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.

Friends Events

FRI, FEB 2 • 10:30 AM

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY

Conversation with the Library—Unveiling the Evidence: A Book Conservator’s Journey to the Beginning

Member Events

EXHIBITION:

Hank Willis Thomas: Branded/Unbranded

FRI, FEB 9 • 5:30 – 7:30 PM

CIRCLE MEMBERS RECOGNITION COCKTAIL RECEPTION

Circle Members, along with Friends of Art of Our Time, share in a sneak peek of our Hank Willis Thomas print collection with Curator Christopher Jones.

EXHIBITION:

Toni Dove: Embodied Machines

WED, FEB 21 • 5:30 – 9:00 PM

CIRCLE EXHIBITION PREVIEW AND DINNER

Circle Members Invitation only, Reservation required

Join Steven High and Christopher Jones for a presentation of artefacts and objects from Toni Dove’s projects as well as unique interactive environments and video work.

5:30 PM Reception and Preview

7:00 PM Dinner in the Courtyard

THU, FEB 22, 5:00-7:00PM

EXHIBITION PREVIEW AND RECEPTION

For Supporting Members & Above Invitation only, Reservation required.

SAT, FEB 24 • 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

MEMBERS DAY

All Members

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

WED, MAR 14 • 10:00 AM

MABLE RINGLING’S BIRTHDAY

For Supporting Members & Above Invitation only, Reservation required. Celebrate Mable Ringling’s birthday with a tea party in one of her favorite gardens.

THU, MAR 22 • 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM LEGACY LUNCHEON Invitation only, Reservation required.

The annual Legacy Luncheon honors members of the Legacy Society who have generously given to The Ringling through a bequest. It also honors long term members of the Museum. If you have any questions about the Legacy Society, please call Declan Sheehy, Associate Director of Development at 941-359-5700 x 5807 or declan.sheehy@ringling.fsu.edu.

WED, APR 25 • 5:30 – 7:30 PM

CIRCLE BEHIND THE SCENES

A Kaleidoscope of Color:

The Costume Designs of Miles White Elephants became swans and beautiful girls turned into birthday cakes. Join Steven High and Jennifer Lemmer Posey, Associate Curator of the Circus, for a look at the whimsical visions of costume designer Miles White (1914-2000).

THU, MAY 10 • 9:00 – 10:30 AM

STATE OF THE RINGLING & COFFEE AND CONVERSATION

Join Steven High for a presentation highlighting the Museum’s programs, financials, strategic goals, and campaign priorities. A question and answer period will follow the presentation.

Learn how books are properly restored and preserved from special guest lecturer Sonja Jordan-Mowery, a book and paper conservator who has trained and conducted conservation assessments around the world. Refreshments will be served.

THU, MAR 8 • 4:30 – 6:30 PM

FRIENDS OF THE RINGLING LEGACY AND FRIENDS OF ASIAN ART

Garden Discussion at the Tea House Invitation only, Reservation required. Presentation by Kevin Greene, Landscape Supervisor, David Young, Landscape Architect, and Glenn Darling, Architect of the Nancy L. Ellis Tea House.

TUE, APR 3 • 10:30 AM

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY

Conversation about Willy Pogany: Book Illustrator and Painter of Ca' d’Zan’s Interior

Join Ron McCarty, Keeper of Ca' d’Zan, and Elisa Hansen, Head of Library Services, as they present an illustrative story of Willy Pogany, Hungarian-born artist known for his fairy tale-like illustrations and paintings, many that adorn the ceiling in Ca' d’Zan. Reception to Follow.

THU, APR 5 • 6:00 PM

FRIENDS OF ART OF OUR TIME

Poetry slam, followed by small reception and Invitation to RUG

Artist, Sierra Sellers, will be participating in programming with poet, Cedric Hameed, for the Art After 5 event. Programs will be held in the Museum of Art galleries from 5:00 – 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM.

Membership News

Membership Program Inspires Accessibility For Everyone

Your membership makes many things possible at The Ringling. In addition to supporting our exhibitions, events, and programs it also allows important initiatives to occur. The Ringling strives to be accessible to all, and with your membership we are making large strides towards this goal.

With the construction of the Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion last year, the Historic Asolo Theater was closed to visitors. Ringling staff took the opportunity to implement a hearing induction loop system to assist those with hearing aids or cochlear implants equipped with telecoils (T-coils). This t-coil system cuts out the ambient noise of the audience and picks up only what is fed into the microphones. Now, patrons can simply turn their hearing aid to “T” to hear performances with improved amplification and clarity.

Similar loop technology is now available during Mable’s Tours at Ca' d’Zan. Guests can wear an individual loop cord around the neck that is plugged into the hearing device, clearly transmitting the docent’s tour.

Membership Benefits

THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP— EXPLORE MORE WITH EXCLUSIVE DAY TRIPS

Did you know that The Ringling offers travel opportunities each year, exclusive to members?

This fall, we were thrilled to take advantage of the synergy between The Ringling, the Tampa Museum of Art, and the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg during the Skyway exhibition. Members had the opportunity to engage with Executive Director, Steven High, as well as curators and museum staff from all three institutions during the day long trip to view the exhibition.

Conversations With Members

JOE ANGERS

Volunteer since 2006 | Member since 2013

Being a member inspires me to experience more, expand my cultural knowledge, go to more events on my own time and allows me a closer connection to The Ringling. Some of the shows you might not think you like, you end up really liking and vice versa. I hope to have emeritus status one day! I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon. I enjoy coming in and visiting with people every week.

JILL DICKERSON

Volunteer since 2009 | Member since 2010

I have worked in a range of roles at The Ringling. I started out as a greeter, worked in the library, painting and wood carving, and now am a docent. There is a huge range of opportunities, and I tell all my friends about what The Ringling offers everyone. What more could you ask for than to come here when the sun is shining, walking across a beautiful campus and interacting with happy people.

BARBARA ZDZIARSKI

Volunteer since 2015 | Member since 2015

After many wonderful visits to the museum, more time on my hands because of retirement, and a dear friend’s advice, I volunteered. As a retired kindergarten teacher, I am impressed with how The Ringling is addressing so many issues like great programming for children and families, accessibility and making The Ringling a place we can all cherish as a community.

WIL PEARSON

Volunteer since 2002 | Member since 2004

The Ringling is always looking for new opportunities to engage our members. More information will be shared about upcoming trips this spring and in the coming year

I have developed a real love for the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and I am honored to be a volunteer. While I am involved with other non-profits, The Ringling stands out because of the great variety; the Museum of Art, Circus Museum, Ca’ d’ Zan, the Historic Asolo Theater, and the beautiful Bayfront Gardens. Since I began as a volunteer, The Ringling has opened six new venues. I know there will continue to be exciting changes that I am proud of and that honor the legacy of John and Mable Ringling.