Ringling School of Art and Design and Sarasota Museum of Art Announce Merger

SARASOTA, Fla., Oct. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Ringling School of Art and Design and the Sarasota Museum of Art [SMOA] today announced the merger of their two organizations, according to Ringling School President Dr. Larry R. Thompson. The new partnership was approved Thursday, October 20, by Ringling School's Board of Trustees and will position SMOA as a division within the College's organizational structure. SMOA's 15-member Board of Directors will become an advisory board to the President.

SMOA and Ringling School first joined forces a year ago to propose a creative reuse of the historic Sarasota High School into the "Visual Arts Education Center." Their proposal won unanimous approval from the Sarasota County School Board and the team was awarded the opportunity to move forward with plans to renovate and eventually occupy the currently vacant 1926 Collegiate Gothic-style building. Plans call for restoration of the building's facade to its original design, and re-adaptation of the interior spaces to house the Museum on the first floor with the second and third floors reserved for Ringling School classroom and studio space.

"We see this new merger as a win-win for the greater Sarasota community, the region, the State and even the nation," stated Thompson. "The establishment of this partnership furthers our institutional mission, which focuses on transformational and innovative arts education. This collaboration provides an opportunity for this community to see exhibitions of the highest quality contemporary and modern art while also providing a venue for the education about, and creation of, such art. This entire project enhances greater Sarasota's already rich cultural mosaic, while preserving one of the most beloved and well-known landmarks in Sarasota." Thompson explained.

SMOA President Wendy Surkis reiterated the importance of joining forces and the enormous value it will create for the community. "The SMOA Board of Directors is inspired and excited by the potential of this relationship. Ringling School is our ideal partner -- providing an extensive infrastructure and depth of resources along with a powerful national and international reputation," she said.

"By joining forces with Ringling School, we can do a tremendous job in making sense of a complex visual world through exhibitions and education programs. Being associated with the best and brightest in contemporary visual arts education will enable us to develop extremely significant offerings for the community. It's a win-win without question," Surkis continued.

John Belle, noted architect and driving force behind the incredible renovation of Ellis Island from a dilapidated eyesore to the extraordinary National Museum of Immigration, visited Sarasota last May to offer the SMOA Board of Directors and Ringling School Board of Trustees words of encouragement and wisdom. At a luncheon for project supporters, Belle shared his insight on the project. "It's not going to be easy -- but you'll be leaving a legacy for the community. You need to take the risk and do it," he emphasized.

Together, Thompson and Surkis agree that when the project is completed, Sarasota and the contemporary visual art world will have a new home that will benefit generations of citizens and students alike. They both recognize what an exciting time it is. To accomplish the mission, it will require widespread community support and effort. They are confident the community will make this vision a reality.

ABOUT RINGLING SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGN

With the addition of the Sarasota Museum of Art at the Visual Arts Education Center, the School will broaden its reach, providing members of the public tremendous exposure to significant contemporary art unheard of in a community the size of Sarasota. In addition, the College will enhance its facilities portfolio by 60,000 square feet.

Aside from the degree program, Ringling School offers a number of opportunities for the community to become involved with the School, through its professional art exhibitions at Selby Gallery, community art programs and workshops coordinated by its Office of Continuing Studies and Special Programs, and volunteer opportunities with the Office of Development and Alumni Relations.

ABOUT SARASOTA MUSEUM OF ART

The Sarasota Museum of Art was initiated by 13 civic-minded Sarasotans, united in their belief in the need for a museum focusing on modern and contemporary art. During the early planning stages, the board engaged professional consultants to advise on the physical, financial and artistic goals that needed to be taken into consideration. Armed with this preliminary information, the group held the first in a series of community meetings in the first quarter of 2004 to present their vision and gauge interest in the project. Based on the enthusiastic response from the community, including a challenge grant of $100k, donations of more than $200,000 in seed money were secured in a month.

Early thinking had anticipated that SMOA would be an independent organization in a stand-alone facility. However, as planning proceeded, the Board began to consider the advantages of partnering with an established and prestigious community leader. The availability of the historic Sarasota High School created an opportunity to explore that potential with Ringling School of Art and Design. In September 2004, Ringling School and SMOA submitted a joint proposal to the Sarasota County School Board for the adaptive re-use of the high school. The plan to create a new Visual Arts Education Center was unanimously chosen by the School Board on October 19, 2004.

During 2005, both organizations focused on planning for the proposed renovation and operation of the museum and the framework for a potential SMOA/Ringling School partnership. All of this came together on October 20, 2005 when the Ringling School Board of Trustees approved the merger of SMOA with Ringling School to create SMOA as a special division of the School.

   MEDIA CONTACTS

   RINGLING SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGN           SARASOTA MUSEUM OF ART [SMOA]
   Christine Meeker Lange                      Wendy G. Surkis
   Director of Marketing & Communications      President
   941.302.2769                                941.309.4729
   clange@ringling.edu                         wendysurkis@comcast.net