The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art Wins WEDU Be More Informed Award

SARASOTA, Fla. – Feb. 4, 2008 –The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art received the Be More Informed award from WEDU for its 2006-2007 marketing efforts to promote the completion of the Museum’s Master Plan.  The awards were presented during a luncheon, Jan. 17 at the A La Carte Pavilion, Tampa. 

The Be More Awards program applauds unsung heroes of the west central Florida community and congratulates non-profit organizations for excellent work.   There are four primary submission categories including Be More Informed, Be More Entertained, Be More Brilliant and Be More Knowledgeable.  Additional categories such as Be More Humble, Be More Encouraged and Be More Unstoppable—Non-profit Organization of the Year, are chosen regardless of submission.

The Ringling Museum received the Be More Informed award for its marketing campaign promoting the Master Plan completion in 2007.  The entry highlighted the Ringling Museum’s choice to promote its expansion, restoration and fundraising successes through an in-house publicity and marketing campaign centered on the production of its own book A Museum Once Forgotten: The Rebirth of the Ringling Museum of Art.

“We have worked hard to build a first-rate marketing team, led by Chrissy Kruger-Gruendyke.  Given the extraordinary story of the Ringling's renovation and expansion, our team made the local story national, equaling the efforts of big-city, high-priced advertising firms on a fraction of their budget,” said Executive Director Dr. John Wetenhall.  “We are honored to be recognized among the best non-profits in the region and take pride in the recognition"

Organizations awarded the Be More Awards, not only received the award title, but also awareness through an hour long special featuring each of the award winners scheduled to air on WEDU-TV, Feb. 21 at 9 p.m. 

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Florida State University, is the state art museum of Florida.  It preserves, develops, and enhances the legacy of John and Mable Ringling and engages and educates a large and diverse audience in a world-renowned collection of art, Cà d'Zan (the Ringlings’ mansion) and its historic contents, collections documenting the circus and its history, the historic Asolo Theater, and the architecture, courtyard, gardens, and grounds overlooking Sarasota Bay.

 #  #  #

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 $5.  Free Admission for children 5 and under accompanied by an adult, museum members.  Advance tickets are available by calling 941.358.3180. Visit 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; Ca' d’Zan, the Ringling historic mansion; the Circus Museums; the Original Asolo Theater; and historic architecture, courtyard, gardens and grounds overlooking Sarasota Bay.
###