7th Annual Ringling International Arts Festival - October 2015

The Ringling International Arts Festival is an annual event scheduled in October sponsored by a partnership between the Ringling Museum of Art and the Baryshnikov Arts Center based in Sarasota Florida. Showcasing artists from all over the world, the festival draws attendees to one of the top Florida retirement cities from far and wide as well, and includes performances ranging from contemporary music to theater and dance by performers. For the 2015 festival, the many and varied creative cultures of Asia are highlighted. Ticket price includes free admission to all galleries and gardens throughout the festival, as well as Jazz Sunsets and Gatehouse Gatherings. Here’s what’s happening in and around the new homes in Lakewood Ranch:

RIAF 2015 Opening NightWhat: PerformanceWhen: October 15th at 6p.m.Where: The Ringing

Gatehouse GatheringsWhat: EventWhen: Oct 16,17 & 18 from 3–5p.m.Where: Gatehouse Patio 

Jazz Sunsets on the BayWhat: EventWhen: Oct 16 & 17 from 5p.m.–8p.m.Where: Bayfront Gardens

Jen Shyu - Solo Rites: Seven BreathsWhat: PerformanceWhen: Oct 16, 2015 – Oct 18, 2015 at 2p.m., 5p.m. and 8p.m.Where: Cook Theatre

Orkes Sinten RemenWhat: PerformanceWhen: Oct 16, 2015 – Oct 18, 2015 at 2p.m., 5p.m. and 8p.m.Where: Historic Asolo Theater

Peni Candra RiniWhat: PerformanceWhen: Oct 16, 2015 – Oct 18, 2015 at 2p.m., 5p.m. and 8p.m.Where: Cook Theatre

Phare: The Cambodian CircusWhat: PerformanceWhen: Oct 16, 2015 – Oct 18, 2015 at 2p.m. and 8p.m.Where: Mertz Theatre

Ronnarong KhamphaWhat: PerformanceWhen: Oct 16, 2015 – Oct 17, 2015 at  2p.m. and 5p.m.Where: Cook Theatre

TAO Dance TheaterWhat: PerformanceWhen: Oct 16, 2015 – Oct 18, 2015 at 2p.m., 5p.m. and 8p.m.Where: Mertz Theatre

Tom Lee: Shanks' MareWhat: PerformanceWhen: Oct 16, 2015 – Oct 18, 2015 at 2p.m., 5p.m. and 8p.m.Where: Historic Asolo Theater

Whether you’re a visitor exploring the area for the first time or own real estate in Sarasota, a visit to the Ringling Museum is a great way to spend your day:

The Ringling Museum - 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243 Phone: 941-359-5700

Over the past century this museum has grown to become a magnificent collection of diverse and fascinating objects from around the world. Since the year 2000 governance of the Museum has been a function of Florida State University (FSU). There are currently four buildings – the Museum of Art, Ca’ d’Zan, Circus Museum and Historic Asolo Theater - with a fifth building, the center for Asian art, scheduled to open in 2016. Designed to provide additional educational opportunities for both students and scholars from all around the world, the center will celebrate and honor Asian history & society via exhibitions, programs, and publications.

Hours of Operation: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., 7 days a week.

The museum offers numerous learning opportunities for students of all ages. Lifelong learning on campus includes:

Bayfront Gardens WorkshopsIf you’re interested in Florida-friendly gardening and landscaping you’ll love this series, which includes a lecture followed by discussion in the Education Center topped off with a walking tour tailored to each lesson’s topic.

Collecting RecollectionsBiography-minded folks as well as history buffs will enjoy listening to these fascinating people as they informally narrate and answer questions about the interesting points of their exciting lives within the Museum, Circus, surrounding vicinity in Sarasota – and much, much more.

ConversationsFor a behind-the-scenes look punctuated by tales about the museum’s collections, exhibits and the people that put them together, you won’t want to miss this lecture series.

Gallery Walk & TalksFor a more in-depth look at the museum’s collections and exhibitions led by guest experts and museum staff , these “bite size” programs expound upon issues and ideas related to the lecture’s topic.

Inside the VaultThe Ringling is home to extraordinarily rare book collections. The Library's special collections and rare book conservation efforts are highlighted in these intimate discussions.

Literati Book ClubThe Literati Book Club at The Ringling Library was designed to celebrate art’s many contributions to the literary world in a manner that educates, inspires and intrigues.

SymposiaA full schedule of leading scholars, curators, and other experts visit to share their expertise on any and all subjects related to special and traveling exhibitions as well as the museum’s permanent collection.

Viewpoint LecturesThese programs by noted curators and scholars are intended to engage and enhance one’s understanding and appreciation of the museum’s permanent collection and special exhibitions.

There are numerous other museums, performing arts and music venues, as well as festivals around Sarasota. Here are several that we thought might interest you as a new resident or visitor to the area. If you’re seeking real estate in Sarasota, which is on our list of top Florida retirement cities, don’t forget to check out the new homes in Lakewood Ranch.

ART WALKS

Art Walks on Palm Avenue - One of the traditional ongoing monthly events in Sarasota for many years, the monthly art walk on the first Friday of every Month from 6-9p.m. is hosted by Palm Avenue in Downtown Sarasota. Visitors browse the fine art galleries, shops, and restaurants along Palm Avenue while dancing to live music, and enjoying delicious refreshments.

Towles Court Artwalk - A family-friendly event held on the Third Friday of each Month from 6-10p.m. three blocks south of Main St. between Washington Blvd and Osprey Ave. Shops stay open late for the artwalk, and there are free events, music and refreshments. Towles Court, often called "Sarasota's hidden treasure" due to its natural beauty and prevalence of unique artistry, is home to a thriving artist community in a colorful collection of "Old Florida" style bungalows loaded with galleries and studios as well as quaint cafes. 

FESTIVALS

Jazz Festivals - Held in March of each year, this week-long annual festival is sponsored almost entirely by the proceeds derived from a Jazz Cruise.

Siesta Key Crystal Classic Master Sand Sculpting Competition - Since 2010, this annual competition has been held every November. Modeled after other master competitions that are held in Ft. Myers, Florida as well as in Texas, Virginia, and Washington, master sculptors earn their title in competition by first winning in amateur-level competitions, such as one held here in Siesta Key each May. After that they can move up to the Master Competitions. From the very first year it has been an overwhelming success, becoming a local tradition that draws an astounding 35,000+ attendees.

Sarasota Chalk Festival - This festival, a local community-based event, is also a global community-based event where pavement artists from around the world unite annually, to take part. It is also the first and only internationally-acclaimed festival in Sarasota County that is free to all participants. Adults, children, students; indeed - entire families, as well as the elderly come out to enjoy the day. Talent and skill levels range from beginner and emergent to the seasoned professional, and a good time is had by all. The pavement becomes one huge canvas for hundreds of artists to use, and pastel chalk is their medium as they create amazing oversized works of art in styles that include traditional and 3D illusion. The 2015 Chalk Festival is set to chalk up the island of Venice, Florida during the week of November 9-16. This year's theme is "Eat, Drink and Be Merry!"

Sarsota Film Festival - The annual Sarasota Film Festival highlights the best of cinema with interesting events and programs. Based upon a mission to celebrate the art of filmmaking as well as the contributions to society made by various filmmakers, over 180 films are screened each year. These include documentaries, features, kid-friendly picks and shorts.

Sarasota Music Festival - In June of each year, internationally-recognized world-class guest artists and student musicians come together in Florida for three weeks in order to study and perform chamber music. The music festival combines exceptional young talent with experienced veterans to provide one of the most exquisite classical music events in the United States. Festival audiences are privileged to be entertained by this wide variety of symphonic artists. These include Thursday afternoon Artist Showcase Concerts, Friday Festival Concerts, and Saturday Orchestra Concerts. Patrons who purchase Festival Passes are afforded the luxury of access to the artists' master classes and rehearsals as well.

MUSIC

Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota - This series presents live classical music concerts featuring piano & other instruments as well as voice, placing an emphasis upon recitals and small ensembles. Other musical genres are also highlighted, and these range from Broadway stage and cabaret to motion pictures and studio opera. Concerts are given in small venues and informal presentation style with nationally and internationally recognized performers including presentation of emerging artists.

Key Chorale - The chorale's singers honor the history of great choral music, by presenting world premieres including guest artists. They collaborate with other performing arts organizations to provide opportunities to local high school students through the concepts of innovation, community, collaboration and creativity.

Sarasota Orchestra - For over half a century, this orchestra has been delighting music lovers from all over the world. With 80 members that perform more than 100 classical, pops and family concerts annually, this is the oldest continuing orchestra in the state of Florida. Their highly-acclaimed music education program produced the exquisite Youth Orchestra, composed of five ensembles. One of these, The Youth Philharmonic, made its Carnegie Hall debut in 2008. Music lessons for students of all ages and abilities are offered here, and the orchestra sponsors several community outreach programs as well as being the parent program for the Sarasota Music Festival.

THEATER AND PERFORMING ARTS

Circus Arts Conservatory - Since it has become known as the “Circus Capital of the World,” Sarasota, Florida has come to claim this as its own resident hometown circus. Annual professional performances are showcased in a one-ring, five-star, European-style big top; and have become well-known around the globe for their world-class artistry and entertainment value. An amazing 80% of ticket revenue goes to help support local community outreach programs serving children, the elderly and those who reside within care facilities. This is accomplished via three year-round outreach programs: the Humor Therapy Program, an Education Program and Sailor Circus Academy. Founded in 1997 as “Circus Sarasota”, this organization was re-branded in 2013 as “The Circus Arts Conservatory”.

Florida Studio Theater - Sarasota’s contemporary theatre is located downtown near the Sarasota bayfront, and has been in operation in Sarasota since 1973. The theatre's campus is actually a whole village of theatres including the historic Keating and Gompertz Theatres, the Parisian-style Goldstein and John C. Court Cabarets, and Bowne's Lab Theatre. Each of these theatre is quite small in size but large in impact for an intimate and engaging setting. High-quality professional performances are  challenging and entertaining as well as hip and historical in this theatre where street meets elite and everyone is welcomingly invited to come and engage in the art of theatre.

The Players Theater - A non-professional community theatre dedicated to educating, enriching, and stimulating the entire community by presenting a diverse and entertaining slate of high-quality, volunteer-driven theatrical experiences.

If you're entertaining the idea of relocating to the west coast of Florida and Sarasota area, consider new homes in Lakewood Ranch, a stunning 17,500-acre master-planned community. It's convenient central location provides quick access to the city’s best shopping and entertainment are never more than a few minutes away. Composed of nine villages which range from townhomes to custom estates, this is an excellent location for retirement to those who desire a strong sense of community.

Enjoy the community's parks, lakes and dramatic landscapes including forest and wetland preserves teeming with native wildlife. With over 150 miles of sidewalks and trails to explore, there is also an athletic center complete with fitness equipment, aquatics, 18 lighted tennis courts, three masterfully-designed golf courses - even Polo and Cricket clubs. Top that off with an area riddled with unique shops and boutiques, as well as top-notch hospital and medical centers and you have all the ingredients necessary to make this some of the best real estate in Sarasota. 

Come quench that thirst through daily living in one of the top Florida retirement cities. Ask us for free Sarasota relocation information to help you learn more about the area.