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SRQ DAILY May 26, 2017

Friday Weekend Edition

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Friday Weekend Edition

"It's all run very smoothly, but it's a very high-risk operation."

- Barbara Ramsay, Ringling Museum
 

[Visual Arts]  Ringling Installs Yearlong Exhibition
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei’s traveling exhibition, Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads, may not officially open at the Ringling Museum until June 9, but the great task of installing the 12 monumental cast-bronze sculptures is already nearly complete. Arriving on a fleet of flatbed trucks—two per pallet, mummified in protective packaging—and weighing in at 1200–1400 pounds each, installation was never going to easy, but Ringling managed the feat in less than a week. “It’s all run very smoothly,” says Ringling Museum Chief Conservator Barbara Ramsay, “but it’s a very high-risk operation.”

Technically the process began a few weeks ago, when 12 reinforced concrete medallions were poured and set in a gentle crescent on the green opposite the Ringling Courtyard, but the 10-foot-high animal-head sculptures made their first appearance this past Monday. Each would have to be individually installed, its mammoth weight hefted by crane to get the arrangement just right.

Before the crane can even begin to move any sculpture, the team has to find a way to safely rig it—how to arrange the straps and ties to lift the statue without fear of slippage or excess sway. For this, Ringling hires professionals to work with the preparator staff. “Teamwork is essential,” says Ramsay. “A little bit of miscommunication and that’s a lot of weight coming down on someone or on the object itself.” And each statue must be moved more than once. The first time it’s laid on the concrete, the preparators help maneuver it to the proper angle and then mark the concrete where support clamps will be installed. Using the crane to remove the statue, another team steps in to drill into the concrete and install metal clamps to hold the sculpture in place. Replacing the statue with the crane once again, the clamps are bolted down and one installation is complete.

But even losing a day to rain, Ramsay projects the installation will be complete within the week, if not this morning. Setbacks have been minimal. The snake head proved a bit of challenge to rig with its smooth surfaces and lack of catching protuberances, but nothing the team couldn’t surmount. And they’re learning tricks along the way, such as laying sheets of high-density polyethylene (plastic squares) under the statues at first placement so they slide for easy adjustments with minimal crane-work. “We’ve been making refinements as we go,” says Ramsay.

Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads opens at the Ringling Museum June 9 and will be on display until June 1, 2018. 

Photo by Phil Lederer.

[Good Bite]  I'll Drink to That!
Shelby Schwartz, shelbys@srqme.com

Seeing the State Street Eating House walls lined with bottles of different colors, shapes and sizes, one can’t help but wonder which will be used to fill their martini glass. Its selection, light and refreshing, proves perfect for the summer, especially the Jimador en Llamas. The cocktail is a rich blend and balance of different flavors. Oaxacaian mescal, which serves as a base, is first poured in the cocktail shaker. Next, freshly squeezed lime juice and one egg white join the base. Green chartreuse is the final liquid addition, and then the concoction is shaken until frothy. The final ingredient, serving as not just a decoration but also a kick of flavor, are four drops of cilantro and coriander syrup swirled at the top. As with all cocktails, balance is key, and the perfect drink should hold elements of sweetness and acidity, while leaving room for the spirit itself to shine. With the right amount of each and a whole lot of shaking, State Street’s popular sweet and spicy, milky-white cocktail stands ready to be served.  

Photo by Shelby Schwartz.

State Street Eating House, 1533 State St., Sarasota, 941-951-1533.

[Amenities ]  UTC Mall Launches Text Ahead Valet Service

The Mall at UTC is launching a new text-ahead valet parking program to further enhance the shopping and dining experience for its customers. With this easy and convenient service, visitors can now text to have their valeted vehicle ready curbside as they exit the shopping center. Customers interested in using the text-ahead feature should drop off their vehicle at the valet stand located at the mall’s west grand entrance and receive a valet ticket. After shopping or dining, customers can text the valet ticket number to 941-877-5201 and their vehicle will be ready and waiting for them at the valet pick-up area. The Mall at UTC’s valet parking service costs $5 and is available during all mall hours. For added convenience, most major credit cards are now being accepted. 

Mall at University Town Center

[Expansion]  Ringling College Announces Summer Studios 2017

Ringling College has announced its Summer Studios 2017, which offers an extensive selection of art classes for teens, tweens and adults through Ringling College Continuing Studies & Special Programs. Classes run June 12 through July 28, and include a variety of media and subjects, including painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, photography, filmmaking, creative writing and the digital arts. Most classes meet for one- or two-week sessions, Monday to Friday, for half or full days. Teen studios are designed for students entering grades 9–12; tween studios are open to students entering 6–9. Teens and tweens may take just one class, try a variety of options or focus on a series to earn a certificate. Enrollment is ongoing; space is limited. For more information or to register, visit the website or call 941-955-8866.  

Ringling College Continuing Studies

[Exec Moves]  Players Welcomes Board Members, Box Office Manager

The Players Centre for Performing Arts has announced the appointment of two new board members to The Players Board of Trustees and the addition of a new box office manager. Adrian Fox and Gayle Logan have been elected to the board of trustees as members. Fox, managing director for BFT International, brings years of experience in marketing to the organization, and has performed in a variety of leading and ensemble roles in London’s West End and in regional America with amateur and professional actors. Gayle Logan is a financial advisor in private wealth management for Robert W. Baird & Co. She joined Baird in March of 2012 and provides over 20 years of industry experience to her clients. Also joining the team as the new box office manager is Tammy Halsted. Halsted is a native of San Antonio, TX where she developed her love of theatre and performed with the Alamo City Theatre Company. Halsted has performed with The Players Centre for Performing Arts since 2003. Active in the local business community, she is a member of the Longboat Key Rotary and Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce where she sits on the board of directors. 

The Players Centre for Performing Arts



[TODAY]  THEATER: Rich Girl , April 5 – May 26

Held at the Gompertz Theatre, Rich Girl by Victoria Stewart is a clever and contemporary comedy about women and their relationship to men, mothers and money. This play asks to consider two of the most important goals in life: love and money. 

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Avenue

[TODAY]  GALLERY: Painting Beach Sunsets , May 26 – May 28

In this special seminar taught by Charles Miano, artists will sketch en plein air in the breezy evening on the Gulf of Mexico Lido Beach in Sarasota before returning to the studio to complete a Beach Sunset Composition from the studies. The Color and Light Labs are designed to give participating artists and Miano assistants the opportunity to practice color and light while enjoying the beauty of Florida's natural environment.

Southern Atelier, 7226 21st St. E., Sarasota

[WEEKEND]  PERFORMANCE: Sarasota Cuban Ballet End of Year Performance , May 27, 7pm

The Sarasota Cuban Ballet will present its annual end-of-year performance, Students will perform variations, pas de deux and ensemble pieces, with choreography by the SCBS staff. The public can come and see everything our dancers have learned throughout the year. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students 18 and under as well as $65 and over. Tickets can be purchase in advance by calling the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School from 2pm to 6pm or tickets can be purchased at the door for $30.  For more information please visit www.srqcubanballet.com

Booker High School, 3201 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota

[WEEKEND]  THEATER: Dearly Departed , April 19 – May 27

The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will have you “die laughing” in their delightful and heartwarming comedy about the dysfunctional Turpins who gather in their rural Southern home for the patriarch’s funeral. The family’s laugh-out-loud, zany antics may remind you of people you know, but are, hopefully, not your relatives. As replicated in the 2001 film version, Kingdom Come, starring Whoopi Goldberg and LL Cool J, family situations are seldom tidy, but often extremely funny. 

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe , 1343 Main St. Suite 402 Sarasota

[WEEKEND]  PERFORMANCE: Beatsville , May 5 – May 28

The Asolo Rep's Beatsville has its world premiere next spring, as one of the most highly anticipated new musicals of the season. It’s Greenwich Village, 1959 – the world of subterranean coffee shops, goateed artists, turtle-necked poets, and bongo-playing jazzbos. Tragically square busboy Walter Paisley wants nothing more than to be one of the beatniks, but he has no artistic talent whatsoever. When he accidentally kills a cat and hides it in a lump of clay, “Dead Cat” is declared a masterpiece, and Walter a genius.

The Asolo Repertory Theatre , 5555 North Tamiami Tr. Sarasota

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Marketing On Main , May 31, 5:30

This motivational event is made by business owners for business owners. This gives our community the opportunity to network with each other! Complete with speakers and live music this is sure to be the talk of the town! Visit Marketing On Main's facebook page for more details.

Hotel Indigo, 1223 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota.

[SOON]  GALLERY: "Celebration of Color and Life" , May 31 – June 3

Art Uptown Gallery will be hosting "Celebration of Color and Life" at the Bird Key Yacht Club May 31- July 3. Arts featured will be: Kasia Bruniany, Jill Krasner, and Elisabeth Trostli. The show will primarily be made up of a collection of oil, acrylic, and digital paintings on canvas, in addition to a jewerly display by Jill Krasner. 

Bird Key Yacht Club, 301 Bird Key Dr. Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSIC: Melanie , June 1, 7:30pm

Join the Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center for a night of songs and stories with the acclaimed performer known as "the female Bob Dylan," Melanie! Joined by her son Beau-Jerred, a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, the composer and singer of hit songs including "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)" and "Brand New Key" will be gracing the Fogartyville stage this June. The voice of a generation, Melanie first greeted audiences at Woodstock with "Beautiful People," and since then, has become an international musical legend.

Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center , 525 Kumquat Ct., Sarasota

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: YPG After Hours at Blue Rooster , June 1, 5:30-7:30pm

Come join the YPG on Thursday, June 1st at Blue Rooster for the area's largest monthly networking event, YPG After Hours! With an average of 80-100 young professionals gathering on the first Thursday of each month you're guaranteed to make new friends, secure new clients, and learn more about what Sarasota has to offer. Along with great drink specials, enjoy appetizing lite bites for the duration of the event.

Blue Rooster , 1525-B Fourth St., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Loveland: Las Vegas . . . Under the Neon Lights , June 1 – June 4

Venice Theatre and the Loveland Center have been partnering for 20 years to provide adults with developmental disabilities the chance to grow and learn through theatre study. Loveland students, under the direction of professional staff and with help from community volunteers, rehearse all season to present this full-scale musical on MainStage. Join them in Sin City, where spontaneous marriages are expected and where one Elvis isn’t enough. In a city where there’s a little bit of everything, who knows what kind of trouble—financial or otherwise—this cast of colorful characters will get themselves into?

Venice Theater , 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice

[SOON]  THEATER: Burt and Me , June 2 – June 18

Joe and Lacey, high school sweethearts, shared the love of basketball and music. When college separated them, history couldn’t overcome geography. After meeting years later, Joe comes up with an elaborate scheme to get Lacey back in this jukebox musical. Featuring songs such as “Raindrops Keep Falling On Your Head,” “I Say A Little Prayer,” and “Wishing And Hoping.” For more information and to purchase tickets please visit www.floridastudiotheatre.org

Florida Studio Theatre , 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Naming True , June 2 – July 2

Amy, a transgender teenage girl from Seattle, and Nell, a dying woman who’s lived most of her life on the streets of Detroit, find themselves in an unlikely meeting in a Florida motel room to discuss publishing Nell’s childhood memoir. An intimate tale of survival, redemption, and the desperate need to share our stories, Naming True investigates how to persevere in the absence of hope. For more information please visit www.urbanitetheatre.com for show times and tickets.

Urbanite Theatre , 1487 Second St., Sarasota

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Namastray Yoga is Back! , June 2, 5:30pm

Enjoy yoga with the inspiration of Cat Depot cats in the room! Yoga has many positive effects on the body such as improving flexibility, building muscle strength, improving posture, and lowering blood pressure. It can also help you focus.There will be a certified yoga instructor, and be sure to bring your own yoga mat. 

Cat Depot , 2542 17th St.,Sarasota

[SOON]  GALLERY: Summer Showcase , June 2 – September 30

This exhibit features 6 sculptors, 1 printmaker, 20 painters,1 pastel artist and 1 photographer.This is a diverse award winning group from Southern California to Sydney, Australia, Prince Edward Island, Canada to Vero Beach, Florida, including nine of Sarasota's best.

Dabbert Gallery , 76 S Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Mote Marines World Oceans Day , June 3, 10:00 am-1:00 pm

Mote Marine is celebrating World Oceans Day on June 3rd from 10:00am-1:00pm with a 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea themed family festival piggybacking off of Asolo Repertory Theatre's family-friendly summer production.  Take in the ocean's deep connection to the human spirit and inspirational power of our natural world's greatest resource all while enjoying Akiko the face painter, musical performances by The Garbage Men and performance art of Jambo’s Journey. The celebration is free with the purchase of an admission ticket to the aquarium.  

Mote Marine Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: World Oceans Day Event Comes to Emerson Point Preserve , June 3, 9:00 am-12:00 pm

Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department will host its first ever World Oceans Day Festival, Saturday June 3. Dip nets into the water and discover the creatures hiding beneath the waves. Learn amazing facts about sea turtles, manatees, and the history of fishing in Manatee County all while sampling foods from local estuaries. World Oceans Day Festival is a free and family friendly event celebrating the salty seas at Emerson Point Preserve.

Emerson Point Preserve , 5801 17th St W, Palmetto, FL 34221

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SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email

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