In 2018, The Ringling invited artist Paul Binnie (Scottish, b. 1967) to create a woodblock print, Luna, demonstrating one of Saitō Kiyoshi’s signature techniques, mokume-zuri, or woodgrain printing. Join us for a special visit to the studio of Japanese-trained artist Paul Binnie, whose woodblock prints are held in the collections of several major museums, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Minneapolis Institute of Art, and The Ringling virtually via zoom on May 18 at 3pm. Mr. Binnie drew on his expertise in historical woodblock print techniques to create an original print, Luna, to demonstrate the methods used by Saitō for our Saitō Kiyoshi: Graphic Awakening. A gifted speaker and teacher, Mr. Binnie will share his printmaking practice and knowledge during this session. Following the presentation we will have a short Q & A with Paul. Watch your Ringling email for registration information. This is a members only event.

The School of Russian Ballet proudly presents the premier of its original ballet "Aladdin" with original choreography by Professor Vadim Fedotov and original music composed by Dr. David Goldstein on May 23 at 1pm and 5pm at the Sarasota Opera House. This will be the first time this amazing production will be performed and it promises to bring surprises and wonder to the entire family. This is a "must see" for all ages.

Sculpture has long been an integral part of Sarasota’s cultural legacy. On this 90-minute trolley or van tour, you visit more than 50 of the city’s public art sculptures, monuments, and murals in charming neighborhoods and downtown Sarasota. Sit back and relax as painter and public art expert Jerome Chesley helps you see the city through new eyes. Get ready to discover beautiful public pieces you may have never noticed before! Admire Jorge Blanco’s “Bravo” on the roundabout at Ringling Boulevard and Orange Avenue. Catch a glimpse of John Henry’s “Complexus,” standing over 60 feet tall. Pass by Seward Johnson’s iconic bayfront sculpture, “Unconditional Surrender,” a larger-than-life recreation of the famous photograph taken on V-J Day in Times Square. Ready to learn more about what makes Sarasota a true arts mecca? See all this and more on this unforgettable public art trolley or van tour. Book your tickets online today. This tour is 90 minutes, open to ages 12 and up, departs from 1826 4th Street, from October to May. Tours with fewer than 10 guests will travel in our comfortably air-conditioned high-top van. Tour ticket includes FREE Parking.

This program, specifically designed for Sarasota Concert Association, features percussionists George Nickson and Mike Truesdell, as well as violinist Samantha Bennett, in a variety of works, from traditional classical to contemporary composers on Tuesday, April 13 at 5:30pm at Selby Gardens. Featured works include selections from J.S. Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier, Steve Reich’s Nagoya Marimbas, works by Ivan Trevino, Anders Koppel, and Maurice Ravel, and ragtime xylophone selections. Entrance for the concert is at the Palm Avenue gate in front of Payne Mansion, and free parking is available in the Palm Avenue lots across from the entrance to Selby Gardens. Ticket buyers may proceed through the gate beginning at 5pm. Out of consideration for the health of our patrons and staff, tickets will not be issued. Ticket buyer names will be on a list at our welcome table for quick and easy check-in. Wearing a mask at all times while on the grounds of Selby Garden will be required. Chairs will be provided and set up according to social distancing guidelines, and hand sanitizer and bug spray will be available at the entrance. There will be a cash bar available at the concert.

On Tuesday, April 13th at 7pm Join us for a virtual book launch with Tyler Gillespie for his book of essays The Thing about Florida: Exploring a Misunderstood State. Tyler will be in conversation with novelist and essayist Sarah Gerard. With perspective and empathy derived from his background as a gay man raised Southern Baptist, in The Thing About Florida Gillespie shows how important it is to understand the diversity and complexity of Florida today. “It’s dangerous to meet our fears with fear,” he says as he confronts his own as well as the state’s monsters—invasive species, hurricanes, environmental destruction. He reminds us that Florida’s people and problems are vital parts of the nation’s future. Tyler Gillespie, a fifth-generation Floridian, is a poet and award-winning journalist. Sarah Gerard is the author of the novels Binary Star and True Love, and the essay collection Sunshine State. Her short stories, essays, and interviews have appeared in Guernica, The New York Times, T Magazine, and many other periodicals and anthologies. There is no charge for this event. There is an optional fee of $7.00 to help defray the cost to the bookstore. Reservations required for Zoom link.

Few people have been as influential in Sarasota’s history as Bertha Palmer: early pioneer, wealthy philanthropist, Chicago socialite, art collector, cattle rancher, and successful businesswoman. As the widow of Chicago multi-millionaire, Potter Palmer, she moved to Sarasota in 1910 and built an elegant home on Sarasota Bay in Osprey. The gardens Bertha Palmer created there were inspired by her many European travels and the excellent collection of gardening books she owned, now housed in The Ringling’s Art Library. This virtual program will occur on Tuesday, April 13 at 10:30am. It is $5 for non-members and free for members.

the 2021 Modern Works Festival Presented by Summer Dawn Wallace will be held from April 13 to 18, 2021. A playwriting contest, virtual reading festival and celebration of women in theatre. Of more than 300 scripts submitted, we've chosen three finalists to workshop and give staged readings with professional directors and actors. See all three readings, and you'll qualify to vote for the festival-winning playwright, who will take home a $3000 honorarium. Tickets will go on sale in January, 2021.