Circus! Photo exhibit opens at Phillippi Estate Park
The grand opening was held in conjunction with the 100th anniversary celebration of the the Edson Keith Estate.
By
Niki Kottmann
| 8:57 p.m. November 11, 2016
Arts + Culture
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Family and friends of Circus Sarasota, the Edson Keith Estate and part-time Siesta Key resident Elizabeth Siegfried gathered at the mansion on Friday, Nov. 11 to celebrate the grand opening of Siegfried’s photo exhibit, “Circus!”
The exhibit showcases photos from the Ringling Circus backlots that Siegfried found in a box in her family cabin during the summer of 2006. The photos were taken by Siegfried’s grandmother, Elizabeth Chapin, in the 1920s, 30s and 40s — a woman who she never met, but from whom she believes she inherited her eye for photography.
Siegfried’s collection is on display from Nov. 11-12 as part of a weekend of festivities celebrating the 100th anniversary of the the Edson Keith Estate.
To learn more about the collection and Siegfried’s journey of connecting with her grandmother long after her death, read our story here.
Photographer Elizabeth Siegfried and Priscilla Brown, program director for Phillippi Estate Park
Gena Cristiani performs for the crowd.
Doro Malachowski, Richard Bouchard and Gail Siegfried
Commissioner Alan Maio, Priscilla Brown, Founder of Circus Sarasota Pedro Reis and Elizabeth Siegfried with stilt walker Aaron Watkins of Circus Sarasota
Maryann and Ron Ellicott
Robin Eurich, John Arico and Karen Bell
Co-Founder of Circus Sarasota Dolly Jacobs and Jennifer Gemmeke
Dolly Jacobs’ old circus headress was on display from when she was a tightrope walker.
Steve and Nancy Norris admire the photos in the exhibit.
Kitt Moran and Maryann Ellicott
Kimberly Benincasf and Dr. Greg Dickinson
Old costumes from Circus Sarasota on display in the mansion.
Kate Lowman and Judy Levine
Allison and Dr. Daniel Knapp
Aaron Watkins of Circus Sarasota leads guests to the entrance of the mansion.
Manuela Hermann, Kathleen Strobel and Elizabeth Hermann
Diane Esthus and JoAnn Bayse
Michael Moran plays the keyboards for guests.
Alan and Helen Williams
“Clown Policeman: Prince Paul,” a photo taken in Rochester, New York in the summer of 1942, hangs in the Edson Keith Mansion.
Gena Cristiani juggles fire torches for the crowd.
Don and Carolyn McGarvey
Gena Cristiani juggles a hat for the crowd.
Emily Hook and Jim Niemiec
George Luer and Uzi Baram
Gena Cristiani juggles for the crowd.
Sheila Moore
ounder of Circus Sarasota Pedro Reis thanks the crowd.
Bill and Gwen Whetzel with Lou and Byron Crofut
Gena Cristiani performs for the crowd.
Kathryn Chesley acts at Mae Hanson Prodie reenactor. Hanson Prodie was a doll fashion designer (including clothes for Barbie) who owned the Edson Keith Estate from 1942-1986.
