Living Artfully

An Interview With John Wetenhall of the Ringling Museum

John

Wetenhall has been Executive Director of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art since 2001. He is responsible for all aspects of operations at the Ringling: Photo supplied by Ringling Museum Dr. John Wetenhall the Museum of Art, Circus Museum, the Cà d'Zan mansion, and 66 acres of historic grounds, the Tibbals Learning Center, Visitors Pavilion, Historic Asolo Theater, Searing Art Gallery wing and Education/ Conservation complex. He earned his B.A. in English Literature at Dartmouth College, and M.A. in the History of Art at Williams College, an M.A. and Ph.D. at Stanford University, and his M.B.A. at Vanderbilt University. Wetenhall has extensive museum experience 34

Living

OUT EAST October 2008

Uptown

Around

and many publications. He is an expert in monumental sculpture. "I came here in 2001 because you could see the greatest difference between what it was and what it could be. We are a major contributor to tourism, but we are part of the cultural infrastructure of Sarasota. That's what sets the museum apart; it makes our community more attractive. The FSU merger was a monumental step and gave it direction. Once that was accomplished the museum had support, its collection and magnificent grounds. The job of the director to articulate the museum's needs and assure donors that their contributions are used well. "It requires a team approach, a partnership of the public and philanthropists and always, an efficient use of funds,? Wetenhall said. His genius and real commitment is museum management. The operating budget of the Ringling is frugal, with only $13.5 million for the entire complex. He emphasizes efficiency, parsimony, and time management. With nanosecond patience almost to the brink of gruff, but always engaging, he shares a great deal of information in very little time. His staff regards him deferentially and the professional atmosphere of the museum is apparent in every department and at every venue. He is always looking for a challenge. (He learned to fly for the challenge.) Wetenhall says that he wants his legacy to be the "creation of an organization of top flight people who can maintain the high quality and international standing of the institution.? The Ringling Museum is a boon to tourism for the entire area and the major cultural draw of the community. Fewer than 30% of the museum's visitors are local. Fifty percent are from out of state and 8% are from foreign countries. The museum has over 10,000 members and membership is up 40% this year alone. The Ringling also served 14,000 students in 2007-2008, working with 586 teachers who led 386 student tours. THE EGYPTIANS ARE COmING To Live Forever: Egyptian Treasures from the Brooklyn Museum - October 18, 2008- January 11, 2009 The customs surrounding the Egyptian belief in the afterlife and the steps they took to ensure a successful transition from this life to the next are the subject of this extraordinary new exhibit. Dr. Virginia Brilliant, Assistant Curator of European Art, of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and curator of this exhibit, says "one of the most spectacular aspects of this exhibition is its scope. The Brooklyn Museum has taken great care in the acquisition and preservation of these antiquities so they can be used to spin the tale of the ancient Egyptian civilization visually and materially.? Dr. Brilliant, who comes to us by way of the Cleveland Museum of Art, the J. Paul Getty Museum, and the most prestigious Renaissance art locales of Europe, spent time recently discussing the steps involved in putting together the exhibit. "After an initial trip to Brooklyn, to see the scope of the exhibit, you decide how best to display them, understand the thematic story of how the Egyptians believed about life after death; place the objects in terms of beauty, meaning, and moments.... tell the story. At the same time, you design educational programs with lots of materials, the design of which is a collaborationist project with the education department of the museum and the local education partners.? The Egyptians is an intelligent show, but beautiful in concept and execution. (Incidentally, two employees of the museum, yes only two, designed and built the entire exhibit.) It is divided into four galleries. continued on next page

living livin living livin internal medicine, family practice, gynecology, podiatry, cardiology, pediatrics and walk-in clinic.lakewood ranch medical center ?????(941) 907-3828 living congratulates rex 8 living fall fertilization new manatee county commission: new opportunities 12 13 food & drink 10 authentic new york style pizzerias out east 744-5000 fall fashion trends socks, socks, and more socks.... daniel how do you part your hair?gulf coast paver restoration an honest voice in washington.living 1/100th of a second makes a huge difference raymond james intelligence briefing on all that is new out east survey says...get a survey! gregory living the glossy ibis larry morris flair an interview with john wetenhall of the ringling museum protect the investment in your property about town uptown & around w what's happening nissan s p o t l i g h t 41 is out east a fashion center?how have fashion shopping opportunities out east changed in the last year or so?welcome new chamber members 45 living the pediatric center november 15-16 h e a lt hy alternatives u p close & personal every special occasion (941) 798-6561 healthy relationships health happenings we create beautiful smiles bmw of sarasota