Interact and Engage with Art at the Ringling Museum of Art’s You Be the Judge Exhibition
Jan. 17-May 10, 2009
Sarasota, FL—Dec. 31, 2008 – Visitors will have a dynamic experience with art in the You Be the Judge exhibition, Jan. 17-May 10, 2009 at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. This exhibition will encourage visitors to experience art in the Ringling Museum’s permanent collection in a new way by posing questions designed to inspire dialogue about the art.
“The Ringling is always seeking innovative ways for visitors to actively engage with our permanent collection,” said Dr. John Wetenhall Executive Director of the Ringling Museum. “By learning to be a good “judge” of the quality and condition of works of art, visitors will deepen their understanding and enjoyment of the Museum’s collection.”
The exhibition includes works of art from the Ringling’s permanent collection, many of which may not be familiar to visitors. Paintings and sculptures will be presented in pairs and will allow visitors to compare and contrast the two works.
“We have put a lot of thought into how our viewers experience art,” said Dr. Virginia Briliant, Associate Curator of European Art at the Ringling Museum. “To this end, we have purposely created a layout and presentation that encourages visitors to stop, stand still and focus on the art immediately producing a ripe environment for dialogue and discussion.”
Custom-made sliding wall labels will accompany the pairs and will invite the viewer to actively engage with the information. The wall labels will present questions that serve as cues for iniaiting dialogue and discussion. The questions will require viewers to become more informed and participatory viewers. The role and meaning of condition, size, color, expression, feeling and detail, all fundamental ideas about art, will be explored.
An educational Spotlight program on the exhibition will be held on April 17, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Using the exhibition, and looking at the condition, history, composition and the general significance of the work, participants in the program will become a more informed “judge” of art. The Spotlight will be presented by Ringling Museum staff. Participants in the program should arrive in the Visitor Pavilion at least 15 minutes prior to the program. Advance tickets are required by calling Advance Ticket Sales at 941.358.3180. Tickets are $12 for members and $19 for non-members.
General Admission includes the Ringling Museum of Art, special exhibitions, Cà d’Zan Mansion, Circus Museum, Mable’s historic Rose Garden and Florida’s only rose test gardens, all on 66 acres of lushly landscaped grounds. Adults are $19; senior citizens (65 and over) are $16; children ages 6-17 are $6. Free Admission for children 5 and under accompanied by an adult, museum members. Advance tickets are available by calling 941.358.3180. Visit for more information.
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Florida State University, is the largest museum/university complex 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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