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SRQ DAILY Mar 28, 2018

Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

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Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

"Some of the most exciting artists working today recognize the importance of confronting the past in order to make sense of the present."

- Ola Wlusek, Ringling Museum
 

[Museum]  Putting the Modern in the Museum with Ola Wlusek
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

The Ringling Museum has announced the creation of a new curatorial position, the Keith D. and Linda L. Monda Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, and the first person to hold the title, Ola Wlusek, who officially joined the museum on March 19. With a master of arts in contemporary art history from Goldsmiths, University of London and a pair of bachelor’s degrees in art history and cultural anthropology from McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, Wlusek’s career has taken her from England to Italy and most recently back to Canada, where she served as curator of contemporary art for the Ottawa Art Gallery and as public art program coordinator for the City of Calgary in Alberta, Canada. As she takes the reins of Ringling Museum’s modern and contemporary collections, exhibitions and collaborations, SRQ took a moment to see what’s in store.

As the first Keith D. and Linda L. Monda Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, what kind of precedent do you want to set for the position? Ola Wlusek: The Mondas’ gift signifies a desire to discover meaningful and thought-provoking artistic voices by our community. The gift allows for ongoing contemporary exhibition programming and it carves out a crucial space for current art practices at the Museum, while promoting a dialogue within visual arts culture. I embrace exhibition-making as a way to encourage collaboration and cross-disciplinary practices, and support accessibility and participatory opportunities for a wide audience.

What excited you about joining The Ringling Museum? I’m thrilled to be joining such an established institution, which is beloved by the local community and also has an international reputation. The Museum is an amazing landmark for cultural production through its rotating historical and contemporary exhibitions, scholarly contributions, community outreach and public programming designed for diverse audiences. The Museum also makes space for emergent and meaningful artistic practices of today.

Having officially joined last Monday, what's your first week impression? My first impression was that my brilliant curatorial colleagues are doing a fantastic job at bringing important artists working today into the forefront of exhibition programming. I’m very much so looking forward to working alongside the brilliant team of curators and in the professional environment of the Ringling.

Though Ringling Museum is famous for its collection of Old Masters, why is it also important to give space and attention to modern and contemporary art as well? Some of the most exciting artists working today recognize the importance of confronting the past in order to make sense of the present. Housing such a complex and trans-historical collection is a perfect opportunity to invite artists and scholars to reactivate it and respond to it through their art and research, in order to situate it in a relevant-to-us context.  The Museum offers a tremendous resource with its collection, library and history, all which are great opportunities to be reinterpreted through contemporary artistic practices. Contemporary art has the ability to acknowledge our oftentimes-fraught past and make sense of it in the context of the present, while transforming our preconceived notions and beliefs.

What would you like to explore moving forward? I’d like to focus on creating a platform for diverse and marginalized voices by working with artists and cultural producers who reflect our societal conditions and approach history, and the present, with a critical lens. I’m also really excited at the prospect of working collaboratively with institutional partners and organizations across Florida and internationally. 

Pictured: Ringling Museum Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art Ola Wlusek. Photo courtesy of The Ringling Museum.

[Community Foundation]  For the Red, White and Brave
Brittany Mattie, brittany.mattie@srqme.com

On this day last March, President Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017, passed with unanimous consent. The law establishes every March 29th as the official National Vietnam War Veterans Day, stating that the flag of the United States be raised to thank and honor Vietnam veterans for their service and sacrifice. The VIetnam War holds the dubious distinction as arguably the most controversial war in our nation's history, as well as the longest—with over 15 years of military involvement. At the height of the war, the scene on home soil grew ugly with mass public anger for the U.S. government’s escalating role. A social movement immersed over several years, inevitably shaping the vigorous and polarizing debate for our involvement. The U.S. admits its first defeat, and President Nixon withdrew the last remaining American troops in 1973. But upon their return from duty overseas, troops failed to receive a welcome home—instead unjustly shamed, scorned and ridiculed by protesters.

Fast forward to today, the recent presidential proclamation recognizes the 50th Anniversary of the war, and expresses what the U.S. has learned from our Vietnam veterans’ experience—replacing the negative stigma of Vietnam with renewed gratitude for the role of our nation’s military. Americans across the country will unite in national solidarity tomorrow to publicly honor these unsung soldiers, marking the second annual observance of National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Dialing closer to home, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and Manatee Community Foundation partner with Tidewell Hospice, who have been caring for our local veterans and their families with end-of-life services for almost 40 years. Together, they’ll host a regional celebration called “Welcome Home, Southwest Florida” at Patriot Plaza here in Sarasota. Vietnam veterans in attendance will receive a special 50th Anniversary commemorative pin, “A Lasting Memento of the Nation’s Thanks!” issued by the U.S. State Department. The event will feature keynote speaker General Hugh Shelton, who received a Bronze Star for his service, as well as Secretary for Veteran Affairs for Memorial Affairs, Randy Reeves presenting. With hundreds of these events celebrated throughout the country on this dedicated holiday, Tidewell Hospice, Community Foundation of Sarasota County and Manatee Community Foundation are proud to marshal their combined resources to have these special guest officials here to speak and host a ceremony of this magnitude for our community.

Patriot Plaza, a 2,800-seat ceremonial amphitheater at Sarasota National Cemetery, features commissioned art installations honoring veterans, inspiring patriotism and embracing freedom for generations to come. Dedicated and donated to the National Cemetery Administration by The Patterson Foundation, it strongly promotes burial services for eligible veterans and their family members. The Patterson Foundation worked closely with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Cemetery Administration on the construction of Patriot Plaza, collaborating with the agency to design its beautiful facilities, and fully funding it to completion. The foundation’s invested donation to Patriot Plaza is meant to not only recognize the service of all veterans, including the Patterson family’s history of military service, but also strengthen the way our local region honors those who served in our nation’s armed forces. The $12 million space is an exemplary model for other national cemeteries as it stands as a symbol of peace and reflection, and proudly exists for our community to decorate the heroes with unfathomable valor in their final resting place—especially the 9 million military personnel on active duty during the Vietnam Era and the 2.7 million Americans who served our country in the Vietnam War. Of those combat troops still living, approximately 500,000 reside in Florida—

We thank you for your service.

“Welcome Home, Southwest Florida” begins at 9:30am and is free to the public thanks to Tidewell, the Community Foundations, and in-kind support from Military Officers of America Association, Sarasota Chapter and AC Vietnam Brotherhood.

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County is proud to partner with SRQ Media Group to highlight stories about community impact powered by philanthropy in our region, thanks to the support of donors and our local nonprofit partners. The Community Foundation is a public charity founded in 1979 by the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council as a resource for caring individuals and the causes they support, enabling them to make a charitable impact on the community. For more information, visit www.CFSarasota.org 

The Patriot Plaza, 9810 State Rd. 72, Sarasota, 941-922-7200

[SRQ Story Project Partner Spotlight ]  Creating Innovative Workforce Solutions: Leadership Training

People can experience many changes in a career, including a promotion into a leadership role.  Without proper training or preparation, employees are often thrust into management positions feeling lost and unable to meet leadership expectations, resulting in high turnover and organizational instability.  With input from employer partners, CareerEdge has discovered the many challenges new leaders face and developed a training program for “Emerging Leaders.” 

Over the last five years, CareerEdge has offered Leadership Training Program, in partnership with State College of Florida and local trainer Larry Face of Next Level Achievement, for emerging leaders in the healthcare sector.  Organizations with employees in the tuition-free program have immediately seen results.  The “Emerging Leaders” have brought back skills such as conflict resolution, communication and accountability.  One employer explained in a recent feedback survey that, “Being a new leader is not easy, but having the tools to do the job is very helpful.”   80% of the participants reported that they saw positive change in themselves as communicators, coaches, mentors and leaders. And 100% of the class would recommend the program to others.  

After learning about the success of this program, CareerEdge manufacturing partners have now asked for assistance in developing their new leaders and building a stable workforce. Through collaboration with these employers, a new Manufacturing Emerging Leaders Training Program will kick-off in 2018. 

CareerEdge has helped employers to see the correlation between quality of supervision and employee satisfaction, as well as bottom-line impacts.  Research has shown that supervisors that establish high levels of positive interaction and support for their subordinates will increase employee productivity. These opportunities for growth and advancement directly affect an organization’s long-term success. CareerEdge Funders Collaborative continues to work with local employers to solve workforce challenges and drive economic prosperity for the region.

For more information contact Deborah Chapman, 941-328-6985.  

CareerEdge

[SRQ Story Project Partner Spotlight ]  Children First Expands Mental Health Support for Children and Families

The children and families served by Children First, Inc., Sarasota County’s exclusive Head Start provider often face challenges most people couldn’t imagine. One of the goals of Children First’s recent Raise Your Hand Campaign was to help families overcome these behavioral and mental health challenges by offering on-site professional care. Children First introduced its first licensed mental health professional, Dr. Robert Nolan, to the team in December 2015 and added its second counselor, Sultanna McCormick, in 2017 because of the community’s support of the Raise Your Hand Campaign.  Since then, Nolan and McCormick have provided guidance to children, parents, and staff, creating an emotionally healthy environment for learning. One parent, Latasha, says having that access to a mental health counselor has been a critical component of reaching the personal and family goals she has established while working with Children First’s family advocates.

“We’ve become pretty close, as far as her being someone to talk to in my times of need.  She has really helped me through my situations,” said Children First parent Latasha.

With 13 sites across Sarasota County, it became clear Children First needed to seek ways to expand the scope of services.  That led to the acquisition of affiliation agreements with Argosy University and the University of South Florida, allowing six master’s and doctoral-level interns to enhance their hands-on experience while providing that extra support needed to reach more children and families. In January, Children First secured a new agreement with Nova Southeastern University to bring on six more master’s level students.

“Having the interns allows us to serve more children, particularly those who may not meet the requirements for services elsewhere,” says Children First Child and Family Services Manager Dr. Robert Nolan.

The master’s level interns have played an integral role in providing behavioral supports in the classroom and assisting with the Sunbeams groups; volunteers who work with identified 4-year-olds who are experiencing grief/loss issues.  Doctoral students assist the Sunbeams and are also available for individual and family sessions.  For more information on the services offered by Children First, visit childrenfirst.net

Children First

[Expansion]  Selah Vie Boutique Announces New Location

Selah Vie Boutique has announced its new location inside of The Rusty Cricket, at 615 15th St. W, Bradenton, beginning April 17th. Selah Vie Boutique, the upscale resale boutique benefiting Selah Freedom’s mission to end sex trafficking and bring freedom to the exploited, specializes in upscale designer brands and has a selection that continually includes new, beautiful items such as women’s clothing, handbags, shoes, jewelry, furniture and survivor artwork. The boutique will be open Monday through Saturday, 10am–5pm, and accepting donations during those times. All proceeds fuel Selah Freedom’s programs for survivors of sex trafficking. Volunteers are also needed at Selah Vie Boutique. To get involved and learn more, visit the website below. 

Selah Freedom

[Expansion]  Sarasota Opera Launches Summer Concert Series

Sarasota Opera is set to launch a new program this spring with a series of summer concerts entitled Sarasota Opera House PRESENTS. This series will bring Sarasota audiences musical performances of American standards, jazz, rock, bluegrass, country and more. Sarasota Opera will debut this new series on Friday, May 4, at 7:30pm with Tony Danza, who will offer an unforgettable evening with his cabaret show entitled Standards & Stories. Combining timeless music with wit, charm, storytelling and a dash of soft shoe and ukulele performances, Danza is accompanied by his talented four-piece band. Danza performs a selection of his favorite standards from the Great American Songbook, as well as selections from the hit Broadway musical Honeymoon in Vegas (which he also starred in), while interweaving stories about his life and personal connection to the music. Tickets for Tony Danza: Standards & Stories range from $39 - $89 with a limited number of VIP seats at $125, which include a post-show meet-and-greet with Danza. On Saturday, August 18, the Sarasota Opera House PRESENTS series continues with Ricky Nelson Remembered, starring Nelson’s twin sons, Matthew and Gunnar Nelson. 

Sarasota Opera



[TODAY]  MUSIC: Motown Musical , March 27 – March 30

It began as one man's story, became everyone's music and is now Broadway's musical. Motown the Musical is the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson and many more. Motown shattered barriers, shaped our lives and made us all move to the same beat. Featuring classic songs such as “My Girl” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” experience the story behind the music in the record-breaking smash hit Motown the Musical. Purchase quickly as tickets are nearly sold out.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Funny Girl , March 29 – April 15

Fanny Brice is a nobody who dreams of being famous, and through sheer guts and determination, fulfills her dream and becomes a star of the Ziegfeld Follies. Set in New York City just prior to and following World War I, it’s the songs and story that generations have grown to love including: “People,” “I’m the Greatest Star” and “Don’t Rain on My Parade.”  The original cast recording was even inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame!

The Players Theatre , 838 N Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  SEMINAR: American Modern Architecture: Frame + Character in Hitchcock's Cinematic Spaces , March 29, 5:30pm

Buildings played a pivotal role in Alfred Hitchcock's groundbreaking works. For Hitchcock, modern buildings both visually and metaphorically represented the future in contrast with the past. Hitchcock utilized modernism's essential elements as cultural shorthand to convey society's views on anonymity and one's place in increasingly complex urban environments. Christine Madrid French, an advocate for the study and preservation of American architecture, will discuss in this visually-rich presentation of Hitchcock's penchant for filming suspenseful scenes against the backdrop of American modernist architechture. 

Ringling College of Art and Design's Alfred Goldstein Library, 2700 Bradenton Rd., Sarasota.

[SOON]  THEATER: Little Bit Country Little Bit Rock n' Roll , March 30

Grab yer guitar and boots, tilt yer cowboy hat and got ready to “Yeee Hawwww” your way through this country romp mixed with a healthy serving of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Jimmy Mazz takes you back to visit great country classics like Patsy Cline, Hank Williams and Johnny Cash, then crossing over to rockers like Bobby Darin, Jerry Lee Lewis and of course, Elvis plus many more!

The Players Centre of Performing Arts, 838 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  GALLERY: Femmes Fatales , March 31 – April 27

In this exhibit, Elisabeth Trostili's digital paintings celebate the power of women. Each painting in Femmes Fatales could be described as a digital photographic collage that captures beauty, diversity, gender roles, spirituality and the richness of woman. New work by all of Art Uptown's 25 professional artists will be shown along with Trostili's featured pieces.   

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Master Class: Introduction to Connoisseurship , April 3, 10am

Master Classes offer a deeper look at various subjects, though are designed for any level, so no advance training required. This Master Class session will engage with key questions around art and quality. Throughout the series, you’ll discover your own criteria for quality, and begin to use your skills to assist your decision-making, whether you are acquiring works of art, or simply engaging as a viewer. 

The Works, 891 South Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  THEATER: Honor Killing , April 4 – April 25

Allisyn Davis, an American reporter for The New York Times, heads to Pakistan to cover the honor killing of a young woman. Through a series of cultural collisions, candid interviews, and dangerous encounters, she learns the details of this event, and faces her own demons and judgments. One culture mirrors the other, asking questions about forgiveness, self-worth, and justice

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota.

[SOON]  THEATER: Gloria , April 4 – April 29

Directed by Greg Leaming, this biting commentary on the office environment and the drive to succeed marries the horror of shocking workplace violence with a satirical sendup of how individuals respond, whether taking advantage or falling apart. A Pulitzer Prize finalist and selected by The New York Times as one of the best shows of 2015.

Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Women Laughing Alone With Salad , April 5 – May 13

Sheila Callaghan breaks all the rules of our image-obsessed culture in this raw, audacious comedy about the unreasonable expectations demanded of women and their bodies. Gleefully vulgar, bitingly poignant and raucously unafraid, Women Laughing Alone With Salad is a gender-bending feminist fantasia with balls. For more information please visit www.urbanitetheatre.com for show times and tickets. 

Urbanite Theatre , 1487 Second Street, Sarasota

[SOON]  GALA: Save Our Seabirds Sunset Soirée , April 5, 6:00pm-9:00pm

Don’t miss a fabulous evening of fine food, fun, and music to benefit Save Our Seabirds at Sarasota's hottest new venue, Michael's on the Bay at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Enjoy gourmet dinner, open bar, silent auction and live auction and live Music. Save Our Seabirds mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release sick and injured wild birds while educating our community about preventing injuries and preserving habitats.

Michael's on the Bay at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 811 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  FOOD: SRQ Magazine's Best of SRQ Local TGIF Party , April 6, 5-8pm

Join us to celebrate the winners and finalists of this year's Best of SRQ Local Readers Competition at the Best of SRQ Local TGIF Party on Friday, April 6, 2018 at Aloft Sarasota Hotel from 5-8pm. Meet the restaurants who topped the charts and garnered the most reader votes to sample their award-winning dishes and cocktail pairings. Thank you to 20th Anniversary Partner Ringling College of Art and Design and TGIF host Aloft Sarasota Hotel.

Aloft Sarasota Hotel, 1403 Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota

[SOON]  GALLERY: Glades to Gallery , April 6

530 Burns Gallery is pleased to announce Nikki Sedacca for Dusty “Wildman” Crum, a line of luxury python snakeskin accessories designed by Nikki and made in Florida. The goal of the collaboration is to raise awareness of the dire threat invasive Burmese pythons pose to humans and native wildlife of Florida’s Everglades. The show will highlight the efforts made by Dusty “Wildman” Crum and members of the Python Elimination Program to restore the Everglades’ delicate ecosystem. 

530 Burns Gallery, 530 Burns Ct., Sarasota.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Disney Junior Dance Party on Tour , April 6

This kids show is an all new interactive live concert experience. Sing along to Disney Junior’s greatest hits with your favorite characters: Mickey and the Roadster Racers, Sofia The First, Puppy Dog Pals, Elena of Avalor, Doc McStuffins, Vampirina, The Lion Guard and more! Kids of all ages and their families are invited to get up and dance, play games and join the biggest dance party around!

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  MUSIC: The Red Violin , April 6 – April 8

Enjoy this program featuring one thrill ride after another. John Adams' Short Ride is full of surprises and leaves you wishing for more. While a contemporary composition, John Corigliano's Violin Concerto evokes music of past eras. Based on his score for the film, The Red Violin, the work showcases the expressive capabilities of the violin. Elina Vähälä is the perfect star for this ravishing work.

Van Wezel, 777 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota

[SOON]  SPORTS: 32nd Annual Run for the Turtles , April 7, 6:30am-9:00am

Time to dust off those running shoes and get ready for the 32nd Annual Run for the Turtles on Siesta Key Public Beach. This run supports the Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program at Mote Marine Laboratory and is the Program's major fundraiser devoted to help sea turtles! Sign up to walk, run or crawl (for turtles only!) in this year's Run for the Turtles.

Siesta Key Beach , 948 Beach Road Sarasota, FL

[SOON]  MUSIC: Sources of Inspiration , April 9 – April 18, 8pm

La Musica stages four concerts for a springtime festival celebrating musical virtuosity and the grandeur of the concert stage. With single concert tickets at $40 and bundled deals for the entire festival run, rehearsal passes are also available for sale, for those wanting a behind-the-scenes look.

Sarasota Opera House, 61 North Pineapple Ave., Sarasota

SRQ Media Group

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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