Tribute to Circus Celebrities at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
January 23, 2010, 7:30 p.m.
Sarasota, FL — Jan. 19, 2010 — The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art honors members of the circus world at the annual Circus Celebrity Awards Ceremony in The Historic Asolo Theater. The event honors those that brought extraordinary dedication and remarkable skills to the rings and sidelines of the American circus. This year's honorees at Circus Celebrity Night are Jackie LeClaire, Circus Celebrity; William Powell, Power Behind the Scenes; and Clyde Beatty, Great of the Past.
Jackie LeClaire was born into the circus and has spent his life making people laugh. Although his single trapeze act was performed on the Ringling show, it was clowning that ran in Jackie’s blood. He learned his art from his father Jack LeClair and began clowning under the big top at the age of sixteen. Jackie has been a producing clown with the Ringling and other shows and has traveled the globe. Most recently, Jackie has served as the Ambassador of Mirth and Senior Advisor for Circus Sarasota’s Laughter Unlimited outreach program.
Bill Powell, who hails from a traditional circus family background, has spent over three decades working with Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey. Currently a Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Powell manages over 130 annual engagements of global Feld Entertainment products, ranging from the circuses and ice shows to live theater and motorsports events.
Clyde Beatty, one of the best known American animal trainers, made his debut in 1923 on the Robinson Show working with lions, tigers and leopards. Presenting as many as forty lions and tigers in one performance cage, he went on to headline many of the most important circuses traveling the country, including his own. Along with performances under the big top, Beatty was recognized for his role in films such as The Big Cage.
This year’s Circus Celebrity Night will be held on January 23, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. in the Historic Asolo Theater at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota. Members of the Museum and the circus community have been invited to attend this prestigious evening event.