Children to Explore the World of Art with the First-Ever Ringling Summer Culture Camps

Sarasota, FL – Feb. 15, 2008 –Children going into the second and third grades will have the opportunity to journey across continents and through time in The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art’s first-ever weeklong summer Culture Camps in July 2008. 

Integrating visual arts, performing arts, language, food, games and stories, camps will serve as a gateway for children to explore the cultures represented in the Ringling Collection. 

“The demand for an extensive art-based learning experience for children at the Museum during the summer has been enormous,” said Dr. John Wetenhall Executive Director of the Ringling Museum. “These camps will open worlds of foreign culture for children in a fun and engaging manner.”

Three weeklong camps are available this year. Each week is designed around a specific culture representated in the Ringling’s collection. 

• July 14-18: Venetian Carnivale- Children will study the colorful and dramatic costumes and customs of 18^th century Venetian Carnivale and celebrate Carnivale in style on the Cà d’Zan terrace. 
• July 21-25: Asian Adventure- Children will soar hand-made kites through the sky, explore native plants, and sip tea as they travel through Asia creating fun and functional traditional art. 
• July 28-August 1: Heroic Journey Through Ancient Greece- Children will conquer the heroic challenge course as they help heroes, battle monsters and meet the Greek gods on a fictional journey through Ancient Greece at the Ringling Museum.

Camps are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. each day.  A hearty snack is provided daily and is included in the registration price.  Children must be at least 7 years old to attend and space is limited to 15 children per camp. 

Registration for Culture Camps is $205 for Members and $225 for Non-members. To register for the camps, parents may call 941.358.3180. Registration begins on Feb. 1 for Ringling Members and March 1 for Non-members.

For additional information, please visit www.ringling.org or contact Jennifer Sabo, Youth and Family Programs Manager at 941.359.5700 Ext. 3705.  

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Florida State University, is the largest museum/university complex 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; Cà d’Zan, the Ringling historic mansion; the Circus Museum; the Original Asolo Theater; and historic architecture, courtyard, gardens and grounds overlooking Sarasota Bay.

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