On March 2, 2018, The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (The Ringling), the State Art Museum of Florida administered by Florida State University, will host their first black-tie event in more than a decade. The evening will recognize and honor the donors who have contributed to The Ringling’s transformative comprehensive campaign to preserve and expand its legacy for the 21st century and beyond. In addition to unveiling The Ringling Inspires: Honoring the Legacy and Building for the Future campaign goal, The Ringling and Florida State University leadership will make an inspiring gift announcement.
“This comprehensive campaign evolved through our current strategic plan, which was launched in 2012, and is designed to allow The Ringling to preserve its significant legacy, develop dynamic new programs, responsibly steward the collections in our care, maintain our commitment to the citizens of Sarasota and the state of Florida and make The Ringling even more accessible to everyone,” said Steven High, The Ringling’s executive director. “We look forward to sharing this momentous and joyous event with everyone who has so generously supported The Ringling Inspires campaign.”
With more than 415,000 visitors annually, The Ringling is a preeminent center for the arts, history and learning. Located on 66 acres of heirloom gardens on the Sarasota Bay, The Ringling encompasses the Museum of Art, Circus Museum, the Tibbals Learning Center, historic Italianate mansion Ca’ d’Zan, 18th-century Historic Asolo Theater, conservation laboratory, research library, the Keith D. and Linda L. Monda Gallery for Contemporary Art, the Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion and the Center for Asian Art. The Ringling is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
“The Ringling is truly a jewel for our community and for Florida State University. Through The Ringling Inspires campaign, and the commitment of our incredible supporters, we have witnessed physical transformation, unprecedented attendance and membership growth and most importantly a commitment to honor John and Mable’s vision while investing in our bright future,” said Paul Hudson, chair of The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art Foundation. “We have much to celebrate on March 2 at The Ringling Inspires – Because of You event.”
“March 2 marks a significant milestone for The Ringling made possible through the power of philanthropy. When you consider that due to philanthropy, the museum has opened five new spaces in less than five years, and countless new programs have been created to provide access to the treasures we care for, it is nothing short of inspiring. We look forward to honoring the legacy of philanthropy that John and Mable Ringling established with this great museum, and celebrating all that is possible with the support of our community,” said Anna E. von Gehr, chief officer for advancement and The Ringling Inspires campaign director.
The Ringling Inspires – Because of You gala on March 2 will celebrate the donors who have secured more than 85 percent of the campaign’s ambitious goal in addition to announcing a new leadership gift in support of the museum’s innovative programming. For information on The Ringling Inspires – Because of You gala, please contact Sharon Freddes at (941) 359-5821.
About The Ringling
The Ringling is a preeminent center for the arts, history and learning that is dedicated to bringing the past and contemporary culture to life through extraordinary visitor experiences. From its inception, The Ringling has joined the diverse visual traditions and theatrical spectacle of yesterday with the genre-defying global practitioners of today.
A place of exploration, discovery and respite, The Ringling’s campus in Sarasota, Florida – which includes the Museum of Art, Circus Museum, a historic home, an 18th-century theater and bayfront gardens – is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
As the State Art Museum of Florida and part of Florida State University, The Ringling fulfills an important educational mission. The Ringling offers formal and informal programs of study serving as a major resource for students, scholars and lifelong learners of every age across the region and country and around the world.