Scene and Heard

Eastern Expansion

The Ringling announced today that its highly anticipated Center for Asian Art in the Dr. Helga Wall-Apelt Gallery of Asian Art will open May 15.

The new $10.2-million, 25,000-square-foot center, designed by architecture firm Machado Silvetti, includes 18,000 square feet of renovated existing museum space, a new 7,500 square-foot, three-story pavilion and 6,800 square feet of gallery space to house rotating exhibitions from the museum’s collection and programs that will explore historical and contemporary Asian cultures.

The pavilion will be linked to the museum’s west wing, via a new bridge, and will also feature a 125-person lecture hall, a print and study room and a seminar room.

“Through the creation of this center, The Ringling underscores its dedication to and investment in the arts of Asia,” said Steven High, executive director of The Ringling, in a release. “The Center will allow us to cultivate strategic partnerships with individuals and institutions around the globe, making Sarasota and The Ringling an important site for both scholars and enthusiasts of Asian arts and culture.”  

The Ringling will celebrate the official opening May 15,  with a day-long community festival, featuring performances, storytelling, art-making activities, games, demonstrations, culinary tours and gallery guides.

Sundance SRQ

A group of Ringling College students and graduates made the trip out to Park City, Utah for the annual Sundance Film Festival, running from Jan. 21 to 31. The group was a team of students who collaborated on the narrative feature, "Dark Night," a film by director Tim Sutton that was inspired by the events surrounding the Aurora, Co. shootings during the premiere of "The Dark Knight."

The film was shot in Sarasota over the course of three weeks, and a group of 13 students and recent graduates worked on the project in roles including second assistant camera, art assistants, production coordinators, wardrobe assistants, production assistants and grip.

According to Associate Producer Tony Stopperan, the collaboration was the third in a series of summer film projects for the college, following "The Lucky Six" and "Paradise, Fl." 

"We've participated in panel discussions, and we've been meeting as many people as possible," says Stopperan. "It's a really small world once you get out here. I'm really proud of our students and of Ringling for making this possible for them. To see them out here at Sundance, truly as colleagues, that makes me smile."

Of Rats and Men

Fancy Rat, the pop/folk-rock five-piece and former staple of the Sarasota music scene, reunited for the first time in more than three years last Tuesday, Jan. 19. The group, fronted by Brian Yoder, returned to its former stomping ground, Shamrock Pub, for a one-night-only reunion show, much to the delight of a packed audience. 

Season's Here

It's that time of year again — We're putting together SEASON Magazine, and we want to hear from you. Send us your arts and entertainment events and gallery listings for the months of March, April and May by Friday, Feb. 5 to be included. Email [email protected] or call 366-3468, ext. 330.

Featured image by Dylan Jon Wade Cox.