Garden Club, The Ringling recently renovated Mable Ringling’s Secret Garden. Learn the reasons why this revitalization was undertaken, the processes involved, and the new educational opportunities that are now available. Hosted by Kevin Greene, Landscape Superintendent.

FEB 11, NOON – 1:00 PM

FRIENDS OF THE RINGLING ART LIBRARY

Join Dr. Daphne Rosenzweig, Professor of Art History at Ringling College of Art and Design, for a Friends luncheon in the Sandefur private dining room in Muse at The Ringling following the Conversations public lecture at 10:30 AM.

MAR 2, 5:00 – 7:00 PM

FRIENDS OF THE RINGLING LEGACY

Join Deborah Walk, Tibbals Curator of the Circus Museum, and Kelly Zacovic, Tibbals Collection Specialist, for a preview of the new poster exhibition from the Tibbals International Collection. Learn how these rich materials aid The Ringling in showcasing the history of the circus as a global phenomenon.

MAR 3, 9:30 – 11:00 AM

FRIENDS OF ART OF OUR TIME

Join Dwight Currie, Curator of Performance, and Dr. Matthew McLendon, Curator, Modern and Contemporary Art, as they discuss how The Ringling is adding to the national contemporary conversation by commissioning and acquiring works and collecting from premier artists.

MAR 22, 10:00 – 11:30 AM

FRIENDS OF THE RINGLING LEGACY

Join Dr. Virginia Brilliant, Curator of Collections, for an in-depth look at two of her favorite Old Master paintings in the Museum of Art’s storage vault. Hear about her recent research and new discoveries about these magnificent works of art.