Reinvent Yourself: Ringling Museum Offers Informational Coffees for Aspiring Docents

SARASOTA, Fla. – (Feb. 6, 2006) -- Now is the time to pursue your passion for art by becoming a docent at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Florida’s State Art Museum. Those interested in applying for the Museum’s Docent Training Program are invited to attend an informational coffee on either February 22, 10 a.m.-12 noon, February 25, 1-3 p.m. or March 3, 3-5 p.m.

 “I have always been fascinated by art history and love the Ringling Museum’s collection, but I didn’t realize the broad scope of the Ringlings’ legacy and how important they are to the area’s history,” said Barbara Sweeney, Ringling docent of 10 years.  “It is hard to describe just how much enjoyment I get and give from leading tours at the Museum.”

Applicants are not required to have an art background, but skill in public speaking and teaching are a plus. In addition to docents, available volunteer opportunities include hospitality volunteers and weekend opportunities.

“Many of the people who take these courses know nothing about art, but want to be a part of the Ringling Museum – one of the America’s most prominent art museum destinations,” said Cathy Orchowski, head of Volunteer Services.  “We dedicate tremendous staff time to our volunteer training, but as a result, we have highly competent tour guides and docents who exhibit  not only incredible self-confidence, but also reflect pride in themselves and our Museum.”

Reservations for the informational coffees are required by calling or emailing Hollie Corbitt, 941.359.5700, ext. 3502, hcorbitt@ringling.org,  or Cathy Orchowski, 941.359.5700, ext. 3501, corchows@ringling.org. All RSVPs should include the individual’s full name, address and phone number. The 20-week course will begin July 19 and run Wednesdays, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., through December 13.

To learn more about this or other volunteer positions, contact the Museum today at 941.359.5700 ext. 3502, email volunteers@ringling.orgor go to http://www.ringling.org/and select “Volunteers” on the home page. An application may be downloaded and faxed or mailed in to The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, Fl. 34243, attention: Volunteer Office.

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General Admission includes the Ringling Museum of Art, special exhibitions, Ca' d’Zan Mansion, Circus Museum, and Mable’s historic Rose Garden, all on 66 acres of lushly landscaped grounds. Adults are $25; senior citizens (65 and over) are $20; children ages 6-17 are $5.  Free Admission for children 5 and under accompanied by an adult, museum members.  Advance tickets are available by calling 941.358.3180. Visit Ringling.org for more information.

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Florida State University, is one of the largest museum/university complexes in the nation.  It preserves the legacy of John and Mable Ringling, educating and enabling a large and diverse audience to experience and take delight in a world-renowned collection of fine art; Ca' d’Zan, the Ringling historic mansion; the Circus Museums; the Original Asolo Theater; and historic architecture, courtyard, gardens and grounds overlooking Sarasota Bay.
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