The Ringling Magazine | October – December 2017

Designer Concept for ETHEL’s Circus—Wandering City, a work commissioned by The Ringling and part of The Ringling’s 2017-2018 New Stages series of Global Music

While many view summer as a time to slow down in Florida, we at The Ringling are always moving forward. The last several months have brought many new faces to our halls. I am pleased to welcome six new board members, who bring a diversity of knowledge and experience to our institution. Additionally, the museum’s senior staff has expanded with the addition of John Frazee in Communications and Marketing and Marian Carpenter in collections. Sarah Cartwright, who has been with us since 2013, was recently promoted to Ulla R. Searing Curator of Collections, and Rhiannon Paget joined the curatorial team in August as Curator of Asian Art. I’m looking forward to seeing the exciting work our new curators will bring to our strong curatorial team. Laura Cook, formerly in our HR department, has moved to a new role leading our growing Membership program. All of our new staff will bring insights and dedication that will be invaluable to the museum.

Along with new talent, we have also brought in new artwork. Our curatorial staff is continually looking to grow the collection through accessioning new and important pieces. This issue presents recent additions in our Asian, contemporary, and Old Master galleries.

While expanding what The Ringling offers on site, we have been concurrently growing our presence at both a local and national level. For two weeks this summer, Deborah Walk and Jennifer Lemmer Posey travelled to Washington DC for the Smithsonian’s Folk Life Festival. For its 50th anniversary, the festival focused on the Circus Arts and naturally turned to The Ringling for our expertise and guidance. In “The Ringling Goes to Washington,” you can read about this historic event and the enthusiasm it created for the future of the circus.

Part of this future will be on display in January, when ETHEL takes the stage to perform Circus—Wandering City. Commissioned by The Ringling, and having its premiere in the Historic Asolo Theater, the innovative production combines projections of stunning images, films and interviews from The Ringling’s archives, the words of circus performers past and present, and original music composed and performed live by ETHEL.

As 2018 approaches there are many exciting and ambitious projects planned. I look forward to sharing these with you and seeing the passion of our staff, volunteers, members, and supporters make them possible.

5401 Bay Shore Road Sarasota, FL 34243 941.359.5700

ringling.org

Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums

GOVERNOR

The Honorable Rick Scott

FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY

John E. Thrasher President

Dr. Sally E. McRorie Provost

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Steven High

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Paul G. Hudson, Chair

Nancy J. Parrish, Vice Chair

Frances D. Fergusson, Treasurer

Daniel J. Denton, Secretary

Ellen S. Berman

Madeleine H. Berman

Thomas J. Charters

Herta K. Cuneo

Rebecca Donelson

Kenneth J. Feld

Darrel E. Flanel

Jeffrey R. Hotchkiss

Robert D. Hunter

Thomas F. Icard, Jr.

Dorothy C. Jenkins

Thomas W. Jennings, Jr.

James A. Joseph

Nancy Kotler

Patricia R. Lombard

Thomas B. Luzier

Lisa A. Merritt

Tina Shao Napoli

Sarah H. Pappas

Michael R. Pender

Margaret A. Rolando

Ina L. Schnell

Judith F. Shank

Javi Suarez

Edward M. Swan, Jr.

Howard C. Tibbals

Larry A. Wickless

EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBERS

David L. Emison, Chair, Volunteer Services Advisory Council

Wilmer Pearson, Chair, Docent Advisory Council

Steven High Executive Director

ISSN 2165-4085

This publication is a partnership with Sarasota Magazine

The Ringling's 2017-2018 programming season is supported in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenues.

Japanese, late 17th-early 18th Century, One of a Pair of Screens depicting the Tale of Gengi Monogatari (detail). Ink, color, gold-leaf on paper mounted on silk brocade.

ENGAGING with Aftermath:

The Fallout of War— America and the Middle East

Organized by the Harn Museum at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Aftermath: The Fallout of War—America and the Middle East is a powerful exhibition that addresses one of the key conflicts of our era—the ongoing war in the Middle East. The work of twelve artists and photo-journalists offers us a closer look at the conflict through images and videos that capture the violence, loss, history, and the lasting “aftermath” of this war. Though the exhibition focuses on the current conflict, the themes and ideas represented by these works are endemic to all wars. The programming for Aftermath will provide different avenues to the difficult conversations that confront us in these works of art. Through the vehicle of these programs, we hope to come to a better understanding of our shared humanity.

INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS

In December of 1948, led by the efforts of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which covers a broad range of political, civil, social, cultural, and economic rights. These rights have served to help protect civilians in time of war or dictatorship, to help bring POWs home, and to ensure that people everywhere are allowed to live in liberty and safety. In 1950, the international community declared December 10 as International Human Rights Day, and the entire month of December was designated as International Human Rights Month.

INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

The Ringling invites you to make a difference, and recognize International Human Rights Day, by participating in these programs inspired by and organized around Aftermath

CONVERSATION ABOUT AFTERMATH A GLIMPSE INTO THE CHANGING WORLD OF HUMAN RIGHTS

SAT,

DEC 9, 10:30 AM, CHAO LECTURE HALL

The stunning images of Aftermath are a case study of how the still evolving human rights revolution has fundamentally changed how we see our world—and how we assume responsibility for it. The international human rights movement has brought with it entirely new sensibilities: women’s rights, refugee rights, and rights to a healthy environment. Once seen as a narrow concern of lawyers, the modern human rights movement has swelled to a multi-cultural and multidisciplinary global force. Dr. Terry Coonan, Director of the FSU Center for the Advancement of Human Rights.

CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION: THE AFTERMATH OF TRAUMA

SAT, DEC 9, 1:30 PM, CHAO LECTURE HALL

The voices of individuals, refugees, veterens, and those who work to support them in our community, are brought together in this panel discussion moderated by Dr. Coonan. Panelists will include staff from the Wounded Warrior project and Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Children Services Refugee program as well as veterans and refugees.

THE ARTIST AS ACTIVIST

The photographs in Aftermath clearly address the pain, loss, and grief endured by soldiers and citizens. These images illustrate the historical and universal suffering created by conflict—they “speak” to us in a way that requires no words or translation. Although we admire works of art for their aesthetic qualities and the pleasure they bring us, the visual arts often address social injustice and send political messages. Three works from The Ringling’s collection exemplify how art has been used in this manner.

The David, the iconic sculpture by Michelangelo, was conceived of as a political statement by the city fathers of Florence. The Florentines adopted the image of the youthful biblical hero as a symbol of their own struggle against the former ruling family, the Medici. Placed in the main square of the city, the sculpture sent a message that the citizens would no longer tolerate the rule of tyrants.

The Triumph of the Eucharist, both the paintings and tapestries, were created during the height of the Protestant Reformation as a pictorial statement affirming the preeminence and doctrines of the Catholic Church. Isabella Clara Eugenia, who commissioned these works, saw them as a public demonstration of her role as an ardent defender of the faith.

The Flaying of Marsyas by artist Antonio de Bellis, depicts

a scene from Ovid’s Metamorphosis

The foolish satyr has had the arrogance to challenge Apollo, the god of music, to a musical competition. The painting depicts Marsyas being flayed alive, the obvious loser of the contest, by Apollo. This image was intended to be a warning that the government would tolerate no challenges to its power and authority.

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RECENT ACQUISITIONS

At the heart of The Ringling Museum is its wideranging collection of art. The collection began with John Ringling’s initial bequest in 1936 of work by European masters, ancient Cypriot art, and works from Asia, along with a fund for future acquisitions. From this initial gesture of philanthropy, the museum’s collection has continued to expand throughout the decades, with continued support from our donors

and museum members. The Ringling’s curators are each experts in a particular area, including European Art, Asian Art, Modern and Contemporary Art, Photography and New Media, and the History of the Circus. They work with the Museum’s director on how best to continue to build the collections. In order to identify what kinds of objects are available, The Ringling’s curators speak with artists, meet with collectors and donors, and follow galleries and auctions to stay abreast of their fields. The following are some of the most significant recent objects to be accessioned into the collection:

Japanese, late 17th-early 18th Century, Pair of Screens depicting the Tale of Gengi Monogatari. Ink, color, gold-leaf on paper mounted on silk brocade.

The Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari) is an 11thcentury Japanese classic novel written by a Heian court lady known as Murasaki Shikibu. This novel covers the life span of the brilliant Prince Genji and his romances with several ladies from elite clans or ordinary families. The protagonist Genji is believed to be Murasaki Shikibu's ideal of manhood: a prince who is gentle, poetic, stunningly handsome, and, above all, a tender lover. Different from the men’s prose introduced from China, the women of the Heian period developed a Japanese script more suitable to the Japanese language. Their tastes dominated the literature and art of the time, and the sensibilities of the time also continued to exert an influence over Japanese art in later years.

This pair of screens is an exceptional work showcasing Yamato-e—paintings of native subjects rendered in classical Japanese style.

Vanessa German (American, born 1976), Just Do It, 2014. Wood, wood glue, plaster gauze, tar, rage, cowrie shells, love, old plastic doll parts, witness, pain, steel, cloth, twine, rage, old toy boat, ceramic figurines, meanness, rage, old white baby shoes, something precious that you cannot see and will not ever be able to get at no matter how many probes you sink into my interstellar flesh, yes, you, uncle sam on the lam, porcelain doll heads from the bombed out german doll factories, humidor, rage, buttons, twine, old jewelry, and a knife to cut things with.

Vanessa German refers to her sculptures as “power figures.” The accumulation of objects that she collects from her neighborhood or the “fleatique” markets she frequents are attached to the body parts of dolls in a manner that in some way

recalls the Nkisi Nkondi religious idols made by the Kongo people of the Congo region in Africa. The Kongo drive nails into The Nkisi Nkondi, each nail representing a type of oath. Though German was unaware of this precedent when she began creating her power figures, she now feels that there is a definite connection between her practice and those of her ancestors.

This work is on view in the Searing Wing as part of the inaugural installation of works collected during the first five years of the Art of Our Time program.

Aaron Pexa (American, born 1976), The Lucent Parlor: Chapter 1 Single channel video, 40 minutes.

Aaron Pexa is an artist who is pushing the medium of glass into provocative new directions. Trained as an architect and a glass artist, Pexa has lately incorporated multimedia work and video into his practice. In The Lucent Parlor, he unites the durational experience of video with the process of creating glass artefacts. He focuses on the liminal moments when matter transforms from liquid to solid as glass heats and cools. Filmed in real time before the light of the furnace used to melt the glass, Pexa ladles molten glass over a glass chandelier. It is through extended viewing that one becomes aware that the video is, in fact, being played in reverse, thus revealing the chandelier only to the patient viewer. The flickering of the furnace flame coupled with the enigmatic soundscape, composed by the artist Maralie, transports the viewer into a realm of perception where nothing operates as it is first perceived.

This work is on view in the Searing Wing as part of the inaugural installation of works collected during the first five years of the Art of Our Time program.

Guercino (Giovanni Francesco Barbieri), Fra Bonaventura Bisi, 1658-1659. Oil on canvas.

A fellow artist and friend of Guercino, Bisi was a Franciscan friar at a convent in Bologna. The naturalistic and insightful rendering of the friar near the end of his life is typical of Guercino’s later expressive style and virtuoso technique. In the half-figure canvas, Bisi appears in his study holding a drawing of his patron, Alfonso IV, Duke of Modena.

Inventive and prolific, Guercino—alongside Caravaggio, Guido Reni, and Annibale and Ludovico Carracci—was one of the most influential painters of his time. This intimate portrait from the Italian Baroque is a wonderful addition to The Ringling’s established strength in European Old Masters. It is rare for such an excellent example of European Baroque portraiture to become available, and thanks to our acquisitions endowment, we are able to share it and allow everyone to experience its visual brilliance and cultural relevance.

This painting is on view in the Museum of Art, Gallery 11.

Courtesy of the artist and Cade Tompkins Projects.  Aaron Pexa is represented by Cade Tompkins Projects

A Season for our MEMBERS

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

MEMBER EVENTS

Membership continues to increase, and we are excited to present a new member preview schedule for the 2017-2018 season!

Aftermath: The Fallout Of War— America And The Middle East

With armed conflicts and their resulting loss, displacement, and geopolitical insecurity a constant presence in the news cycle, artists are grappling with how to make sense of it all. The artists in this exhibition depict the conditions and people caught in the crossfire of wars in the Middle East. This exhibition was organized by the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art at the University of Florida.

WED, OCT 4 • 5:30 – 9:00 PM

CIRCLE EXHIBITION PREVIEW AND DINNER

Circle Members

Invitation only, Reservation required

THU, OCT 5 • 5:00 – 7:00 PM

EXHIBITION PREVIEW AND RECEPTION

Supporting Members & Above Invitation only, Reservation required

SAT, OCT 7 • 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

MEMBERS DAY

All Members

Refreshments, family programming, additional 5% member discount in the Museum Stores.

MON, NOV 6 • 9:00 – 10:30 AM COFFEE AND CONVERSATION

Supporting Members & Above Executive Director Steven High will highlight upcoming programs and exhibitions.

FRIENDS EVENTS

TUE, OCT 10

FRIENDS OF THE RINGLING LEGACY

Meet the Curator: Sarah Cartwright Dr. Sarah Cartwright, Ulla R. Searing Curator of Collections, will share her thoughts about some of her favorite objects in the permanent collection.

10:00 AM Coffee reception

10:30 AM Gallery Walk & Talk

THU, OCT 26

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY & FRIENDS OF ASIAN ART

Conversation with the Library

From its earliest forms on silk or on bamboo strips, the book has been a prized item throughout Chinese history. A brief survey of the book in China will be presented in this public lecture.

Presented by Dr. Robert Hegel, Professor of Comparative Literature and Chinese at Washington University, St. Louis; and Elisa Hansen, Head of Library Services.

10:30 AM Conversation

Reservation required NOON Private lunch with Dr. Hegel

This lecture is made possible with the support provided by NCF Faculty of Asian Studies and by a grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

THU, NOV 2

FRIENDS OF ASIAN ART

Meet the Curator: Dr. Rhiannon Paget

Dr. Rhiannon Paget, Curator of Asian Art, will share her thoughts about some of her favorite objects in the collections in the Center for Asian Art Galleries.

4:00 PM Reception

4:30 PM Gallery Walk & Talk

FRI, NOV 3, 5:00 – 7:00 PM

FRIENDS OF ART OF OUR TIME

Friends of Art of Our Time are invited to a light reception and walk through of the exhibition Approaching the Border with Chris Jones, Associate Curator of Photography and New Media.

TUE, NOV 7

FRIENDS OF RINGLING LEGACY

Conversation about Ca’ d’Zan Part 1 of the Preservation and Conservation Series

Imagine the responsibility involved in caring for a mansion on Sarasota Bay that welcomes thousands of visitors each year, and where nothing is fixed with a quick trip to the hardware store.

10:30 AM Conversation

NOON Ca' d’Zan tour and light reception

FRI, DEC 8

FRIENDS OF ART OF OUR TIME

Join Associate Director of Performance Programs, Dwight Currie, for a reception, followed by complimentary admission to a performance by Monsieur Periné. Latin Grammy Award winners whose music is rooted in gypsy jazz, and celebrates the tradition of Django Reinhardt.

6:00 PM

Reception with light refreshments.

7:30 PM

Monsieur Periné performance Reservation required

TUE, DEC 12, 3:30 – 5:00 PM

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY

The Librarian’s Choice: Selected Treasures from the Art Library’s Vaults Elisa Hansen, Head of Library Services, presents these treasured books that are part of The Ringling’s collection. Light refreshments included.

Expanding the Benefits of Membership

The Ringling and Tableseide Restaurant Group are pleased to announce that a 10% discount is available to Museum Members & their guests at all of Tableseide's establishments.

Simply show your Ringling membership card to receive your 10% discount!

Plus, as a Member you receive a 15% discount at MUSE and Banyan Cafe.

Louie's Modern

941.552.9688

Libby’s Café and the L Bar

941.487.7300

Oak & Stone

941.225.4590

MEMBERS POINTS OF INTEREST

OCT 18 – 21

RINGLING INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL

$35 / $31.50 for Members

Tickets: 941.360.7399 or ringling.org

NOV 2017 – MAR 2018

NEW STAGES PERFORMANCE SERIES

$30/$27 for Members

NOV 10 & 11 Awake Love Orchestra

DEC 8 & 9 Monsieur Periné

Tickets: 941.360.7399 or ringling.org

DEC 8 – 10

ANNUAL MEMBER HOLIDAY SALE

Shop the Museum Store during the Annual Member Holiday Sale to find the perfect gift for family and friends. Members receive 20% off. Clearance items are not included.

OCT 31, NOV 28, DEC 19

STROLLER TOURS

Free for Members, ticket required

Join a museum educator to stroll the museum on a one-hour, interactive tour for infants and their caregivers. This tour is designed for the caregivers of children under 2 who can visit the museum using a stroller or front baby carrier.

Give the

Annual Memberships & Member for a Day Passes make the perfect holiday gift!

To purchase:

• ringling.org

• In-person at Member Services Desk

• Call 941.360.7330

RINGLING BY THE BAY MEMBER UPDATE

In order to maximize your Ringling by the Bay experience, we are making the following changes:

NEW DATES

Due to popular demand, we have added three additional dates during the height of the 2017–2018 season.

NOV – JAN, MAY: 3rd Mondays

FEB – APR: 1st and 3rd Mondays

NEW TIME

6:00 – 9:00 PM

TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Call Advance Sales at 941.360.3180 between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, purchase in person, or online at www.ringling.org

$15 NON-MEMBERS / $5 MEMBERS

Monsieur Periné, photo courtesy of the artist

Freeadmissionforone

ITALIAN, SPANISH, AND FRENCH PAINTINGS IN THE RINGLING MUSEUM OF ART

The Ringling is proud to announce the publication of a new catalogue of its Italian, Spanish, and French paintings, produced by former Ulla R. Searing Curator of Collections, Dr. Virginia Brilliant. Combining a wealth of new scholarship with previously unpublished documentation, this beautifully illustrated volume offers the first comprehensive examination of The Ringling’s outstanding collection of more than 300 Old Master paintings from Italy, Spain, and France. The collection is the largest and most significant of its kind in the southeastern United States. It includes masterworks by artists such as Piero di Cosimo, Paolo Veronese, Jusepe de Ribera, Diego Velázquez, Noël-Nicolas Coypel, and Jean-Marc Nattier.

A remarkable achievement, the catalogue is the culmination of nearly five years of research by Dr. Brilliant, with assistance from colleagues in The Ringling’s curatorial, registration, and conservation departments. The catalogue features extensive information about each painting, including attribution, date, subject, technique, materials, provenance, conservation history, and bibliography. Every entry is accompanied by newly commissioned color photography.

Dr. Brilliant is currently the Curator-in-Charge of European Paintings at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. Prior to joining The Ringling in 2008, she held curatorial positions at the Cleveland Museum of Art and the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles. She obtained her PhD in the field of early Italian painting and sculpture from the Courtauld Institute of Art in London.

Please join us for the following Conversation, as we celebrate the much anticipated release of this catalogue!

CONVERSATIONS

CHAO LECTURE HALL

$5 / Free for Members / Included with Admission.

TUE, DEC 5, 3:00 – 4:00 PM

CONVERSATION ABOUT CREATING A CATALOGUE

$95

Available at The Ringling Museum Store Members receive 10% off

Join us for the launch of this long-anticipated catalogue that represents the first comprehensive examination of the Italian, French and Spanish Old Master paintings at The Ringling. Go behind the scenes with Dr. Sarah Cartwright, Ulla R. Searing Curator of Collections and Megan Salazar-Walsh, Assistant Conservator, to learn what was involved in the production of this book. Reception and book sale to follow.

MARIAN CARPENTER

Associate Director for Collections

Chief Registrar

Marian brings 20 years of experience in collections management to The Ringling. She joins the Museum from the State of Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, where she was responsible for over 90,000 objects. Marian previously served as a collections manager at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis and as registrar at the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. While at the Smithsonian, she helped to develop conceptual exhibit designs and travelled throughout the country to oversee exhibition installs. Marian holds a MA in American History with a concentration in African American History from the University of Cincinnati.

SARAH CARTWRIGHT

Ulla R. Searing Curator of Collections

Sarah joined The Ringling in 2013 as a post-doctoral research fellow where she worked closely with the Museum’s permanent collection. At the conclusion of the fellowship she assumed the role of grants administrator, securing well over a million dollars in support of exhibitions, conservation, and general operations. Sarah holds an MA and PhD in Art History from the Institute of Fine Arts at New York University. She previously held curatorial positions at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and at Villa La Pietra in Florence, Italy, as well as a Mellon Postdoctoral Teaching Fellowship in Art History at Columbia University.

LAURA COOK

Membership Manager

Laura returns to the membership department at The Ringling. Previously, she worked as the Museum’s Human Resources Program Associate and as the Membership Program Associate. Laura has a comprehensive knowledge of the membership program as well as its place within The Ringling’s overall strategic goals. Prior to joining The Ringling, she was the Membership Program Coordinator for the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce and a Programming Assistant at the Tampa Museum of Art.

JOHN FRAZEE Director of Communications and Marketing

John brings 25 years of experience in marketing and communications leadership to The Ringling. He joins the Museum from Feld Entertainment, where he served as a Vice President of Marketing. Prior to Feld, John served in executive level positions for global marketing and design firms where he has enjoyed a successful career creating strategic programs that build brands and market awareness. John holds a MBA, with a concentration in Organizational Leadership,from The University of Texas at Dallas and a BFA, with a major in marketing and communications design, from The Fashion Institute of Technology.

RHIANNON PAGET

Curator of Asian Art

Rhiannon comes to The Ringling from the Saint Louis Art Museum, where she was the Andrew W. Mellon Fellow for Japanese Art. While in this role she co-curated the major exhibition, Conflicts of Interest: Art and War in Modern Japan (Saint Louis Art Museum, Oct 2016–Jan 2017) and co-authored its catalogue. Rhiannon is widely published, and her most recent book, The Sixty-Nine Stations along the Kisokaido (co-authored with Dr. Andreas Marks) will be released by Taschen in October 2017. She received her doctorate from the University of Sydney, and has published research on Japanese woodblock prints, textiles, board games, and nihonga.

ETHEL

In the paraphrased words of Mark Twain, “The reports of the circus’ death are greatly exaggerated.” While headlines around the world conflate the closing of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey show with the demise of circus itself, the indefatigable spirit of the “show folks” who dare to fly, dance on air, tame nature, and defy death remains vigorously alive in big tops, arenas, street festivals, television studios, and in the backyards of future daredevils everywhere.

A most surprising testament to the fortitude, joy, and transcendence of the circus performer is coming from a quartet of string musicians. For more than two years, ETHEL, the renowned New York City-based ensemble, has been engaged in the creation of Circus—Wandering City, an evening-length multimedia performance that explores the phenomenon of circus through the eyes and insights of the people who created its special thrills and illusions. Commissioned by The Ringling in 2015, the immersive work combines projections of stunning images, films, and interviews from the Museum’s archives, the words of circus performers past and present, and original music composed and performed live by ETHEL. Through a dynamic juxtaposition of music and imagery, ETHEL’s latest creation captures the spirit of legendary circus artists who brought excitement and mystery to one of America’s most iconographic cultural experiences. After three years of development, the work makes its world premiere at the Historic Asolo Theater in January 2018—the 250th anniversary of the modern circus.

Established in 1998, ETHEL is now hailed as one of America’s more adventurous string quartets. Described as “extraordinarily skilled, passionate musicians” by The New York Times and “virtuosic, vital and brilliant” by The New Yorker, ETHEL has garnered praise not only for their musicianship, but also for their prolific commissioning of new music. At the heart of the ensemble is a collaborative ethos—a quest for a common creative expression that is forged in the celebration of community. This generosity of spirit was evident when the ensemble first appeared at the Historic Asolo Theater in 2014 in performances with the Taos Pueblo musician, Robert Mirabal. ETHEL returned in 2015 with Documerica, a multimedia stage production inspired by the photographic archives of the Environmental Protection Agency. It was the ensemble’s powerful interpretation of archival imagery that prompted The Ringling to envision a comparable revitalization of its vast holdings of circus film, photography, and oral histories.

For the musicians of ETHEL, the commission has become, in the words of ensemble co-founder, cellist Dorothy Lawson, “the most dramatically evolved project we have ever pursued...it has pushed us to develop new skills in stagecraft, mindfulness, and interpersonal communications.” Inspired by the circus performers’ acts of daring and feats of strength, Lawson— along with Ralph Farris (viola), Kip Jones (violin), and Corin Lee (violin)— individually and collectively composed new works that explore and exemplify the archetypes of risk, skill, strength, beauty, grace, courage, and, “through everything, community...always tying the acts of wonder back to our universal, shared humanity.” Lawson asks, “Who knew, a string quartet might need to investigate their souls to really embody the energies of love, ferocity, fear, or selfless transcendence?” In a more playful tone, violist Ralph Farris adds, “ETHEL is honored to partner with The Ringling in creating our newest, most thrilling, most death-defying, most neverbefore-attempted-by-a-string-quartet-anytime-anywhere show on earth!”

Composed and performed by the members of ETHEL, Circus—Wandering City is under the direction of video artist Grant McDonald leading a New York-based team of scenic, costume, lighting, and sound designers. The January premiere is part of The Ringling’s 2017-2018 New Stages series of Global Music. Additionally, the production has already been selected for inclusion in the prestigious BAM Next Wave Festival for the fall of 2018.

NEW STAGES IN GLOBAL MUSIC

NOV 10 – 11

AWAKE

LOVE ORCHESTRA Sweden

Making their US debut with a fusion of folk, choral, and popular music that transports the listener from Scandinavia and the Mediterranean to Eastern Europe and the United States.

DEC 8 – 9

MONSIEUR PERINÉ Colombia

Rooted in gypsy jazz and celebrating the tradition of Django Reinhardt, Monsieur Periné‘s fresh style adds a variety of Latin elements to the mix.

JAN 26 – 27

ETHEL 's Circus—Wandering City

United States

FEB 16 – 17

SOMI United States/Little Africa

Music inspired by Harlem’s Petite Afrique and its ornate traditional fabrics, Francophone bibles, palm oil and shea butter, and tribes of fast-fingered hair braiders.

MAR 2 – 3

CHUCHO VALDÉS Cuba

This Cuban pianist, composer, arranger, and bandleader has been a key figure in the evolution of Afro-Cuban jazz for 50 years.

MAR 23 – 24

TURTLE ISLAND QUARTET United States

Bird’s Eye View: The Legend of Charlie Parker

An homage to the incandescent brilliance of Charlie Parker—the genius who catapulted jazz into art and indelibly altered the musical landscape of America.

TICKETS: ringling.org or 941-360-7399

MEMBERS SAVE 10%

Left: Designer Concept for ETHEL’s Circus—Wandering City. Above (l-r): Corin Lee (violin), Kip Jones (violin), Dorothy Lawson (cello), and Ralph Farris (viola) of ETHEL, photo by Erin Patrice O’Brien.

2017–2018 NEWLY ELECTED BOARD MEMBERS

HERTA CUNEO was born in Munich, Germany, to a world-famous family of professional animal trainers and circus performers. She established her own reputation as one of the greatest bear trainers of her generation, and was the first to train a white tiger to ride on an elephant! Following in her father's footsteps, Herta and her performing bears were featured in the center ring on the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey show. She continued to perform until her retirement in 1978.

ROBERT D. HUNTER was raised in New York. Bob received his bachelor’s degree from Manhattan College and MBA from Columbia University. He spent 28 years with Chase Manhattan in New York and London. He retired in 2003 as CEO of Barclays Bank Private Clients and returned to the U.S. from London. He and his wife Marie moved to Sarasota in 2006 and became full-time residents in 2009. Bob has served on numerous commercial and non-profit boards and is currently an active Docent at the Ringling Museum of Art and a Guardian Ad Litem for the State of Florida.

THOMAS F. ICARD, JR. has been a shareholder and Vice President of the Icard Merrill law firm in Sarasota since 1995.  He is a former partner with the Carlton Fields law firm in Tampa, a past President of the Hillsborough County Bar Association and a past Chair of the Forum on Construction Law of the American Bar Association. He is also a member (by invitation) of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals. Tom is an alum of Leadership Florida, a past Chair of the Riverview High School Foundation and has served since 2004 on the Board of Directors of Tampa based Bay Area Legal Services, Inc.  He received his BA from Mercer University in 1970 and law degree from The Florida State University in 1973.

DR. LISA MERRITT, a physiatrist in Sarasota, received her medical degree from Howard University after completing undergraduate studies at Georgetown University with honors and has been in practice for more than 25 years. She underwent training in Family and Community Medicine at the University of California at San Francisco, and completed her residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.  Dr. Merritt is a graduate of the faculty development program at the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta. She is a member of numerous professional organizations, including AAPMR (the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation) and NMA (the National Medical Association), and is Executive Director of the Multicultural Health Institute.

DR. SARAH H. PAPPAS was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, spent the early years of her life in Havana, Cuba, and Mexico City, then moved with her family to the United States. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Penn State University, her Master's from the University of South Florida, and her doctorate from Nova Southeastern University. Her experience in Florida's higher education system includes 44 years at three community colleges and the University of Central Florida. She served as president of State College of Florida from 1997–2008, and as President of the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation from 2008-2017.

EDWARD M. SWAN, JR. , CFA received a BA from Tufts University and an MBA from the Wharton School. He also attended a director development program at the Kellogg School (Northwestern University), and was a captain in the US Air Force. Ed has over 35 years of experience in institutional investment management, marketing and enterprise management. Many of the nation’s largest pension funds were among his clients. Ed has experience on both corporate and not for profit boards and a long-standing interest in the arts and community service. He has been a furniture maker for over 35 years and is currently a volunteer, managing a program at Booker High School.

THE RINGLING GOES TO WASHINGTON SMITHSONIAN FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL 2017

When the theme of Circus Arts was chosen for the 50th anniversary of the Folklife Festival, the Smithsonian enthusiastically reached out to partner with The Ringling—the leading authority on the preservation of materials and history of circus arts. For two weeks this summer on the National Mall in Washington DC, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival celebrated the diverse tradition of the American circus and the renewed interest in circus arts.

The 2017 festival pulled back the tent flap and provided opportunities for hundreds of thousands of visitors and global media to experience and explore the life and work of circus people in America today. In addition to experiencing the glitz, glamour, and spectacle of live performances and demonstrations, visitors engaged in one-on-one dialogues with artists and educators within the circus community.

The Ringling was honored to be among the esteemed partners for the festival that included The Circus Arts Conservatory of Sarasota, American Youth Circus Organization, American Circus Educators Association, and the National Park Service. The festival played host to several professional circuses and an amazing array of performances by youth circuses including Sarasota’s own Sailor Circus Academy.

Preston Scott, Curator of the festival, remarked “we reached out to The Ringling because of its respected circus-related collection as well as the important work and knowledge of its dedicated staff in connection with circus history nationally.

Taken together, these reflected an important package of specialized scholarly resources that could help refine the focus of the program as well as help introduce and explain the life and work of the circus artists and communities.”

Deborah Walk, Director of Legacy and Circus, and Jennifer Lemmer Posey, Associate Curator of the Circus Museum, began working with festival directors in the spring of 2015. Both participated in numerous events and town hall meetings, and spoke on several panels during the course of the festival. Topics ranged from the history and origins of the circus to the circus of today and how it reflects contemporary culture.

“The festival on the National Mall, in the shadow of the Capitol and the Washington Monument and surrounded by the Smithsonian Museum’s many buildings, was a thrilling way to celebrate and honor the traditions and people of the circus,” said Deborah Walk. Steven High returned from Washington saying, “It was great to see the community of Sarasota, where circus tradition is such a big part of the culture, shine in the spotlight of the festival.”

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival, established in 1967, honors contemporary living cultural traditions and celebrates those who practice and sustain them. Produced annually, it is an international exposition of living cultural heritage held on the National Mall of the United States.

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