DAVID BURNETT

FOURTH QUARTER: SENIOR ATHLETES, THEIR INDOMITABLE SPIRIT

by Christopher

photographing senior competitions and meeting athletes. He spent time with the Gray Wolves senior hockey team in Skaneateles, NY—a club that takes to the ice regularly for scrimmages and tournaments—on the momentous occasion of their oldest member's turning 95 years old. At the Senior Games in Birmingham, AL, he captured women who take to the basketball court and fight for the ball in a fierce competition. In all of his action shots and portraits, Burnett treats his subjects with reverence. “I want to treat them just as I would treat Usain Bolt,” he notes, explaining the philosophy behind his approach.

Member Spotlight

Kathy and Michael Bush

When and how did you first hear about The Ringling? As any new person to town, we journeyed to The Ringling to see the old masters and the Circus Museum. That was back in 2000. It wasn’t until Steven High became the Executive Director when our interest in The Ringling changed. He and his team have transformed the Museum into a facility that we can’t stay away from—it is truly a gem of Sarasota and Florida.

Why did you choose to become Circle Members?

The curatorial programming had shifted to more of a contemporary style and the then curator of modern and contemporary art, Matthew McLendon, was a very talented curator that we wanted to support. Even as the programming has shifted to a broader style it is programming that we are proud to support.

What is the benefit you enjoy the most from your Circle Membership?

The Circle Members are people that we enjoy spending an evening with. They are very passionate about the Museum, passionate about the arts, and passionate about philanthropy.

You have been dedicated supporters of the Art of Performance at The Ringling for many years. What has inspired you to support that program in this way?

We have a passion for performance art and the unique presentation of the Art of Performance has truly inspired us. Whether it is considered “cutting edge” or leading edge, it gives us a chance to enjoy big city talent in the intimacy of the Historic Asolo Theater and alternative spaces on the grounds. What is your favorite memory or experience at The Ringling?

One was a private event held at Ca’ d’Zan and the other was a Ringling event. At Ca' d’ Zan, I organized a private dinner for 120 people on the terrace. This was the inaugural event for the Sarasota Architectural Foundation’s Sarasota MOD. Among those in attendance were national, award winning architects, SAF board members, and SAF guests. Everything about that night was perfect and supplemented with Steven High sharing stories about Ralph Twitchell and the construction of Ca’ d’Zan. Absolutely memorable! As to a Ringling event, the initial years of Ringling International Arts Festival were so special. The whole concept of bringing emerging world talent to Sarasota was truly a treasured experience. I still can see Meow Meow body surfing in the audience, the Flamenco dancer breaking a glass on stage, and Baryshnikov dancing. So special.