Sarasota, FL – March 10, 2009 –Children are invited to discover the intrigue of art, history and culture of lands both near and far in The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art’s weeklong summer Culture Camps. New this summer! The Ringling Museum will partner with Hawkes Sports All Sports Camp to offer an additional half day of sports camp on neighboring New College campus. Children in grades one through five are invited to enroll.
Integrating visual arts, performing arts, language, food, games and stories, Culture Camps will serve as a gateway for children to explore the cultures represented in the Ringling Collection. Children will take exclusive, interactive tours of the galleries with museum professionals to learn the history of the objects and to gain inspiration for their own art-making.
“The response to the Ringling’s first-ever Culture Camps last summer was wonderful,” said Dr. John Wetenhall Executive Director of the Ringling Museum. “The children had a truly memorable and enriching experience and learned a great deal about foreign cultures. My wife and I know this first-hand, as we sent our niece to camp and she hasn’t stopped talking about it since.”
Four weeklong camps are available this year. Each week is designed around a specific culture representated in the Ringling’s collection.
- June 15 – 19: From the Mounds to the Grounds
Camp children will unlock the secrets of the Ringling Museum’s 66-acre Estate by discovering the natural wonders of the grounds and gardens from the trees to the plants.
- June 22 – 26: Masks and Mischief; Celebrate Mardi Gras Carnival-style
Children will study the colorful and dramatic costumes and customs of 18th century Venetian Carnivale and celebrate in style on the Cà d’Zan terrace.
- July 13 – 17: Picturing Eden
Using the Picturing Eden exhibition at the Museum of Art’s Searing Wing as inspiration, children will explore the world of photography and the notion of paradise. They will then create their own versions of Eden.
- July 20 – 24: Heroic Journey through Ancient Greece Myths & Monsters
Children will conquer the heroic challenge as they help heroes, battle monsters and meet the Greek gods on a journey through Ancient Greece at the Ringling Museum.
Camps are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-Noon each day. A hearty snack is provided daily and is included in the registration price. Children in grades 1-5 are invited to enroll. Space is limited to 20 children per camp.
Registration is now open for Culture Camps at $175 for Members and $145 for Non-members.
The additional half day of sports camp in partnership with Hawkes Sports All Sports Camp is from Noon-4:30 p.m. on neighboring New College campus. The half day sports camp will be available only on the same days as the Culture Camps. Registration for both camps is $250 and $220 for Ringling Members.
To register, please call 941.358.3180. For additional information please visit www.ringling.org.