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Ringling opens Basch Visual Arts Center

In what is becoming a recurring ritual on the Ringling campus, the college cut the ribbon on its newest facility.


  • By Anna Brugmann
  • | 8:35 p.m. March 10, 2017
  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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Richard Basch said he teared up when he first walked into the Basch Visual Arts Center on the campus of the Ringling College of Arts and Design, but by the end of the building's ribbon cutting ceremony March 10, he was more than just a little teary eyed. 

Just before the ribbon cutting, Ringling CollegePresident Larry Thompson presented Basch with an honorary doctorate.

"How can you honor anyone any more?" Basch said after the ceremony. 

The award capitalized on an already celebratory atmosphere on the campus.

It was the second in a series of ribbon cuttings that will continue as the Ringling campus continues to boom. It's newest addition will be the new home for Ringling's visual arts programs, from photography to painting to glass blowing, Richard and Barbara Basch's personal favorite. 

After the ribbon was cut Thompson declared the party underway. Ringling patrons watched as glass artist Richard Royal gave the inaugural demonstration in the glass blowing studio. Basch sat in his place of honor, still in awe of the award. 

"Ringling is an extended family," Basch said. 

Carol Beeler, Ringling Director of Alumni Services Susan Borozan and Tom Beeler
Carol Beeler, Ringling Director of Alumni Services Susan Borozan and Tom Beeler
Ringling Board of Trustee member Carol Camiener, Terri Arnell, Ringling Vice President for Advancement Stacey Corley and Mary Lee Richey
Ringling Board of Trustee member Carol Camiener, Terri Arnell, Ringling Vice President for Advancement Stacey Corley and Mary Lee Richey
Richy Newkirk and Gloria Bahaj
Richy Newkirk and Gloria Bahaj
Jerry Soble and Joan Partridge
Jerry Soble and Joan Partridge
Willis Smith Construction Vice Preisdent John LaCivita, Special Assistant to the President Jamie Coffey and Ringling Curator Mark Ormond
Willis Smith Construction Vice Preisdent John LaCivita, Special Assistant to the President Jamie Coffey and Ringling Curator Mark Ormond
Steve and Ellen Snyder
Steve and Ellen Snyder
Marge and Leon Ellin and Judy Marks
Marge and Leon Ellin and Judy Marks
Ringling Board of Trustees Vice Chairwoman Jean Martin and Chairman Dean Eisner
Ringling Board of Trustees Vice Chairwoman Jean Martin and Chairman Dean Eisner
Janet Miles laughs during the ribbon cutting reception for the Basch Visual Arts Center.
Janet Miles laughs during the ribbon cutting reception for the Basch Visual Arts Center.
Dick and Jody Major
Dick and Jody Major
Stan and Audrey Laurie
Stan and Audrey Laurie
Cassia Kite and Tim Jaeger
Cassia Kite and Tim Jaeger
Ringling Board of Trustee member Larry Garberding, Lorraine Matthew and Ringling Board of Trustee member Gregg Matthew.
Ringling Board of Trustee member Larry Garberding, Lorraine Matthew and Ringling Board of Trustee member Gregg Matthew.
Tom and Sherry Koski and Ringling Vice President for Advancement Stacey Corley
Tom and Sherry Koski and Ringling Vice President for Advancement Stacey Corley
Carolyn Mason and Dottie Baer Garner
Carolyn Mason and Dottie Baer Garner
Richard and Barbara Basch
Richard and Barbara Basch
Chairman Dean Eisner thanks Richard and Barbara Basch to the ribbon cutting of the Basch Visual Arts Center.
Chairman Dean Eisner thanks Richard and Barbara Basch to the ribbon cutting of the Basch Visual Arts Center.
Ringling College of Art and Design President Larry Thompson welcomed Ringling patrons and trustees to the ribbon cutting of the Basch Visual Arts Center.
Ringling College of Art and Design President Larry Thompson welcomed Ringling patrons and trustees to the ribbon cutting of the Basch Visual Arts Center.
Barbara Basch welcomes glass artist Richard Royal to the ceremony. Royal later performed the inaugural glass blowing demonstration.
Barbara Basch welcomes glass artist Richard Royal to the ceremony. Royal later performed the inaugural glass blowing demonstration.
Richard Basch wipes a tear from his eye after receiving an honorary doctorate from Ringling College of Art and Design as his son, Dane Basch, claps.
Richard Basch wipes a tear from his eye after receiving an honorary doctorate from Ringling College of Art and Design as his son, Dane Basch, claps.
Chairman Dean Eisner, Ringling College of Art and Design President Larry Thompson, and Richard and Barbara Basch cut the ribbon on the Basch Visual Arts Center.
Chairman Dean Eisner, Ringling College of Art and Design President Larry Thompson, and Richard and Barbara Basch cut the ribbon on the Basch Visual Arts Center.
Ringling College of Art and Design President Larry Thompson declared that the party begin following the ribbon cutting.
Ringling College of Art and Design President Larry Thompson declared that the party begin following the ribbon cutting.
Guests watch a glass blowing demonstration.
Guests watch a glass blowing demonstration.
Richard Royal performs the inaugural glass blowing demonstration at the Basch Visual Arts Center.
Richard Royal performs the inaugural glass blowing demonstration at the Basch Visual Arts Center.
Richard Royal performs the inaugural glass blowing demonstration at the Basch Visual Arts Center.
Richard Royal performs the inaugural glass blowing demonstration at the Basch Visual Arts Center.
Richard Royal performs the inaugural glass blowing demonstration at the Basch Visual Arts Center.
Richard Royal performs the inaugural glass blowing demonstration at the Basch Visual Arts Center.

 

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