More Art & Culture - Ringling Museum of Art

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Yet, since moving to Florida 25 years ago this November, I'm no less impressed with the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota. It's still a thrill to view the works of Peter Paul Rubens, El Greco, and the bronze replicas of classic Greek and Roman sculpture including the great David of Michelangelo in that remarkable courtyard.

And now the museum is even more arresting with the unveiling of so many treasures that had been stored away. Each room depicts an era in art - such as Renaissance, Baroque, and places associated with the period - Florence, Rome, Paris. The rooms themselves have been furnished with period items of furniture and painted in colors that complement the works.

Thanks to Dodie Headington, students of the Island School have been educated on the art history of the museum and thanks to island donors, students are treated to an annual field trip to the museum to view up close the works they had studied.

Touring the museum and the Ca d’Zan mansion once lived in by John and Mabel Ringling, is nothing short of a pleasant way to spend a hot summer day.

Special Exhibition

Time and Transformation in Seventeenth-Century Dutch Art:

Aug. 20 through Oct. 30
See this exhibition during regular Museum hours, 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. daily. This exhibition is included with regular Museum admission. Call 941.358.3180 for advance tickets.

See this landmark exhibition that is the first to examine how 17th century Dutch artists included the effects of time and circumstance upon the physical world into their work.

Ringling Museum Associate Curator Joanna Weber, Exhibition Curator for this traveling

A bevy of bronzes waits to be placed somewhere on the grounds or in the courtyard.

show, has said, “We have exquisite Dutch art in our own permanent collection that works beautifully with this exhibition. This magnificent array of artwork affords us the rare chance to see how time transforms the physical world with decay and deterioration.”

Private Preview for Members: Friday, August 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Third Thursdays Cocktails at Cà d’Zan

Aug. 18, 2005 — 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Cool your brow with breezes from the Bay on the exquisite Ca d’Zan Terrace. The atmosphere gets even cooler with live entertainment by “The Venturas”. $3 cover charge, cash bar, and food available. No advance reservations required. By popular demand, Third Thursdays Cocktails at the Ca d’Zan will continue into the Fall!

A new wing of the museum complex is taking shape on the other side of the courtyard.

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Howard J. Millman, producing artistic director of the Asolo Theatre Company, and Greg Leaming, director of the Florida State University/ Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training, announce their respective 2005-2006 seasons. All dates and plays are subject to change. Subscriptions are on sale now; single tickets go on sale in October. For more information about the Asolo Theatre Company or Conservatory seasons, call the box office at 941-351-8000 or toll-free at 800-361-8388, or visit the website at WWW.ASOLO.ORG . Call (941) 351-9010, ext. 4812 for subscription purchase.

In the Harold E. and Esther M. Mertz Theatre

"Laughing Stock" by Charles Morey (Nov 11, 2005-Feb 2, 2006) Take an entertaining and evocative visit to the back stage world of summer stock in a rustic barn theatre. It’s a hilarious farce based on the author’s many years of producing and directing summer theatre.

"Enchanted April" by Mathew Barber (Nov 18, 2005-Feb 26, 2006) Fall in love with this charming story of four Englishwomen whose friendship and lives blossom in the beauty

of an Italian villa. Their optimistic tale of renewal inspires a conscious desire for joy and romance. This uplifting romantic comedy enjoyed great success on Broadway.

"A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens adapted by Barbara Redmond & Eberle Thomas Beloved Family Holiday Tradition (Nov 25-Dec 29, 2005) Few holiday events are as eagerly anticipated or as warmly received. Discover the true spirit of Christmas along with Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and a host of other wonderfully familiar characters and share the joy of this celebrated play with a new generation.

"Trying" by Joanna McClelland Glass Award Winning, Off-Broadway Hit (Jan 6-April 8, 2006) Fresh from the Canadian prairie Sarah becomes the assistant to cantankerous Francis Biddle, former Attorney General under FDR. Based on a true story, this moving new drama explores the bewildering nature of friendships, communication and aging. Loaded with humor and wisdom!

"Anything to Declare?" by Pierre Veber & Maurice Hennequin - translation by Greg Leaming

A Rambunctious French Sex Farce (Jan 20-April 27, 2006) On the night train to his honeymoon, a young man is left impotent by the untimely interruption of a customs officer. His desperate and zany quest to consummate and thereby save his marriage takes him to the bordello of Madame Zeze where comedic chaos ensues!

"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee dramatized by Christopher Sergel (Feb 24- May 6, 2006) Attorney Atticus Finch defends an unjustly accused young black man in a racially divided 1930’s Alabama town. The play’s rich, engaging story and compelling characters bring to life powerful examples of integrity, fairness and quiet courage. This Pulitzer Prize winning story is a must see for all generations!