Culture in Sarasota

Staying in the same marina for a month, and having access to a car, means you can take advantage of what the city has to offer.  Yesterday we spent most of the day at the various Ringling Museums.  There is a grand art museum, the venetian gothic home of John and Mable Ringling, and a wonderful circus museum – all on 66 acres of beautiful bayfront gardens on Sarasota Bay.  Definitely worth a day or two to see it all.

I also went to see Selby Gardens, a lovely botanical garden and mansion, with Mary, Natalie and Sara.  The purpose was to scout out a wedding site with niece Sara.  What a lovely way to spend an afternoon.  Mission accomplished, she has reserved a beautiful venue for June of 2015. 

Next week we have tickets for a show at the Van Wezel performing arts center and meanwhile we enjoy all the public sculpture and art in this city.

Over the holidays we went to an advent organ recital in a classic old Episcopal church, given by a famous organist.  We also enjoyed the music at a Lutheran church we have been visiting and the Mannheim Steamroller concert in Universal Orlando – we got the Christmas spirit from many sources.  Tiki bar musicians are a regular event – and part of the all around boating culture.

Large Mural in Circus Museum entrance

Tibbets Circus Scale Model, Dressing Room Women

Side Show Tent

Circus Parade Wagon, The Band would sit ontop

Ceiling painting above the dance floor

John and Mabel Ringling Residence Living Room

The Tap Room

Exterior Tower

Ringling Home Exterior

Gardens at the Ringling Art Museum