The Ringling Museum/FSU Cultural Institute: Cuba Avant-Garde
Oct. 11-12, 2007
Sarasota, FL – September 25, 2007 – The provocative contemporary exhibition, Cuba Avant-Garde from the Farber Family Collection, is the subject of The Ringling Museum/FSU Cultural Institute, Oct. 11-12, 2007, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. both days. Participants will explore the historical and cultural contexts influencing the artists in this exhibition.
The Cultural Institute welcomes learners of all ages to revisit those subjects that inspired a passion in their life or gain insights into new interests. These university level, seminars on a spectrum of cultural topics from classical to contemporary, offer participants an intimate opportunity to learn. The courses are taught by authorities in their fields and the classroom experience may be enhanced by field trips, films, in-gallery study sessions, behind-the-scenes opportunities, and performances in the Historic Asolo Theater.
Expert lecturers Noel Smith, Curator of Latin American and Caribbean Art and Curator of Education at the Institute for Research and Art / Graphicstudio and the Contemporary Art Museum at the University of South Florida; and Dr. Susan Fernandez, Associate Professor of History at the University of South Florida, will teach the course.
Cuba’s history will function as a context for participants to investigate the exhibition works that illustrate a variety of themes in contemporary Cuban art. These themes include the myths and legends of Cuba’s past and present, the Afro-Cubans, the Cuban revolution, and Cuban/USA relations.
Participants will discuss the role of art and artists in Cuban history and politics, define the “avant garde,” and address the growing interest in collecting art from this intriguing Caribbean nation.
Noel Smith is the former Acting Director of the USF Institute for the Study of Latin America and the Caribbean. Her areas of interest include Cuban art, printmaking, and photographic history. She currently directs the education program for the Institute for Research in Art at USF and lectures widely throughout the Tampa Bay area.
Susan Fernandez teaches the history of the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and South America, has provided background information on Cuba for media, and has published several books on art and Latin America.
The fee for this Institute is $250 and $225 for Museum members. Registration for the Institute can be made by calling Advance Sales at 941.358.3180. For more information, please visit www.ringling.org.
Regular Museum admission is not included in the price of the Institute outside of the program itinerary. Regular Museum admission is $19 for adults, $16 for senior citizens, $5 for children ages 6-17, and free for children under 5 and Museum members.