Sarasota, FL — December 15, 2010 — In a variety of colors, shapes, sizes and arrangements, floral art springs to life in the 21 galleries of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art during “Ringling in Bloom”, February 3-6, 2011. Highlights include fresh floral arrangements from area designers inspired by the Museum’s signature paintings and decorative art from its permanent collection. In addition it will feature the beautiful bouquets of René van Rems, internationally-acclaimed floral designer -- and – 2011 spring fashions from Lilly Pulitzer.
The four-day celebration also encompasses tours, lectures, demonstrations, workshops, flowery food, performances, and a fashion show, making it ideal for gardening clubs, foodies, music fans, fashionistas, and anyone fascinated with flowers.
“From food to fashion to how they are depicted in paintings and re-interpreted, flowers touch all our senses and every aspect of our lives,” said T. Marshall Rousseau, Interim Director for the Ringling Museum. “‘Ringling in Bloom’ is a great way to discover, or expand, your passion for flowers through our unique presentation of floral arts.”
Maureen Zaremba, associate curator of education, added, “There are so many opportunities to take part and connect with the Ringling Museum’s collection, as well as hear from René van Rems and see great fashions from Lilly Pulitzer. It broadens horizons and empowers individuals with the knowledge to create their own floral masterpieces. There is something for everyone’s tastes.”
The schedule is as follows:
· Ringling in Bloom, February 3 to 6; Unveiling on Feb. 3 at 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.
The galleries of the Museum of Art spring to life with Ringling in Bloom. This event pairs more than two dozen floral arrangements, created by talented floral designers, with masterpieces from the Museum’s collection that served as their inspiration. For information/reservations, call 941.360.7399.
· A Floral Grand Tour, February 4, 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
René van Rems, international floral designer and member of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) presents the latest floral arranging trends, as well as provides a floral grand tour, lecture and demonstration in the Historic Asolo Theater. Design styles and techniques from the German hand-tied Biedermeier bouquets to French country will be covered. $50/$30 for Museum Members, includes admission to the special exhibition, Gardens in Perpetual Bloom.
· February 4, 6:30 p.m. -- Art of Food: A Blooming Banquet
The Art of Food: A Blooming Banquet is a multi-course meal created by Executive Chef Jeffrey Trefry that includes a silent auction, with the winner taking home a floral arrangement created by renowned floral designer René van Rems. $75 / $65 for Museum Members. All proceeds from the auction support Museum programs.
· February 5, 11:30 – 1:30 p.m. -- Fashion, Flowers and Food
The Lilly Pulitzer Fashion Show turns the Museum of Art loggia, which overlooks the courtyard garden, into a catwalk. The event, which is followed by a luncheon, showcases wearable art, fine food and flowers. $75 / $65 for Museum Members.
· February 6
Internationally acclaimed master floral designer René van Rems is giving workshops in the Johnson-Blalock Education Center designed to help create fantastic florals at home using fresh-cut flowers. His techniques of European High-Style Design (9:30-11:30 a.m.) and Flemish Floral Art (1-3pm) are covered. $130 per person, includes supplies.
· February 6
Key Chorale Chamber Chorus performs to early madrigals to contemporary compositions presented with poetry of Shakespeare, Burns, and Frost. $25 / $15 for Museum Members, includes admission to the special exhibition Gardens in Perpetual Bloom.
Tickets can be purchased for these individual events. Packages are also available. Many of the events include Museum admission, for more information contact the Historic Asolo Theater Box Office at 941.360.7399 or visit www.ringling.org. “Ringling in Bloom” coincides with Gardens in Perpetual Bloom. This special exhibition explores the flourishing art of botanical illustration in Europe and America from 1600 to 1850. More than 100 prints are on view from January 29 through April 24, 2011. Featured artists include, Georg Dionysus Ehret -- the 18-th century’s most accomplished botanical artist -- and Pierre-Joseph Redouté Redouté, the premier draftsman of flowers for Marie-Antoinette and Josephine Bonaparte.
For more information / photography, please contact Scott Gardiner, Public Relations Manager at 941-359-5700 ext. 2803.
General Admission includes the Ringling Museum of Art, special exhibitions, Ca d’Zan Mansion, Circus Museum, and Mable’s historic Rose Garden, all on 66 acres of lushly landscaped grounds. Adults are $25; senior citizens (65 and over) are $20; children ages 6-17 are $10. Free Admission for children 5 and under accompanied by an adult, museum members. Advance tickets are available by calling 941.358.3180. Visit www.ringling.org for more information.
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Florida State University, is one of the largest museum/university complexes in the nation. It preserves the legacy of John and Mable Ringling, educating and enabling a large and diverse audience to experience and take delight in a world-renowned collection of fine art; Cà d’Zan, the Ringling historic mansion; the Circus Museum; the Original Asolo Theater; and historic architecture, courtyard, gardens and grounds overlooking Sarasota Bay.
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