New "Schools Out" Day Camps Offered at the Ringling Museum

Sarasota, FL – September 5, 2008 – Children grades one through five will have the opportunity to explore culture at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in the new “School’s Out” day camps. The day-long camp dates correspond to select dates that Sarasota County and Manatee County Public Schools have scheduled days off.

Each day is designed around a specific special exhibition or theme in the Ringling collection.  The camps will integrate visual arts, performing arts, games and stories. 

“These camps were borne out of the success of Ringling’s first-ever summer culture camps,” said Dr. John Wetenhall Executive Director of the Ringling Museum. “Children enjoyed the camps so much that there was a demand to have more.  These day-long camps provide the opportunity for children to learn about culture through our permanent collection and special exhibitions in a fun and experiential atmosphere.”

Three day-long camps are available this school year.

• Oct. 17:  Egyptian Treasures- Children will explore objects and themes in the To Live Forever: Egyptian Treasures from the Brooklyn Museum exhibition on view in the Ulla R. and Arthur F. Searing Wing, Oct. 18, 2008-Jan. 11, 2009.  Participants will learn to write in hieroglyphics, play ancient Egyptian games, create “mummy art,” and explore authentic ancient artifacts. 
• Jan. 19, 2009: The Greatest Puppet Show on Earth- Circus jobs will be investigated at the Tibbals Learning Center and Circus Museum and will be followed by children creating their own puppet circus. Participants will design the puppet performers, a stage, and advertisements. 
• Feb. 16, 2009: Focus on Sculpture- Children will examine the sculptures found at the Museum of Art and then to create their own sculptures using a variety of materials.

Camps are offered on select days throughout the school year, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. each day.    Aftercare will be available until 5:30 p.m. for an additional $15 per day.

Registration for each day-long camp is $40 for Members and $50 for Non-members. To register for the camps, parents may call 941.358.3180. Registration is currently open. Space is limited to 24 children per camp.

For additional information, please visit www.ringling.org or contact Jeanne Perales at 941.359.5700 Ext. 3707.  

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; Cà 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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